Proposition 65 is known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This state law was the result of an initiative voted upon by the people of California.
The State of California created a list of chemicals that required public notification if they are produced, used or emitted by companies.
What are the effects of lead and cadmium?
Lead is known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Cadmium is known by the State of California to cause cancer.
Where does the lead and cadmium come from?
The lead and cadmium are derived from the steel scrap that TAMCO buys from scrap dealers. The lead and cadmium exist in the welds of the steel scrap received by TAMCO. Once melted in the electric arc furnace, the lead and cadmium volatilize off. In addition, galvanized steel scrap may contain traces of cadmium.
From what point at TAMCO is the lead and cadmium released?
The lead and cadmium appears in emissions from the production of steel in an electric furnace. The emissions are evacuated into the baghouse which has an efficiency rate over 99%.
What amounts of cadmium and lead is TAMCO releasing?
Exact amounts are unknown at this time. However, a Proposition 65 warning is required when levels reach 1/1000th of health based levels. Currently TAMCO is awaiting approval of an air quality compliance plan for monitoring the release of lead into the ambient air to ensure amounts are below legal and health-based limits. TAMCO has performed blood lead and cadmium tests on employees. The tests reveal that there are no elevated amounts of lead or cadmium in the employees’ bloodstream.
How is the exposure area determined?
An impact area map or isopleth as it is known was generated by computer modeling based on TAMCO production, baghouse efficiency and climate conditions in the area.
Why did this notice appear in the newspaper?
TAMCO is required by law to notify the public that it emits these materials. This notification can be done by placing an ad in a newspaper that serves the affected areas or by direct mail to affected parties. It was determined that placing a newspaper ad would be more effective. This notification will appear in the newspaper every quarter.
The newspaper notifications are similar to the Proposition 65 warnings seen at gasoline stations, paint stores or even at some restaurants or public places that allow smoking.
If it is not a problem, why doesn’t the newspaper ad state so?
The wording used by TAMCO in the newspaper notifications is required by State law. Companies that use, produce or emit the chemicals on the Proposition 65 list and do not inform the public face serious ramifications.
What steps is TAMCO taking to reduce the amounts?
TAMCO is researching all technologies to increase the current 99% efficiency of the baghouse. The higher the baghouse efficiency, the less emissions released to the ambient air. In addition, TAMCO performs quarterly industrial hygiene surveys of employees in the production area.
What if I am still worried about being exposed to cadmium and lead?
Go to your doctor or medical clinic and have a blood test for lead and cadmium. Again, TAMCO has performed blood tests on its employees and has reported no elevated amounts of lead and cadmium.