What is meant by fly ash? Give the sources of fly ash and its effect on the environment and human beings.

Explanation

Fly ash is the residue produced during the combustion of coal. Thermal power plants are the major sources of fly ash. Effects of fly ash on environment and on human beings are given below.
(i) Metal oxides and toxic metals present in fiy ash cause health problems.
(ii) Silica causes bronchitis and lung cancer.
(iii) Fly ash is also responsible for contamination of ground water and clogging of drainage.