|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

Modern Techniques for the Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is most often a byproduct of industry. It's critical that any such hazardous materials not just be discarded but contained so they do not dissipate into the air or the water. Often burying hazardous materials is not enough as chemicals can leach through soil. New methods are being developed to keep up with this emerging problem.

  1. Protective Garments and Gear

    • Hazmat, or hazardous material, suits are designed to create an impenetrable barrier between the person wearing the suit and hazardous substances. Hazmat suits supply filtered air or air from tanks so material won't be ingested during respiration. There are two levels of hazmat suit: A and B. Level A suits are not airtight so they do not protect against gaseous waste. Level B suits are air tight and protect against airborne contaminants. Use of varying levels of hazardous materials gear is a key part of the safe disposal of hazardous waste.

    Removal & Transportation

    • Safe transportation of hazardous waste is crucial. Whether solid, liquid or gas, it must remain stable and contained during transportation. The shipment of hazardous materials is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal bureaus such as the Department of Transportation. Companies and individuals must meet regulatory standards as a minimum in safety precautions. They may surpass minimum requirements. And industry is growing up around safe management of hazardous waste. So, industrial containers, tankers, trucks and coverings continue to provide greater safeguards.

    Treatment

    • Hazardous waste used to be thrown away or possibly incinerated. The worst practice was dumping it into rivers, streams and lakes. Eventually, most waste products began to be disposed of in landfills. Landfill technology has improved so the likelihood of chemical leaching is reduced. Rather than being dumped, hazardous waste is usually treated using chemical neutralization, mechanical separation of materials, controlled incineration or a combination of these methods.

    Containment

    • If material remains hazardous after it has been identified, removed, transported and treated, it must be contained. Landfill techniques echniques are vastly improved. Areas of landfills are designated for specific types of hazardous materials. They may be buried inside of impenetrable containers in which is filled with impenetrable substrates from clay to man-made barriers.

Environmental Health - Related Articles