definition 112 causes, effects and control measures of

Hazardous wastes

Modern society produces large quantities of

hazardous waste which are generated by chemi-

cal manufacturing companies, petroleum refin-

eries, paper mills, smelters and other industries.

Hazardous wastes are those that can cause harm

to humans or the environment. Wastes are nor-

mally classified as hazardous waste when they

cause or significantly contribute to an increase

in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible

or incapacitating reversible illness or pose a sub-

stantial present or potential hazard to human

health or the environment when improperly

treated, stored, transported or disposed of.