Hazardous chemical waste: Risks and management techniques

Rose Tanzile

doi:10.35841/aaewmr- 7.4.213

Perspective - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2024) Volume 7, Issue 4

Hazardous chemical waste: Risks and management techniques

Rose Tanzile^*

Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

*Corresponding Author:: Rose Tanzile
Department of Natural Sciences
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, UK
E-mail:Tanzile.Rose52@RT.edu

Received: 25-Jun-2024, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-141134; Editor assigned: 27-Jun-2024, PreQC No. AAEWMR-24-141134 (PQ); Reviewed: 10-Jul-2024, QC No. AAEWMR-24-141134; Revised: 18-Jul-2024, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-141134 (R); Published: 24-Jul-2024, DOI: 10.35841/aaewmr- 7.4.213

Citation: Tanzile R. Hazardous chemical waste: Risks and management techniques. Environ Waste Management Recycling. 2024;7(4):213

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Hazardous chemical waste poses significant threats to human health and the environment. Generated from industrial, agricultural, medical, and domestic activities, these wastes include chemicals that are toxic, reactive, corrosive, or ignitable. Effective management is essential to mitigate the associated risks and ensure environmental sustainability [1], [2]

Includes chemicals that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, such as pesticides, heavy metals (lead, mercury), and certain solvents. Consists of substances that can cause explosions or release toxic gases when mixed with water or other chemicals. Examples include peroxides and cyanides. Comprises acidic or alkaline substances that can corrode metals and destroy living tissue. Common examples are sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. Includes flammable liquids, solids, or gases, such as gasoline, alcohol, and certain cleaning agents [3].

Exposure to hazardous waste can lead to acute and chronic health effects. Short-term exposure might result in skin irritation, respiratory issues, or chemical burns, while long-term exposure can cause serious conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. Improper disposal can lead to soil contamination, water pollution, and air pollution. Contaminants can leach into groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies, or be released into the atmosphere, contributing to air quality degradation. Wildlife and ecosystems can be severely affected by hazardous waste. Toxic substances can accumulate in the food chain, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance [4], [5]

The most effective way to manage hazardous waste is to minimize its generation. This can be achieved through process modifications, material substitutions, and improved operational practices. For example, industries can adopt green chemistry principles to develop less hazardous substances. Many hazardous wastes can be recycled or repurposed. For instance, used solvents can be distilled and reused, while certain metals can be recovered from electronic waste. Recycling not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources [6].

Various treatment methods can neutralize or detoxify hazardous wastes. Chemical treatments, such as neutralization, can render corrosive substances harmless. Biological treatments, like bioremediation, use microorganisms to degrade toxic compounds. Thermal treatments, including incineration, can destroy hazardous chemicals at high temperatures. When waste cannot be treated or recycled, it must be disposed of in specially designed landfills that prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater. These landfills are equipped with liners, leachate collection systems, and monitoring wells to ensure safety. Effective management requires adherence to local, national, and international regulations governing hazardous waste. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States, set standards for waste generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal [7].

In the 1970s, the Love Canal neighborhood gained national attention due to widespread health issues linked to buried chemical waste. This case led to the creation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, which aims to clean up contaminated sites. The 1984 gas leak at a pesticide plant in Bhopal resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health problems for the local population. This disaster underscored the importance of stringent safety and waste management practices in preventing chemical accidents [8], [9]

The management of hazardous chemical waste is crucial to protect human health and the environment. Through source reduction, recycling, treatment, secure disposal, and regulatory compliance, we can mitigate the risks associated with hazardous waste. Continued efforts in research, policy-making, and public awareness are essential to advancing sustainable waste management practices and ensuring a safer future for all [10].