Fact Sheet - Lead Smelting and Lead Pollution
Estimated Population at Risk at Identified Sites: 1.9 Million People*
Estimated Global Impact: 3 to 6 Million People*
What Is Lead Smelting?
Lead smelting plants process both primary and secondary lead. Primary lead that is newly mined and refined into various products, whereas secondary lead is recovered from used objects, such as used lead-acid batteries, for reuse in other products. Lead smelting involves heating lead ore or recovered lead with chemical reducing agents in order to create lead material for use in a variety of commercial products.
What Are the Human Exposure Pathways for Lead from Lead Smelting?
The most common route of lead exposure caused by lead smelting is through inhalation or ingestion of lead dust, particles, or exhaust from the burning process.1 Workers in the smelting factories are particularly at risk, as they can be exposed to prolonged and direct inhalation of lead dust. Particles and ash containing lead can also be blown into nearby towns or onto agricultural fields, which can contaminate livestock and crops. In addition to toxic emissions, lead smelting produces wastewater, solid waste, and slag heaps that may be contaminated. Lead from these sources, as well as waste rock from lead ore mining, can enter ground and surface water systems used for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure?
The health effects of exposure to lead can be both acute and chronic, and the problems caused by lead poisoning are particularly dangerous and severe for children. Health problems associated with lead poisoning can include reduced I.Q., anemia, neurological damage, physical growth impairments, nerve disorders, pain and aching in muscles and bones, memory loss, kidney disorders, fatigue, and headaches. Exposure to high concentrations of lead can cause seizures, delirium, coma, and in some cases, death.
*Population estimates are preliminary and based on an ongoing global assessment of polluted sites.
Footnotes
[1]: Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines: Base Metal Smelting and Refining.” International Finance Corporation. World Bank Group. April 30, 2007. Available at http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/gui_EHSGuidelines2007_SmeltingandRefining/$FILE/Final+-+Smelting+and+Refining.pdf
