Pollutants emitted by a cement plant: health risks for the population living in the neighborhood

Impacts of PM2.5 exposure near cement facilities on human health and years of life lost: A case study in Brazil

Cement factories significantly contribute to atmospheric pollution by generating fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can potentially increase the mortality risk. The lack of information on the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution from cement operations in Brazil prompted this investigation. We used corrected PM2.5 measurements from low-cost sensors from March 2021 to October 2022 in Rio Branco do Sul, city in the southern region of the country and home to Latin America's largest cement plant, to assess exposure data. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) method was applied to estimate the years of life lost (YLL) and cost estimate due to deaths from non-accidental causes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The total YLL attributable to PM2.5 concentration was estimated by calculating the attributable fraction (AF) through relative risk. We also collected PM2.5 using a Harvard impactor to evaluate health risks from toxic metals components. During the study period, the analysis of chemical characterization of PM2.5 showed enrichment factors for most elements and the possible influence of the calcination process facilities on the PM2.5 levels. The mean concentration of PM2.5 exceeded the annual WHO air quality guideline (AQG) level, accounted for 3.5%, 4.7%, and 4.3% of total YLL from all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, which corresponded to 0.23 (95% CI: 0.17-0.26), 0.06 (95% CI: 0.05-0.07) and 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.06) years loss in life expectancy, respectively. An indirect health cost attributable to PM2.5 resulted in US$ 1.4 million, equivalent to about 3.5% of the total local annual health costs in Rio Branco do Sul, underscoring the significant financial burden of PM2.5 exposures. The greatest economic loss was found in the male age group of 40-69 years and among those with cardiovascular disease, rather than those with respiratory disease. Despite this, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from inhalation of hazardous elements were within safe ranges. This work demonstrated PurpleAir's potential for air quality and public health applications. Our findings indicate health and economic benefits from reducing PM2.5 levels by adopting WHO air pollution standards. The results can guide policies toward delivering more effective health care.

Long- and short-term pollution effect in megapolis assessed from magnetic and geochemical measurements on soils, tree trunk bark, and air filters

This study identifies factors influencing spatial and temporal variations in magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal content in soils and airborne particulate matter within the Kyiv megapolis, Ukraine, and highlights how source apportionment differs in the long and short run. Topsoil magnetic susceptibility anomalies of > 70 × 10-8 m3kg-1 are observed around old factories. The tree bark magnetic susceptibility map provides a record of industry general low emissions for the last 2-3 decades. The patterns of both spatial distributions confirm that factory emissions dominate the composition of particulate falling on the ground in urban area, with exclusion of streets with heavy traffic. Enhanced concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn have been found in urban soils, showing a positive correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Re-suspended road dust dominates temporal variation of particulate matter magnetic susceptibility collected on air filters. The air at busy streets is cleaner in winter, when the street dust gets immobilized by snow cover or freezing. Industries in Kyiv pose no significant effect on air quality; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are at normal urban level with the exception of the near vicinity to factories. Air in streets with heavy traffic is enriched with Fe and Mn. Principal component analysis reveals different pattern of air pollution for the busy streets and yard areas. Yards are less affected by road dust; thus, contribution of industrial emissions can be distinguished. The results provide context for further quantification of any alterations in ecological state of Kyiv megapolis that may have arisen from socio-economic shocks and direct threats connected to the current war.

Monte Carlo-based probabilistic risk assessment for cement workers exposed to heavy metals in cement dust

This study assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of cement plant workers exposed to chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in cement dust using a probabilistic approach. Air samples were collected according to NIOSH 7900 and OSHA ID-121 methods and analyzed by an graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The EPA inhalation risk assessment model and Monte Carlo simulation were utilized to assess the health risks. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine the influencing parameters on health risk. The average concentrations of As and Pb exceeded the occupational exposure limit (OEL), reaching a maximum of 3.4 and 1.7 times the OEL, respectively, in the cement mill. Individual metals' cancer risk exceeded the 1E-4 threshold in ascending order of Cd < As < Cr. The mean cancer risk of Cr ranged from 835E-4 (in raw mill) to 2870E-4 (in pre-heater and kiln). Except for Cd, the non-cancer risk of metals exceeded the standard (hazard index, HQ = 1) in the ascending order of Pb < As < Cr. The mean HQ of Cr ranged from 162.13 (in raw mill) to 558.73 (in pre-heater and kiln). After adjusting for control factors, the cancer and non-cancer risks remained over the respective recommended levels. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the concentration of Cr was the most influential parameter on both carcinogenic (78.5%) and non-carcinogenic (88.06%) risks. To protect the health of cement factory employees, it is recommended to minimize cement dust emissions, implement job rotation, and use raw materials with low levels of heavy metals.

Radioactivity and health risk assessments in cement samples commonly used as construction materials in the case of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

This work deals with the measurement of the radioactivity concentrations from different cement samples collected from the South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The measurement of naturally occurring radioisotopes and radiation health impact indices caused by these nuclides in cement samples are indisputable in the dwellings. Specifically, the average concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were estimated as 76.53, 81.67, and 407 Bq kg−1, respectively. It was seen that all the measured mean values were greater than the world’s limited levels. External and internal hazard indices are calculated as defined by the European Commission from the corresponding concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K nuclides. Moreover, the natural radionuclides have variety of concentrations which must be caused by the types of raw materials used in the industries for the production of cement.

Monitoring air pollution close to a cement plant and in a multi-source industrial area through tree-ring analysis

Thirty-two trace elements were examined in the tree rings of downy oak to evaluate the pollution levels close to a cement plant isolated in a rural context and an industrial area where multiple sources of air pollution are or were present. Tree cores were collected from trees growing 1 km from both the cement plant and the industrial area that are located 8 km from each other. The analysis of the trace elements was performed on annual tree rings from 1990 to 2016 using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Trace elements Cs, Mg, Mn, S and Zn reflected the emission history of the cement plant. Their values have increased since early 2000s, when the cement plant started its activity. However, the lack of significant trends of pollutants in the tree rings from the industrial area and the possible effect of translocation and volatility of some elements left open questions. The very weak changes of the other trace elements in the period 1990-2016 suggest those elements do not mark any additional effect of the industrial activity on the background pollution. The results confirm that downy oak trees growing close to isolated industrial plants must be considered a pollution forest archive accessible through dendrochemistry.

Activated Bio-Carbons Prepared from the Residue of Supercritical Extraction of Raw Plants and Their Application for Removal of Nitrogen Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide from the Gas Phase

The waste materials left after supercritical extraction of hop cones and marigold flowers were tested as precursors of activated bio-carbons. Adsorbents were produced by means of the physical (also called thermal) activation method using CO₂ as the gasifying agent. All the activated bio-carbons were tested for the removal of NO₂ and H₂S from the gas phase under dry and wet conditions. The effects of the type of precursor and the activation procedure on the porous structure development, the acid-base properties of the surface, as well as the sorption capacities of the materials produced were also checked. The final products were bio-carbons of medium developed surface area with a basic surface nature, characterized by their high effectiveness in removal of gas pollutants of acidic character, especially nitrogen dioxide (sorption capacities in the range from 12.5 to 102.6 mg/g). It was proved that the toxic gas removal efficiency depends considerably on the sorption conditions and the activation procedure. All materials showed greater effectiveness in gas removal when the process of adsorption was carried out in the presence of steam.

Metal(loid) and isotopic tracing of Pb in soils, road and house dusts from the industrial area of Volos (central Greece)

This study examines the metal(loid) contents (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn) and Pb isotopes in different environmental compartments (soil, road dust, house dust) from the industrial vicinity of Volos, central Greece. The area surrounding two steel factories, a cement plant, an industrial area and the city core were considered as potential hot spots of metal(loid) contamination. Significant anthropogenic enrichments of Cd, Pb and Zn in relation to local baseline were identified for the soil (median Enrichment Factors of 7, 15 and 8, respectively) and road dusts around the steel factory located at Velestino area. The high contents of As, Sb and Tl in the soil and road dust around the cement plant are attributed to natural sources of contamination associated with adjacent mineralization. The soil samples in the city core exhibited moderate enrichments with respect to typical tracers (Pb, Zn) of anthropogenic contamination in urban areas. Anthropogenic influences in terms of metal(loid) concentrations were more pronounced for the road and house dust material. The Pb isotopic ratios of soil (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.154 to 1.194), road dust (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.144 to 1.174) and house dust (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.129 to 1.171) were between those of the local bedrock and anthropogenic Pb sources. Industrial Pb from the steel plant was the predominant anthropogenic Pb source with relative contributions of ~49% for the soil, ~42% for the road dust and ~44% for the house dust samples. For the road and house dust material, the geochemical signature obtained from Pb isotopic compositions and elemental ratios suggests additional contributors from vehicular emissions. The results of this study demonstrate the suitability of soil to trace natural and anthropogenic impacts in industrial areas and the sensitivity of the road and house dust material to record anthropogenic (industrial and vehicular-derived) contamination in such environments.

Preserving air pollution forest archives accessible through dendrochemistry

Plants are continuously exposed to human air pollution, absorbing pollutants in their tissues. Trees can store pollutants in wood, in the annual growth rings, retaining traces of pollutants in the environment. Information on past pollution events are archived by trees, which dendrochemistry, a dendrochronological science combined with chemistry, is able to access. Many authors have suggested that trees could complement the conventional environmental monitoring: a forest archive of pollution events. However, the implications of trees occurrence in polluted areas on planning and management have not yet been discussed. In this article, we investigate whether forest archives exist and whether they should be integrated into the network of existing monitoring stations. We use a case study, the Veneto region of Italy, one of the most polluted areas in Europe, to examine the occurrence of trees around 28 industrial plants retrieved from a European pollution register. We propose planning actions to develop the latent potential of these forest archives for environmental monitoring, which society may benefit. We follow three steps: (a) assessing the cover and composition of tree canopies around the industrial plants, (b) inventorying the existing artificial air monitoring stations in order to discover whether pollutants around the industrial plants are already monitored, (c) assessing land use patterns in order to identify which are the receptors of air pollution and enhance the forest archive in the future. These spatial analyses are conducted in a 1-km radius buffer with the industrial plant as the centre. Results show that forest archives are available, with cover and composition suitable for dendrochemistry studies. Artificial monitoring stations are too far from industrial plants or have been installed recently, unable to provide historical data. Trees are an alternative source of pollution data. Receptors of air pollution include a diversity of urban, rural and agricultural lands, where forest archives can be managed and conserved through a variety of actions. Environmental protection agencies should value these trees, preserving them and accessing the records held in this forest archive. Similar inventories must be promoted in other industrialised regions of the world even at larger scales. Studies like this one should also be incorporated into landscape or urban planning processes.

Utilization potential of fly ash and copper tailings in concrete as partial replacement of cement along with life cycle assessment

Fly ash (FA) and copper tailings (CT) both are, anthropogenic wastes, spread all over the globe due to rapid growth in thermal power plants and progressive increase in the demand of copper. This study examines the feasibility of combined utilization of FA and CT in concrete as a partial replacement of cement by assessing compressive strength, cost, and environmental impact. Morphology and constituent minerals of FA and CT have been identified to understand the utilization potential. Subsequently, the concrete has been designed for 30 MPa target strength as per IS 10262:2009 for different mix proportions of FA and CT. Improvement (up to 8.27% compared to the control mix) in the compressive strength has been observed at combined replacement of 10% FA and 5% CT. The cost of concrete can also be reduced up to 16% without compromising its compressive strength. The environmental impact assessment of the modified concrete mix proportions has also been performed using life cycle assessment (LCA) as per ISO 14040:2006. Effect of all raw materials, electricity, and water consumption have been considered from their cradle to grave approach. One cubic meter concrete has been taken as a functional unit in LCA. Notable reduction has been observed in the chosen midpoint categories up to 38% in climate change, up to 32.6% in human toxicity, up to 33.6% in ozone depletion, up to 31.9% in agriculture land occupation, water depletion up to 34.3%, fossil depletion up to 34.8%, particulate matter up to 35.4%, and metal depletion up to 25.2%.

Using electricity prices to curb industrial pollution

In this study, we show that changes in electricity prices in China have significant environmental consequences through its effect on industrial pollution emissions concentrations. To investigate this relationship, we pair a novel dataset of hourly smokestack-level pollutant emissions of industrial plants in Anhui, China with changes in hourly electricity prices. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) regression model, we find that pollution emissions from these plants have an inverse relationship with electricity prices. This relationship is most prominent for firms in the highly competitive and energy-intensive sectors of metals and cement production. On average, we find that a 1% decrease in electricity price leads to around 1%-5.8% increase in sulfur dioxide and particulate matters emissions concentrations. Similarly, we also found impacts on the number of hours in which emissions were observed. These results suggest that electricity prices could be an effective policy tool for managing air pollution - a challenge currently faced by many low- and middle-income countries. More generally, policymakers need to be cognizant that electricity sector-related policies could generate unintended consequences for the environment.

First report on probabilistic risk assessment of pesticide residues in a riverine ecosystem in South-South Nigeria

The present study evaluated the ecological and human health risk associated with concentrations of legacy organochlorine pesticide residues in Ikpoba River, a major River in the heart of Benin City, a Nigerian urban town located in Edo State. Standard methods were used to collect, extract and analyze samples, while risk assessment was carried out using standard models and indices. Results showed varying pesticide concentrations in both sediment and water samples with α-HCH (0.24 ± 0.11 μg L^-l), predominant in water, whereas dieldrin (0.99 ± 0.33 μg kg^-l) was the highest concentration in sediment. Compared to the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), this study concentrations of pesticides in sediments were below the values of effect range medium, effect range low, probable effect level and threshold effects level, suggesting low environmental hazard to benthic organisms. However, on exposure to contaminated sediments, probabilistic ecological risk assessment using Monte Carlo techniques showed potential risk to algae, daphnid and fish. Human health risk estimates using dermal and ingestion exposure deterministic and probabilistic routes revealed a potential risk to adults and children exposed to contaminated water and sediment. Estimates for detected pesticides exceeded the threshold level, indicating potential cancer effects for both children and adults who rely on the resources of the river. This study highlights the need for concerted efforts to curb the threat of pesticides and other contaminants in the aquatic environment by all relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Cement plant emissions and health effects in the general population: a systematic review

Adverse health effects of cement plant exposure have been found in occupational contexts but are less defined for the general population living near plants. We aimed to summarize the evidence on the health effects of people exposed to ambient air pollution by cement plants. A systematic review using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science was performed. We included only non-occupational studies with a comparison group that focused on adverse health outcomes and biomarkers of internal dose or subclinical effect associated with cement plant exposure. Selection of articles was performed by two authors independently. Of 1491 articles identified by the initial search, 24 were included: 17 of them were included in the analysis of adverse health outcomes and 9 in the analysis of biomarkers of internal dose or subclinical effects. The studies were very heterogeneous in study design, measure of cement plant exposure, outcome detection, measure of association and adjustment for confounding. Almost all the studies found positive associations between cement plant exposure and respiratory diseases and symptoms. An excess risk of cancer incidence and mortality in both children and adults mainly concerning respiratory tract cancers was also reported in some studies. Higher values of heavy metals and of a biomarker of renal toxicity were found in the exposed compared to unexposed populations. In conclusion, there is some evidence for a possible role of cement plant exposure on health adverse effects, although many studies had serious or critical risk of bias and overall level of certainty was low.

Air quality modeling and inhalation health risk assessment for a new generation coal-fired power plant in Central Italy

An assessment of potential carcinogenic and toxic health outcomes related to atmospheric emissions from the new-generation coal fired power plant of Torrevaldaliga Nord, in Central Italy, has been conducted. A chemical-transport model was applied on the reference year 2010 in the area of the plant, in order to calculate airborne concentrations of a set of 17 emitted pollutants of health concern. Inhalation cancer risks and hazard quotients, for each pollutant and for each target organ impacted via the inhalation pathway, were calculated and mapped on the study domain for the overall ambient concentrations and for the sole contribution of the plant to airborne concentrations, allowing to assess the relative contribution of the power plant to the risk from all sources. Cancer risks, cumulated on all pollutants, resulted around 5 × 10^-5 for the concentrations from all sources and below 3 × 10^-7 for the plant contribution, mainly targeting the respiratory system. On each part of the study domain, the plant contributed for less than 6% to the overall cancer risk. Hazard quotients from all sources, cumulated on all pollutants, reached values of 2.5 for the respiratory and 1.5 for the cardiovascular systems. Hazard quotients of non-carcinogenic risks from the plant, cumulated on all pollutants, resulted below 0.03 for the respiratory system and 0.02 for the cardiovascular system. On each part of the study domain, the plant contributed for less than 5% to the respiratory and cardiovascular risks. Both cancer risks and hazard quotients related to the plant are far below international thresholds for human health protection, while the values from all sources require consideration. The proposed method provides an instrument for prospective health risk assessment of large industrial sources, with some limitations presented and discussed.

Partial replacement of fossil fuels in a cement plant: Assessment of human health risks by metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs

In 2009, a cement plant located in Alcanar (South Catalonia, Spain) started co-processing a special kind of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) called ENERFUEL™. In April 2014 and 2017, 5 and 8 years after RDF co-processing, the concentrations of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V and Zn) and PCDD/Fs were measured in samples of soils, herbage and air collected in the vicinity of the facility. The comparison of the current concentrations with those obtained in a baseline study (2008), when fossil fuels were used solely, has shown that the environmental concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were not significantly modified. The concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs in soil, vegetation and air of Alcanar are in the low part of the ranges found around other cement plants in Catalonia (in general, below 50th percentile). Non-carcinogenic risks due to exposure to metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were lower than the safety value (HQ<1). In turn, carcinogenic risks were below the 10^-5 Spanish threshold. The present results corroborate that, from an environmental point of view, the use of wastes as alternative fuels (AF) in a cement plant, which is operating with suitable technical conditions, is a good option for waste management. It contributes towards overcoming challenges such as climate change and fossil fuel depletion, while utilizing principles of circular economy.

Levels of PCDD/Fs in foodstuffs in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain): Spectacular decrease in the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs in the last 20 years

In this study, we determined the levels polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in 45 "composite" samples of food items belonging to 12 food groups. Foodstuffs were purchased in various locations of Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain. The daily dietary intake of PCDD/Fs was subsequently estimated for the population living in that County. The highest toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ) value corresponded to fish (0.103 ng/kg ww), followed by seafood (0.071 ng/kg ww) and eggs (0.070 ng/kg ww). In contrast, the lowest PCDD/F concentrations corresponded to vegetables, tubers, pulses, and fruits (each, 0.003 ng/kg ww). The current dietary intake of PCDD/Fs by the adult population was estimated in 8.54 pg WHO-TEQ/day, being fish and seafood the food groups with the greatest contribution to the dietary exposure of PCDD/Fs, followed by eggs, as well as by meat, oils and fats. The current study shows a continued decrease in the exposure to PCDD/Fs by the general population of Tarragona County since the first survey in the area conducted in 1998. The reduction observed in the last 20 years (from 210 pg I-TEQ/day to 8.54 pg WHO-TEQ/day) is certainly spectacular. The current daily intake (0.122 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bw) is also lower than most intakes recently reported in a number of regions and countries.

Particulate matter collection by honey bees (Apis mellifera, L.) near to a cement factory in Italy

Industrial activities play a key role in the economic well-being of a country but they usually involve processes with a more or less profound environmental impact, including emission of pollutants. Among them, much attention has been given to airborne particulate matter (PM) whose exposure is ubiquitous and linked with several adverse health effects mainly due to its size and chemical composition. Therefore, there is a strong need to exploit monitoring systems for airborne PM able to provide accurate information on the potential health hazards and the specific emission sources for the implementation of adequate control strategies. The honey bee (Apis mellifera, L.) is widely used as an indicator of environmental pollution: this social hymenopteran strongly interacts with vegetables, air, soil, and water surrounding the hive and, as a consequence, pollutants from these sources are translated to the insect and to the hive products. During the wide-ranging foraging activity, the forager bee is known to collect samples of the main airborne PM pollutants emitted from different sources and therefore it can be used as an efficient PM sampler. In the present research, PM contaminating forager bees living nearby a cement factory and several kilometers away from it has been analysed and characterised morphologically, dimensionally and chemically through SEM/EDX. This provided detailed information on the role of both the cement manufacturing activities and the vehicular traffic as sources of airborne PM. This may indeed help the implementation of appropriate preventive and corrective actions that would effectively minimize the environmental spread of pollutant PM not only in areas close to the plant, but also in more distant areas.

Effects of Co-Processing Sewage Sludge in the Cement Kiln on PAHs, Heavy Metals Emissions and the Surrounding Environment

To understand the effects of co-processing sewage sludge in the cement kiln on non-criterion pollutants emissions and its surrounding environment, the flue gas from a cement kiln stack, ambient air and soil from the background/downwind sites were collected in the cement plant. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals of the samples were analyzed. The results show that PAHs in flue gas mainly exist in the gas phase and the low molecular weight PAHs are the predominant congener. The co-processing sewage sludge results in the increase in PAHs and heavy metals emissions, especially high molecular weight PAHs and low-volatile heavy metals such as Cd and Pb in the particle phase, while it does not change their compositions and distribution patterns significantly. The concentrations and their distributions of the PAHs and heavy metals between the emissions and ambient air have a positive correlation and the co-processing sewage sludge results in the increase of PAHs and heavy metals concentrations in the ambient air. The PAHs concentration level and their distribution in soil are proportional to those in the particle phase of flue gas, and the co-processing sewage sludge can accelerate the accumulation of the PAHs and heavy metals in the surrounding soil, especially high/middle molecular weight PAHs and low-volatile heavy metals.

Temporal trend in the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted in a big tire landfill fire in Spain: Risk assessment for human health

In May 2016, a big fire occurred in an illegal landfill placed in Seseña (Toledo, Spain), where between 70,000 and 90,000 tons of tires had been accumulated during years. Just after the fire, and because of the increase of airborne PAHs, we found that cancer risks for the population living in the neighborhood of the landfill were 3-5 times higher than for the rest of inhabitants of Seseña. Some months after our initial (June 2016) study, two sampling campaigns (December 2016 and May 2017) were performed to assess the temporal trends of the environmental levels of PAHs, as well as to reassure that these chemicals did not pose any risk for the human health of Seseña inhabitants. In soils, the total concentrations of the 16 PAHs (December 2016), as well as the sum of the seven carcinogenic PAHs, showed values between 8.5 and 94.7 ng g^-1 and between 1.0 and 42.3 ng g^-1, respectively. In May 2017, a significant decrease (between 4 and 38 times) in the levels of PAHs in air was observed, with total concentrations ranging between 3.49 and 5.06 ng m^-3. One year after the fire, the cancer risk at different zones of Seseña was similar, being lower than that found in June 2016, and negligible according to national and international agencies.

Increased incidence of respiratory tract cancers in people living near Portland cement plants in Korea

PURPOSE

Portland cement contains carcinogens such as chromium and free silica, and hence, inhalation of cement dust can cause respiratory tract cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether living near a cement plant increases the risk of respiratory tract cancers.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 341,793 people, all of whom lived in administrative districts within 3-km radius of ten cement plants in Korea. The respiratory tract cancer incidence data (International Classification of Diseases, ten revision code C00-C14 and C30-C34) for 2008-2012 were obtained from regional cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for each cancer site in the respiratory tract were calculated using an indirect standardization method.

RESULTS

Compared with the general Korean population, the incidence of lung and bronchus cancer (C33-C34) was significantly higher in all subjects [SIR 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.29] and especially in the men subjects (SIR 1.47, 95% CI 1.29-1.68) in our study population. In addition, the incidence of larynx cancer in men (SIR 1.64, 95% CI 0.97-2.59) and salivary gland cancer in women (SIR 3.03, 95% CI 0.98-7.07) living near cement plants was marginally increased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that environmental exposure to Portland cement dust is a risk factor for respiratory tract cancers.

Magnetic properties and element concentrations in lichens exposed to airborne pollutants released during cement production

The content of selected elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Ti, V and Zn) was measured in samples of the lichen Evernia prunastri exposed for 30, 90 and 180 days around a cement mill, limestone and basalt quarries and urban and agricultural areas in SW Slovakia. Lichens transplanted around the investigated quarries and the cement mill rapidly (30 days) reflected the deposition of dust-associated elements, namely Ca (at the cement mill and the limestone quarry) and Fe, Ti and V (around the cement mill and the basalt quarry), and their content remained significantly higher throughout the whole period (30-180 days) with respect to the surrounding environment. Airborne pollutants (such as S) progressively increased in the study area from 30 to 180 days. The magnetic properties of lichen transplants exposed for 180 days have been characterized and compared with those of native lichens (Xanthoria parietina) and neighbouring bark, soil and rock samples, in order to test the suitability of native and transplanted samples as air pollution magnetic biomonitors. The magnetic mineralogy was homogeneous in all samples, with the exception of the samples from the basalt quarry. The transplants showed excellent correlations between the saturation remanent magnetization (Mrs) and the content of Fe. Native samples had a similar magnetic signature, but the values of the concentration-dependent magnetic parameters were up to two orders of magnitude higher, reflecting higher concentrations of magnetic particles. The concentrations of As, Ca and Cr in lichens correlated with Mrs values after neglecting the samples from the basalt quarry, which showed distinct magnetic properties, suggesting the cement mill as a likely source. Conversely, Ti and Mn were mostly (but not exclusively) associated with dust from the basalt quarry. It is suggested that the natural geological characteristics of the substrate may strongly affect the magnetic properties of lichen thalli. Taking this into account, the results of this study point out the suitability of lichens as air pollution magnetic biomonitors.

The local impact of a coal-fired power plant on inorganic mercury and methyl-mercury distribution in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Emission from coal-fired power plants is one of the major anthropogenic sources of mercury (Hg) in the environment, because emitted Hg can be quickly deposited nearby the source, attention is paid to the effects of coal-burning facilities on levels of toxic methyl-mercury (MeHg) in biota near such sources. Since rice is an agricultural crop that can bio-accumulate MeHg, the potential effects of a large Hg-emitting coal-fired power plant in Hunan Province, China on both inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) and MeHg distributions in rice was investigated. Relatively high MeHg (up to 3.8 μg kg^-1) and Hg(II) (up to 22 μg kg^-1) concentrations were observed in rice samples collected adjacent to the plant, suggesting a potential impact of Hg emission from the coal fired power plant on the accumulation of Hg in rice in the area. Concentrations of MeHg in rice were positively correlated with soil MeHg, soil S, and gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) in ambient air. Soil MeHg was the most important factor controlling MeHg concentrations in rice. The methylation of Hg in soils may be controlled by factors such as the chemical speciation of inorganic Hg, soil S, and ambient GEM.

Field study and theoretical evidence for the profiles and underlying mechanisms of PCDD/F formation in cement kilns co-incinerating municipal solid waste and sewage sludge

A field study and theoretical calculations on the profile and formation mechanism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from two cement kilns co-incinerating municipal solid waste and sewage sludge were performed, and the PCDFs were mainly focused. The back-end areas of the cement kilns were identified to be the major sites of PCDD/F formation according to their distributions in particulate samples from different process stages. The proportions of tetra- to hexa-chlorinated dibenzofurans (∑Cl_4-6CDFs) at the kiln back-end areas were in the range of 50-80% of the total PCDD/Fs in mass concentrations and 62-87% in toxic equivalent concentrations. These results indicated that ∑Cl_4-6CDFs are the dominant homologs that should be the focus for reducing PCDD/F emissions in cement kilns that co-incinerate municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. It is speculated that the low contents of oxygen and copper compounds, as well as the alkaline conditions, may contribute to the dominance of ∑Cl_4-6CDFs in the PCDD/Fs formed. Chlorination was assumed to be the mechanism of formation of PCDFs. The results from model predictions and thermodynamic calculations used to test this assumption were consistent with the PCDF profiles observed from the field study.

Risk of bone tumors in children and residential proximity to industrial and urban areas: New findings from a case-control study

Few epidemiologic studies have explored risk factors for bone tumors in children, and the role of environmental factors needs to be analyzed. Our objective was to ascertain the association between residential proximity to industrial plants and urban areas and risk of bone tumors in children, taking into account industrial groups and toxic pollutants released. A population-based case-control study of childhood bone cancer in Spain was carried out, covering 114 incident cases obtained from the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (between 1996 and 2011), and 684 controls individually matched by sex, year of birth, and autonomous region of residence. Distances from the subject's residences to the 1271 industries and the 30 urban areas (towns) with ≥75,000 inhabitants located in the study area were computed. Unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for categories of distance (from 1km to 3km) to industrial and urban areas, with adjustment for matching variables and sociodemographic indicators. Excess risk (OR; 95%CI) of bone tumors in children was detected for children close to industrial facilities as a whole (2.33; 1.17-4.63 at 3km) - particularly surface treatment of metals (OR=2.50; 95%CI=1.13-5.56 at 2km), production and processing of metals (OR=3.30; 95%CI=1.41-7.77 at 2.5km), urban waste-water treatment plants (OR=4.41; 95%CI=1.62-11.98 at 2km), hazardous waste (OR=4.63; 95%CI=1.37-15.61 at 2km), disposal or recycling of animal waste (OR=4.73; 95%CI=1.40-15.97 at 2km), cement and lime (OR=3.89; 95%CI=1.19-12.77 at 2.5km), and combustion installations (OR=3.85; 95%CI=1.39-10.66 at 3km)-, and urban areas (4.43; 1.80-10.92). These findings support the need for more detailed exposure assessment of certain toxics released by these facilities.

Concentrations and patterns of polychlorinated biphenyls at different process stages of cement kilns co-processing waste incinerator fly ash

Cement kilns can be used to co-process fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators. However, this might increase emission of organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Knowledge of PCB concentrations and homolog and congener patterns at different stages in this process could be used to assess the possibility of simultaneously controlling emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and "dioxin-like" compounds. To date, emissions from cement kilns co-processing fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators have not been analyzed for PCBs. In this study, stack gas and particulate samples from two cement kilns co-processing waste incinerator fly ash were analyzed for PCBs. The average total tri- to deca-chlorinated biphenyl (∑_3-10PCB) concentration in the stack gas samples was 10.15ngm^-3. The ∑_3-10PCB concentration ranges in particulate samples from different stages were 0.83-41.79ngg^-1 for cement kiln 1and0.13-1.69ngg^-1 for cement kiln 2. The ∑_3-10PCB concentrations were much higher in particulate samples from the suspension pre-heater boiler, humidifier tower, and kiln back-end bag filters than in particulate samples from other stages. For these three stages, PCBs contributed to 15-18% of the total PCB, PCDD/F, and polychlorinated naphthalene toxic equivalents in stack gases and particulate matter. The PCB distributions were similar to those found in other studies for PCDD/Fs and polychlorinated naphthalenes, which suggest that it may be possible to simultaneously control emissions of multiple organic pollutants from cement kilns. Homolog patterns in the particulate samples were dominated by the pentachlorobiphenyls. CB-105, CB-118, and CB-123 were the dominant dioxin-like PCB congeners that formed at the back-end of the cement kiln. A mass balance of PCBs in the cement kilns indicated that the total mass of PCBs in the stack gases and clinker was about half the mass of PCBs in the raw materials.

Emissions of PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs, dioxin like-PCBs and PAHs from a cement plant using a long-term monitoring system

The aim of the present work was to assess the emission of different persistent organic pollutants from a cement plant over a period of one year, under normal operational conditions. Thus, a long-term sampling device was installed in the clinker kiln stack of the cement plant. The factory uses petroleum coke as primary fuel, but also alternative fuels such as solid recovered fuel (SRF), automotive shredder residue (ASR), sewage sludge, waste tires, and meat and bone meal (MBM) wastes, with an energy substitution level of about 40%. Both PCDD/Fs (together with dl-PCBs) and PBDD/Fs were continuously sampled, with a total of ten samples collected in 2-4week periods. Also, PAHs were sampled during one-week periods, in order to evaluate their emissions in three different samples. The emission levels throughout the year were much lower than the set legal limits in all substances, being <10pgI-TEQ/Nm(3) in the case of PCDD/Fs. The data obtained allowed calculation of updated emission factors for the cement sector, which were 8.5ng I-TEQ/ton clinker for PCDD/Fs and 3.2ng WHO-TEQ/ton clinker for PCBs. With respect to the congener distribution, 2,3,7,8-TCDF accounts for 60 to 68% of the total toxicity for PCDD/Fs, and in PBDD/F emissions, a clear predominance of octa-substituted species (both dioxin and furan) was found.

Alternative Fuel Implementation in a Cement Plant: Human Health Risks and Economical Valuation

In June 2010, the cement plant of Montcada i Reixac (MR) (Catalonia, Spain) began a gradual implementation of alternative fuel to replace fossil fuel. Between December 2010 and November 2014, we conducted three monitoring surveys to evaluate the state of the environment around the facility. Data were compared with results from three monitoring surveys performed in 2008-2009. In all these studies, samples of soil, vegetation, and air were collected, being the content of a number of trace elements and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in these matrices determined. In general terms, a decrease of metal and PCDD/F concentrations was found. Human health risks followed a similar temporal trend, being acceptable according to national and international standards and independent on the fuel used. The Disability-Adjusted Life Year and the costs of cancer cases were also estimated for the population living around the MR cement plant, accounting for 4 years and 31,000 €/year, respectively.

Variations and factors that influence the formation of polychlorinated naphthalenes in cement kilns co-processing solid waste

Pilot studies of unintentionally produced pollutants should be performed before waste being co-processed in cement kilns. Polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) formation and emission from cement kilns co-processing sorted municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, and waste acid, however, have not previously been studied. Here, PCNs were analyzed in stack gas samples and solid samples from different stages of three cement production runs. PCN destruction efficiencies were higher when waste was co-processed (93.1% and 88.7% in two tests) than when waste was not co-processed (39.1%), so co-processing waste would not increase PCN outputs. The PCN concentrations were higher in particle samples from the C1 preheater and stages at back end of kiln than in particle samples from other stages, suggesting that cyclone preheater and back end of kiln should be focused for controlling PCN emissions. Besides that, based on the variation of PCN concentrations and corresponding operating conditions in different stages, the temperature, feeding materials, and chlorine content were suggested as the main factors influencing PCN formation. The PCN homologue and congener profiles suggested chlorination and dechlorination were the main PCN formation and decomposition pathways, and congeners CN-23, CN-46, and CN-59 appear to be appropriate indicators of PCNs emitted from coal-burning sources.

Lithological and land-use based assessment of heavy metal pollution in soils surrounding a cement plant in SW Europe

We study the influence of phasing out a cement plant on the heavy metal (Hg, Pb and Cr) content in the surrounding soils, taking into account factors often neglected, such as contributions due to local lithology or land use. The range of total Hg was 10-144µg kg(-1), reaching up to 41 and 145mgkg(-1) for total contents of Pb and Cr, respectively. Forest soils showed higher concentration of Hg than prairie soils, indicating the importance of land use on the accumulation of volatile heavy metals in soils. In forest soils, total Hg showed a trend to decrease with soil depth, whereas in prairie soils the vertical pattern of heavy metal concentrations was quite homogeneous. In most cases, the distance to the cement plant was not a factor of influence in the soils content of the analyzed heavy metals. Total Pb and Cr contents in soils nearby the cement plant were quite similar to those found in the local lithology, resulting in enrichment factor values (EF's) below 2. This suggests that soil parent material is the main source of these heavy metals in the studied soils, while the contribution of the cement plant to Pb and Cr soil pollution was almost negligible. On the contrary, the soils surrounding the cement plant accumulate a significant amount of Hg, compared to the underlying lithology. This was especially noticeable in forest soils, where Hg EF achieved values up to 36. These results are of relevance, bearing in mind that Hg accumulation in soils may be an issue of environmental concern, particularly in prairie soils, where temporal flooding can favor Hg transformation to highly toxic methyl-Hg. In addition, the concurrence of acid soils and total-Cr concentrations in the range of those considered phytotoxic should be also stressed.

Ecophysiological and ultrastructural effects of dust pollution in lichens exposed around a cement plant (SW Slovakia)

The study investigated the ecophysiological and ultrastructural effects of dust pollution from a cement industry in the lichen species Evernia prunastri and Xanthoria parietina, which were exposed for 30, 90 and 180 days around a cement mill, two quarries, and inhabited and agricultural sites in SW Slovakia. The results showed that dust deposition from quarrying activities and cement works at the cement mill (mainly enriched in Ca, Fe and Ti) significantly affected the photosynthetic apparatus of E. prunastri (sensitive to dust and habitat eutrophication), while X. parietina (tolerant to dust and habitat eutrophication) adapted to the new environment. The length of the exposure strongly affected the vitality of the mycobiont (measured as dehydrogenase activity) in transplanted lichens. Dust deposition led to ultrastructural alterations, including lipid droplets increase, swelling of cellular components, thylakoid degeneration and sometimes plasmolysis, which, on the whole, gave the cells an aged appearance. Photosynthetic parameters deserve further attention as potential indicators for monitoring early biological symptoms of the air pollution caused during cement production.

Cancer mortality in towns in the vicinity of installations for the production of cement, lime, plaster, and magnesium oxide

Our objective was to investigate whether there might be excess cancer mortality in the vicinity of Spanish installations for the production of cement, lime, plaster, and magnesium oxide, according to different categories of industrial activity. An ecologic study was designed to examine municipal mortality due to 33 types of cancer (period 1997-2006) in Spain. Population exposure to pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town to industrial facility. Using spatial Besag-York-Mollié regression models with integrated nested Laplace approximations for Bayesian inference, we assessed the relative risk of dying from cancer in a 5-km zone around installations, analyzed the effect of category of industrial activity according to the manufactured product, and conducted individual analyses within a 50-km radius of each installation. Excess all cancer mortality (relative risk, 95% credible interval) was detected in the vicinity of these installations as a whole (1.04, 1.01-1.07 in men; 1.03, 1.00-1.06 in women), and, principally, in the vicinity of cement installations (1.05, 1.01-1.09 in men). Special mention should be made of the results for tumors of colon-rectum in both sexes (1.07, 1.01-1.14 in men; 1.10, 1.03-1.16 in women), and pleura (1.71, 1.24-2.28), peritoneum (1.62, 1.15-2.20), gallbladder (1.21, 1.02-1.42), bladder (1.11, 1.03-1.20) and stomach (1.09, 1.00-1.18) in men in the vicinity of all such installations. Our results suggest an excess risk of dying from cancer, especially in colon-rectum, in towns near these industries.

Metal concentrations in surface water and sediments from Pardo River, Brazil: human health risks

Pardo River (Brazil) is suffering from an important anthropogenic impact due to the pressure of highly populated areas and the influence of sugarcane cultivation. The objective of the present study was to determine the levels of 13 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Tl, Sn, V and Zn) in samples of surface water and sediments from the Pardo River. Furthermore, the human health risks associated with exposure to those metals through oral intake and dermal absorption were also evaluated. Spatial and seasonal trends of the data were closely analyzed from a probabilistic approach. Manganese showed the highest mean concentrations in both water and sediments, remarking the incidence of the agricultural activity and the geological characteristics within the basin. Thallium and arsenic were identified as two priority pollutants, being the most important contributors to the Hazard Index (HI). Since non-carcinogenic risks due to thallium exposure slightly exceeded international guidelines (HI>1), a special effort should be made on this trace element. However, the current concentrations of arsenic, a carcinogenic element, were in accordance to acceptable lifetime risks. Nowadays, there is a clear increasing growth in human population and economic activities in the Pardo River, whose waters have become a serious strategic alternative for the potential supply of drinking water. Therefore, environmental monitoring studies are required not only to assure that the current state of pollution of Pardo River does not mean a risk for the riverside population, but also to assess the potential trends in the environmental levels of those elements.

An integrated simulation and optimization approach for managing human health risks of atmospheric pollutants by coal-fired power plants

This research developed a simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM). This model incorporated the consideration of pollutant dispersion modeling, and the management of coal blending and the related human health risks within a general modeling framework In SNPM, the simulation effort (i.e., California puff [CALPUFF]) was used to forecast the fate of air pollutants for quantifying the health risk under various conditions, while the optimization studies were to identify the optimal coal blending strategies from a number of alternatives. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach was proposed, where the support vector regression (SVR) was used to create a set of easy-to-use and rapid-response surrogates for identifying the function relationships between coal-blending operating conditions and health risks. Through replacing the CALPUFF and the corresponding hazard quotient equation with the surrogates, the computation efficiency could be improved. The developed SNPM was applied to minimize the human health risk associated with air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicated that it could be used for reducing the health risk of the public in the vicinity of the two power plants, identifying desired coal blending strategies for decision makers, and considering a proper balance between coal purchase cost and human health risk.

IMPLICATIONS

A simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM) is developed. It integrates the advantages of CALPUFF and nonlinear programming model. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach based on the combination of support vector regression and genetic algorithm is proposed. SNPM is applied to reduce the health risk caused by air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicate that it is useful for generating coal blending schemes, reducing the health risk of the public, reflecting the trade-offbetween coal purchase cost and health risk.

A review of exposure assessment methods in epidemiological studies on incinerators

Incineration is a common technology for waste disposal, and there is public concern for the health impact deriving from incinerators. Poor exposure assessment has been claimed as one of the main causes of inconsistency in the epidemiological literature. We reviewed 41 studies on incinerators published between 1984 and January 2013 and classified them on the basis of exposure assessment approach. Moreover, we performed a simulation study to explore how the different exposure metrics may influence the exposure levels used in epidemiological studies. 19 studies used linear distance as a measure of exposure to incinerators, 11 studies atmospheric dispersion models, and the remaining 11 studies a qualitative variable such as presence/absence of the source. All reviewed studies utilized residence as a proxy for population exposure, although residence location was evaluated with different precision (e.g., municipality, census block, or exact address). Only one study reconstructed temporal variability in exposure. Our simulation study showed a notable degree of exposure misclassification caused by the use of distance compared to dispersion modelling. We suggest that future studies (i) make full use of pollution dispersion models; (ii) localize population on a fine-scale; and (iii) explicitly account for the presence of potential environmental and socioeconomic confounding.

Dust exposure and the risk of cancer in cement industry workers in Korea

BACKGROUND

Cement is used widely in the construction industry, though it contains hazardous chemicals such as hexavalent chromium. Several epidemiological studies have examined the association between cement dust exposure and cancer, but these associations have proved inconclusive. In the present study, we examined the association between dust exposure and cancer in cement industry workers in Korea.

METHODS

Our cohort consisted of 1,324 men who worked at two Portland cement manufacturing factories between 1997 and 2005. We calculated cumulative dust exposures, then categorized workers into high and low dust exposure groups. Cancer cases were identified between 1997 and 2005 by linking with the national cancer registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for all workers and the high and low dust exposure groups, respectively.

RESULTS

The SIR for overall cancers in all workers was increased (1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.78). The SIR for stomach cancer in the high dust exposure group was increased (2.18, 95% CI: 1.19-3.65), but there was no increased stomach cancer risk in the low dust exposure group. The SIR for rectal cancer in all workers was increased (3.05, 95% CI: 1.32-6.02). Rectal cancer risk was similar in the high and low exposure groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a potential association between exposure in the cement industry and an increased risk of stomach and rectal cancers. However, due to the small number of cases, this association should be further investigated in a study with a longer follow-up period and adjustment for confounders.

Effects of heat recovery for district heating on waste incineration health impact: a simulation study in Northern Italy

The construction of waste incinerators in populated areas always causes substantial public concern. Since the heat from waste combustion can be recovered to power district heating networks and allows for the switch-off of domestic boilers in urbanized areas, predictive models for health assessment should also take into account the potential benefits of abating an important source of diffuse emission. In this work, we simulated the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants from a waste incinerator under construction in Parma (Italy) into different environmental compartments and estimated the potential health effect of both criteria- (PM(10)) and micro-pollutants (PCDD/F, PAH, Cd, Hg). We analyzed two emission scenarios, one considering only the new incinerator, and the other accounting for the potential decrease in pollutant concentrations due to the activation of a district heating network. We estimated the effect of uncertainty in parameter estimation on health risk through Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, we analyzed the robustness of health risk to alternative assumptions on: a) the geographical origins of the potentially contaminated food, and b) the dietary habits of the exposed population. Our analysis showed that under the specific set of assumptions and emission scenarios explored in the present work: (i) the proposed waste incinerator plant appears to cause negligible harm to the resident population; (ii) despite the net increase in PM(10) mass balance, ground-level concentration of fine particulate matter may be curbed by the activation of an extensive district heating system powered through waste combustion heat recovery and the concurrent switch-off of domestic/industrial heating boilers. In addition, our study showed that the health risk caused by waste incineration emissions is sensitive to assumptions about the typical diet of the resident population, and the geographical origins of food production.

Health effects for the population living near a cement plant: an epidemiological assessment

Epidemiological studies have shown the association between the exposure to air pollution and several adverse health effects. To evaluate the possible acute health effects of air pollution due to the emissions of a cement plant in two small municipalities in Italy (Mazzano and Rezzato), a case-control study design was used. The risks of hospital admission for cardiovascular or respiratory diseases for increasing levels of exposure to cement plant emissions were estimated, separately for adults (age>34 years) and children (0-14 years). Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using unconditional regression models. Attributable risks were also calculated. Statistically significant risks were found mainly for respiratory diseases among children: OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.08-2.58) for the moderately exposed category (E1), OR 1.88 (95% CI 1.19-2.97) for the highly exposed category (E2), with an attributable risk of 38% of hospital admissions due to the exposure to cement plant exhausts. Adults had a weaker risk: OR 1.38 (95% CI 1.18-1.61) for group E1, OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.10-1.56) for group E2; the attributable risk was 23%. Risks were higher for females and for the age group 35-64. These results showed an association between the exposure to plant emissions and the risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular or respiratory causes; this association was particularly strong for children.

Biomonitoring with epiphytic lichens as a complementary method for the study of mercury contamination near a cement plant

The study was focused on understanding the mercury contamination caused by a cement plant. Active and passive biomonitoring with epiphytic lichens was combined with other instrumental measurements of mercury emissions, mercury concentrations in raw materials, elemental mercury concentrations in air, quantities of dust deposits, temperatures, precipitation and other measurements from the cement plant's regular monitoring programme. Active biomonitoring with transplanted lichens Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf was performed at seven of the most representative sites around the cement plant and one distant reference site for periods of 3, 6 and 12 months. In situ lichens of different species were collected at the beginning of the monitoring period at the same sites. Mercury speciation of the plant exhaust gas showed that the main form of emitted mercury is reactive gaseous mercury Hg²⁺, which is specific for cement plants. Elemental mercury in air was measured in different meteorological conditions using a portable mercury detector. Concentrations in air were relatively low (on average below 10 ng m⁻³). In situ lichens showed Hg concentrations comparable to lichens taken from the background area for transplantation, indicating that the local pollution is not severe. Transplanted lichens showed an increase of mercury, especially at one site near the cement plant. A correlation between precipitation and Hg uptake was not found probably due to a rather uniform rainfall in individual periods. Dust deposits did not influence Hg uptake significantly. Lichens vitality was affected over longer biomonitoring periods, probably due to some elements in dust particles, their alkalinity and the influence of other emissions. Mercury uptake measured in vital transplanted lichens was in a good correlation with the working hours (i.e. emitted Hg quantity) of the kiln. The study showed that selected lichens could be used to detect low to moderate Hg emissions from a cement plant and that the biomonitoring procedure could be further standardized and used as part of an environmental monitoring programme.

Risk assessment applied to air emissions from a medium-sized Italian MSW incinerator

Risk assessment is a well established procedure for the analysis of the adverse impacts of pollutant substances emitted by waste treatment plants. The aim of the present study was the determination of the impact on human health associated with the activities of an incinerator in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy). The dispersion of heavy metals and organic pollutants monitored at plant stacks was predicted by the Gaussian model ISC3 (US-EPA). This analysis led to the estimation of risk, connected with various pollutants showing toxic and carcinogenic activities, for different receptors. The values obtained were first compared with the acceptability limits set by US-EPA, and then graphically represented as a territorial dispersion. A cautious approach was followed to calculate risk, by considering the worst, albeit realistic and reliable, estimate for the different parameters. The calculated exposure pathways resulted in different contributions depending on the receptor category (children and adults), even if direct exposure (via inhalation) is generally predominant. However, the resulting risk for both single pollutants studied and their combination all together proved to be within the acceptable limits (all lifetime individual risks being below 10(-6)), according to the procedure followed. The obtained results highlight the importance of using reliable monitoring data on the studied contamination source and, in particular, suggest the advisability of a more in-depth study on the pollution from incineration stacks.

Cancer mortality and incidence in cement industry workers in Korea

OBJECTIVES

Cement contains hexavalent chromium, which is a human carcinogen. However, its effect on cancer seems inconclusive in epidemiologic studies. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to elucidate the association between dust exposure in the cement industry and cancer occurrence.

METHODS

The cohorts consisted of male workers in 6 Portland cement factories in Korea. Study subjects were classified into five groups by job: quarry, production, maintenance, laboratory, and office work. Cancer mortality and incidence in workers were observed from 1992 to 2007 and 1997-2005, respectively. Standardized mortality ratios and standardized incidence ratios were calculated according to the five job classifications.

RESULTS

There was an increased standardized incidence ratio for stomach cancer of 1.56 (27/17.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.26) in production workers. The standardized mortality ratio for lung cancer increased in production workers. However, was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Our result suggests a potential association between cement exposure and stomach cancer. Hexavalent chromium contained in cement might be a causative carcinogen.

Evaluation of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc in biological samples of psoriasis patients living in Pakistani cement factory area

Psoriasis is a noncontiguous common and chronic skin disorder. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of trace elements cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (whole blood, urine, and scalp hair) of psoriasis patients of both gender age ranged (25-55 years) at mild, moderate severe, and more severe stage (n = 418) living in the vicinity of cement factory. For comparison purposes, healthy age-matched referent subjects, residents of industrial and non-industrial area, of both gender were also selected (n = 241). The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs and real samples. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of mild and severe psoriasis patients as compared to referents (p < 0.001), while the concentration of Zn was lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of psoriasis patients. The deficiency of Zn in psoriasis patients may be undoubtedly caused by the toxic element exposures via cement factory.

Pollutant formation and emissions from cement kiln stack using a solid recovered fuel from municipal solid waste

The thermal decomposition of a solid recovered fuel (SRF) has been studied by two techniques. First, laboratory-scale experiments were performed in a horizontal furnace in which different atmospheres were studied to analyze the dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) evolved from the decomposition of the material. Sulfur presence was revealed to be important in PCDD/Fs formation. In the second technique, the emissions of various pollutants (PAHs, PCDD/Fs, metals, acid gases, etc.) were determined in a cement kiln fed on different proportions of SRF material, and where a maximum feed rate of 15000 kg SRF/h was achieved. In the laboratory furnace the dioxin toxicity revealed a maximum when the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increased until approximately stoichiometric conditions. In the cement kiln, all emitted pollutants were under the legal limits. No correlation between SRF input and metal emission was observed.