Experts Urge Action Against Silfab Solar’s Risks
- silfabmove
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
A growing coalition of concerned parents, educators, and community members in Fort Mill is raising the alarm over the environmental and health risks posed by Silfab Solar’s planned facility near local schools. The Coalition to Protect Fort Mill has been actively consulting with environmental health experts from the Southeastern Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (SE PEHSU)—a highly respected organization housed at Emory University’s #1 ranked School of Nursing.
These experts, backed by the EPA, CDC, and Public Health Institute, have now publicly supported the community’s concerns, urging immediate action by Fort Mill decision-makers.
Serious Public Health & Safety Risks Identified
Dr. Abby Mutic, an environmental health expert at Emory University, issued a stark warning, stating:
"Given the types of chemicals and their properties listed in Silfab Solar’s Risk Management Plan, we urge school siting decision-makers to consider an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the potential health and safety impacts posed by this industrial process near childcare or learning centers."
The hazardous materials cited in Silfab Solar’s permits include:
Anhydrous Ammonia
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrofluoric Acid
Silane (a toxic and explosive gas)
These substances pose a significant risk to children, women of childbearing age, and unborn babies—especially regarding brain and lung health.
Key Concerns Raised by SE PEHSU Experts:
Potential for toxic exposure in the event of a malfunction or chemical release.
Risk of explosion due to the outdoor storage of hazardous materials.
Delayed self-reporting requirements, meaning a potential acid scrubber failure could go unreported for up to an hour—leaving the community unknowingly exposed to harmful emissions.
County Leaders Have Yet to Act
Despite mounting evidence and multiple warnings from experts, York County officials have failed to adequately address these concerns. In fact, the issue has been raised repeatedly:
October 3, 2023: Concerned citizens issued a formal statement to the school board.
October 25, 2023: A detailed letter outlining the "Silfab Saga" was sent to the school board.
November 5, 2024: A local chemist and parent, Dr. Young, spoke at a school board meeting, warning that children’s lungs are particularly vulnerable to Silfab’s chemical emissions.
Still, little has been done to ensure transparency, accountability, and public safety.
What Can You Do?
The Coalition to Protect Fort Mill is urging all concerned residents to take action NOW:
Share this information with parents, teachers, medical professionals, and first responders who deserve to be fully informed.
Attend upcoming meetings:
York County Council Meetings
School Board Meetings – a critical opportunity to demand action.
Raise awareness online – Share this post and the resources available here: Coalition to Protect Fort Mill.
Fort Mill Deserves Better
The residents of Fort Mill are not opposed to renewable energy—but they demand a responsible and safe approach to industrial development. Children’s health should NEVER be compromised.
It’s time for transparency, accountability, and immediate action. Let’s work together to protect our community.
For the sole purpose of protecting public health and safety, please share this information with the medical community, educators, and first responders. They deserve to be fully informed about these risks, especially parents, women of childbearing age, and first responders. The PDF's and other important docs are for print and email distribution, not only the screenshots here.View all the files
