Final answer:
Coal combustion releases sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, which contribute to acid rain, smog, global warming, and health issues like black lung disease. Coal mining also negatively impacts ecosystems and water quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coal is a significant source of environmental issues, particularly under unfavorable weather conditions. When burned, coal emits harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury. These substances contribute to acid rain, smog, and various health problems including respiratory illnesses and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung disease. Moreover, coal combustion is a leading contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating global warming. The environmental toll of coal extraction includes landscape alteration, ecosystem disruption, and water contamination, often leaving a destructive mark on both nature and human communities. Efforts to reduce the impact of coal use on the environment include enforcement of regulations such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, aimed at limiting emissions and preserving air and water quality.