Characteristics of Hazardous Waste
The EPA has identified four characteristics for hazardous waste.
The Power of Sulfuric Acid
Any solid waste that exhibits one or more of these characteristics is classified as hazardous under RCRA:
- Ignitability is something flammable. liquids like alcohol, gasoline, and acetone; solids that combust; oxidizers and compressed gases can ignite at relatively low temperatures.
- Corrosive materials can rust or decompose. Substances like hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid can eat through containers.
- Reactivity is something explosive. Substances that are unstable, and can change violently without detonating; mixtures that can explode when mixed with water; toxic gases released when mixed with water.
- Toxicity is something poisonous. These substances pose long term human and environmental health effects if they get into the ground water.
When hazardous wastes are being transported, they are regulated by the DOT.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. How would the EPA categorize poisonous hazardous waste?
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