9. Hazardous Waste
 
Definition:
 
Any substance that is a by-product of society and is classified under law as potentially harmful to human health or the environment is hazardous wastes and are subject to special handling, shipping, storage, and disposal requirements under the laws of the country and province or state.  Ontario Ministry of the Environment
 
What are some of the problems related to this issue?
 
Fifty U.S. states dispose of toxic waste in another state. Rainwater washing off urban pavement is polluting the water supply. Every day, American families produce an estimated 4 million pounds of household hazardous waste (nail polish, paint thinner, batteries, etc.) Monroe County Waste Management District
 
Insufficient research has been done to provide data on the effects of every chemical [80,000 known chemicals].  Because waste chemicals often mix together, it will also be necessary to learn how combinations of these chemicals affect human health.  Think Quest
 
Many products found in your kitchen, bathroom, garage or garden shed are potentially hazardous substances. Because of their chemical nature they can poison, corrode, explode or burst into flame when handled improperly. When discarded, they are household hazardous wastes.  Motor oil, paints, pesticides, antifreeze, wood preservatives, batteries and many household cleaners contain solvents, petroleum products, heavy metals or other toxic chemicals. When these products are dumped in the trash or poured down the drain, their hazardous chemicals can injure people or contaminate drinking water sources.  Eco-Cycle
 
 
It is often only after someone has died or become seriously ill that governments will intervene and reduce levels of dumped hazardous waste.  Think Quest
 

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