The following EPA report details the amounts of arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, selenium, and particulate emissions emitted from the operations of a concrete batch plant: Click Here

The following Handbook details the health impacts of the toxic heavy metals emitted during the operations of a concrete batch plant: Click Here

The testimony at the Board of Adjustment hearing includes:

Dr. Claxton discussed a memo from Keith Overcash of the North Carolina Division of Air Quality, where the Division of Air Quality noted that “ready-mix concrete batch plants have sources that are likely to violate applicable emissions standards if not properly maintained and controlled.” Dr. Claxton further noted that the EPA had documented particulate emissions from concrete batching plants, consisting of dusts and metals that he stated are all detrimental to the well being and health of humans. Crystalline silica can cause irreversible lung disease silicosis and has been classified as a carcinogen.

Dr. Claxton summarized to the Board the health problems of three nearby property owners: Imogene Aly, Ed Elkins and Virginia Hoyle, all of whom Dr. Claxton felt would be at an increased level of risk due to emissions from the proposed concrete plant compounding their existing health problems. Ms. Aly suffers from severe asthma and has been on oxygen support in the past. Mr. Elkins is on continuous oxygen support for severe emphysema lung disease, and increased emissions might force him to move from his home. Ms. Hoyle has undergone complicated pulmonary surgery and has been recently diagnosed with another serious lung problem, and is undergoing specialized treatments to her lung. Dr. Claxton reminded the Board that the Division of Air Quality would not take into account the health situations of these specific individuals when deciding whether or not to issue an Air Quality Permit for the proposed site, and stated that he felt that while concrete plants were necessary for development, they should not be placed where they would be injurious to homeowners and neighborhoods.

And:

“Dr. Ballantine is an internal medicine physician who works as a private practice hospitalist at Mission/St. Joseph’s and treats many illnesses that air pollution exposure can cause. Dr. Ballantine began to give an overview of the history of regulations and findings relating to air pollution exposure. Dr. Ballantine stated that the people in the area of the proposed plant were going to have an increased imposed health risk as a result of this plant. Dr. Ballantine listed those individuals more likely to be at risk, in addition to the risks and health effects related to air pollution exposure…

Dr. Ballantine continued his report, noting that there are no filters available that can remove particulates from the air or create a barrier against them. Dr. Ballantine gave a brief overview of a study done by the State of New England’s Air Use Management program of Diesel particulate exposure, 300’ from the source, exposures were up to 140 times those allowable by the EPA for carcinogens. Dr. Ballantine cited a number of instances where there was an increased risk in cardiovascular mortality from exposure to diesel particulates alone. There is also an increase in lung cancer death rates, strokes, and asthma due to particulate exposure according to Dr. Ballantine…