This understanding is essential for assessing the risk they may pose and determining how to reduce that risk. As one of the world's largest producers and exporters of metals, Canada has a vital interest in developing effective ways to deal with these issues.
Metals are naturally present throughout the Earth in varying-concentrations.
The concentration of a metal in a particular area can also be affected by human activities. Metals have been used for millennia as tools, building materials and decorative objects. Many metal products are recycled - metals like gold, copper, iron and lead are the most recycled materials used by society. But some smaller consumer products end up in landfills or incinerators. National governments and international organizations are currently discussing these questions.