As already announced in the "Breaking News", we have documents in which the long-suspected direct connections in the formation of calcium chromate or sodium chromate, two carcinogenic and acutely environmentally hazardous chromium(VI) compounds, between calcium- or sodium-containing insulating materials as high-temperature insulation of stainless steel bodies have been investigated and proven.
The investigations were carried out by internationally recognised scientists and explicitly mention three insulating materials as examples, with their trade names!
In all three materials, an insulating wool, a volcanic glass and a calcium-containing mixed product, which were applied directly to a stainless steel body and heated over a longer period of time, calcium chromate and/or sodium chromate were detected after the tests.
The test results confirm initial cautious warnings by various turbine or engine manufacturers or energy suppliers, even if these are always formulated in somewhat general terms, but are in stark contrast to the attempts at explanation by the manufacturers of insulating products; there is probably still some educational work to be done here.
The three brand names are known to the editors; anyone who would like to enquire about them should contact us.
Considering that these materials have been used for more than forty years, that the released chromates are now on the REACH list and that the possibility of their formation turns all previous working and disposal processes upside down, a major disaster is looming for an industry with a global turnover of billions.
Regular unprotected handling of chromates can lead to cancer (chromate cancer), and improper disposal of possibly contaminated insulation materials can have long-term consequences for the environment (water pollution).
In many countries, the so-called minimisation and avoidance laws or the so-called substitution law apply in case of a possible formation or release of hazardous substances.
More information in the comments section and soon here.