Emissions of heavy metals to air by industry

The indicator shows the evolution since 2000 of the quantities of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) discharged into the air by industry. The industry is an important source for the emissions of the various heavy metals into the ambient air. Heavy metals are emitted by the industry mainly in processes in which metal products are made or processed. The presence of heavy metals in the air can be detrimental to health. Heavy metals spread through dust particles in the air and can be absorbed into the body through the nose or mouth. Whether or not health effects occur depends on the amount recorded and the duration of the intake (see indicator: Heavy metals in ambient air).