Hazardous waste: cleanup and prevention

Stephen Vandas; Nancy L. Cronin; Frank Farrar; Guillermo Eliezer Avila Serrano; Oscar Efrain Gonzalez Yajimovich; Aurora R. Munoz; Maria del C. Rivera

doi:10.3133/70047734

USGS · 70047734

Hazardous waste: cleanup and prevention

Stephen Vandas·Nancy L. Cronin·Frank Farrar·Guillermo Eliezer Avila Serrano·Oscar Efrain Gonzalez Yajimovich·Aurora R. Munoz·Maria del C. Rivera

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Abstract

Our lifestyles are supported by complex Industrial activities that produce many different chemicals and chemical wastes. The Industries that produce our clothing, cars, medicines, paper, food, fuels, steel, plastics, and electric components use and discard thousands of chemicals every year. At home we may use lawn chemicals, solvents, disinfectants, cleaners, and auto products to Improve our quality of life. A chemical that presents a threat or unreasonable risk to people or the environment Is a hazardous material. When a hazardous material can no longer be used, It becomes a hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes come from a variety of sources, from both present and past activities. Impacts to human health and the environment can result from Improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

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Stephen Vandas, Nancy L. Cronin, Frank Farrar, Guillermo Eliezer Avila Serrano, Oscar Efrain Gonzalez Yajimovich, Aurora R. Munoz, Maria del C. Rivera. 1996. Hazardous waste: cleanup and prevention. https://doi.org/10.3133/70047734

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