As the fumes in lead smelting works contain a high proportion of lead, all apparatus, especially furnaces and working doors, should be provided with efficient exhaust ventilation and all flues, furnaces, and other apparatus be as airtight as possible. Where lead dust is created exhaust ventilation locally applied is necessary. Two of the most important preventive measures are personal cleanliness and alternation of employment. Dust arising in the furnaces and borne along by the furnace gases together with arsenical fumes and dust must be deposited in flues or chambers.
In view of the importance of proper instruction of smelters as regards the danger we quote the warning note prepared by the Institute for Industrial Hygiene, Frankfurt a.-M., which deserves wide circulation.
Lead Leaflet for Smelters
How does Lead Poisoning arise?
The danger of lead poisoning in lead, spelter and other smelting premises can be avoided if due care is observed.
Lead poisoning occurs when lead enters the system. This takes place by breathing dust and fume containing lead, or by eating and drinking, smoking, snuff taking and tobacco chewing if food or tobacco is taken into the mouth with dirty hands and dirty face and beard.
No one is immune from lead. Lead accumulates in the body of careless persons and he who is not sick to-day can be so to-morrow or after weeks or months.
How can Plumbism be avoided?
All smelters must observe cleanliness. In this respect they should see to the following points: