Chapter 5

Hazardous and Radioactive

Wastes

Prepared for Civil Batch-6

 Chapter Outline
5.1 Introduction to Hazardous Waste
5.2 Sources and Management of Hazardous Waste
5.3 Transportation of Hazardous Waste
5.4 Health effects of Hazardous Waste
5.5 Radioactive Waste
5.6 Sources and Management of Radioactive Waste
5.7 Health effects of Radioactive Waste
Introduction to Hazardous Waste

 Hazardous waste is defined as any material that exhibits

one or more of the following characteristics:
• Ignitability
• Corrosivity
• Reactivity
• Toxicity
Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Hazardous wastes can exist in various forms, such as solids,
liquid, gases, and semisolids. They may have these properties:
1. Ignitability: The waste can readily catch fire and pose a fire
hazard.
2. Corrosivity: The waste can corrode metals and other
materials, potentially causing damage to storage facilities.
3. Reactivity: The waste can react violently with other
substances, leading to explosions, fires, or the release of
toxic gases.
4. Toxicity: The waste contains harmful substances that can
cause adverse health effects upon ingestion, inhalation, or
absorption through the skin.
Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Old hazard symbols:
Introduction to Hazardous Waste
New international hazard symbols:
Sources and Management Hazardous Waste
 Hazardous waste can be generated from a wide range of
activities, including manufacturing, construction,
healthcare, and agricultural activities.
 Hazardous waste management facilities are sites that
receive hazardous waste for treatment, storage, or
disposal. These sites are known as treatment, storage,
and disposal facilities (TSDFs).
 Hazardous waste management facilities typically
comprise of storage, treatment, and disposal facilities.
Sources and Management Hazardous Waste

 Storage facilities: Storage tanks and containers: To safely

store hazardous waste prior to treatment or disposal.
 Treatment facilities: To reduce the hazard of the waste
or make it easier to dispose of.
 Disposal facilities: To dispose of the waste in a safe and
environmentally sound manner.
Transportation of Hazardous Waste
 The transportation of hazardous waste is a complex and
regulated process that must be carried out in a safe and
environmentally sound manner.
 Hazardous waste can be transported by truck, rail, ship, or
air.
 The mode of transportation that is chosen will depend on
a number of factors, including the type of waste, the
distance it needs to be transported, and the cost of
transportation.
Health Effects of Hazardous Waste
 Hazardous waste can pose a significant threat to human
health.
 Exposure to hazardous waste can occur through various
routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
Short-term Health Effects: Long-term Health Effects:
• Irritant effects • Cancer
• Respiratory diseases
• Neurological effects • Heart disease
• Digestive effects • Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Reproductive effects
Radioactive Waste
Introdution
 Radioactive waste is any material that contains radioactive
isotopes, which are atoms with unstable nuclei that emit
radiation as they decay. Radiation can damage cells' DNA,
increasing the risk of cancer and other health problems.
 Radioactive waste is classified into three categories based
on radioactivity level and the duration it remains hazardous:
• Low-level radioactive waste (LLW)
• Intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW)
• High-level radioactive waste (HLW)
 Radioactive Waste
 Low-level radioactive waste (LLW): LLW is the most
common type of radioactive waste with half-life of less than
30 years
 Intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW): ILW contains
higher levels of radioactivity than LLW and has a half-life of
up to 100,000 years.
 High-level radioactive waste (HLW): HLW is the most
radioactive type of waste. It contains spent nuclear fuel and
other materials with high levels of radioactivity. HLW has a
half-life of millions of years.
Sources of Radioactive Waste

 Radioactive waste originates from various sources, including

nuclear power generation, medical treatments, and
industrial applications.
 Radioactive waste can be in different forms, including
solids, liquids, and gases.

Drums of radioactive waste

Management of Radioactive Waste
 The management of radioactive waste is a complex and
challenging issue.
 There is no single solution that is universally accepted.
However, there are a number of principles that are
generally agreed upon:
• Isolation and containment
• Minimization of waste generation
• Segregation of waste
 Disposal of Radioactive Waste
 There are a number of options for the disposal of
radioactive waste, including:
• Land disposal: LLW can be disposed of in specially designed
landfills.
• Deep geological disposal: HLW can be disposed of in deep
underground repositories.
• Transmutation: Transmutation is a process that converts
long-lived radioactive isotopes into shorter-lived or stable
isotopes.
Health Effects of Radioactive Waste
 Exposure to radiation can lead to a range of adverse health
effects, both acute and chronic.
Acute Effects of Radioactive Waste:
• Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): ARS is a severe condition
that can arise from extremely high doses of radiation. It can
be fatal.
• Radiodermatitis: This is a condition characterized by skin
inflammation and redness caused by exposure to radiation.
• Ocular Effects: Exposure to high levels of radiation can
damage the eyes, leading to cataracts, conjunctivitis, and
vision loss.
Health Effects of Radioactive Waste
Acute disease: are those that occur suddenly and last for a short period of
time, typically days or weeks.

Chronic disease: are those that develop gradually and last for a long period
of time, often months or years.

Chronic Effects of Radioactive Waste:

• Increased cancer risk
• Genetic Effects
• Weakened Immune System
• Organ Damage
Contaminants and contaminations

Thank you for

your attention