# Ammonium Nitrate Used in Coal Mining Communities: Risks

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/ammonium-nitrate-used-in-coal-mining-communities-risks/
- Published: 2014-03-31T00:10:35-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Ammonium Nitrate used by Coal companies to blow up mountains for Coal use Ammonium Nitrate.

By: Laura Flanders from The Nation on May 7, 2013 – 8:51 AM ET
Investigators are
blaming ammonium nitrate for the massive explosion. One that devastated most of 
the town of West, Texas, on April 17. The chemical was stored in large amounts at
the West Fertilizer Co. Essentially where it is commonly used to produce fertilizer,
a vital component for agriculture. However, this same compound has other, more hazardous
applications. It is also utilized by coal companies to blow up mountains for mining
purposes, which raises environmental concerns.

The tragic events of that fateful day not only remind us of the inherent dangers
associated with [ammonium nitrate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/ammonium-nitrate-and-the-destruction-of-central-appalachia/).
Especially when improperly handled. But they also highlight the duality of its uses
in both agricultural and industrial sectors. Such incidents underline the urgent
need for stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent similar disasters in
the future. This has prompted discussions about the balance between agricultural
effectiveness and public safety.

However, this same compound has other, more hazardous applications. Essentially 
as it is also utilized by coal companies to blow up mountains for mining purposes,
which raises environmental concerns. The tragic events of that fateful day not only
remind us of the inherent dangers associated with ammonium nitrate. Especially when
improperly handled. However, they also highlight the duality of its uses in both
agricultural and industrial sectors. Such incidents underline the urgent need for
stricter regulations and safety measures. That’s to essentially prevent similar 
disasters in the future. Therefore, it’s prompting discussions about the balance
between agricultural effectiveness and moreover public safety.

### Basics on Ammonium Nitrate Used in Coal that started West Texas Explosion

Ammonium nitrate poses a threat to human and environmental health not only when 
it catalyzes fatally in a dangerous stockpile. In addition, it also threatens health
when particles of the stuff shatter into the air and seep into groundwater from 
strip mining, say residents of mining communities. For [mountaintop removal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/citizen-groups-compelling-u-s-epa-to-protect-appalachias-water/)
mining, coal production often relies on huge amounts of ammonium nitrate used as
an explosive agent. Opponents of so-called “mountaintop removal” are in DC this 
week. They are taking that message to the Obama administration. Their week of action
culminates May 8 with a delivery of toxic [water to the Environmental Protection](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/protecting-your-car-in-every-weather-condition/)
Agency.

## Watching Over

GRITtv was in Central Appalachia the week after the Boston Marathon bombing and 
the West, Texas, fire. While terrorism of the bomb-plots sort seemed far away, explosions
there were a daily occurrence. These often stemmed from a variety of sources including
mining operations and natural gas extraction. The pervasive atmosphere of fear and
uncertainty hung in the air, as locals dealt with both the emotional fallout from
the distant attacks and the immediate dangers posed by their own industrial landscape.
In addition, conversations at the local diners shifted from the national news to
the rattling sounds of machinery. This raised questions about the safety and sustainability
of their way of life.

Vernon Haltom of [Coal Mountain River Watch](https://www.crmw.net), who showed us
around, cited estimates that more than a million acres and tens of thousands of 
streams have been affected since so-called mountain top removal began. However, 
having depleted the area’s rich underground seams, in the late 1970s coal [companies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/08/green-lighting-company-msi-named-top-inc-500/)
in Central Appalachia began blasting the tops of the mountains. This allowed them
to get at coal just beneath the surface. This ongoing practice often involves large
quantities of ammonium nitrate used for blasting operations in the region.

![Open pit mine with terraced rock formations and dirt roads where they used ammonium
nitrate for coal mining](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/07/the-green-living-guy-6a6a5277152ef.png?resize=780%2C473&quality=50&ssl=1"
Open-pit mining excavation site view - The Green Living Guy")

## Studies Raising Alarms

Since then, more than twenty peer-reviewed studies have raised alarms regarding 
the potential health risks associated with certain chemicals. Some link trace amounts
of ammonium nitrate, benzine, and silica to serious health problems, including low
birth weights and elevated death rates particularly in mining areas of [Virginia](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/what-the-west-virginia-chemical-spill-teaches-us-about-clean-water/),
West Virginia, and Kentucky. The findings suggest a concerning correlation between
these toxic substances and various health outcomes. This has prompted calls from
environmentalists and health experts for more rigorous regulations and monitoring
in these regions. Furthermore, the impact of such pollutants extends beyond immediate
health issues. They threaten the overall quality of life and the future health of
communities that rely heavily on mining activities for their livelihoods. As these
studies continue to emerge, the need for comprehensive public health strategies 
to address and mitigate these risks has never been more urgent.

By: Laura Flanders from The Nation. 
May 7, 2013 – 8:51 AM ET

cover image source: [Pexels.com](https://Pexels.com)

For the entire story from The Nation

Photo Source Credit: GRITtv.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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