The Effects Of Lead Emissions On Livestock In The Area Of The East Helena ASARCO Smelter

Abstract

The East Helena ASARCO smelter is a lead refining plant and its’ effects on livestock and humans in the area have long been a controversy. In an attempt to 41 shed some light on this issue, blood samples were taken from livestock in the East Helena area and then analyzed their lead content. Also noted in this study were such things as food type, food source, wind direction, thre of year of sampling and the number of years the animal has been in the area* While the study shows the blood lead levels being higher around the smelter, they do not reach critical stages and any contamination that now occurs is likely due to improper ranch management.