台灣地區砷、汞、鎘及其化合物之用途和用量調查研究

Abstract

Arsenic, mercury and cadmium compounds are used widespreadly in industry, agriculture and pharmaceutical manufacture. They are also listed as the important toxic substances to be controlled with top priorities by the U.S.A. Environmental Protection Agency. The specific aim of this study is to estimate the usage and amount of arsenic, mercury, and cadmium compounds in Taiwan area. Based on the analysis of official data and field survey, all materials of arsenic, mercury, and cadmium compounds were imported. The imported arsenic compounds were 574 kilotons in 1982, 769 kilotons in 1987 and 398 kilotons in 1990 (from January through August). These compounds were used mainly in pesticide and glass manufacturing industry. The imported mercury compounds were 10 kilotons in 1982, 48 kilotons in 1987 and 20 kilotons in 1990 (from January through August). They were used mainly in manufacturing Chinese pharmaceuticals and electronic utilities. The imported cadmium compounds were 174 kilotons in 1982, 477 kilotons in 1986. The imported amount of cadmium oxide was no longer reported after 1990. They were used in chemical manufacturing industry. In order to control the usage and amount of these toxic compounds effectively, it is important to enforce the official imported materials reporting system and a manufacture recording system of these compounds.