Health and Environmental Effects of Cement Plant Emissions

Cement plants are a significant source of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, which are associated with the following health and environmental impacts:

Nitrogen oxide (NO_x) can cause or contribute to a variety of health problems and adverse environmental impacts, such as ground-level ozone, acid rain, global warming, water quality deterioration, and visual impairment. Affected populations include children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and exposure to these conditions can cause damage to lung tissue for people who work or exercise outside. For more information on the effects of NO_x, please visit EPA’s website on the Health and Environmental Impacts of NO_x

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in high concentrations can affect breathing and may aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Sensitive populations include asthmatics, individuals with bronchitis or emphysema, children, and the elderly. SO₂ is also a primary contributor to acid deposition, or acid rain. For more information on the effects of SO₂, please visit EPA’s website on the Health and Environmental Impacts of SO₂

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues, as well as adverse effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. CO also contributes to the formation of smog (ground-level ozone), which can cause respiratory problems. For more information on effects of CO, please visit EPA’s website on the Health and Environmental Impacts of CO.

Health and Environmental Effects of Cement Plant Emissions

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