Study health impacts of shipments

I am a researcher who is aware of the health impacts of air containing coal dust and diesel emissions. Regarding the new coal ports to be built in the Pacific Northwest to ship coal to China, many additional coal trains would be coming through Spokane every day on their way to the ports. Increased trains can be expected to increase risks of toxic air containing higher levels of diesel emissions and coal dust.

Exposures to these toxins are associated with high costs, including cancers, other diseases, higher mortality rates and health care costs, and lost productivity. As a result, it is very important that Spokane be included in a comprehensive environmental assessment for this project.

Right now, the beauty of Spokane is clearly seen through clean air, not through a fog of miscalculations. By protecting our children, our air and our economy, we can remain a beautiful and pristine destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Melissa Ahern

Spokane