A Cautionary Tale of a Lead Hazard in Recycling of Waste^*

Four cases of lead poisoning occurred during the first few months of operation of a plant designed to screen and bag grit derived from the slag of a lead smelting works. During the investigation the company voluntarily decided to discontinue the whole operation because of the evidence of a serious lead hazard which came to light. The investigations and results are described, and the lessons to be learned are discussed.