Air pollution from a large steel factory: toxic contaminants from coke-oven plants

摘要

An extensive investigation has been carried out to assess air pollution caused by one of the largest European steel factories in Taranto, S. Italy. The study was aimed in particular at evaluating toxic contaminants such as TSP, PM_(3.5), PAHs and Benzene emitted during the coke-making process. Pollution levels largely exceeding accepted values for all toxic compounds monitored were found, causing severe health risks for workers and heavy environmental impact on the densely populated surrounding areas.