Coal deposits contain a wide range of inorganic minerals in addition to the combustible organic matter. Combustion of coal releasess trace elements to the atmosphere as vapors and solid particles. Since it appears that coal fired boilers will have even a greater use for generation of electricity in the future, elucidation of the fate of trace elements during coal combustion process is imperative. Currently available information indicates that chemistry varies with particle size, that some trace elements tend to concentrate on particle surfaces, and some trace elements are also emitted in the gas phase.