Risks of hazardous wastes (William Andrew, 2011)
Hazardous waste in the environment is one of the most difficult challenges facing our society. The purpose of this book is to provide a background of the many aspects of hazardous waste, from its sources to its consequences, focusing on the risks posed to human health and the environment. It explains the legislation and regulations surrounding hazardous waste -- however, the scope of the book is much broader, discussing agents that are released into the environment that might not be classified as Hazardous Waste under the regulatory system, but nonetheless pose substantial hazards to human health and the environment. It provides a background of some of the major generators of hazardous wastes, explains the pathways by which humans and wildlife are exposed, and includes discussion of the adverse health effects linked to these pollutants. It provides numerous case studies of hazardous waste mismanagement that have led to disastrous consequences. And highlights the deficiencies in science and regulation that have allowed the public to be subjected to a myriad of potentially hazardous agents. Finally, it provides a discussion of measures that will necessarily need to be taken to control society's hazardous waste problem
Defintion of hazardous waste -- Biggest generators of hazardous waste in the US -- Chemical industry -- United States Military -- Petroleum industry -- Coal-fired power plants -- Iron, steel and coke -- Wood treatment industry -- Paper and pulp industry -- Nuclear waster and tritium releases -- Pesticides -- Current practices in hazardous waste treatment and disposal -- Export of hazardous waste -- Introduction to human exposure, toxicology and risk assessment -- Bioaccumulation of dioxins, PCBs and PAHs -- Emerging contaminants -- Mercury, BPA and pesticides in food -- Childhood exposure to environmental toxins -- Health care costs and corporate accountability -- Health and safety standards -- Failures of regulatory agencies and their ineffciency in introducing new chemicals into regulation
Includes bibliographical references and index