Environmental issues - Essay Example

Environmental Issues The world has developed and there have been fast paced technological advancements which have moved the human race to an era of modernization and industrial breakthroughs. These developments have made this planet into a fast paced world and have provided many benefits for mankind. But there are many negative effects of these developments which cannot be ignored. Chemical waste disposal is one such environmental issue that has led to alterations in the ecology of the world. It is an issue of environmental concern and it is a threat to the environment because every method of disposal has its own disadvantages owing to the pollution that they lead to (Bergman et al 2008).

There are many underlying causes for the raise in the chemical wastes which has led to the search for methods to dispose this waste. The population around the globe has increased at alarming levels and with increased number of people; the amount of the production of chemical wastes has also increased. Another vital reason for this increase in the chemical wastes is the movement of the people to urban localities and with increased urbanization there has been increased waste production. The industries across the globe have also increased and with greater production in the industries, greater amount of waste is generated.

New technologies have led to the production of even more toxic substances. This includes nuclear power which leads to the production of toxic waste products and their disposal leads to the production of hazardous substances for the environment. Chemical wastes are also generated from coal mines as well as hospitals and research organizations (Geophysics Research Forum 1984; Murray et al 1982). There have been many proposed solutions to the subject of chemical waste. A very good method was presented by the Geophysics Study Committee which was deep burial.

The committee explained the fact that sites should be dug very deep and there should be careful analysis that proper distance is kept from the water reservoirs. In this way the chemical waste would be underground and it would not contaminate the air. Also the waste would be at a great distance from the water reservoirs. Thus when the waste would combine with the ground water, the toxicity of the waste would reduce significantly by the time it would reach the water reservoirs. The technique is very beneficial but the only drawback is the high cost required (Geophysics Research Forum 1984).

Improper disposal of waste can have dire consequences. A study was conducted in the year 1994 by Najem and his colleagues for an area in New Jersey which was in close vicinity to a site of chemical waste disposal. It was highlighted that the soil and the underground water of the area close to this site was contaminated. Furthermore, the people in this area had a higher susceptibility of seizures as well as disorders of the respiratory tract (Najem et al 1994). It can be seen that improper chemical waste disposal is an important environmental issue that needs to be properly handled.

It is a problem which can lead to contaminate the air as well as the soil. It can also affect the health of the people. Thus, waste disposal needs to be managed in a manner to avoid these consequences. Works Cited Bergman, Edward F, and William H. Renwick. Introduction to Geography: People, Places, and Environment. UpperSaddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print. Top of Form Geophysics Research Forum (U.S.).Groundwater Contamination. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press, 1984. Print.

Top of Form Murray, James P, Joseph J. Harrington, and Richard Wilson. Chemical and Nuclear Waste Disposal: Problems and Solutions. Bethesda, MD: Atomic Industrial Forum, Public Affairs & Information Program, 1982. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Reza, Najem G, T Strunck, and M Feuerman. "Health Effects of a Superfund Hazardous Chemical Waste Disposal Site." American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 10.3 (1994): 151. Print.