Coal ash is known to contain dangerous elements including arsenic, lead, and selenium, yet the TVA refused at first to issue any health warnings about contamination from the spill.

• 众所周知，煤灰里包含砷、铅和硒等危险元素，然而对于这次煤灰淤泥外泄事故，最初田纳西流域管理局不愿发布任何健康警示。