Bitcoin Mining Raises Air Pollution Concerns: New Study Links Industry to Harmful Emissions

A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed the significant environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, particularly its contribution to air pollution across the United States. Researchers documented how mining activities cause widespread dispersion of harmful particulate matter released by power plants. The study found that over 1.9 million Americans were exposed to air pollution from mining between August 2022 and July 2023 due to the impact of wind patterns, with affected regions including New York City, the Houston-Austin metropolitan area, Northeast Texas, and areas along the Illinois-Kentucky border.