Industrial Toxic Metals, Critical Minerals and Transfer Processes Affecting Human Health in the Built Environment provides a comprehensive examination of the environmental and health impacts of toxic metals and critical minerals within various industrial and urban contexts. The book explores contamination originating from smelter sites, detailing the geochemical behavior and isotope compositions of soils near lead battery recycling and copper smelters across multiple global locations. It highlights the pathways through which fine and ultrafine particles, as well as metals, enter the atmosphere and affect human health, supported by case studies from regions including California, Spain, China, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The text also investigates legacy pollution issues associated with abandoned industrial sites, mineral waste, and agricultural soils, emphasizing the persistence and bioaccessibility of contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and rare earth elements. Detailed geochemical speciation studies and soil contamination assessments underscore the challenges of remediation and the need for sustainable management practices. Health disparities and regulatory considerations are addressed through analyses of pollution impacts on vulnerable communities and discussions on cooperative management strategies.

The book underscores the critical intersection of geochemistry, environmental science, and public health, offering insights into how industrial activities influence human well-being and ecosystem integrity. This work serves as an essential resource for researchers and environmental professionals seeking to understand and mitigate the complex risks posed by toxic metals and critical minerals in the built environment, promoting healthier and more sustainable communities.