What are the main toxic substances released during smelting?
Smelting operations can release a range of toxic substances into the environment. Key pollutants include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter. These substances can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Heavy metals, for instance, can accumulate in the food chain, leading to chronic health issues, while sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain, impacting ecosystems.
