The Health Impacts of Environmental Policy: The North Carolina Clean Smokestacks Act

N C Med J. 2018 Sep-Oct;79(5):329-333. doi: 10.18043/ncm.79.5.329.

Abstract

The North Carolina Clean Smokestacks Act and related policies led to substantial decreases of emitted air pollutants from coal-fired power plants. Improved air quality was associated with statewide improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular health in North Carolina. The effectiveness of environmental policies can be monitored for impact on both environmental and health outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Coal*
  • Environmental Health / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Environmental Policy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • North Carolina
  • Power Plants / legislation & jurisprudence*

Substances

  • Coal