Corrosion may look like rust, but its consequences are far more severe.
As part of a global campaign for World Corrosion Awareness Day (WCAD) on April 24, 2025, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), in collaboration with the World Corrosion Organization (WCO) and the European Federation of Corrosion (EFC), is sounding the alarm on an issue that silently undermines public safety, weakens critical infrastructure, and costs the global economy more than $2.5 trillion annually.
This year’s WCAD campaign, themed #CorrosionInEverydayLife, aims to bring attention to the widespread but often overlooked presence of corrosion—from cracked bridges and leaking pipes to military vehicles and chemical plants.
As cities grapple with aging infrastructure and governments invest in defense, transportation, and climate resilience, corrosion prevention is becoming an urgent economic, environmental, and national security priority.
"Corrosion impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from the bridges we drive to the water we drink,” says Alan Thomas, CEO of AMPP. “This campaign is an opportunity to educate the world on corrosion prevention’s role in safety, sustainability, and economic savings."
Why Corrosion Should Be a Front-Page Issue
- Infrastructure at Risk: Corrosion weakens the steel and concrete that support our roads, tunnels, airports, and drinking water systems. The result? Dangerous failures, expensive repairs, and lost lives.
- Trillions in Losses: The annual global cost of corrosion exceeds $2.5 trillion. Studies show that implementing proven corrosion control practices could save up to 35% of these costs.
- A National Security Threat: Military vehicles, naval fleets, and energy infrastructure are constantly threatened by corrosion. In 2016 alone, the U.S. Department of Defense spent $20 billion on corrosion-related costs.
- A Sustainability Opportunity: Advanced materials and eco-friendly coatings are helping reduce environmental waste and extend asset life. Corrosion prevention isn’t just maintenance—it’s innovation for a cleaner future.
Public Engagement: Join the Global Campaign
As part of WCAD 2025, AMPP invites the public to participate in the #CorrosionInEverydayLife Scavenger Hunt. This interactive challenge encourages people to spot and share real-world examples of corrosion in their communities.
Participants who submit photos of six common corrosion examples will be entered to win a corrosion-inspired art print by French researcher-artist Jean Kittel. Entries are due by April 30, 2025.
Learn more about WCAD and how to participate.
About AMPP
AMPP is a global community of professionals focused on the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021 following a merger between NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings, the new association unites 145 years of corrosion control and protective coatings expertise and service to industry and members worldwide.
Today, AMPP is the world’s largest corrosion control and protective coatings organization, serving more than 36,000 members in over 140 countries. AMPP is headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, along with additional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.
