Chemical risks associated with metal recovery and recycling operations

In terms of the tonnage of materials processed, the metal recovery and recycling sector is one of the largest in the waste treatment sector. It recovers metal materials of a wide variety of origins through the implementation of various reprocessing processes. These processes are likely to generate pollutants in the form of solid and metallic aerosols, as well as gases and vapors.
A mapping of exposure to various chemical pollutants was carried out in seven ferrous metal recycling companies over the period 2008-2010 to identify workstations and functions where concentrations could potentially lead to hazardous situations for employees. Despite some variability in the nature of the materials reprocessed and the processes implemented, regular unit operations common to most companies were studied. Other operations of a more ad hoc nature were also examined. The measurement campaigns concerned the determination of exposure levels to dust and metals contained in it (Fe, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Mo, V, Zn) and VOCs (benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, n-hexane).