ABSTRACT

When toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes contaminate the environment, all organisms are exposed to potential risks. Subtle harm such as human disease or ecological disruption caused by toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, may not become apparent until it is too late to prevent human disease or ecological disruption. Furthermore, significant amounts of toxic pollutants are cycled and recycled in the environment, not only from sources but also from waste treatment and disposal activities. Environmental issues, particularly concerns about toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, are receiving more attention in policy, programming and media in the United States and in other developed countries. Every year, thousands of leaks and spills of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes go unreported, mainly because514 they are not detected. Pollution from toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes is more extensive and difficult to manage than what was previously believed. Balancing environmental protection, economic growth, and budgetary constraints encourages a manage-for-results approach. This chapter includes the following topics: (a) legislation and regulation for toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes in the United States, (b) management and implementation of control technologies, including treatment and handling, and (c) current strategies for prevention of chemical accidents, emergency response, and risk identification and evaluation. The chapter briefly deals with the problems of toxic and hazardous wastes and the need for education and training of personnel. Education is the key to achieving the vital goal of a healthy environment. Lack of well-trained professionals in the environmental discipline impedes the management of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes as much as funding limitations do.