Air Manganese Content Prompts Closer Monitoring
March 15 , 2007
Prompted by unacceptably high levels of manganese and other dangerous substances in the air, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has added more monitors and increased testing to the Ohio River area.
The agency began measuring air emission levels at three new sites along both edges of the Ohio River during the week of February 25.
A Welcome Change
Local residents and members of Neighbors of Clean Air (NCA), a citizen group that has worked toward this end for more than 10 years, are happy to hear the news about the extra monitoring.
“It’s been needed to be done. We are very pleased,” said Caroline Beidler, who has been with the group since it started. “We’ve waited a long time for this.”
The new monitoring sites will keep an eye on chemical emissions from local facilities including those operate by Chevron/Phillips, Solvay, American Municipal Power Ohio, Eramet Marietta Inc. and Eveready.
“Ohio EPA data from existing test sites indicated the testing needed to be expanded,” said Dagny Olivares, health and communications specialist with NCA. “According to data from the Ohio EPA monitoring stations, manganese exposures are higher for residents who live closer to the former Union Carbide” – the industrial complex that houses the abovementioned facilities.
The Dangers
The agency scientists are most concerned about the manganese. “It’s being found in higher levels than is normal,” said Olivares.
Manganese is known to cause mental and developmental disorders.
“We ingest these metals through the water, air, sometimes even in the stuff that comes out of our gardens,” said Beidler. “We know there is manganese here. Now we are wondering just how far it has gone.
Harmed by Manganese?
If you feel you or a loved one has developed a disease caused by exposure to manganese, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your illness, pain, suffering, medical expenses and more. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with a caring and experienced manganese exposure attorney who can assess your situation carefully and help you plan the best course of action.
