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Hazardous Materials
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The Love Canal incident, which came to light in 1978, symbolized the dangers of chemical waste disposal. Leaking toxic waste contaminated an area near Niagara Falls, forcing evacuation of the entire community. The tragedy of Love Canal has led to a heightened awareness of the need for action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
About two-thirds of the hazardous waste produced in the U.S. is destined for burial in underground disposal sites. Some of these sites are below the impermeable layers of rock, which lie underneath the water supply. Hazardous wastes are injected directly into these deep wells in hope that the rock layers will keep them isolated and contained until they have degraded. Other sites closer to the surface and intended to hold barrels of waste are specially engineered and constructed to minimize danger of leakage.
But time has shown that leaks still occur. When they do, hazardous waste contaminants pose a serious threat to air and groundwater quality. Since half of the United States relies on groundwater for drinking supplies, it is essential that we protect it. Even small quantities of toxins in water supplies can be a serious health hazard because of their potency, persistence, and their ability to spread and pollute large volumes of water.
A significant amount of hazardous waste is disposed of improperly or illegally. This includes household hazardous waste (discussed above) or industrial waste which is illegally dumped. This disposal “solution” produces contaminated land, water and air – and associated health impacts of humans and animals.
Lots of other methods are available for waste treatment, including incineration and biodegradation using sludge-eating bacteria. Such techniques show promise, but have their drawbacks too and are not yet in wide use.
THE BEST OPTIONS
The first and foremost step in the hazardous waste solution is REDUCTION OF WASTE AT THE SOURCE. Updated techniques and altered production processed can be used to lessen the generation of wastes or lessen their toxicity. And the less waste we produce, the less we need to dispose of. Another key concept is PRE-TREATMENT OF WASTE to reduce its toxicity before disposal.
The problem of hazardous waste production and disposal is common to all people, but Americans in particular, with the highest rate of consumption in the world, need to make societal changes to lessen our impact on the global environment. Each and every person can and should be aware of what they can do to reduce hazardous waste problems.
What can you do?
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