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Introduction
The smelting industry is an important part of the economy of China. Many people depend on the smelting industry for their livelihoods. It is important to ensure that the environment and the conditions in which workers are employed are safe and healthy. This article examines the labor health issues related to the non-ferrous metallurgical industry in China and how these issues can best be addressed.
Overview of the Chinese Smelting Industry
The Chinese smelting industry has a long history, with smelting first attested during the Shang Dynasty in the 15th century BC. Since then, the industry has grown to be one of the largest in the world. China is the biggest producer of non-ferrous metals in the world, with 30.4 percent of the world’s total production in 20151. The industry is dominated by state-owned enterprises that specialize in smelting goods such as lead, zinc, nickel, aluminum, and tin.
The smelting industry has a heavy environmental footprint. The production process releases lead into the environment, as well as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other pollutants. In order to minimize this environmental impact, the Chinese government has established environmental laws and regulations to reduce pollution, while also encouraging technological innovation to improve production processes.
Labor Health Issues in the Non-Ferrous Metallurgical Industry
Despite government efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the smelting industry, it also has a significant effect on labor health. Workers in the smelting industry are exposed to extremely high levels of pollutants, including lead, arsenic, and other chemicals. The negative health impacts of these pollutants are well-documented, with studies showing that workers in smelting plants are at an increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.2 In addition, occupational hazards such as noise and heat exposure, poorly-ventilated workplaces, and inadequate protective equipment can lead to other health issues.
Attempts to Address Labor Health Issues
In order to address the labor health issues in the smelting industry, the Chinese government has implemented a number of measures. In 2001, the Chinese government established the Guidelines for Safety, Hygiene and Environmental Protection in Non-Ferrous Metallurgical Enterprises, which set standards for workplace safety and health in the industry.3 This document has been updated several times since then, with an emphasis on setting requirements for personal protective equipment and improving ventilation.
In addition, the government has implemented several monitoring and inspection systems to ensure that smelting operations are compliant with the established standards. These systems include the National Unified Labor Hygiene Supervision and Management System, which monitors the labor health of workers in non-ferrous metallurgical industries throughout the country.4 In recent years, the government has also developed specific inspections for smelting plants in order to further ensure compliance.
Conclusion
The non-ferrous metallurgical industry is an important part of the Chinese economy, and its environmental and labor health impacts must be addressed in order to protect workers and the environment. The Chinese government has implemented a number of measures in order to address these issues, including setting standards, improving ventilation, and establishing monitoring systems. While much progress has been made in reducing pollution and improving workplace safety in the smelting industry, more needs to be done in order to ensure that workers are fully protected from hazardous chemicals, noise, and heat exposure.
References
1. Reuters Staff. (2016). China is worlds largest non-ferrous metal producer: NBS. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/china-metals-nonferrous/china-is-worlds-largest-non-ferrous-metal-producer-nbs-idUSL3N14Q1KN
2. Xia, J., et al. (2016). Occupational health hazards and diseases in nonferrous metals smelting workers: An occupational health review. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 29(1), 3-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26568756
3. China National Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Guidelines for Safety, Hygiene and Environmental Protection in Non-Ferrous Metallurgical Enterprises (2nd ed.). China National Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.gov.cn/zwgk/2010-12/02/content_1834721.htm
4. Chinese Government Network. (2018). National Unified Labor Hygiene Supervision and Management System. Chinese Government Network. http://www.gov.cn/zwgk/2015-04/14/content_2769231.htm
