Hazardous Waste and Its Global Impact – Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and concepts related to hazardous waste generation, impacts, regulations, and solutions.

Hazardous Waste

Any waste material that poses substantial or potential threats to human health or the environment because it is toxic, corrosive, reactive, or ignitable.

Toxic (Waste Classification)

A hazardous waste category describing substances that are harmful or fatal when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.

Corrosive (Waste Classification)

Materials capable of corroding metals or damaging living tissue; often strong acids or bases.

Reactive (Waste Classification)

Unstable wastes that can explode, release toxic gases, or react violently under normal conditions.

Ignitable (Waste Classification)

Wastes that easily catch fire, such as many solvents and fuels.

E-waste

Discarded electronic devices and components; produces over 50 million metric tons annually and often shipped to low-income countries.

Medical Waste

Discarded materials from healthcare activities that may be infectious, toxic, or radioactive; surged dramatically after COVID-19.

Plastic Waste (Contaminated)

Plastics mixed with chemicals that become hazardous and persist in marine environments.

Soil Contamination

Pollution of land by hazardous substances, lowering agricultural productivity and damaging ecosystems.

Water Pollution (from Hazardous Waste)

Leaching of toxins into groundwater and surface water, threatening drinking supplies and aquatic life.

Air Pollution (Open Burning)

Release of carcinogens such as dioxins and furans when hazardous waste is burned in the open.

Loss of Biodiversity

Decline of plant and animal species caused by toxic exposure from hazardous wastes.

Basel Convention (1989)

International treaty controlling the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes.

Stockholm Convention (2001)

Global agreement to eliminate or restrict persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

SAICM

Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management; a policy framework promoting sound management of chemicals worldwide.

Circular Economy

Economic model emphasizing reuse, repair, and recycling to minimize hazardous material generation.

Green Chemistry

Design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Plasma Gasification

Advanced waste treatment using high-temperature plasma to convert hazardous waste into syngas and inert slag.

Chemical Neutralization

Treatment method that renders corrosive or toxic wastes harmless by adjusting pH or adding reactants.

Global Digital Tracking Systems

Technologies that trace hazardous waste from source to disposal to ensure compliance and transparency.

Occupational Hazards (Waste Workers)

Health risks such as respiratory issues and cancers faced by workers handling hazardous waste without protection.

Vulnerable Populations (Waste Pickers)

Groups, especially children in informal recycling sectors, who suffer heightened exposure to hazardous waste.

Transboundary Movement

The international shipment of hazardous wastes, often from developed to developing countries under the guise of recycling.