Evaluation of airborne particulates and associated metals originating from steel slag applied to rural unpaved roads.

ABSTRACT: Various metals have toxic effects by the inhalation route, and electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag is known to contain metals with a potential for toxicity to humans. In some states, EAF slag is applied to unpaved (gravel) roads as a low-cost supplement to limestone and other crushed stone, where it may be a public health concern for the local population. This study compared the mass of selected metals in the PM₁₀ size fraction of fugitive dust from roads where slag was applied to metals in fugitive dust where slag was not applied. Manganese, designated by the EPA as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) and one of the primary metals of concern in the slag, was 1.3 times more concentrated in the PM₁₀ fraction from the slag-covered roads as compared to the PM₁₀

SUBMITTER: Kacer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9851133 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature