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Review
. 2020 Sep 16;20(1):1411.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09485-9.

Recycled aluminium cooking pots: a growing public health concern in poorly resourced countries

Angela Mathee  1   2   3 , Renée Street  4   5   6
Affiliations
Review

Recycled aluminium cooking pots: a growing public health concern in poorly resourced countries

Angela Mathee et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Lead exposure remains a significant public health problem, particularly in the informal sector. Recycling of scrap metal into artisanal pots is a growing concern in poorly resourced countries. Owing to the relatively light weight and low cost of the artisanal pots, as well as good conductivity which equates to lower usage of wood fuel, the pots are widely used. The aim of this article is to describe current insights and emerging evidence of health risks associated with artisanal pot making and usage. This thriving industry, particularly in poorly resourced communities, has multifaceted occupational, environmental and human health impacts. Given the complexity, innovative solutions need to be prioritized, evaluated and scaled up in relevant settings.

Keywords: Aluminium; Artisanal; Cookware; Cottage industry; Exposure; Informal; Lead; Pots.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Images from an artisanal aluminium cottage industry in South Africa (Photographs by A. Mathee)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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