Manganese emission on Chicago's outskirt endangers public health

CHICAGO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Toxic manganese emission on the southeast side of U.S. city Chicago has posed danger to public health of the neighborhoods, especially children, local media reported on Tuesday.

At least two companies storing manganese outside have been accused of the toxic emission, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Manganese, a heavy metal used in steel-making, can permanently damage the nerve system and trigger learning difficulties, memory loss and anxiety, said scientists.

Preliminary research suggest children in the area have higher manganese levels than those from other parts of the city.

Activists from neighborhoods between 101st and 103rd streets on the southeast side of Chicago have for years urged federal, state and local authorities to crack down on the polluters to eliminate their piles and change their handling practices.

Court-ordered installation last year of air quality monitors have detected high levels of manganese in the air, which prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chicago office to cite one of the companies for violations of the Clean Air Act.

Facing increasing legal pressure, the S.H. Bell Co. has reportedly agreed to stop storing toxic manganese outside. It will also suspend barge transfers during high winds to reduce harmful dust blowing into surrounding neighborhoods.

The company said in a statement that they worked closely with the city to develop recently approved dust control plan that "goes above and beyond local, state and federal regulations." Enditem