Study calls for review on total cost of coal

Health and environmental costs of coal consumption in China have been significantly overlooked, calling for a review on the total costs of the use of China's most important energy sources, according to a study released on Tuesday.

A report by Tsinghua University's Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy and the Natural Resources Defense Council said that direct combustion of coal led to about 31 percent of pollution in 2012 caused by PM2.5, particles of 2.5 microns or less.

Indirect PM2.5 pollution generated by coal-fired power plants and boilers, among other industries, contributed to about 63 percent, the study found.