Final answer:
Burning garbage through incineration releases carcinogens into the atmosphere, adds to air pollution, and can increase smog. While some toxic chemicals may break down into less harmful compounds at high temperatures, there are still considerable environmental and health risks, and strict anti-pollution measures are necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environmental consequence of the incineration of garbage that best describes the situation is: Burning garbage adds toxins and pollution to the atmosphere; long-term exposure to carbon-based ash can cause cancers. Incineration can lead to the release of carcinogens and contributes to air pollution and the increase of smog. Waste disposal methods such as incineration are a challenge in dealing with environmental impacts similar to those caused by a coal plant, including air pollution, ash generation, and potential emissions of heavy metals.
Improper incineration can intensify these consequences by not breaking down the toxic chemicals into less harmful compounds effectively. Besides air pollution, if the ash residue contains high concentrations of heavy metals, it can pose further environmental and health risks.
It's important to note that while incinerating waste at high temperatures under a waste-to-energy process, harmful compounds can sometimes be neutralized. However, strict regulations and anti-pollution devices are required to minimize the release of pollutants and the generation of toxic ash.