The Death of Tennessees Phosphorus Industry

Earlier in this chapter Dr. Emigh is cited for several of the data presented. In his chapter, page 105, in Environmental Phosphorus Handbook, referring to Columbia, Tennessee he states Up until the mid-1930s most of the phosphate was mined for the fertilizer industry but since then it is used locally in electric furnaces producing phosphorus. The area is the largest phosphorus producer in the world.  

The above passage was written a mere twenty years ago. As a direct result of environmental concerns and misunderstandings this industry is effete, dead, and not one pound of phosphorus has been produced in the Southeastern United States in almost five years. The entire United States has but six active furnaces today. It is reported that China is building SEVENTY new furnaces Most of the basic industries in the United States are endangered and may well suffer the same fate. Have we reached the status that we are afraid we may soil our hands if we work Columbia, Tennessee is not a rare, isolated example. No one seems to notice. No 

It was desired that this chapter would establish the strong alliance of life and phosphates, and a new appreciation for the need humanity has for phosphates. Phosphates have been portrayed as though they are an evil poisonous substance by many groups possessing very little knowledge. Each new attack has been more irrational than the preceding attacks, while new evidence that we overreacted to the initial criticism is ignored. Phosphates are our friends and we need them if we are to survive. 

McElroy and R Glass (eds.). Phosphorus Metabolism Vols. I and II, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore (1952). 

McKelvey, R. W. Swanson, and R. P. Sheldon, 19th International Geological Conference, Algiers (1952). 

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