Unfortunately, in the case of the Hillman facility, the DEQ has essentially placed the concerns of the power facility over the public health concerns of residents, again showing DEQ s unbalanced approach to environmental concerns. MEC and residents of Cadillac fear DEQ will take the same approach for the Cadillac facility permit. TDF, as its name implies, is simply old tires that are chipped into tiny pieces and then used as fuel. TDF, however, presents major health and environmental concerns that must be addressed before DEQ approves permits. Burning TDF releases a long list of toxic chemicals and pollutants into the air.
Sulfur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain.
In addition, SO2 in the atmosphere forms microscopic particulate matter. Particulate matter consists of small particles, roughly a thousandth of an inch, which are easily inhaled. Once inside, their small size allows them to bypass the body s defense system and lodge inside the lungs, causing many respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Recent studies have found that exposure to particulate matter shortens the lives of over 700 Michigan residents annually. Burning tires also releases a long list of toxic substances.