Air

Wider environmental problems come from the emission of sulphur dioxide, and small metal particles, known as 'particulates', from the smelter chimneys. These pollutants can damage not only the ecosystems surrounding the smelter works, but also contribute to the wider problem of acid rain.

The energy requirement in producing metals will increase as we become more dependent upon lower grade mineral ores. Metallic minerals are non-renewable. When the lower grade ores are exhausted, there will be no more.

Health

Some metals also have specific and very damaging effects on our health.

Mercury is one of the most common and dangerous toxic metals. It was once thought to be harmless in low concentrations. Between 1953 - 1960, mercury poisoning in Minimata Bay, Japan showed the dangers of presuming it stays in the same (harmless) inorganic state. When discharged to water it became dangerous as it was incorporated into organic compounds. Seafood contaminated with mercury from a vinyl chloride factory killed 41 people and disabled many more.