Recent developments
This section reports on recent developments related to selenium.
Latest Findings on Selenium
Extensive Use of Selenium in Chinese Manganese Metal Production Confirmed
Pollution from Manganese Metal Plants Remains an Issue in China
New study suggests selenium from coal power plants impacts wildlife
A recently published study reports maternal transfer of selenium to eggs in toads living near a coal-burning power plant. The study also reports that viability of the offspring living near the power plant was 19% lower than in an uncontaminated area... June 28, 2006
US charges conspiracy for selenium excesses
Chinese government takes action against manganese metal manufacturers
Reports indicate that the Chinese government has forced clean up of manganese metal plants (PDF, 7 kb). According to industry sources, a large number of manganese manufacturers have been forced to halt production so that government inspectors can check for pollution. The closed facilities will have to improve their environmental facilities and meet official requirements before being allowed to reopen. Non-government researchers reported in a preliminary investigation in 2004 that manganese metal plants were sources of pollution in China (see Environmental Site Investigation of Manganese Metal Production in China (PDF, 102 kb)).
Increasing source of selenium exposures - manganese metal
In recent years, an additional source of exposures is the presence of selenium in manganese metal exports from China, where selenium is added to speed processing and reduce costs in all but 5 of approximately 150 manganese metal plants. January 19, 2005
Selenium levels in wastes raise concerns
A case study presented at a professional symposium on aluminum processing showed how companies can unexpectedly find themselves facing major disposal costs and fines as a result of as little as 1 ppm of selenium in baghouse dust. November 30, 2004