The Affects of Hazardous Waste Material to the Environment
The Affects of Hazardous Waste Material to the Environment
What are Hazardous Waste Materials?
Hazardous wastes are poisonous byproducts of manufacturing, farming, city septic systems, construction, automotive shops, laboratories, hospitals, and other industries such as Military installations and military training areas. The waste may be liquid, solid, or sludge and contain chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, dangerous pathogens, or other toxins. Even households generate hazardous waste from items such as batteries, used computer equipment, and leftover paints or pesticides. The waste can harm humans, animals, and plants if they encounter these toxins buried in the ground, in stream runoff, in groundwater that supplies drinking water, or in floodwaters. Some toxins, such as mercury, persist in the environment and accumulate. Humans or animals often absorb them when they eat fish. A common hazardous waste facility is one that stores the waste in sealed containers in the ground. Less toxic waste that is unlikely to migrate, like soil with lead, is sometimes allowed to remain in place under the ground and then be sealed with a cap of hard clay. Communities may eventually decide to use these sites for golf courses or parks, or to label them “Brownfield’s” sites, suitable for commercial or industrial uses. Even when used properly, many chemicals can still harm human health and the environment. When these hazardous substances are thrown away, they become hazardous waste. Some hazardous wastes come from our homes: our garbage can include such hazardous wastes as old batteries, bug spray cans, and paint thinner. Regardless of the source, unless we dispose of hazardous waste properly, it can create health risks for people and damage the environment.
Violations, like dumping hazardous waste in town dumps to avoid paying the fees charged by waste transporters and waste facilities, may result in hefty fines. In Osan, Airbase, we have an 18 month report on how much
What are Hazardous Waste Materials?
Hazardous wastes are poisonous byproducts of manufacturing, farming, city septic systems, construction, automotive shops, laboratories, hospitals, and other industries such as Military installations and military training areas. The waste may be liquid, solid, or sludge and contain chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, dangerous pathogens, or other toxins. Even households generate hazardous waste from items such as batteries, used computer equipment, and leftover paints or pesticides. The waste can harm humans, animals, and plants if they encounter these toxins buried in the ground, in stream runoff, in groundwater that supplies drinking water, or in floodwaters. Some toxins, such as mercury, persist in the environment and accumulate. Humans or animals often absorb them when they eat fish. A common hazardous waste facility is one that stores the waste in sealed containers in the ground. Less toxic waste that is unlikely to migrate, like soil with lead, is sometimes allowed to remain in place under the ground and then be sealed with a cap of hard clay. Communities may eventually decide to use these sites for golf courses or parks, or to label them “Brownfield’s” sites, suitable for commercial or industrial uses. Even when used properly, many chemicals can still harm human health and the environment. When these hazardous substances are thrown away, they become hazardous waste. Some hazardous wastes come from our homes: our garbage can include such hazardous wastes as old batteries, bug spray cans, and paint thinner. Regardless of the source, unless we dispose of hazardous waste properly, it can create health risks for people and damage the environment.
Violations, like dumping hazardous waste in town dumps to avoid paying the fees charged by waste transporters and waste facilities, may result in hefty fines. In Osan, Airbase, we have an 18 month report on how much