Health Risks in Scrap Metal Recycling

Trading scrap metals for easy cash should be very convenient for any household. There are many metal yards who are offers this particular service without any added inconvenience for the customer.

Most yards can deal with various needs of the client that are done through transactions. Transactions are made very easily no matter the quantity or size of your metals are. They are usually equipped with a sufficient amount of experienced collectors to take care of the actual collection of scrap metal items that should make it very convenient for their customers.

However, as easy as the transaction may be done, what happens when these metals are brought into the yards could be very hazardous as exposure to scrap can lead to health problems. Aside from that, the actual process of recycling metals is a rigorous process that involves meticulous handling of these items. Any mistake can lead to accidents which is why it is strongly recommend that those who are planning to surrender their scrap metals for cash ask for our free removal service to let our team of experts handle the situation and keep you safe.

Medical Illness from Scrap Metals

Most cases of sickness that is recorded from scrap metal exposure comes from poisoning. Metals can contain lead or cadmium which is a toxic substance. Other illnesses includes skin diseases or disorders, trauma related disorders and the development of respiratory conditions.

These conditions begin after direct contact with the object or any piece of the equipment or even from the substance that could be inhaled from the air.

Aside from poisoning from toxic chemicals and substances, other common health risks include sprains and strains, heat burns, cuts and lacerations and also punctures from the metals or the equipment.

A study from the Department of Health in New York conducted a study years ago among workers in the scrap metal recycling industry and found out that at least 60% of the workers were exposed to airborne lead due to the process of torching and cutting metal. However, they are not necessarily affected as companies claimed that they use respiratory protection during work. However, this does not mean that they are completely safe.

Avoiding the Problem

Most scrap metal yards are encouraged to look after their workers. taking preliminary measures such as getting them worker’s insurance is a good way to assure that they get compensated for any injuries they encounter at work. Providing health standards and procedures in the workplace should also help in making the workers comply with rules.

Using functional equipment for metal recycling as well as the use  protective gears should be a compulsory requirement.

If you want to be assured that you are not exposed to poisonous substances from scrap metals at your home or office, start collecting scrap metal from your own metal hoppers and surrender them to your nearest junk yard.