LEAD SMELTING International Review[铅冶炼国际评论](PPT-60).pptVIP

LEAD SMELTING International Review Nicole Fobi, MD Internal Medicine Residency Program Morehouse School Of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Objectives Mining and Smelting The galena is taken to a mill and crushed in a “rod and ball” machine Large, uncovered trucks transport crushed galena to the lead smeltering plant Dust flies off of truck Truck uses a lead-acid battery Mining and Smelting Crushed Galena put into suspension tank with water and Dithiophosphate chemical Chemical reaction creates froth, separating lead from other ores (sulfides). Lead clings to froth which hardens and is skimmed of resulting in 90% lead concentrate Lead roasted, forms clumps called sinter which is melted with coke (made from coal) and blasted with hot air Result from chemical reaction is lead bullion Statistics Global Demand 6.98 million tonnes in 2004, 7.13 million tonnes in 2005 US largest user (1.47 million tonnes) China next largest (1.18 million tonnes) increased by more than 8% over 2004-5, and doubled since 2000 Rises in demand forecast for Germany, Czech Republic and India Statistics Supply Sources 3.15 million tonnes from primary mining in 2004 Sources in U.S. Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, Mexico, Peru and Portugal Remainder from secondary recycling Recycling rates higher for developed countries (60 to 70%) and lower for developing countries ( 30%) Statistics Environment and Health Material leftover is called tailings Tailings composed of: . Wastewater . Dithiophosphate . Zinc ore . Sulfides Garbage from mine workers discarded on landscape as well Exposure Pathway Current Former Air Soil Water - Over exposure to lead is the leading cause of workplace illness!!!! - Lead mine/smelter workers may be exposed to lead when: 1. Handling/cleaning the dust collection system 2. Improperly maintained collection systems 3. Settled dust in the area 4. Liquid containing lead that may have splashed onto a