Abstract
Mae-Moh Power Plant and Mae-Moh Lignite Mine may cause adverse environmental and health
effects. However, currently, there is no surveillance system to monitor the effects on the health of people
living near the power plant. This study is aimed at identifying indicators and studying the health impacts
in order to monitor the health status of people living near the power plant. The mining and power plant
processes were reviewed, together with their related pollutants and the possible health impacts of each
substance. A study on the health effects of people living near the power plant was reviewed. Practical
health indicators and a research methodology were suggested and reviewed by an expert and stakeholder.
It was found that these Mae-Moh facilities might produce several health hazards, including air pollutants,
water pollution, noise, accidents and other nuisances. The health indicators that should be monitored are:
(1) emergency room visits, (2) hospital visits and the services requested, (3) mortality monitoring, (4)
pulmonary function of school children, (5) lung function of adults with respiratory problems, (6) chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease cases, (7) pneumoconiosis among mine worker, and (8) stress and annoyance
due to the environmental problems.
