Grade 8 12-3

Hazardous Waste1. What are the categories of hazardous waste2. How can hazardous waste affect human health.3. What techniques can be used to manage

hazardous waste

Love Canal New York 1950City of Niagara purchases land for a land fill around an old canal.The canal is filled with waste from nearby industriesThe city builds a new neighborhood and school on top of the site.Children begin developing rashesFence post turn black and rot offBabies are born with birth defectsAdults develop epilepsy, liver disease, and nerve disordersThe neighborhood was evacuated by the federal government

Hazardous Wastes- Any material that can be harmful to human health or the environment if not properly disposed of.

May be created during the manufacture of many household products. Also produced as a result of agriculture, industry, military operations, hospitals and scientific laboratories

Toxic waste in the ocean

Hazardous wastes are classified into four categories

Toxic- Poisonous wastes that can damage human health.Explosive – wastes that can react quickly when exposed to air or water or that explode when droppedFlammable- wastes that catch fire easilyRadioactive wastes that contain unstable atoms which give off radiation and can cause cancer and other diseases.

Health Effects of Hazardous WastesPeople are exposed to hazardous wastes by

EatingDrinkingBreathing Touching

The severity of the exposure to hazardous waste is determined by

The strength of the materialLength of exposure

Effects of exposureShort term – may cause irritation or more severs health problemsLong-term may cause cancer, damage to body organs and be life threatening.

Disposal of Hazardous WasteBurial in LandfillsIncinerationBreakdown by living organismsStoring in deep rock layersRecycling

Hazardous Waste and Microbes

Reducing Hazardous WastesUse non-toxic materials to manufacture products.Find substitutes for hazardous household chemicalsLook for products which do not contain hazardous materials

Reducing Hazardous Waste

Limiting use of hazardous waste

SummaryWhat are 4 categories of Hazardous Waste?What are some short term and long term effects of hazardous waste exposure?Why are radioactive wastes particularly hard to handle?How can hazardous waste be managed?