What We Do Know: Lafarge Emissions Data 2006, Ravena, NY - EPA Toxic Release Inventory

Ammonia: 130,000 lbs
Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and cause coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very
high concentrations of ammonia. Some people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others. It has not yet been determined if exposure to ammonia causes birth defects, or if it can pass to the fetus across the placenta or to infants via breast milk. EPA has not classified ammonia for carcinogenicity.

Dioxins (including Furans): .92 grams
Dioxins are known to be a developmental toxicant in animals, causing skeletal deformities, kidney defects, and weakened immune responses in the offspring of animals exposed to dioxins during pregnancy. Human studies have shown an association between dioxins and soft-tissue sarcomas, lymphomas, and stomach carcinomas. Fetuses, infants and children may be especially sensitive to dioxin exposure because of their rapid growth and development. Dioxins are stable chemicals and can last for many years in the environment. When released into the air, they usually settle out locally. EPA has classified dioxins as a probable human carcinogen.

Hydrochloric Acid: 120,000 lbs
Hydrochloric acid is irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Short-term inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation and pulmonary edema in humans. Long-term exposure to hydrochloric acid has been reported to cause gastritis, chronic bronchitis and dermatitis. Children are more vulnerable because of small airways. EPA has not classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity.

Lead: 44,620 lbs*
Lead is poisonous. Lead exposure can result in severe neurological problems, kidney damage, heart disease, headaches, seizures, and a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. New research has also shown alarming links between lead poisoning and violent behavior.

Mercury: 414 lbs
Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin. Everyone is at risk, but young children and developing fetus' can suffer the greatest harm. Mercury in a mother's blood can pass to the fetus and may result in severe neurological problems including birth defects, loss of IQ, learning disabilities, and other developmental problems. Mercury has been associated with myriad gastrointestinal and autoimmune problems. Prolonged exposure to high levels of mercury can cause permanent brain or kidney damage. The EPA has also identified mercuric chloride and methylmercury as carcinogens.

Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC's): 170 lbs
Cancer is the major concern from exposure to PAC’s. Epidemiologic studies have reported an increase in lung cancer in humans exposed to mixtures containing PAC’s. Animal studies have reported respiratory tract tumors from inhalation exposure to PAC’s. EPA has classified seven PAC’s as probable human carcinogens.

* 44,000 lbs on-site landfill; 620 lbs air emissions.