Use of chrome in industrial water dangerous

JAKARTA (JP): Many manufacturing plants in Indonesia are still using chrome, a hazardous chemical substance, to improve the quality of water in their cooling and boiling systems, an industrial expert says.

Subardi Soeria Atmadja, a former aide to the minister of industry and now advises the Association of Indonesian Fertilizer Producers, said on Thursday that chrome could harm people's health and the environment.

Subardi said manufacturers should turn to environmental friendly substances even though they may cost more.

He said that the government should be more vigorous in improving the public's environmental awareness by disseminating information about the danger of hazardous materials and penalizing polluting manufacturers.

Subardi made his remarks during a break at a two-day seminar on water treatment technology held by the Nalco Chemical Company, which produces chemicals for water treatment systems.

Under Environmental Law No.4/1982, a polluter is subject to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rp 100 million ($46,100). So far, however, only a few people have been prosecuted under the law.

Sofjan Arsjad, district manager of PT Arkadia Pradana, an agent of Nalco, said that because of environmental considerations, the company uses phosphate instead of chrome to treat water although chrome cleanses water better than phosphate.

In the beginning, customers complained about the high cost, but they later understood that the environment must come first, Arsjad said. (sim)