Health risk assessment: WTE (waste-to-energy) vs. peanut butter

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Solid Waste and Power; (USA)

OSTI ID:6990359

Michaels, R A ^[1]

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1. RAM TRAC Corp., Long Island, NY (USA)

The degree to which society will come to accept potential health risks associated with municipal waste-to-energy plants depends on three factors: the reliability with which exposure and adverse health effects associated with facility emissions can be described, quantified, and gradually reduced; the relative magnitude of the risks compared with those of other waste management options, especially landfilling and recycling; and the relative magnitude of the risks compared with those of more familiar activities, such as driving, flying, smoking, and eating peanut butter sandwiches. Progress in risk assessment has already improved quantification of human exposure to emissions through the food chain, as well as through other pathways within the general categories of inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Where does this progress leave municipal refuse incineration relative to other risks This article explores that issue.

• OSTI ID: 6990359
• Journal Information: Solid Waste and Power; (USA), Vol. 2:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITIES
HEALTH HAZARDS
RISK ASSESSMENT
AIR QUALITY
COMBUSTION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FOOD CHAINS
INCINERATORS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PUBLIC HEALTH
RECYCLING
SANITARY LANDFILLS
SOLID WASTES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENERGY FACILITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MANAGEMENT
OXIDATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING PLANTS
WASTES
320604* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Municipal Waste Management- (1980-)