Main sources of lead and cadmium

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · BioCycle; (USA)

OSTI ID:6655545

Lead-acid batteries used in cars accounted for 65% of the lead in MSW in 1986, and rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries contributed 52% of the cadmium discarded in the U.S. since 1980. According to an EPA draft report, other major sources of lead are consumer electronics 27%; glass and ceramics, 4%; and such plastic items as PVC resins. Other less significant sources of lead are soldered cans, pigments, brass and bronze products, light bulbs, rubber products, used oil, and lead foil wine bottle wrappers. Cadmium comes from other sources in addition to nickel-cadmium batteries. Plastics using cadmium as stabilizer (mainly PVC) or in pigments contribute 28% of the total amount entering the waste stream. Consumer electronics account for 9% (including cadmium-plated steel chassis on old TV sets and radios); appliances which used to be built with cadmium-plated parts to resist corrosion, 5% pigments, particularly those used in non-newspaper printing inks, textile dyes and paints, 4%; and glass and ceramics, 1.6% of the total.

• OSTI ID: 6655545
• Journal Information: BioCycle; (USA), Vol. 30:3; ISSN 0276-5055
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CADMIUM
POLLUTION SOURCES
LEAD
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
WASTE DISPOSAL
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
LAND POLLUTION
MUNICIPAL WASTES
SANITARY LANDFILLS
SOLID WASTES
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
MANAGEMENT
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
METALS
POLLUTION
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
540220* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)