The American Nurses Association (ANA) joined other health care groups to support the Physicians for Social Responsibility's (PSR) newly-released report, "Coal's Assault on Human Health." Registered nurses see the effects of coal-generated pollution on the health of newborns who have elevated mercury levels and on patients with lung or cardiac disease.

The PSR report concludes that coal contributes to four of the top five causes of mortality in the U.S. -- heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases -- and is linked to increased incidences of major diseases. The report recommends establishing a national energy policy that puts greater emphasis on human health and replaces dependence on coal with clean, safe alternatives.

ANA General Counsel Alice Bodley appeared with representatives from the American Lung Association and PSR at a Washington, D…