Thursday, December 1, 2011

Hazardous Waste and Types

Resource: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/students/clas_act/haz-ed/ff_01.htm

Hazardous waste is a by-product of a manufacturing process or material left after the products are made. For example, some basic items that are hazardous waste are old batteries, spray can, or even paint thinner. Hazardous waste must be properly disposed or it may be a danger to people and the environment. There are some types of hazardous waste that represent dangerous properties such as corrosive, ignitable, reactive, or toxic. Corrosive is the type of material that can corrode or completely destroy a substance. Most acids can be described as corrosive which can eat through metal, burn skin on contact, and give off vapors that may burn the eyes. Ignitable is a material or substance that can easily burst into flames. It is a fire hazard and it may possibly irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Gasoline and paint are two ignitable substances. Reactive is another type of waste. The reactive material can explode or release a poisonous gas when combined with other elements. For example, ammonia and chlorine bleach are an example. Toxic materials are a poison to people and other life. It may causes illnesses or death if swallowed or absorbed though the skin. Pesticides or weed killers are are toxic.

This is very helpful if you want too be careful of what you may be holding or interacting with during the day. Informed citizen are always going to be safer if they read this. Luckily we precautions and safety measures so any of the types of waste may not effect the environment and people.

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