Abstract
An effort has been to demonstrate that the incineration of Prescription Drug en masse impart potential environmental hazard. According to http://www.natracare.com/en‐GB/ the current data shows that even in “state‐of‐the‐art” incinerators, burning hazardous waste will lead to the release of three types of dangerous pollutants into our environment: heavy metals; unburned toxic chemicals; and new pollutants ‐ entirely new chemicals formed during the incineration process (Verbatim). According to the US Environmental Protection Authority: “Fugitive emissions and accidental spills may release as much or even more toxic material into the environment than direct emissions from incomplete waste incineration.” According to Greenpeace, studies have identified up to 43 different semi‐volatile, organic chemicals in incinerator ash, and at least 16 organic chemicals in scrubber water from hazardous waste incinerators. Ash is commonly buried in landfill, while effluent is often treated before being discharged into rivers or lakes. Fragments of partially burned waste chemicals recombine within incinerator furnaces, smokestacks, and/or pollution control devices. One study identified 250 volatile organic compounds, many of which are known to be highly toxic or carcinogenic. Among the possible compounds are dioxins and furans, often referred to as just dioxins suppression of the immune system, diabetes, organ toxicity and a wide range of effects on hormones. It is estimated that for every three tonnes of waste that is incinerated, one tonne of ash is generated. Projection analysis on the amount of fly ash generated due to the incineration of drugs from National Drug Take Back day (NDTBD) by United States Drug Enforcement Administration – Department of Justice (US‐DEA‐DOJ) mount 3 fold increase in the environmental contamination. However, taking into account of anaerobic digestion of the drugs from NDTBD – US‐DEA‐DOJ could potentially decrease the methane emissions by 5 – 7 folds compare to the industrial chemicals disposal standard. Taken together, the projection analysis data indicate that there is a statistically significant increase in the environmental contamination by incineration the drugs from NDTBD – US‐DEA‐DOJ. Data analysis for the environmental impact assessment of chemical pollutant will be presented at EB 2016.Support or Funding InformationProfessional Development Funds provided to S. Kannan at SWTJC for 2014–2015
Published Version
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