The health bill of thermal power plants is high: at least 200 thousand premature deaths in 55 years

The Health and Environment Union (HEAL) has reported on the severe consequences of thermal power plants on human health over the past 55 years in Turkey. Based on the report it is alleged that 29 thermal power plants producing electricity when running in 16 provinces between the years of 1965-2020 have approximately caused 200 thousand premature deaths and 117,661 premature births. They have also caused loss of 62 million working days and a cost of over 4 trillion health care expenses.

In the process of coal-based electricity generation, tons of dangerous air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions are released into the air, causing pollution, climate change and great damage to human health. It increases the risk of premature death, premature birth, lung diseases in children and adults, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and many other diseases.