“It was indeed a dirty work.”

It is not a secret that Bitcoin has enjoyed a popular increase over the years. while Bitcoin price index It is often volatile, value It has also seen dramatic increases.

but, Bitcoin mining It can have significant environmental effects that countries like the United States may prohibit from meeting air quality standards.

What is the effect of bitcoin mining on air quality?

In a conversation Ticket Posted in Nature, a team of researchers found that Electricity consumption Bitcoin mining in the United States causes measuable air quality challenges.

The researchers identified the 34 largest bitcoin currency mines in the country in 2022. Then they identified the interview Electric plants This operates each mine, “and the identification of communities that have been affected more than environmentally contaminated air pollution of the bitcoin.”

In the end, the results they reached Shown That is “from mid -2012 to mid -2013, consumed 34 stars 32.3 hours of electricity, or the equivalent of” annual demand from three to six million homes. “From that electricity, 85 % was created by fossil fuels, an important source of gem materials – or PM – pollution in the air.

As the researchers noted, bitcoin mining pollution can pose a threat to public health.

“We estimated that 1.9 million Americans were subjected to an additional ≥0.1 mc/m3_2.5 Pollution from Bitcoin mines, often hundreds of miles away from the societies that they have influenced, “the participating authors books.

Why is this increase in air pollution in relation to?

Exposure to PM_2.5 – The particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less – to the conditions of cardiovascular and breathing, as well as “early death in people with heart or lung diseases.” per The American Environmental Protection Agency. Research is also conducted to study potential links between PM_2.5 Exposure and other health concerns, such as Newborn health and Dermatology.

While the possible health consequences for increasing exposure reaches ≥0.1 micrograms/m3 from pm_2.5 As mentioned in the study, researchers do not spoil this paper, as we know that bad air quality can cause harmful effects, especially for the population at risk. Pregnant people, children, the elderly and marginalized societies are Most likely you are affected Through this type of pollution.

While he cited a much higher increase, for comparison, the Council of Defense of its Natural Resources male That “10 microgram/m3 only from PM_2.5 In the air increases the risk of a person of heart disease by 10 percent. “

There is also the issue of the potential effect of particles on animals and plant life.

Increased air pollution from bitcoin mines may hinder progress in accessing air quality features. the study male That “additional compressive bench_2.5 Emishes can slow the efforts made to achieve the new The standard of air quality is the national ocean”

How can bitcoin mining help treat air pollution?

A number of countries I entered the regulations To reduce or prohibit encoded currency mining, some partly some of them to maintain energy.

In 2021, China became the most high -level example of FencingWhich country It is said It was partly year to reduce energy use. However, this step has ended in converting encryption mining into other countries, including those that have a fewer number Renewable energy resources.

In an interview in 2022 with the New York Times, researcher Alex de Fis male The effect of mining ban. “There was a lot of optimism that China prohibits bitcoin mining would make mining more green,” De Fais He said. “But the truth is that it was indeed dirty a job The matter has worsened. ”

the The public can press policy makers To require encryption mining to be completely operated or often by renewable energy. However, it will be important to put handrails in place Ensure that the encryption is unable Leave less to people to meet the basic energy needs with clean sources.

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