Title: Leaded : the poisoning of Idaho's Silver Valley /
Authors: Mix, Michael C.,
Year: 2016
Subjects: Lead Environmental aspects Idaho Coeur d'Alene Mining District.; Silver mines and mining Environmental aspects Idaho Coeur d'Alene Mining District.; Lead Health aspects Idaho Coeur d'Alene Mining District.; Environmental law United States; Ecology; Environmental law; Lead Environmental aspects; Lead Health aspects; Silver mines and mining Environmental aspects; Coeur d'Alene Mining District (Idaho) Environmental conditions.; Idaho Coeur d'Alene Mining District; United States
Abstract: Leaded is a timely and deeply researched account of one of the largest environmental disasters in western US history. It examines the origin, evolution, and causes of the harmful environmental and human health effects caused by mining operations in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Mining District—the “Silver Valley”—from 1885 to 1981. During that period, district mines produced over $5 billion worth of lead, silver, and zinc. The Bunker Hill Company dominated business and community activities in the district as owners and operators of the largest mine, lead smelter, and zinc plant.During the first half of the twentieth century, industrial mining operations caused severe environmental damage to area waterways and lands from releases of sulfur gases, lead, and other toxic metals. Damaging human health effects were evident soon after the smelter opened in 1917, when Bunker Hill workers suffered from lead poisoning.^
Contents: The early history of the Coeur D'Alene Mining District -- Pollution, lawsuits, and environmental and human health effects -- The war years, labor, and early environmental laws -- Transitions in environmental laws and the Coeur D'Alene Mining District -- A lead poisoning epidemic of Silver Valley children -- The consequences of federal environmental and workplace standards -- Last years of the Bunker Hill Company -- Aftermath of the Bunker Hill closure.