Bitcoin, the first and most prominent cryptocurrency, has changed the way we think about money. It provides a decentralized, secure method of transacting that is second to none. Behind the digital glitz lies a dirty secret: the significant health costs associated with Bitcoin mining. Jason will break down the surprising environmental and public health effects behind Bitcoin mining. He will focus on the impacts of air pollution and the simple, powerful steps people can take to drive real change.

The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin Mining

Opponents counter that bitcoin mining wastes massive amounts of energy. Specialized, energy-intensive computers race to solve complicated mathematical equations, confirm transactions, and create new blocks on the blockchain. Far from mitigating climate impacts, this process uses up huge quantities of electricity that, more often than not, is produced by fossil fuels – especially coal. Using dirty energy for Bitcoin mining creates immeasurable harm due to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and associated climate change, among other environmental concerns. Up until 2021, China held an iron grip on the Bitcoin mining sector. Regions such as Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia were home to a disproportionate amount of this action. These communities bore the brunt of extensive air pollution and carbon emissions from this infrastructure, as these areas were historically very coal-dependent.

After China’s ban on Bitcoin mining in 2021, a lot of mining operations moved to Kazakhstan. Sadly, Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure is heavily dependent on coal plants, which use hard coal with a high carbon content. This ill-fated migration made Bitcoin’s environmental ledger even worse, while increasing dangerous air pollution. In the case of the United States, a recent study found that 54% of Bitcoin mining power comes from fossil fuels. Over the past two years Texas has dramatically increased its share of the world’s Bitcoin mining hash rate. This mining boom represents a disturbing trend of relying more heavily on fossil fuel-derived energy to power mining.

Bitcoin mining is a large contributor to air pollution. That’s in large part because of associated petroleum gas (APG), a methane-rich byproduct that comes from drilling for crude oil. By fueling mining operations with APG, we further exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions. Methane specifically has a global warming potential over 28-36 times that of CO2. Bitcoin mining is a huge energy hog and overwhelmingly powered by fossil fuels. This negatively impacts local air quality, especially in areas with concentrated mining activities. This results in a host of serious health effects to surrounding communities.

The Health Costs of PM2.5 Pollution

Air pollution from Bitcoin mining is nothing short of a public health crisis. Among these is one of the most serious, the emission of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. These minuscule particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. They are small enough to travel deep into the respiratory system and cause serious impacts on health. By causing damage and inflammation to the alveolar wall, PM2.5 can reduce lung capacity and function, increasing incidences of respiratory diseases. Epidemiological studies have established a direct relationship between ambient PM2.5 exposure and higher mortality and morbidity rates. We found that when PM2.5 concentration increases by 10 µg/m3, all mortality increases immediately by 4%. At the same time, cardiopulmonary mortality grows by 6%, and lung cancer mortality shoots up by 8%.

Because of their size, PM2.5 particles can produce inflammatory responses throughout the body. In addition, they are closely connected to inflammatory cytokines. These substances promote the overexpression of transcription factor genes and pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, resulting in inflammatory injury. Free radicals, metals and organic components present in PM2.5 create additional free radicals. This process oxidizes lung cells and causes a toxic injury throughout the body. In addition, PM2.5 can disturb intracellular calcium homeostasis, resulting in cell apoptosis and necrosis. These cellular-level effects cause a variety of serious health issues including respiratory, cardiovascular and even cancer-related diseases.

Many areas across the country have already been recognized as hotspots for high mine-attributable PM2.5 pollution. These include:

  • Texas: The state has seen a dramatic rise in its share of the U.S. Bitcoin mining hash rate, growing from 8.43% at the end of 2021 to 28.50% as of July 2023, with 10 mines operating in the state.
  • New York City: Several hotspots of high mine-attributable PM2.5 pollution, including Rikers Island, Staten Island, and Queens.
  • Northeast Texas: This region has been identified as a hotspot of high mine-attributable PM2.5 pollution.
  • Illinois / Kentucky: The area around Metropolis, Illinois, has been identified as a hotspot of high mine-attributable PM2.5 pollution.
  • Houston Area: The region has been identified as a hotspot of high mine-attributable PM2.5 pollution.

Taking Action for Cleaner Air

The environmental and health impacts of Bitcoin mining are deeply troubling. Real change starts with people taking action to support cleaner energy alternatives and fight for sensible regulations of the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry. Here are some actionable steps:

  • Support renewable energy projects: Encourage and invest in renewable energy projects that can power Bitcoin mining operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Raise awareness: Educate others about the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining and the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
  • Advocate for policy changes: Support policies that promote the use of renewable energy for Bitcoin mining, such as tax credits for renewable energy projects or regulations that limit energy consumption.
  • Encourage sustainable mining operations: Support Bitcoin mining operations that prioritize sustainability and use renewable energy sources.
  • Demand transparency: Encourage Bitcoin mining companies to disclose their energy sources and consumption, promoting transparency and accountability.

By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future while still participating in the cryptocurrency revolution. At KnowingCoin.com, we’re committed to providing you with the resources and insights you need to make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Mined Bitcoin like a PRO, or a TOTAL BOSS! Stake ETH, altcoins and the world over while you sleep, then fortify your assets with industry-leading, battle-tested hardware wallets. No gimmicks, no FOMO—just the tools to enhance your chain and dominate the leaderboard.