In a departure from past inaction on pollution from cement plants, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed strong new standards to reduce emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from these industrial facilities. Mercury is particularly harmful to babies and young children: prenatal exposure to even low doses of mercury is associated with childhood deficits in IQ, attention span and physical coordination. Even tiny amounts of mercury can pollute water bodies and contaminate fish we later eat.

The EPA's proposed rule is projected to reduce mercury emissions from cement plants by 81-93 percent, representing anywhere between 11,600 and 16,250 pounds of mercury per year. It also would lead to reductions in emissions of hydrochloric acid gas, which irritates the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks; particulate matter, which can lead to premature death and respiratory ailments; and other toxic pollutants such as benzene, lead and arsenic.

The EPA is accepting public comments on its proposed rule through September 4th.

What to do:
Send a message, before the September 4th comment deadline, urging the EPA to adopt the proposed new standards for reducing toxic pollution from the nation's cement plants.

Source: the Natural Resources Defense Council