Thursday 23 February 2023

What are the most common types of chemical waste?

The environment is left with some kind of waste from every activity. To be exact, around 7.4 billion population adds waste quickly. Numbers are frightening if you look at the number of hazardous waste generated and disposed of. Global production of chemical waste each year has been steadily increasing every year.


Chemical Waste Management Service in Abu Dhabi deals in the removal and disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Cleanco Waste Management is a chemical waste disposal company in Abu Dhabi that caters to chemical waste collection requirements from all types of industries.





It is a common thought that a small amount of hazardous household waste produced makes a minimal impact on the environment. Chemical waste can be found in manufacturing facilities high school labs and hospitals. It is of utmost importance to properly dispose of the waste because chemical waste poses risk to not only the environment but to lab workers, students and residents. In addition, it also affected the people living in the surrounding areas of lab facilities as well.



Hazards Vs Risk:


The terms “hazard” and “risk” seems to have meanings to most of us but in reality, are entirely different. About chemicals though, the terms are quite different.


  • Hazard – refers to a chemical substance that possesses inherent properties that can cause harm to a person and the environment.

  • Risk – Risk is the possibility of exposure to a chemical substance, under specific conditions.


To understand the risk, we need to understand what the inherent hazard is and the degree of exposure. As hazardous material always poses risks and threats. The harm being done by hazardous material when exposed to certain things. 

We understand this by taking the example of hydrofluoric acid.

A chemical like this is used in pharmaceuticals, which is generally a safe practice. If not handled properly, then exposure to this chemical can cause 3rd-degree burns. One must not handle this chemical with bare hands or without proper personal protection equipment (PPE).


Risk can be reduced or managed by taking proper protection. The best way to reduce exposure risk from a chemical is to dispose of it in the most environmentally friendly way possible if it is no longer needed for production. Safe disposal can minimize the impact on humans and the environment.


How do Chemicals move Through the Environment?

There are various exposure pathways through which a person can come into contact with hazardous chemicals. The exposure can be through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal (skin) contact.

Since chemicals can move through air, soil and water, they can directly go inside while we breathe. It also pollutes the soil in which our plant grows. Subsequently, it pollutes the water we drink, and the food we eat. 


Some common ways of getting exposed to hazardous chemicals include-

  • Water – You may be exposed to chemicals through drinking water, or tap water or you may get contaminated groundwater or surface water while swimming. 

  • People may not realize it but can get affected by its reaction.

  • Soil, Sediment, or Dust – Exposure can occur if contaminated soil, sediment, or dust is inhaled or comes in direct contact with the skin.

  • Air – Exposure to hazardous chemicals can occur via water vapours inhaled that are contaminated by hazardous chemicals or dust.

  • Food – Exposure can occur when people eat contaminated food. You may come into contact with hazardous chemicals either through water or secondary consumers of that particular food.


What Problems Do Chemicals Create?

Unfortunately, there is not enough information available to calculate the risk assessment related to chemicals.

In addition, safety resources are insufficient. For this, solid chemical waste management is required to save humans and other species. At this point, we must address the question that how chemical waste should be managed. CWT, a waste management company are equipped with waste treatment and waste management facilities with sustainable practices


How does Hazardous Waste Affect Human Health?

Well, the occurrence of adverse health effects is directly linked to that what is the source of hazardous chemicals entering the body. Some hazardous chemicals can be absorbed quickly through the skin, while there are others that cannot. Many hazardous chemicals are minimally toxic in very small amounts, whereas longer exposure to large volumes can cause a reaction.


Hazardous chemicals in the human body cause adverse reactions in fetuses, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. The severity of the reaction varies according to age. Pregnant women, infants and young children are more susceptible to adverse reactions than an adult. Some potential health adversities found in people of all ages include

  • Behaviors abnormalities

  • Cancer

  • Organ dysfunctions and malfunctions (e.g., kidney failure, reproductive impairment)

  • Genetic mutations

  • Physical deformations

  • Birth defects


These wastes are likely to come back around, therefore by not disposing of hazardous wastes properly, you or your family are putting yourself at risk.


Long-Term Effects:

Long-term effects include signs of mutation in animals, cancer diseases in humans, trash in our waterways and green spaces, and the destruction of many natural resources. It has been reported that a few species of insects are dying such as bees, which are crucial to preserving the fertility of plant life.


Even if chemical spills into the landfill site, they can seep into the soil, and disturbs plants’ normal growth processes.

Another long-term impact of hazardous waste is the danger it poses to our water table. Chemicals can soak through the soil and enter underground aquifers. 


It is possible that a spill that was initially contained in a small area can quickly spread to cover an extremely large area. Even more frightening is that few forms of chemical contamination, such as mercury and lead, pose major human health risks – especially to developing children. They accumulate in tissue, build up over time, and can lead to cancer, seizures, poisoning and even death.

Reducing the Impact of Toxic Waste can lead to decreased health complications:

There are agencies like EPA has issued informational outlines on designated chemicals that in what way people should be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

The outlines also introduced an advisory for people who come in contact with potentially dangerous chemicals. Wastes are broken down into four categories and each has its regulations and handling requirements.


If hazardous waste is disposed of properly way like hazardous can be burned off chemical wastes or CWT companies treat the chemical waste in a way that diminishes any potential harm it could do to the environment. 


The moment you determine that the chemical in your hand is toxic, If you throw this item into the trash, keep in mind that you are creating a hazardous waste landfill.


How to Properly Dispose of Chemicals?

Instead of dumping chemicals, as it is not considered the best practice, instead hire a Chemical Waste Management Service in Abu Dhabi. Hazard waste companies like CWT, are highly skilled and trained to properly dispose of harmful chemicals.

Instead of taking the risk of damaging the ecosystem, hiring the best company to properly dispose of the chemicals is the best way.  

dispose of chemicals | cwt



Why A Quality Hazardous Waste Disposal Company Can Reduce Chemical Waste? 

Improper disposal of any kind of waste can be costly to not only the environment but your bottom line.

If you are failing to manage and contain hazardous wastes, combat the growing negative impact of hazardous waste with a clean waste management company in Abu Dhabi.

It is paramount that companies must be equipped with the ways and equipment to properly handle hazardous waste. 


Further, this can minimize the risk of pollution and damage to both individuals and ecosystems alike.

Critically, it is important to determine how to dispose of your hazardous waste on your own. But this usually ends up with disastrous results and heavy fines.


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