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Contaminants emitted over the electricity life cycle can have
• short-term effects: those that occur in the days and weeks immediately following exposure (e.g. respiratory impacts)
• long-term effects: typically occur at lower levels over time (e.g. cancer)
• short-term effects: those that occur in the days and weeks immediately following exposure (e.g. respiratory impacts)
• long-term effects: typically occur at lower levels over time (e.g. cancer)
Here is an overview of the potential health impacts associated with exposure to contaminants emitted throughout the power generation life cycle. 
In addition, there are health effects associated with upstream activities, or indirect effects, from power plants (e.g. mining and refining coal, refining oil and natural gas, transportation)
Based on data and models from the ExternE project in Europe, here you can find the estimated health impacts across Europe associated with specific energy sources.
In studies conducted in the US and compiled by the US EPA, power generation has been shown to represent 80–85% of the source for secondary particle formation from NOx and SO2.
Power generation is responsible for approximately 35% of PM2.5 in ambient air, and almost 50% of all mercury emissions.
The expected reduction in life expectancy from power generation technologies, including coal, oil, and gas, is estimated to range from 3 to 40 days. The expected reduction in life expectancy from nuclear power sources is estimated at less than 1 h.
