Studying the Relationship Between Coal Consumption and Health of Rural Residents: Evidence from China

Due to the remoteness of rural areas, the impact of environmental pollution on residents' health has not received adequate attention. This study examined the relationship between coal consumption and residents' health status in rural areas in China between 2005 and 2021. We explored the impact of air pollution caused by coal combustion on the health of rural residents in China and provided associated countermeasures. The annual number of medical visits of rural residents was evaluated via multiple regression, and the Pearson correlation and Granger causality tests were used to evaluate the relationships between coal consumption and the changes in mortality rates of various diseases in rural areas. The results revealed that coal consumption for domestic use had a significant (P < .001) positive effect on the frequency of medical treatment, whereas this effect was not significant at the production end. Significant positive correlations existed between coal consumption in rural areas and increased mortality rates for 7 out of the 10 main diseases. Causal relationships were identified between coal consumption and increased mortality rates due to urogenital system diseases and nervous system diseases. The empirical results of this study suggest that the gradual promotion of clean energy replacement of coal with electricity and natural gas in rural areas should reduce the probability of exposure to gas emitted from coal combustion for rural residents. Related diseases in coal-consuming areas should be screened regularly to effectively protect the health and safety of rural residents.