Corrosion Awareness Day highlights the tragedy of rust

This is equivalent to the direct contributions to the economy made by our mining sector. Worldwide, corrosion costs the world economy in excess of 3% per annum, equivalent to $2.3 trillion in 2014.

Corrosion Awareness Day was first declared in 2010 to build upon Earth Day (22 April) and to highlight the impact that corrosion has throughout the world. Corrosion is a primary cause of bridge collapses, deterioration of piers, roads and transportation equipment, such as cars and aircraft, and is one of the key limiting factors of the world's critical infrastructure. The loss of potable water from water main corrosion and the environmental damage caused by corroded sewer lines is a significant contributor in many countries throughout the world.

"The tragedy of corrosion (or 'rust') is that it represents a significant waste of materials, resources and manpower, which results in a significant impact on people and the environment," said Vanessa Sealy-Fisher, President of the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa.

"Sadly, governments and industries tend to pay little attention to corrosion, except in high-risk areas like aircraft and pipelines. Since much of our infrastructure is buried or 'out of sight', corrosion-prevention measures tend to be 'out of mind'. Watching corrosion occur is like watching grass grow, but in slow motion," said Sealy-Fisher.

"It is extremely difficult to get the attention of corporate executives for corrosion problems that can take years to manifest, especially when they have to satisfy the investment community."

Following through

The reality is that up to 30% of the costs associated with corrosion could be saved if known technologies and methodologies were implemented. "It's a matter of calling in people with corrosion prevention expertise at the start of projects and following through with the necessary monitoring and maintenance," added Sealy-Fisher.

Corrosion knows no national boundaries. Toxic materials, released from corroded equipment in one area, pollute the air and water farther afield. Acid rain generated in one country not only pollutes the local environment, but can cause corrosion damage far beyond that country's borders and even beyond the borders of its neighbours. And toxic material ends up in the world's waterways and can poison sea life, killing many species and making others toxic to humans.

On 24 April the World Corrosion Organisation, the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa and Corrosion Associations throughout the world are joining together to highlight corrosion and to make governments, industry, and the public aware of the high cost of corrosion - to our environment, our resources, and mankind.

"It is not all gloom and doom. We also want to remind everyone that there are corrosion-mitigation technologies available, which can reduce or even prevent corrosion and significantly extend the safe service life of infrastructure. We need to work together to safeguard our planet, preserve our resources and protect our fellow humans. This is, like global warming, a matter of survival - corrosion will have a profound effect on the quality of life of our children and grandchildren and the habitability of our planet," concluded Sealy-Fisher.

For more, go to www.corrosioninstitute.org.za