7. Impact of pyrometallurgy on the environment

Pollution caused by pyrometallurgy is primarily attributable to furnace gases, although the action of atmospheric precipitation on some of these solid discharges sets the metals contained in them in motion by dissolving them. We will therefore consider preventive methods, which involve treating gases before they are released into the atmosphere, and remedies, which involve treating the environment when it is polluted. The valorization of valuable products was dealt with in paragraph 5