High-temperature coal utilization processes (combustion, gasification and pyrolysis) emit toxic trace elements into the atmosphere, where they affect the environment and human health. We carried out coal combustion and gasification experiments using several kinds of coals at various temperatures and atmospheric conditions to examine the release behavior of trace elements. Results showed that Group 1 and 2 metals such as Fig, Se, Sb, and Zn were partly released from coal during combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Oxygen or steam in the operating atmosphere affected the behavior of Fig, Se, Sb, and Zn release from coal. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.