CHICAGO, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protect Agency has cited a waste incinerator at a BP refinery in northwest Indiana with discharging lead and cadmium into the air.
BP Products North America Inc. is accused of violating the federal clean-air protection act by discharging double the amount of lead and cadmium permitted during a test at the BP Whiting Refinery in April.
Exposure to cadmium can cause damage to lungs, livers, kidneys, suppress the body's immune system and affect the nervous system and blood. Long-term exposure increases risk of lung cancer.
"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Bharat Mathur, acting administrator of Region 5 in Chicago. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."
BP has 30 days to meet with the EPA to discuss the allegations.
