Lead Dust Pollutes Environment

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

A worker burns used batteries in Jayabaya village, Parung Panjang, Bogor, West Java, Friday (08/03/2018). This illegal activity is carried out in order to get the lead from the batteries. The worker is paid Rp 150 for each kilogram of lead being produced. In one burning period, workers can get about half a ton of lead.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Lead dust from illegally operated battery smelters continues to pollute the air and soil in the smelters’ surrounding area. Lead has also contaminated the blood of children living in polluted areas.

In mid-August, Kompas investigated lead dust pollution from used battery smelters in Bogor regency, West Java, and in Tangerang regency, Banten. The investigation found that lead levels in the soil and also in the blood samples of those living around illegal used battery smelters were alarmingly high.