Cadmium and lead pollution from secondary metal refinery operations.

A study was made of cadmium and lead levels around a small secondary metal recovery factory as part of an environmental monitoring programme in a London borough. Lead levels were essentially typical for an urban environment whereas the levels of cadmium-in-air and in household dust gave rise to very considerable concern. Some of the problems associated with assessing the potential hazard and the steps taken to control the emission are considered. It is suggested that clearly-defined standards and procedures are necessary in order to deal efficiently with similar cases as they are discovered.