Coal-fired power plants release about 50% of the nation's particulate pollution. Particle pollution can trigger heart attacks and strokes, lead to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), cause respiratory irritation, and worsen asthma. Both short-term and long-term exposure can cause premature death. Fine particulates are responsible for 30 to 50 thousand deaths a year in the United States.

Particulate pollution also has environmental impacts. It causes reduced visibility in the air, adds acidity and changes the nutrient balance in water bodies, and depletes nutrients in the soil leading to crop damage.