Aerosolized Coal Fly Ash: Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Disease
Mark Whiteside, J. Marvin Herndon
Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research · pp. 1–11 · Published 22 Mar 2018
10.9734/JAMMR/2018/40072Abstract
Aims: Coal fly ash (CFA), the major waste product of coal-burning utilities, is trapped and contained in Western nations, but not generally in India and China, where it is a major component of air pollution. In Western nations, the CFA trapping is inefficient, exposing downwind populations to the toxic aerosols. Similarly, CFA industry workers and those living downwind of coal ash piles may be exposed to the wind-blown toxins. Aerosolized coal fly ash, especially as used for climate manipulation, is a particularly hazardous form of air pollution. Our objective is to review the multifold components of coal fly ash, linked to neurodegenerative disease, which is rapidly increasing world-wide. Methods: We review the interdisciplinary scientific and medical literature. Results: The recent finding of spherical exogenous magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in the brain tissue of persons with dementia suggests an origin in air pollution produced by coal fly ash. The primary components of coal fly ash, iron oxides and aluminosilicates, are all found in the abnormal proteins that characterize Alzheimer's dementia. The presence of these substances in brain tissue leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Energy absorbed by magnetite from external electromagnetic fields may contribute to this neuropathology. Conclusions: Considering the well-known and manifold toxicities of CFA, the public should be made aware of the potential risks for neurodegenerative disease posed by aerosolized CFA, including its use in climate alteration activities. We have set forth the basis for understanding how this kind of pollution may damage cognitive abilities. It is a form of pollution that should be halted altogether.
Cited by 57
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Asian Journal of Biology · 2020
Mark Whiteside, J. Marvin Herndon · Asian Journal of Biology · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2018
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2018
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon, Raymond D. Hoisington, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2020
Anahi Aguilera, Francisco Bautista, Rubén Cejudo · Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health · 2026
Faezeh Khaafi, Behjat Javadi · Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry · 2023
Showing 11 of 57 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.
Related research
- Intervention is Urgently Needed to Address Poor Awareness of South Asian Family Caregivers for Dementia Care: A Qualitative Study — shares topic coverage
- Overview of Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Developing Dementia: A Systematic Review — shares topic coverage
- Preparation of Herbal Products (Brahmi, Ashwagandha and Curcumin) Using Plant Extract to Cure Dementia Patients — shares topic coverage
- Sensory Garden for Occupational Therapy and Improving Quality of Life — shares topic coverage
- A High-p/Low-p Procedure to Improve Recall Memory in Elderly Patients with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment — shares topic coverage
Article metrics
Real usage data collected on this platform.
63
Page views
0
PDF downloads
39
Outbound clicks
57
Citations
Views over time
Views by country
Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".
Traffic sources
Referring site, by host.
Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.