Page 161 - Energy from Toxic Organic Waste for Heat and Power Generation

Cracking of Toxic Waste 141

10.3.2.1 Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxic which has affected people around the world through con-
taminated water and foods. Organic arsenic is a carcinogen and when con-
sumed in high levels can lead to death. It affects skin, lungs, liver and even
blood vessels. Arsenic may exist in any one of the forms namely arsenate, ar-
sine or arsenite. When water is treated for removing arsenic, arsenic- bearing
wastes are generated. These arsenic-bearing wastes are further treated by
either oxidizing or reducing them.

10.3.2.2 Asbestos
"Asbestos waste" means a friable waste material containing asbestos fiber
or asbestos dust in a concentration greater than 1% by weight. Asbestos is
known to cause a respiratory disease called asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos
fibers causes mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Any release of as-
bestos dust into the air is considered to be hazardous to humans or animals
that inhale it.

Table 10.1 Toxic materials and their existence
Material Source Health effect

Arsenic Electrical circuits, pesticides, Carcinogenic
and wood preservative
Asbestos Insulation of buildings, Lung cancer
roofings, brakes
Cadmium Batteries and plastics Lung, kidney disease
Chromium Lining material in industrial Chronic bronchitis and damage
furnace, steel, plating, dyes, lung tissue
and pigment industries
Clinical Syringes and medication Variety of illnesses
wastes bottles
Cyanide Pesticides and rodenticides Paralysis, convulsions, and
respiratory disease
Lead Batteries, paints, and Harm to the nervous and
ammunition reproductive systems, and kidneys
Mercury Dental fillings, broken Birth defects and kidney and brain
thermometers or damage
manometers, and batteries
PCB Manufacturing processes, by Nervous, reproductive, and
the utility industry, and in immune systems, liver
paints and sealants
POP Chemicals and pesticides Lead to nervous and reproductive
system defects