Reported April 2008

WHAT IS HAZARDOUS WASTE? In the United States, hazardous waste is defined as any discarded solid or liquid that is highly corrosive, toxic, reactive enough to release toxic fumes, or easily ignited. It can include solvents, pesticides, and spilled chemicals; for example, acids, ammonia, chlorine bleach and other industrial cleaning agents, as well as most heavy metals. Long-term exposure to hazardous waste can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, damaged liver and kidneys, or cancer. Poisoning and chemical burns can result from contact even with small amounts of toxic chemical waste. Brief exposure can also cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.

WHERE DOES THAT GLASS OF WATER COME FROM? Drinking water can come from ground water sources, wells, or surface water sources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Most United States water systems in small and rural areas use a ground water source, while large metropolitan areas tend to rely on surface water. Causes of contamination can range from agricultural runoff to improper use of household chemicals.

SECONDARY STANDARDS: Even if your tap water meets the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) basic requirement for safe drinking water, some people still object to the taste, smell, or appearance of their water. These are aesthetic concerns, however, and therefore fall under the EPA's voluntary secondary standards. Some tap water is drinkable, but may be temporarily clouded because of air bubbles or have a chlorine taste. A bleach taste can be improved by letting the water stand exposed to the air for a while.

The American Geophysical Union, the American Waterworks Association, and AVS contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Dr. Michael Wong
Chemical Engineer
Rice University
(713) 348-3511
mswong@rice.edu

American Geophysical Union
Washington, DC 20009-1277
1-800-966-2481
http://www.agu.org

American Water Works Association
Denver, CO
(303) 794-7711 or 1-800-926-7337
http://www.awwa.org