Dirty and noxious coal: How Europe’s governments and utilities must recognise its true costs Pollution from burning coal has significant negative impacts on human health and the environment. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer are among the leading chronic diseases in Europe, leading to substantial health care costs and productivity losses. For each of these groups of diseases clear links have been established to air pollution, especially particulate matter. The health damage caused by pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide cost an estimated €26 - 71 billion per year.38,39 From all the major industrial activities of the EU, half of the health damage is caused by only 2% (191) of all installations. The coal power plants listed in the Dirty.