Worse cancer mortality seen in association with exposure to coal operations

28 May 2026, 00:20 · Medical Xpress

by Elana Gotkine

edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Occupational exposure and residential exposure to coal operations are associated with worse cancer mortality, according to a review published in Public Health.

Leticia M. Nogueira, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, and colleagues conducted a systematic review on cancer risk and outcomes associated with exposure to coal operations in the United States. Forty-five unique articles were included.

The researchers found statistically significant outcomes in all 18 studies that evaluated residential exposures and cancer mortality. Similarly, statistically significant associations with increased cancer mortality were seen in all occupational studies published after 2003. The most common limitations of studies included in the review were competing risks, healthy worker bias, and ecological fallacy.

Mixed findings were seen in 19 studies evaluating residential or occupational exposure to coal operations and cancer incidence; in the single study of cancer-related hospitalizations, no significant association was found with residential exposure.

"Our findings add further evidence that coal exposure increases your cancer risk, both for people who work with coal and for people who live near coal infrastructure. It's why environmental protections can't be rolled back, as it could accelerate dangers from carcinogens and other pollutants in surrounding communities," Nogueira said in a statement.

"Exposing more people to pollutants can also cause an economic burden on communities, resulting from premature mortality, increased health care costs, and a decline of natural resources that support local livelihoods and well-being."

Publication details

Leticia M. Nogueira et al, Coal operations and cancer in the US: A systematic review, Public Health (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2026.106311

Journal information: Public Health

Key medical concepts

Cancer Death RateCancer RiskOccupational Exposure

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OncologyOccupational medicine Who's behind this story?

Sadie Harley

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