Abstract |
The aim is to provide reliable information regarding the nature, magnitude, and extent of the emissions of cadmium in the United States for the year 1968. Background information concerning the basic characteristics of the cadmium industry has been assembled and included. Process descriptions are given, but they are brief, and are limited to the areas that are closely related to existing or potential atmospheric losses of the pollutant. The apparent consumption was 13.3 million pounds, and domestic production 10.6 million pounds. Only a small amount of cadmium was recovered from scrap. Emissions to the atmosphere during the year totaled 4.6 million pounds. Emissions from the metallurgical processing plants of the primary producers of cadmium, zinc, lead, and copper were more than 2 million pounds, and those from melting operations in the iron and steel industry were about the same. Emission estimates for mining, metallurgical processing, and reprocessing operations are considered to be reasonably accurate. They are based on data obtained by personal contact with the processing and reprocessing companies. (Author) |