In general air emissions from coal-fired power plants cause serious human health impacts. Coal-fired power plants emit 84 of the 187 hazardous air pollutants identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Several of these pollutants cause cancer, according to the National Toxicology Program. Hazardous air pollutants released by coal-fired power plants can cause a wide range of health effects, including heart and lung diseases. Exposure to these pollutants can damage the brain, eyes, skin, and breathing passages. It can affect the kidneys, lungs, and nervous and respiratory systems. Exposure can also affect learning, memory, and behavior.

Greenpeace reported on health issues attributed to coal use In the Philippines (one of the countries in which KEPCO is active) and concluded that existing coal power plants and projected coal capacity are estimated to be responsible for 960 premature deaths each year due to stroke, ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

In general these type of emissions result from coal power plants:

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses
• Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung disease
• Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)
• Mercury and other heavy metals, which have been linked to both neurological and developmental damage in humans and other animals
• Fly ash and bottom ash, which are residues created when coal is burned at power plants.

Considering KEPCO's 27.327 of installed coal power capacity and the effects of emiting CO2 into the earth's atmosphere these power plants have, KEPCO is responsible for having major adverse impacts on the environment and climate change.