Page 205 - Mechanic Diesel - TT

MECHANIC DIESEL - CITS

Informal lead recycling

Non-regulated, informal (“backyard” or “cottage”) recycling practices occur in many countries and have resulted
in lead exposure and poisoning, with young children being particularly at risk. This practice is sometimes carried
out in urban areas with high population densities, meaning that a recycling operation has the potential to affect
a large number of people. There are few (if any) pollution controls. Lead-containing waste products, such as
electrolyte solution and slag from the smelting process are often simply dumped, although slag may also be sold
on for further smelting. The work may be carried out by small family groups around the home. Children often
assist with dismantling the batteries and washing components. Because the recycling process is done with little
knowledge of the toxicity of lead, and is conducted under poor conditions of safety, health and environmental
controls, informal recycling is particularly likely to result in environmental contamination and human exposure
Soil contaminated with lead compounds can spread throughout the community and be tracked into homes. If
recycling activities take place around the home, then airborne lead can enter the home and accumulate on the
floor, on beds and on other furniture. Settled dust can be re-suspended in the air and inhaled as people walk
through or brush up the dust. Young children, who spend large amounts of time on the ground and who frequently
put their hands and other objects in their mouths, are at particularly high risk of lead exposure in these settings
If the plastic components are inadequately washed before re-use for other products, then these products will
be contaminated with lead. Battery casings may be used around the home as a construction material or as
containers, again introducing the possibility of lead contamination There have been reports in Cameroon and
other countries of lead scrap from informal recycling being mixed with scrap aluminum to make cooking pots.
Lead can leach out into food being prepared or stored in these pots

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CITS : Automotive - Mechanic Diesel - Lesson 57 - 61