The level of toxins produced by Australia's coal-fired power stations would be illegal in the US, Europe, and even in China.  That's part of a damning report that shows the plants put an enormous burden on the health care system.

Environmental Justice Australia (EJA) says hundreds of deaths are attributable to the coal-fired plants every year, with concentrations getting worse in closer proximity to the plants.  People residing within 50 kilometers of a plant are three to four times more likely to die prematurely than the general population.  Sydney logs 130 premature deaths annually because of the plants.

Health problems associated with pollution from the plants include asthma, lung cancer, heart attacks, stroke, respiratory disease, headaches, nausea, bronchitis, choking and coughing, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.  Children and the elderly are disproportionately impacted.

Nationally, this adds $2.6 Billion to Australia's health care expenditures. 

The EJA says the plants produce shocking amounts of fine particle pollution and mercury.