 |
|||
     |
|||
         |
 |
||
|
Hazardous Waste
Did
you know that of the several million chemicals in existence, 50,000 have
commerical uses? It's true! The Ontario Ministry of the Environment
(MOE) says that these chemicals can be hazardous if they're
toxic (poisonous), corrosive (strong acids or alkalis), flammable,
explosive, leachate (penetrate and contaminate the soil), or reactive
(aren't dangerous on their own but can be if they are combined with
other chemicals).
What's
more, products containing these substances (check labels or products)
are stored in the kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and garages of Canadian
homes. Every year, the average Canadian throws out 23 kilograms (50
pounds) of household hazardous waste (MOE). Huron County (Special Event Depots) Lambton County (Permanent Depot) Middlesex County (Permanent Depot) Perth County (No organized service, contact local municipality)
Improper
Disposal of HHW: Products with hazardous chemicals can harm human health, wildlife, and the ecosystem we all live within. In a landfill, the chemicals from these products travel through the garbage and become part of the leachate (a liquid composed of chemicals and other dissolved components of the garbage). Because leachate contains a variety of harmful ingredients, it has to be controlled to prevent it from contaminating the environment and drinking water supplies. Our
sewer systems and municipal water treatment centers - which are not
designed to treat chemicals-regularly receive chemicals from commercial
cleaning products. When they enter a septic tank system or sewage
treatment plant, hazardous chemicals destroy the biological systems used
to treat sewage. Most people aren't aware that dumping hazardous
substances down the drain is dangerous. Sewage treatment plants are
designed to treat biological waste, not dangerous chemicals that are
poured down drains. The
Use of Products with Hazardous Ingredients Commonly
used hazardous products can pollute the air, water, soil, and recombine
to form other even more dangerous compounds. Persistent substances can
build up in the bodies of wildlife. They can also accumulate in the
fruits and vegetables we grow and in the livestock we raise. These
amounts can contaminate groundwater supplies and well water.
What
does "toxic" mean? Scientists say something is toxic if it
causes illness or damage when inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through
the skin.
Every year, deadly pesticides, cleaners, and drugs poison thousands of children and pets. When used indoors, chemicals from household products can cause headaches, rashes, asthma, allergies, and other health problems.
Many
consumer products contain ingredients that with years of exposure and at
higher concentrations can cause cancer, brain damage, genetic mutations,
and other serious problems. (The Conservation Council of Ontario). What
are some Examples of Hazardous Products? (Source:
Conservation Council of *
Weed and insect killers *
Mold and mildew cleaners *
Chlorine bleach *
Chemical fertilizers *
Rug and carpet shampoo *
Moth balls *
Reactive drain cleaners *
Furniture and floor polish *
Brass, silver, and other metal polish *
Fabric dyes *
Synthetic air fresheners *
Disposable batteries *
Paint strippers, turpentine, and other solvents *
Oil-based paints and enamels *
Epoxy, rubber cement and "super glue" *
Film developer and other "hobby" chemicals *
Gasoline, propane, and other fuels *
Motor oil, brake and transmission fluid, anti-freeze, and other auto
products *
Over the counter and prescription medicines For more information, you can download the following handouts (Hazardous Symbols Info or Safer Alternatives Info) or navigate through the links on the left. |
|||
 |
|||
