Authored by leading health experts, new report shows widespread health impact of extracting, transporting and burning fossil fuels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paige Knappenberger Physicians for Social Responsibility
P: 602-549-0344 E: pknappenberger@psr.org
WASHINGTON, DC – (November 5, 2025) – Today, 12 national health and medical organizations, including Physicians for Social Responsibility, released a new report drafted by leading health experts. “Fueling Sickness: The Hidden Health Costs of Fossil Fuel Pollution” illustrates how fossil fuels have direct health impacts at every stage of their use, on every system of the body, and in every stage of human life.
Extracting, transporting, and burning fossil fuels contaminates the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. These processes drive illness and premature death across every stage of life—from before birth through old age—and across every system within the body.
“Fossil fuels harm our health in more ways than most people realize,” said Dr. Mark Vossler, Board President at Physicians for Social Responsibility. “This report makes it clear that every stage of the fossil fuel process, from extraction, to transportation, to burning for energy causes widespread damage to the heart, lungs, brain and other organs. can cause widespread damage to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs. Rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a public health imperative.”
The report examines the broad scope of fossil fuels, including coal, oil (or petroleum), and methane gas (often referred to as “natural” gas). Whether these fuels are burned in power plants to generate electricity, in furnaces to heat buildings, or in engines to power cars and trucks, they release pollutants that cause or worsen disease. Even before combustion, the processes of extracting, refining and transporting these fuels expose communities to hazardous chemicals and pollutants that directly harm health.
Fossil fuel pollution contributes to a wide range of health problems, including:
- Increased risk of asthma onset and asthma attacks
- Heart attacks and cardiovascular disease
- Endocrine disruption
- Greater hospitalizations among individuals with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s
- Other severe illnesses and premature death
“The health harms described in this report do not impact everyone equally,” said Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility’s board. “People living near fossil fuel extraction sites or industrial facilities, and those in historically underinvested communities with lower incomes and limited economic opportunities, face significantly higher risks of health impacts as do children and older adults.”
While many people understand that fossil fuels are a leading cause of climate change, this report underscores that fossil fuels are also harming the health of families and communities with immediate pollution impacts. It also explores the health risks linked to fossil fuel-derived products, such as plastics.
The report concludes that the health harms of continued fossil fuel use are immense and preventable. It calls on decision-makers to:
- Transition away from fossil fuel use as rapidly as possible;
- Enforce strong standards and safeguards that hold polluting industries accountable; and
- Invest in public health infrastructure and clean energy innovation.
Read the full report, “The Hidden Health Costs of Fossil Fuel Pollution,” at psr.org/fuelingsickness
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