Assessment of Particulate Matter, Free Silica and Toxic Gases Emissions from Khouzestan Cement Company

Background and Air pollutants from cement factories and their accumulation in the environment cause various diseases and disorders in humans, plants and animals depending on the gender, size and duration of inhaled particles. Such pollutants also have synergistic effects on other air pollutants. This study was carried out for the first time to investigate the pollutants from Khouzestan Cement Company in 2013. Particulate matters, free silica and stack emissions were collected from selected stations in and nearby the Khouzestan Cement Company using standard methods. Sampling was done in calm and stable weather conditions. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. The results showed that maximum mean concentration of free silica and particulate matters were 5.89±3.04 mg/m3 and 137.17±16.45 µg/m3 for stone crushing and eastern stations, respectively. These rates in other stations were also found to be significantly higher than permissible exposure limits recommended by OSHA, MSHA, Iranian Department of Environment, and WHO. Currently the mean concentrations of free silica, particulate matters and toxic gases from Khouzestan Cement Company are significantly higher than national and international standards, therefore using high efficiency equipment for air pollution are recommended to control emissions from cement industry pollutants.