Facts About Toxic Waste

Toxic waste, often called hazardous waste, is any waste material that is harmful to the environment, including animals, humans and plant life. Toxic waste is often the byproduct of industrial or chemical processes, but many common items can also be hazardous. Toxic waste can pollute air, water and land, and cleanup of toxic waste sites is an expensive and timely process.

Kinds of Toxic Waste

There are many kinds of toxic waste emitted during chemical, biological and industrial processes, including radioactive waste, polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, vinyl chloride, dioxin and asbestos.

Household Hazardous Waste

Many items in your home can also be harmful if not disposed of properly. Batteries, paint, unused medications, electronics and fluorescent light bulbs all can be harmful if sent to the landfill.

Agriculture

Farming is one industry that produces a lot of toxic waste because of the chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides used to produce healthy crops. Environmental concerns stem from the fact that these chemicals run off into the groundwater supply.

Health Risks

The chemicals contained in toxic waste can cause a number of health risks to both humans and animals. In some cases, known carcinogens can leak into the water supply. Birth defects have also been documented in infants born near toxic dump sites.

Disposal

Proper disposal is important because of the harm to all living creatures. Many municipalities offer hazardous waste collection events, or you can check with your waste disposal company to see how to dispose of certain items.