Question

What is one possible explanation for the following correlation between the two facts in the following scenario?

West Virginia leads the nation in underground coal production. West Virginia also has a higher number (42 percent) of children born with birth defects in counties where coal mining is prevalent.

Answer 1

Answer: Coal mining causes birth defects

Step-by-step explanation:

There is a correlation between West Virginia leading the nation in coal production and higher birth defects in areas where coal is mined because coal is a common denominator and might be the reason or cause these children are having birth defects.

Indeed a study conducted by researchers at Washington State University and West Virginia University on areas with mountaintop coal mining showed a high degree of birth defects as well.