Presentation on corrosion

2. Abstract
Corrosion of metals such as copper and tin in water supply systems and food packaging poses
significant health risks. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which copper and tin corrode,
particularly in environments like soft or acidic water and the canning industry, respectively. The
entry of copper into drinking water through corroded plumbing can lead to gastrointestinal
disorders, liver damage, and potentially fatal diseases like Wilson's disease. Similarly, tin
corrosion in canned foods can result in altered food quality and gastrointestinal distress. Studies
from regions like India highlight the severe consequences of copper exposure, including liver
cirrhosis in children. The public health implications of metal corrosion underscore the need for
advancements in material science and corrosion control technologies. By developing safer
materials and improving corrosion resistance, it is possible to mitigate the health risks associated
with metal corrosion, ensuring safer drinking water and food quality. This paper calls for
increased awareness and research into corrosion prevention strategies to protect public health.

3. Background on Corrosion Processes
•Definition: Corrosion is an electrochemical phenomenon where metals deteriorate through
chemical or electrochemical reactions with their environment.
•Types of Corrosion:
• Pitting Corrosion: Characterized by small holes or pits in metal, highly localized.
• Galvanic Corrosion: Occurs when two different metals are electrically connected in
a corrosive electrolyte.
• Filamentous Corrosion: Develops under thin coatings as thread-like filaments,
causing coatings to bulge and break.
Common Metals Involved in Corrosion
1.Copper:
a. Uses: Predominantly used in plumbing systems due to
excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
b. Corrosion Impact: Oxidizes to form green patina; more
dangerous forms include pitting which can lead to leaks and
copper ion contamination in water.
2.Aluminum:
a. Uses: Extensively used in packaging, construction, and
aerospace for its lightweight and corrosion resistance.
b. Corrosion Concerns: Vulnerable to corrosion in environments
with strong chemicals or high pH levels.
3. Iron:
a. Uses: Main component of steel, used in infrastructure like
bridges and automobiles.
b. Corrosion Type: Prone to rusting which can compromise
structural integrity if not properly protected (e.g., painting,
galvanization).
4. Tin:
a. Uses: Primarily used in the food packaging industry,
especially in tinplate cans.
b. Corrosion Details: High resistance to corrosion; however,
corrosion of tinplate can lead to contamination and spoilage of
canned foods affecting taste and safety.

4. Health Impacts of Corroded Metals:
Corrosion, the electrochemical deterioration of metals, releases
hazardous substances into air, water, and soil, posing serious
environmental and health risks. These toxic contaminants can
be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin contact, leading
to a range of health issues. Acute exposures can result in
immediate poisoning symptoms, while chronic exposure can
cause long-term health conditions such as organ damage and
systemic toxicity. It is crucial to understand the full scope of
these impacts to develop effective preventive and remedial
strategies. This underscores the importance of advancing
research and implementing proactive measures to mitigate the
adverse health effects associated with metal corrosion, thereby
protecting public health.

5. Copper Contamination in Drinking Water
1. Introduction: Copper is vital for health but becomes toxic in high concentrations due to corrosion in copper plumbing systems.
2. Health Impacts:
a. Acute Effects: Includes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
b. Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney failure; research suggests potential links to
neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
3. Mechanism of Contamination: Corrosion causes copper to leach into the water supply, exceeding safe drinking water
guidelines.
4. Vulnerable Populations: Increased risk for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems or
genetic conditions like Wilson's disease.
5. Additional Risks: Corrosion byproducts can foster the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens, further compounding health
risks.
6. Preventive Measures: Essential to address copper pipe corrosion through infrastructure improvements and regular water quality
monitoring.

6. Tin in Food Packaging
1. Usage: Tin is primarily used in the form of tinplate for canned foods due to its corrosion resistance and low reactivity.
2. Corrosion Dynamics:
a. Accelerators: Corrosion can be accelerated by acidic food contents such as fruits and tomatoes, causing tin to leach into food.
b. Health Risks: Consumption of tin-contaminated food may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and affect organoleptic properties
(taste and smell).
3. Packaging Integrity: Corrosion compromises container integrity, increasing the risk of further contamination from external pathogens.
4. Toxic Byproducts: Corrosion byproducts may include substances that are toxic or carcinogenic, potentially exacerbating health issues.
5. Goals for Industry: Emphasizing the importance of corrosion resistance in food packaging to preserve food safety and quality.

7. Other Metals of Concern
1. Lead:
a. Sources: Primarily from aging plumbing systems.
b. Health Effects: Lead poisoning can cause neurological disorders, developmental delays in children, and
various chronic conditions.
2. Chromium (Hexavalent):
a. Exposure: Common in industrial settings; can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal cancers, and lung cancer when
inhaled.
b. Regulations: Importance of strict workplace safety standards and environmental controls.
3. Mercury:
a. Sources and Risks: Industrial discharges lead to mercury contamination in fish, posing risks of gastrointestinal,
kidney, and neurological disorders.
b. Specific Concerns: Mercury exposure during pregnancy is linked to developmental delays and neurological
disorders in offspring.
4. Preventive Strategies: Implementing strict emissions regulations, enhancing pollution controls, and promoting
public awareness to reduce exposure and protect public health.

8. A.M. Dietrich et al. (2018) [1]. analyze the complex effects of copper corrosion in drinking water systems, addressing both
its financial and health impacts. The study details how excess copper, a vital micronutrient, can cause metallic or bitter tastes
in water and lead to gastrointestinal issues from corroded pipes. It explores the role of chemical reactions and biofilms in
accelerating corrosion and discusses the financial burden of maintaining infrastructure. The paper highlights the need for
further research and technological advances to develop corrosion-resistant materials and effective water treatment methods,
underscoring the importance of understanding copper corrosion's multifaceted impacts to ensure the provision of safe
drinking water.
Gunnar F. Nordberg et al. (1990) [2]. This literature review examines the adverse health effects of metals such as lead,
cadmium, copper, and aluminum in drinking water, especially under acidic conditions that increase their solubility and
bioavailability. Nordberg highlights the severe toxicological impacts of lead and cadmium, including damage to the nervous
system, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, exacerbated by acidity. The review particularly notes how acidic water can leach
more lead from pipes, enhancing lead exposure that adversely affects neurological and hematological systems in vulnerable
populations like children and pregnant women. Cadmium in acidic water can cause kidney damage and acute gastrointestinal
issues. Additionally, the review links aluminum in dialysis water to encephalopathy and bone diseases in kidney failure
patients, stressing the need for further research to clarify the links between heavy metals in water and chronic health
outcomes like Alzheimer's.
Literature Review:

9. Henry A. Schroeder et al. (1974) [3]. Henry A. Schroeder and Luke A. Kraemer explore the connection between
cardiovascular death rates in major American cities and the chemical composition of their municipal water. Their research
indicates a strong correlation that intensifies with age, focusing particularly on various metals in water and their inverse
relationships with arteriosclerotic heart disease fatalities. They utilize Langelier's index to analyze water corrosiveness,
finding a significant link with cardiovascular deaths. This suggests that softer, more caustic water can dissolve harmful
metals like cadmium and antimony from aging infrastructure, posing substantial health risks. Schroeder and Kraemer
highlight how water's corrosive properties interact with distribution system materials, potentially heightening cardiovascular
disease risks, and contributing to the understanding of how water hardness impacts cardiovascular health outcomes.
Victor J. Feron et al. (2002) [4]. This evaluation discusses the complexity of assessing health risks associated with chemical
mixtures, reflecting a shift from studying individual chemicals to focusing on their combined effects. In the US, advanced
techniques such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and statistical designs for mix studies are used to
explore toxicity, physicochemical interactions, and carcinogenic potential. Similar complexities are acknowledged in
European and Japanese programs, emphasizing that human exposure to chemical mixtures mirrors real-world conditions
more accurately than exposure to single chemicals. Tools like the CombiTool software employ new methods for analyzing
interaction effects, using standards such as Bliss independence and Loewe additivity, to enhance predictions of harmful
effects from mixtures. Collectively, these initiatives signify a paradigm shift in environmental health sciences towards a
more integrated approach, underlining the necessity for innovative tools and models to tackle the public health implications
of multiple chemical exposures.
Literature Review:

10. Case Study - Copper Corrosion in Hospital Water Systems
1. Background:
a. Context: A study conducted at a German county hospital analyzing microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in copper
plumbing.
b. Issue Highlighted: Bacterial colonization significantly degrades water quality by increasing copper levels, emphasizing
the need for corrosion-resistant materials in plumbing.
2. Investigation Insights:
a. Microbial Profiles: Identified sulfate-reducing and iron-oxidizing bacteria as major contributors to MIC.
b. Water Quality Impact: Corrosion led to copper levels exceeding safe environmental standards, risking copper toxicity.
3. Public Health Responses:
a. Regulatory Actions: Adjustments in regulatory standards to manage copper levels; EPA action level set at 1.3 mg/L.
b. Infrastructure Improvements: Replacement of old copper pipes with corrosion-resistant materials like plastic or
stainless steel to enhance safety and reduce costs.
4. Strategic Recommendations:
a. Antimicrobial Strategies: Use of biocides to disrupt microbial biofilms and mitigate MIC.
b. Plumbing Overhaul: Transition to MIC-resistant materials like PVC or stainless steel in plumbing systems.

11. Case Study - Tinplate Degradation in Canned Food Products
1. Background:
a. Context: Study by the Food Research Centre in Sudan on tinplate corrosion in canned foods.
b. Key Issue: Internal corrosion affects food's taste and safety due to metal leaching, influenced by food acidity and storage
conditions.
2. Investigation Insights:
a. Corrosion Mechanisms: Acidic foods accelerate tinplate corrosion, causing tin to leach into foods, affecting taste and
safety.
b. Consumer Feedback: Reports of off-tastes and discoloration in food linked to corrosion.
3. Public Health Responses:
a. Regulatory Actions: Enforced strict guidelines on tin levels in canned products; implemented rigorous testing and
monitoring to ensure safety.
b. Packaging Innovations: Development of more resistant materials and coatings; increased use of natural corrosion
inhibitors like honey and essential oils.
4. Strategic Recommendations:
a. Protective Coatings: Advocate for advanced coatings resistant to acidic conditions.
b. Consumer Awareness: Increase awareness about proper storage and push for stringent quality inspections.

12. Case Study - Natural Inhibitors in Food Packaging
1. Background:
a. Context: Study on the role of natural additives like honey in mitigating corrosion in tinplate packaging.
b. Objective: Explore natural inhibitors' potential to preserve food quality and safety, with effectiveness assessed
via weight loss and polarization studies.
2. Investigation Insights:
a. Functionality of Inhibitors: Honey and similar substances proved effective in forming protective barriers
against oxidation and corrosion.
b. Commercial Challenges: Scaling natural solutions to industrial levels presents significant hurdles.
3. Public Health Responses:
a. Regulatory Standards and Testing: Implementation of stringent guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy of
natural inhibitors in packaging.
b. Industry Outreach: Educational initiatives aimed at producers and consumers to promote understanding and
use of natural inhibitors.
4. Strategic Recommendations:
a. Industry-Academia Collaboration: Foster partnerships for further development and commercial application of
natural inhibitors.
b. Sustainability Focus: Push for sustainable practices in the packaging industry, reducing hazardous chemicals
and increasing biodegradable options.

13. Corrosion Control and Material Innovation
Corrosion Control in Steel Infrastructure:
1. Advanced Coating Technologies: Adoption of advanced barrier protection
methods such as epoxy coatings, zinc-rich primers, and polyurethane finishes.
These coatings are applied to steel structures in harsh environments, like
marine or industrial settings, providing a durable barrier against corrosive
agents and substantially extending the lifespan of critical infrastructures such
as bridges, pipelines, and offshore platforms.
2. Cathodic Protection Systems: A critical corrosion prevention strategy where
a small, controlled electric current is applied to the metal, turning it into the
cathode of an electrochemical cell. This technique helps prevent the metal
from undergoing corrosion by shifting the anodic reactions to a sacrificial
anode, which is more easily replaceable. Widely used in protecting
underground pipelines and ships from corrosion.
Corrosion Control in Concrete Structures:
1. Corrosion Inhibitors: Addition of chemicals like calcium nitrite to concrete
to protect reinforcing steel bars. These inhibitors form a protective layer over
the steel, significantly decreasing the rate of corrosive reactions and
enhancing the durability and structural integrity of concrete infrastructures
exposed to corrosive environments.
2. Polymer-Modified Concretes: Development and use of polymer-modified
concretes that incorporate polymers to improve properties such as increased
resistance to water penetration, ultimately reducing the risk of steel
reinforcement corrosion. These advanced materials are crucial in maintaining
the structural health of concrete in aggressive environments.

14. Material Innovations in Tin Corrosion Control for Canned Foods
1. Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Implementation of innovative coatings such
as lacquers and polymer coatings on tinplate cans. These coatings are designed
to prevent both internal and external corrosion, thereby preserving the
organoleptic properties of canned foods and significantly extending their shelf
life.
2. Natural Corrosion Inhibitors: Exploration of natural substances like
essential oils and honey as corrosion inhibitors. These materials form a
protective barrier on the metal surfaces, effectively slowing the rate of tin and
chromium dissolution into food products. This approach not only enhances
food safety and quality but also aligns with the industry's shift toward more
sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Innovation in Corrosion Monitoring Techniques
1. Smart Sensors and IoT Integration: Integration of the Internet of Things
(IoT) and smart sensors into corrosion monitoring systems allows for
continuous inspection of infrastructure for signs of corrosion, facilitating
timely maintenance and repairs. These technologies are crucial for preventing
catastrophic failures and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
2. Predictive Maintenance Software: Utilization of data analytics in predictive
maintenance software to forecast the occurrence and progression of corrosion.
These systems analyze historical data and current sensor inputs to optimize
maintenance schedules, prevent unscheduled downtimes, and enhance the
overall management of infrastructure health.

15. Advances in material sciences to reduce health risks:
Bioinspired Materials
1. Biomimetic Approach: Mimics the composition and characteristics of
natural tissues, improving integration and biocompatibility in medical
applications such as tissue engineering.
2. Enhanced Healing: Supports tissue regeneration by providing scaffolds that
encourage cell growth, accelerating the healing process and patient recovery.
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
1. Targeted Release: Employs materials that respond to specific stimuli (pH,
temperature) to release drugs at the desired site and rate, minimizing side
effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.
2. Sustained Release: Utilizes biodegradable polymers and nanoparticle
carriers to maintain optimal drug levels in the bloodstream for extended
periods, improving patient compliance.
Self-Healing Materials
1. Autonomous Repair: Designed to initiate repair processes upon damage,
these materials extend the lifespan of medical implants and devices, reducing
the need for replacements and surgical interventions.
2. Reliability and Safety: Maintains structural integrity and consistent
performance, minimizing the risks of failures in critical medical applications.

16. Advanced Technologies in Corrosion Prevention
Electrochemical Protection Methods:
1. Cyclic Polarization (CP): Analyzes material response under stress,
simulating natural environmental conditions to assess susceptibility to
pitting and crevice corrosion.
2. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): Measures a
material’s impedance across various frequencies to evaluate its
resistance to electrochemical degradation, aiding in the design of
effective corrosion prevention plans.
Real-time Monitoring and Advanced Coatings:
1. IoT and Predictive Maintenance: Integrates IoT-enabled sensors for
real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing
infrastructure management and extending lifespan.
2. Innovative Surface Treatments: Includes lacquered tinplate and smart
coatings that can self-heal, significantly increasing the effectiveness of
the protective barriers against corrosion.
Smart Coatings and Nanotechnology:
1. Self-Healing Smart Coatings: Features coatings with microcapsules
that autonomously repair damage, ideal for maintaining hard-to-access
infrastructure.
2. Nanotechnology Applications: Utilizes nanoparticles to enhance barrier
properties and mechanical strength of coatings, with research focused on
improving environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

17. Regulatory Perspectives and Guidelines on Material Safety and Environmental Health
Global Regulatory Frameworks for Material Safety
1. EU Regulations: Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 mandates that food contact materials (FCMs) should not transfer
harmful components to food. Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 specifies permissible substances and migration limits
for plastics.
2. US FDA Guidelines: Operates under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, using a tiered risk assessment to
evaluate the safety of food contact materials, including innovative packaging solutions.
Medical Device Regulations
1. Global Standards for Biocompatibility: International standard ISO 10993-1 outlines tests for evaluating
biocompatibility based on device contact type and duration.
2. Regulatory Pathways: In the US, devices are categorized into Class I, II, and III, each requiring specific
premarket submissions. The EU's MDR 2017/745 categorizes devices and enforces stringent premarket and
postmarket safety requirements.

18. Environmental Regulations
1. EU Directives: The RoHS and REACH directives regulate hazardous materials, aiming to protect health and the
environment. The Stockholm Convention targets the elimination of persistent organic pollutants.
2. Sustainability Initiatives: The EU's Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan promote waste reduction
and recycling, driving sustainability in material production.
Advances in Regulatory Science
1. Innovations in Packaging: Regulatory methodologies adapt to assess new materials like smart packaging and
biodegradable materials, ensuring safety and reliability.
2. Biocompatibility in Medical Devices: Focus on material compatibility with human tissues, guided by standards
such as ISO 10993 for testing cytotoxicity and sensitization.
Compliance and Enforcement Challenges
1. Monitoring and Global Compliance: Managing compliance in a global market involves monitoring a wide
array of materials and adapting to new technologies.
2. Adaptive Regulatory Approaches: Need for updated testing protocols and international collaboration to keep
pace with material innovations and global supply chains.

19. How Corrosion Directly Affects Public Health:
Corrosion in Drinking Water Systems
1. Health Hazards: Corrosion of lead and copper pipes leads to heavy
metals seeping into drinking water, posing risks such as neurological
damage from lead and gastrointestinal issues from copper.
2. Public Health Concerns: Significant public health threat due to
potential chronic ailments including kidney damage and hypertension.
Impact on Infrastructure and Safety
1. Safety Risks: Corroded infrastructure like bridges can fail, causing
injuries or fatalities.
2. Community Impact: Decreased quality of life and increased
insecurity within affected communities.
Economic Burden and Health Care Costs
1. Financial Impact: Costs related to treating conditions caused by
corrosion, such as waterborne diseases, add to healthcare expenses.
2. Public Health Expenditure: Significant spending on treatment and
preventive measures for corrosion-induced health issues.
Environmental Health Effects
1. Environmental Degradation: Corrosion of industrial equipment can
release hazardous materials, contaminating soil, water, and air.
2. Health Outcomes: Long-term health effects on populations, including
respiratory issues and cancer.

20. Challenges in addressing corrosion from a public health perspective:
Technical and Scientific Challenges
1. Complexity of Mechanisms: Understanding the intricate chemical, electrochemical, and biological processes in corrosion remains
challenging, hindering effective prediction and mitigation.
2. Detection and Monitoring: Early detection is essential yet difficult with traditional methods. While advanced technologies offer
improvements, they are costly and require specialized expertise.
Regulatory and Compliance Challenges
1. Inconsistent Standards: Lack of uniformity across regions and industries complicates the enforcement of corrosion control
standards.
2. Compliance Issues: Limited resources and vast infrastructure needs lead to enforcement gaps, affecting public health safety.
Resource and Economic Challenges
1. Costs of Corrosion Control: High expenses related to materials, labor, and maintenance make comprehensive corrosion control
measures difficult to implement.
2. Impact on Public Health Systems: Corrosion-related health issues strain public health systems, especially in under-resourced
areas, due to the high cost of addressing these problems.
Strategies for Improvement
1. Research Advancement: Enhance research on corrosion processes and develop more cost-effective monitoring and control
methods.
2. Regulatory Framework Improvement: Update and harmonize regulations to ensure they effectively protect public health, with a
focus on international cooperation.
3. Public Awareness and Education: Increase awareness about the risks of corrosion and the importance of following safety
standards.
4. Technological Innovation: Encourage the development of new materials and technologies through incentives to reduce costs and
enhance corrosion management efficacy.

21. Recommendations for Future Research
1. Interdisciplinary Research: Promote collaborations across chemistry, biology, materials science, and engineering to
tackle corrosion from multiple perspectives.
2. Advanced Monitoring Technologies: Develop sensitive and cost-effective corrosion detection technologies, with a focus
on IoT-enabled sensors and machine learning for real-time monitoring.
3. Long-term Impact Studies: Conduct studies to understand the cumulative effects of low-level exposure to corrosion,
especially in water systems and public infrastructure, to inform health guidelines.
Recommendations for Policy Changes
1. Standardization of Regulations: Update and harmonize corrosion-related regulations across regions and sectors to
reflect current scientific knowledge and best practices.
2. Increased Funding: Allocate more resources towards the prevention and control of corrosion, supporting both the
application of existing technologies and the development of new solutions.
3. Enhanced Compliance and Enforcement: Strengthen compliance mechanisms with rigorous inspections and penalties
for non-compliance, and provide training to ensure adherence to safety standards.
Public Education and Sustainable Practices
1. Public Education Campaigns: Implement campaigns to raise awareness about corrosion risks and preventive measures,
enhancing community health outcomes.
2. Encouragement of Sustainable Practices: Promote the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and
methods in infrastructure development and maintenance. Emphasize green chemistry in creating corrosion inhibitors and
encourage the recycling of materials to mitigate environmental and health impacts.
Recommendations for Future Research

22. Conclusion
Corrosion significantly impacts public health and
infrastructure integrity by contaminating drinking water with
harmful substances like lead and copper and compromising the
structural safety of public facilities. Despite advancements in
material sciences enhancing corrosion resistance, the
complexity of corrosion mechanisms demands ongoing
research for improved detection, monitoring, and sustainable
material development. Effective corrosion management relies
on robust regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with
safety standards and promote best practices, while also
addressing the economic burdens on public health systems and
infrastructure maintenance. Future strategies should focus on
fostering interdisciplinary research, standardizing regulations,
increasing funding for prevention, and enhancing public
education about corrosion’s impacts, requiring a coordinated
effort among scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders,
and the public to significantly improve infrastructure longevity
and community health.

23. References
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24. Thank You