The Brazilian federal public attorney and the public attorney of the state of Rio de Janeiro have ordered the state environmental agency INEA to investigate the emissions of “black dust” by the steel producer CSN from its plant located in the city of Volta Redonda.
The habitants of Volta Redonda have consistently claimed that the black dust, composed of iron ore particles resulting from the activities of the steel plant, is affecting their lives by causing respiratory diseases and polluting the environment.
According to the local press, many residents in Volta Redonda must keep doors and windows closed to avoid the contamination of their homes, while social networks are showing videos with scenes where the black dust is sprayed in some regions.
Under the determination of the public attorneys, INEA will have to publish daily indexes of air quality in the city and an annual report on the atmospheric conditions of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
A deadline of 30 days was imposed to INEA for the conclusion of the investigation.