Cement Plants Could Cause Birth Defects

A plant located across the river between Columbia and Rensselaer, New York is reportedly a cause of concern for residents in the surrounding areas.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims the Lafarge cement plant ranks fourth on the list of cement plants nationally that are riskiest in terms of toxic mercury emissions.

Plant Very Risky to Pregnant Women

A recent report released by the EPA cites a 2003 study conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control.

The study found that eight percent of women between the ages of 16 and 49, of child bearing age, who lived near a cement plant, had mercury levels in their bloodstream that exceeded the EPA’s safe level for unborn children.

High levels of mercury in women, from fish or cement plants, can reportedly highly increase their chances for having a baby born with a disability such as cerebral palsy.

Cement Plant Details

According to reports, the 151 cement plants that exist in the U.S. generate an estimated 22, 918 pounds of airborne mercury per year.

This number has reportedly doubled since 2006, putting women and children alike at risk across the country.

Exposure to mercury can cause cerebral palsy, mental retardation, blindness and deafness in children.

(Source: The Independent)

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