the research presented in this article assessed geochemical factors relating to dust produced during primary lead smelting . 
 bulk dust samples and size - selective airborne dust samples were collected from four areas of a primary lead smelter and analyzed by x - ray diffraction and sequential chemical extraction . 
 x - ray diffraction showed that the smelter dusts were composed primarily of sulfides , oxides , sulfates , and silicates of metal ores , with galena being the primary dust component . 
 sequential extraction revealed the solubility of lead compounds at less than 7% in the exchangeable and mildly acidic steps for the bulk dusts collected from four smelter areas . 
 the later steps of the extraction procedure were more effective in dissolving the lead compounds associated with the bulk dust samples , with 43% , 26% , and 8% of the total lead , in the ore storage , sinter , and blast / dross smelter areas , respectively , being extracted in the residual step . 
 sequential extraction of coarse airborne dust samples from the ore storage and sinter plant showed that 1.2% and 4.1% of the total lead , respectively , was exchangeable . 
 the finer particle size fractions from these areas of the smelter showed higher percentages of exchangeable lead . 
 of the course airborne dust from the blast / dross furnace processes , 65% of the total lead was exchangeable . 
 however , the largest percentage of lead from these areas was associated with the finer particle - size fractions . 
 if lead bioavailability is related to its solubility as determined through sequential extraction , the health hazards associated with lead exposure may be appreciably enhanced in the blast and dross furnace processes.imagesfigure 1figure 2figure 3figure 4figure 5figure 6