Emissions during the BHP Billiton mozal aluminium smelter Fume Treatment Centre (FTC) rebuild – A human health perspective

Abstract

BHP Billiton Mozambique Aluminium Smelter (MOZAL) experienced structural damage to the Fume Treatment Centre (FTC) caused by unanticipated corrosion. As a result MOZAL was in the process of rebuilding the FTC, an exercise that entailed a bypass of the FTC to discharge emissions from the bake furnaces directly into the atmosphere via existing stacks. This process was likely to result in increased emissions into the atmosphere. Of concern were the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), of which some are probable human carcinogens. As a result MOZAL initiated a human health risk assessment (HHRA) study concerning this operation, in order to understand the potential health impacts on the surrounding communities, including Mahlampsene, Sikuama, Mussumbuluko, Djuba, Meluluane and Xinonankila. This report presents the results of the human health risk assessment for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects.