I burned coal for about 3 years. Hated it. Especially on those cold Maine mornings when the air was very still, clear, cold and STINKY! The fumes are very acidic and burned our lungs. Basically runined the outdoor experience until the wind began.

Then there is the ash. Toxic. Nasty stuff, expecially in quantity. Made a good driveway for a few years until we saw what it was doing to the surrounding plants. Finally had it all dug out and disposed of it in a commercial toxic landfill (after some sort of proce$$ing).

Not to mention the dust. I thought burning wood was dirty. Coal dust is very difficult to remove from cloth and can be very fine, getting into everything. Also very acidic. Saw damage to circuit boards, photographs and other acid sensitive items.

This was the best coal we could obtain from the local chain of a large coal vendor.

Just my experience. ....Nomad.