Cement Manufacturing Enforcement Initiative

The cement manufacturing industry was an EPA New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration (NSR/PSD) national enforcement initiative in fiscal years 2008-2010 and was continued as a Reducing Air Pollution from the Largest Sources national enforcement initiative for fiscal years 2011-2013. The cement sector is the third largest industrial source of pollution, emitting more than 500,000 tons per year of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. Beginning in 2008, EPA has pursued a coordinated, integrated compliance and enforcement strategy to address Clean Air Act New Source Review compliance issues at the nation’s cement manufacturing facilities.

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.

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.

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.

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