Question

Which is a drawback to using incineration to dispose of toxic materials?

Answer 1

The incineration of toxic waste causes the release of toxic particles extremely harmful to living things.

Step-by-step explanation:

Waste is a growing worldwide problem. Among the main factors contributing to the increase of this problem is the fact that the world population has already surpassed the 7 billion mark, that the use of polymers (plastics which are mostly not biodegradable) in packaging and other products. that are being discarded is increasing and public policies and the commitment of the majority of society to the reuse and recycling of many materials are lacking. In addition, we must not forget the problem of toxic waste disposal, which also generates many problems.

In order to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and dumps, as well as to prevent stench and disease caused by pests such as rats and flies, incineration has long been practiced. Initially it consisted only of burning the waste in the open, but today there are more appropriate facilities called incinerators.

Thus, in the incineration, organic compounds present in the waste, such as wood, paper and plastics, are burned at high temperatures ranging from 800ºC to 1000ºC, being reduced to ashes, water vapors, carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as various polluting and toxic substances from the composition of the toxic or non-toxic waste that has been incinerated.

Answer 2

Using incineration in the disposal of toxic materials would be harmful to every living organism near the incineration site. These chemicals could produce more harmful substances which are in gas phase and inhaled by the living organisms.