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What is hazardous ? 


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Hazardous refers to substances or materials that have the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. Hazardous materials can encompass biological, chemical, or physical elements that are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive, or chemically reactive, posing risks such as carcinogenicity, developmental hazards, acute or chronic toxicity, and radioactivity. Hazardous waste, originating from various sources like industries, power plants, and healthcare facilities, includes substances like solvents, heavy metals, acids, and petroleum wastes, which can lead to long-term health issues and environmental contamination . Proper management of hazardous waste involves strategies like waste minimization, detoxification, incineration, and landfill disposal, aiming to reduce risks, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Techniques such as physical, chemical, and biological treatments are employed to handle hazardous waste effectively.

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Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2017
14 Citations
Hazardous waste includes materials with explosive, flammable, oxidising, infectious, radioactive, and corrosive properties, posing environmental threats. Management involves converting it to nonhazardous forms through techniques like encapsulation.
Hazardous waste (HW) is any residue posing potential harm to humans or the environment due to properties like ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, requiring careful treatment, storage, and disposal.
"Hazardous" drinking refers to behaviors posing risks of harm, encompassing physical, mental, and social consequences, despite the absence of current disorders, with public health significance.
Reference EntryDOI
15 Sep 2008
28 Citations
Hazardous materials encompass biological, chemical, or physical elements with potential harm due to toxicity, corrosiveness, ignitability, explosiveness, or reactivity, posing risks to health and the environment.

Related Questions

What are example of infections that can be hazardous waste?5 answersVarious infections that can be classified as hazardous waste include Gastroenteric infections, Respiratory infections, Ocular infections, Genital infections, Skin infections, Anthrax, Meningitis, Acquired Immunodeficiency Deficiency, Hemorrhagic fevers, Septicemia, Bacteremia, and Candidemia. Additionally, parasitic infections such as Schistosoma mansoni, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium, Microsporidia, Cyclospora, Blastocystis hominis, and Cystoisospora belli can also be considered hazardous waste. These infections pose significant health risks and can lead to severe consequences if not managed properly. Proper handling and disposal of medical waste contaminated with these pathogens are crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and protect public health.
What is hazard dose?4 answersHazard dose refers to the level or amount of a stressor or substance that can cause adverse health effects in humans or the environment. It is determined through various methods such as in vivo animal studies, in vitro laboratory tests, in silico methods, and epidemiology data. Hazard identification is the first step in the risk assessment process, where the physical characteristics of the substance and its biodegradability are considered along with the results of different studies. Once hazards are identified, they are characterized and a weight of evidence approach is used to integrate data. The concept of dose is crucial in accurately predicting toxic effects and extrapolating them to lower doses in exposed individuals. Understanding the dose-response characteristics and the chosen measure of dose is essential for accurate risk assessments.
What is the concept of occupational hazard?4 answersOccupational hazards refer to workplace factors that have the potential to cause harm or injury to workers. These hazards can be physical, biological, psychological, chemical, or environmental in nature. They can include accidents, diseases, stress, exposure to hazardous substances, and unsafe working conditions. Occupational hazards are prevalent in various sectors, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas industries. Workers in hospitals are particularly exposed to a wide range of hazards, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychological hazards. Occupational hazards can lead to occupational injuries, illnesses, and even death. It is important to raise awareness and improve knowledge about these hazards among workers through educational programs and training. Efforts should be made to prevent and mitigate occupational hazards to ensure the health and safety of workers.
Is radioactive matter always hazardous?5 answersRadioactive matter can be hazardous if not handled properly. Sealed radioactive sources used in radioisotope instruments are generally less hazardous than other substances commonly used in laboratories or industrial plants. However, careless use of radioactive materials can lead to hazardous situations. When radioactive material is enclosed in a sealed container, it poses an external radiation hazard to personnel working nearby. On the other hand, if radioactive material is not contained, it can pose a potential internal radiation hazard. In the case of intentional abuse or accidental release of radioactive sources, the distribution of the dispersed radioactive substance can be influenced by various factors such as geometrical and meteorological conditions. Therefore, while radioactive matter may not always be hazardous, proper precautions and understanding of the potential hazards are necessary to ensure safety.
What is a hazard in the context of occupational health and safety?1 answersA hazard in the context of occupational health and safety refers to any potential source of harm or danger in the workplace that can cause injury, illness, or damage to workers or the community. Hazards can include a wide range of factors such as toxic substances, physical hazards (e.g., noise, heat), ergonomic hazards, psychological hazards (e.g., stress), and risks associated with shift work. Occupational health and safety programs aim to prevent work-related diseases and accidents by addressing these hazards and implementing strategies to minimize the risks.
What are solid waste and hazardous wastes? What is the difference between them?2 answersSolid waste refers to the discarded materials from residential, commercial, and industrial activities, including household waste, construction debris, and waste from streets. On the other hand, hazardous waste is a type of solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste that is considered toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, or chemically reactive, and poses a risk to human health and the environment. The main difference between solid waste and hazardous waste lies in their potential to cause harm. While solid waste can have adverse effects on the environment, hazardous waste is specifically identified as having inherent properties that can ignite, explode, react with water, or cause acute and chronic health effects. Hazardous waste management involves reducing the production of hazardous substances, treating the waste to reduce its toxicity, and implementing engineering controls to minimize exposure.

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