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Risks of municipal solid waste incineration: an environmental perspective
1Toxic Chemicals Program, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration poses risks beyond air pollution, including toxic ash and metals. Comprehensive risk assessment is crucial for effective waste management planning.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Waste Management
Background:
- The debate on municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration has shifted from management benefits to unresolved risks.
- Current risk assessments often lack comprehensive consideration of incineration-associated hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for an expanded risk assessment of incinerators.
- To highlight the limitations of incineration as a sole waste management solution.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of existing literature on incinerator risks.
- Analysis of incineration byproducts, exposure routes, and health effects.
Main Results:
- Incineration risks extend beyond air pollution to include ash and toxic metals.
- Exposure routes and health effects are more diverse than direct inhalation and cancer.
- Incineration enhances the mobility and bioavailability of toxic metals.
Conclusions:
- Incineration is a waste-processing technology with its own disposal challenges.
- Incineration is ill-suited for managing the entire municipal waste stream.
- Integrated waste management, including source reduction and recycling, is essential.