Introduction
The word hazardous indicates something dangerous. Many of the wastes generated by human activities fall into this category. Our modem lifestyles need a large number of household items, electronic gadgets, chemicals, paints, etc.
Their manufacture generates a large variety of hazardous waste. According to the Environment Protection Agency, USA, the four characteristics Ofhazardous waste are corrosivity, ignitibility, reactivity and toxicity.A corrosive substance can corrode or destroy a material. Thus, most acids fall into the category as they can corrode metals, materials and even bum the skin.
An ignitable material bursts into the flames easily. The ignitable materials pose a fire hazard, irritate skin and eyes and give off harmful vapours. Some examples of ignitable substances are paints, polishes, gasoline, etc.
A reactive substance has a tendency to undergo violent chemical change. Such substances include explosives, pyrophoric materials, cyanide- or sulphide- bearing wastes and materials which can react with water.
A toxic material is the one which is poisonous in nature. It can cause illness and even death if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Some examples of this category of compounds are pesticides, weedicides, household cleaners etc.
The hazardous wastes have detrimental effects on the environment. They affect humans and other organisms as well. Their intentional dumping or unintentional release by accidents has been a matter of global concern. Another related global issue is the management of radioactive waste.
Incidents like Chemobyl, Bhopal gas tragedy and Love canal have created the awareness about the potential dangers Ofhazardous and nuclear wastes and have raised many safety issues associated with them.
The use of nuclear power as an alternative source of energy is being reconsidered as the damage caused by such accidents, although rare, is very huge and has lasting harmful effects on the generations to come.
In this chapter, we will first discuss radioactive waste - its generation, effects and management followed by hazardous waste including biochemical waste. Lastly, certain transboundry issues related to hazardous and radioactive wastes would be explained and international agreements for controlling such wastes would be covered.
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