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Problems of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is any material which can be potentially harmful to humans or the environment, as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 1976. This waste is produced in many ways; human household waste, such as used batteries, and the agricultural industry are just two of the culprits. Not only can the presence of hazardous waste have an ill effect on the environment, but problems also arise when this waste is consumed by humans and wildlife.

  1. Effects on Humans

    • Hazardous waste can have a dangerous effect on humans who live near where the waste is deposited or who otherwise come into contact with it. Waste makes its way into the groundwater which feeds water supplies for towns, and into the earth through landfill sites. Humans might accidentally consume hazardous waste when these materials are absorbed into a water supply or a food chain; for example, humans might eat fish which have been caught from a contaminated stream. Illness can then arise, since this waste contains chemicals and acids not suitable for consumption.

    Effects on Water

    • Hazardous materials entering supplies of groundwater and streams is a major cause of water pollution, as noted by the Friends Of The Earth website. Such materials, especially in vast quantities, can clog up the water, which leads to a reduction in the oxygen available to water-based life forms and to the amount of light which reaches particularly deep waters. This has a negative effect on animals such as fish, who find their respiration abilities disrupted by the presence of the waste materials, suffocating them. Plant life is also affected by the reduction in sunlight available. In oceans, hazardous materials, deposited as the result of oil spills, for instance, can cause lasting damage to marine environments such as coral reefs.

    Problems With Disposal

    • Once created, hazardous waste is often difficult to remove safely. When placed in a landfill site, the waste can contaminate surrounding areas, from where it is expensive and tough to remove, as noted by the Pollution Issues website. Landfill sites must also be carefully monitored. Waste materials can be incinerated, but this may release harmful fumes, depending on the material burnt, and can also contribute to air pollution through the dioxin produced. It's also expensive to destroy hazardous waste in this way.

    Greenhouse Gases

    • As hazardous waste decays, it produces methane, a harmful gas which is not only a potential danger to those living nearby, but also a major contributor to the greenhouse effect. Man-made gases like methane adversely affect Earth's atmosphere, causing the gradual alteration of the planet's temperature, a process known as global warming.

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