CHICAGO (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency has cited a Chicago facility after finding high levels of brain-damaging manganese in a low-income neighborhood.
Data the EPA shared Monday shows that air quality monitors around the S.H. Bell Co. facility recorded violations of federal health standards nearly 40 percent of the days when samples were collected.
S.H. Bell officials say over two dozen other facilities handling manganese could also be responsible.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Health Department officials said Monday that they’ll expand efforts to reduce manganese exposure in the southeast part of the city.
The Chicago Tribune reports the findings come three years after investigators discovered the Pittsburgh-based company’s pollution while examining petroleum coke at two nearby sites.
Manganese is an element used to make steel stronger and more rust resistant.
