Toxic waste
Toxic waste
Toxic waste (pronunciation: /ˈtɒksɪk weɪst/) is a type of waste material that can harm or damage the environment or health of living organisms.
Etymology
The term "toxic waste" is derived from the Latin word "toxicus" meaning "poisonous" and the Old English word "waste" meaning "unused, unoccupied, or uncultivated".
Definition
Toxic waste is any unwanted material in all forms that can cause harm (e.g. by being inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin). Many of today's household products such as televisions, computers and phones contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the air and contaminate soil and water.
Types of Toxic Waste
There are several types of toxic waste, including but not limited to:
- Chemical waste: This includes waste from industrial processes, such as solvents, paints, and sludges.
- Radioactive waste: This includes waste from nuclear power plants and medical institutions.
- Biomedical waste: This includes waste from hospitals and other healthcare facilities, such as needles, bandages, and body parts.
- Electronic waste: This includes waste from electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, and mobile phones.
Disposal of Toxic Waste
Proper disposal of toxic waste is crucial to prevent harm to the environment and living organisms. This can be achieved through methods such as landfill disposal, incineration, and recycling.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxic waste
- Wikipedia's article - Toxic waste
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