Chemical waste
Chemical waste
Chemical waste (/ˈkɛmɪkəl weɪst/) refers to the by-products or surplus materials produced by chemical reactions that are no longer useful or safe for the environment or human health.
Etymology
The term "chemical waste" is derived from the English words "chemical," meaning a compound or substance that has been purified or prepared, especially artificially, and "waste," meaning material that is not wanted; the surplus or byproducts of a process.
Definition
Chemical waste is a broad term that encompasses a variety of waste types, including hazardous waste, industrial waste, and biomedical waste. These wastes can be solid, liquid, or gaseous and are often classified according to their physical state, chemical composition, and hazard potential.
Types of Chemical Waste
- Hazardous waste: This type of waste poses a potential threat to public health or the environment. It includes substances that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive.
- Industrial waste: This is waste produced by industrial activities, such as manufacturing and processing. It often contains heavy metals, oils, and other harmful substances.
- Biomedical waste: This type of waste is generated from biological and medical sources, such as hospitals and research laboratories. It can include chemicals used in medical procedures and research.
Disposal of Chemical Waste
The disposal of chemical waste is a complex process that requires careful management to prevent harm to the environment and human health. Methods of disposal can include incineration, landfill, recycling, and neutralization. The choice of method depends on the type of waste and local regulations.
Related Terms
- Waste management: The process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, or disposing of waste materials.
- Environmental pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemical waste
- Wikipedia's article - Chemical waste
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski