C3 Community Health And The Environment

C3 Community Health And The Environment Hca 402environmental Hazard

C3 Community Health and the Environment HCA 402 Environmental Hazard Analysis: Choose one (1) hazard (A-E) from the list below. Using primary sources, such as those listed in the resource list, research, define, describe, and/or explain the hazard’s characteristics. Cite your specific source for each researched item in the reference column in APA formatting.

Characteristics Define/Describe/Explain Reference Type of Hazard?

Related Legislation? Hazard Level or Classification? Hazard Relative Risk to Environment and Humans? Hazard Safety Requirements and/or Correction Action? Other interesting facts regarding your chosen hazard?

Hazards:

A. Natural hazards – naturally occurring phenomenon or event that produces or releases energy in amounts that exceed human endurance, causing injury, disease, or death (radiation, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods)

B. Radiation – a process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves

a. Ionizing radiation – high-energy radiation that can knock an electron out of orbit, creating an ion, and can thereby damage living cells and tissues

b. Radiation from Natural Sources (Ozone Depletion) – UV radiation with wavelengths 0-400 nanometers

c. Radiation from Human made Sources – X-rays, nuclear medicine diagnoses, radiation therapy, consumer products

C. Chemical Waste – Focus on one of the 31 priority chemicals identified by the EPA for recovery and elimination

D. Biological Waste – Blood borne pathogens, food contamination, anthrax, others

E. eWaste – Electronic waste containing hazardous chemicals and metals, often disposed of improperly before recycling

Resource List:

Environmental Protection Agency: EPA (2012). Hazardous Waste. Accessed 2012 from: · Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) : Before a material can be classified as a hazardous waste, it must first be a solid waste as defined under RCRA. Resources, including an interactive tool, are available to help. · Types of Hazardous Waste : Hazardous waste are divided into listed wastes, characteristic wastes, universal wastes, and mixed wastes. Specific procedures determine how waste is identified, classified, listed, and delisted. · Waste Minimization : EPA, States, and industries are working to reduce the amount, toxicity, and persistence of wastes that are generated. · Hazardous Waste Recycling : EPA is addressing safe and protective reuse and reclamation of hazardous materials. · Corrective Action : RCRA mandates cleanup of releases of hazardous pollutants into soil, water, or air. · Laws and Education : The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act creates the legal framework for hazardous and nonhazardous waste management.

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Paper For Above instruction

Selected Hazard: E-Waste (Electronic Waste)

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become one of the fastest-growing categories of waste worldwide due to rapid technological advancements and consumer demand for newer devices. E-waste includes discarded electronic devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics that contain hazardous components such as lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. The improper disposal of e-waste poses significant environmental and health risks, especially when subjected to informal recycling practices in developing countries where regulations are lax or nonexistent.

The characteristics of e-waste primarily involve the presence of hazardous chemicals and metals embedded within electronic components. When improperly disposed of in landfills, these toxins can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating local ecosystems and posing health risks to nearby populations (Kalamar et al., 2020). The hazardous metals such as lead and mercury are neurotoxic and can cause neurological damage, especially in children. Brominated flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants that can bioaccumulate and disrupt endocrine systems in humans and wildlife (Robinson, 2019). Additionally, the high levels of plastics and metals make e-waste a complex waste stream that requires specialized handling and recycling methods to mitigate adverse effects (Balde et al., 2017).

In terms of legislation, the Basel Convention aims to reduce hazardous waste transfer between countries and promote environmentally sound management of e-waste (UNEP, 2018). In the United States, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates hazardous waste, but e-waste recycling is often conducted informally due to regulatory gaps, especially in developing nations (EPA, 2012). As a result, e-waste is often classified as universal waste or non-regulated waste in some jurisdictions, which compromises proper disposal and treatment.

The hazard level of e-waste is classified as high due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment. The relative risk to humans and ecosystems depends largely on disposal practices. When e-waste is properly recycled in certified facilities, risks are minimized; however, informal or illegal dumps pose severe hazards. The risk is highest for workers in e-waste recycling operations, as they are frequently exposed to toxic fumes, dust, and contaminated materials (Balde et al., 2017).

Safety requirements and correction actions involve implementing strict regulations on e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal. Proper handling involves the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe dismantling procedures, and environmental monitoring. Recycling should be performed by accredited facilities that follow international standards such as the Basel Convention. Remediation of contaminated sites includes soil excavation, stabilization, and treatment to remove or contain hazardous chemicals (Kalamar et al., 2020). Education campaigns and public awareness are critical to reduce e-waste generation and promote responsible disposal practices.

Other interesting facts about e-waste include its contribution to the global economy through resource recovery. Studies estimate that valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper can be recovered from e-waste, leading to economic benefits when properly managed (Robinson, 2019). However, the environmental cost of lax disposal practices outweighs these benefits. Initiatives like the European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive promote producer responsibility and recycling targets, setting a global example for sustainable e-waste management (EU, 2019).

References

  • Balde, C. P., Forti, V., Gray, V., Kuehr, R., & Stegmann, P. (2017). The global e-waste monitor 2017. United Nations University (UNU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).
  • European Union. (2019). Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Official Journal of the European Union.
  • Kalamar, S., Yardımcı, S., & Yilmaz, H. (2020). E-waste management: An overview of hazardous components and recycling techniques. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120713.
  • Robinson, B. H. (2019). E-waste: An emerging threat to the environment and public health. Reviews on Environmental Health, 34(2), 201–213.
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2018). The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2012). Hazardous Waste. https://www.epa.gov/hw

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