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Incinerators & the Effects

Incinerators are used by municipalities to dispose of waste. The incineration process releases toxic chemicals into the air, which can pose health problems to residents living in the vicinity of the facilities. Additionally, medical waste is often incinerated and its byproducts have been linked to the release of dioxins, which have been linked to cancer, into the air and soil.

  1. Metals from Incinerator Ash

    • The byproducts of incineration are disposed of in landfills and can cause long-term pollution of leaching metals into the soil and water. A study appearing in the March 2011 issue of the "Journal of Hazardous Materials" analyzed the composition of ash from municipal solid waste incineration. The researchers found that ash samples from three incinerators in Japan contained unacceptable levels of iron, copper, zinc and lead. The study went on to state that artificially weathered samples and 10-year-old ash samples contained significantly less metals, thereby decreasing their harmful effects on the environment.

    Cancer Risks

    • Residents living in the vicinity of municipal solid waste incinerators may be at higher risk of developing certain forms of cancer. A study published in the February 2011 issue of "Environment International" investigated the correlation of organic chlorine and dioxin emissions to the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma on non-occupationally exposed residents in France. The study found that exposure to these chemicals was associated with the detection of new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

    Medical Waste and Health Concerns

    • A study in the July 2010 issue of the "Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology" reported that most medical waste is incinerated and the emissions from these incinerators are a major source of dioxins. The authors cited sources, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, who stated that dioxins are carcinogens that may be responsible for the development of cancer. The study recommended segregation of medical waste and training programs to reduce unfavorable impacts of incineration on the environment and human health.

    Gender and Health Risks from Incinerators

    • An article published in the June 2010 issue of the "Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association" compared the health risks of residents living in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerators based on gender. The researchers compared levels of toxic compounds released from incinerators in men and women. The study found that older females were more likely to have increased levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, whereas men had greater levels of polychlorinated dibenzofurans and metals, including lead, aluminum, cadmium and copper. The study concluded that sex was the most relevant factor affecting blood levels of these compounds.

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