CHATTANOOGA, TN – Hundreds of cars and trucks in the East Chattanooga and Amnicola Highway areas in Tennessee are being eaten up by rust, according to the Web site www.newschannel19.com. It is apparently the result of an unknown pollutant that has been recently released into the air. Investigators believe emissions into the air from the Meuller Company may be causing the problem. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau said the damage is being caused by tiny iron particles floating in the air.

Some police cars look like they have been dusted with orange powder, but it’s actually rust eating into the white paint. In all, 185 Chattanooga police vehicles are damaged, according to Brian Kiesche, Chattanooga’s fleet manager. Repair estimates are $419.52 per vehicle, according to the report.

Meuller appears to be the only manufacturer that produces iron or iron by-products in the area. Meuller makes valves and other pipe fittings from iron. A fire at Meuller in August might have damaged a unit that could have released iron particles.

Air Pollution officials will meet with members of the Hamilton County Health Department to discuss whether the high concentration of iron particles poses a health threat.