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HAZARDOUS WASTE RECYCLING IN SYRACUSE, NY
As stated by Congress, the objectives of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) are "to promote the protection of health and the environment and to conserve valuable material and energy resources." With these goals in mind, EPA developed the hazardous waste recycling regulations to promote the reuse and reclamation of useful materials in a manner that is safe and protective of human health and the environment.
Many industrial hazardous wastes can be recycled safely and effectively. A hazardous waste is recycled if it is used, reused, or reclaimed. Furthermore, RCRA hazardous waste regulation makes an important distinction between materials that are used or reused without reclamation and those that must be reclaimed before reuse. A material is reclaimed if it is processed to recover a usable product, or if it is regenerated. Common hazardous waste reclamation activities involve recovery of spent solvents (e.g., recovery of acetone) or metals (e.g., recovery of lead).
TRICHLOROETHYLENE - TCE DISPOSAL IN SYRACUSE, NY
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a colorless, nonflammable chemical compound with a sweet smell that is used in industrial applications and consumer products. A primary use of TCE is in the degreasing of metal parts. TCE is also used as a solvent to dissolve greases, oils, fats, waxes, and tars. It is also used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of other chemicals. TCE can also be found in consumer products like typewriter correction fluids, paint removers, adhesives, spot removers, and carpet cleaners. TCE is water soluble. This means that it has the potential to contaminate groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. In fact, TCE is one of the most prolific groundwater contaminants. Some estimates suggest that as much as 30% or more of drinking water sources have some level of TCE contamination. However, most regulated sources comply with requirements that TCE content be lowered below the maximum contaminant level of 5 µg/L.
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL - PCB DISPOSAL IN SYRACUSE, NY
PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications.
Although no longer commercially produced in the United States, PCBs may be present in products and materials produced before the 1979 PCB ban. Products that may contain PCBs include:
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Transformers and capacitors
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Other electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, reclosers, bushings, and electromagnets
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Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
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Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
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Fluorescent light ballasts
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Cable insulation
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Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork
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Adhesives and tapes
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Oil-based paint
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Caulking
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Plastics
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Carbonless copy paper
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Floor finish
PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans provide supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs. The different health effects of PCBs may be interrelated, as alterations in one system may have significant implications for the other systems of the body. The potential health effects of PCB exposure are discussed in greater detail below.
BIRD DROPPINGS CLEANUP IN SYRACUSE, NY | BAT GUANO WASTE REMEDIATION IN SYRACUSE, NY
Several diseases are caused by fungi and bacteria present in bird and bat droppings.
What is Histoplasmosis?
It is an infectious disease caught by inhaling the spores of the histoplasmosis capsulation fungus. While it is not contagious, the disease can affect a wide variety of the population who may not even be aware they are at risk.
How do I know if I have Histoplasmosis?
The disease first affects the lungs, and often those with the disease have no or very mild symptoms within the first few days. On an average, around 10 days after exposure, many sufferers complain of flu-like symptoms: fever, chest pain, loss of appetite, dry cough, headache, shortness of breath, impaired vision, and possibly joint and muscle pains. Because of the vague symptoms, you may have been exposed to the disease and not know it.
Risk of Infection:
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Bird Dropping Disinfection in Syracuse, NY - Although cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis infections are rare, they can occur. Individuals who are young, elderly, or immune-compromised are most at risk. These infectious agents can pose a significant health risk if left unattended to.
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Bat Dropping Disinfection in Syracuse, NY - Rabies can be prevalent in bats and exposure is a concern. But a lesser known danger, and one that is not as easy to avoid, is histoplasmosis, a disease you can get from exposure to bat guano (bat droppings).
Remedial clean-up and controlling an area is ultimately responsible for all required cleanup and bird/bat control measures. Humans may be infected by inhalation of fungi- or bacteria-contaminated dust (Histoplasmosis) or close contact with contaminated material. Therefore, individuals who work in, or clean up, areas contaminated with bird or bat droppings may become exposed when the material is disturbed or dust is created.
Specific management standards for battery recycling in Syracuse, NY include containing any universal waste battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage. The container must be closed, structurally sound, and compatible with the batteries. Batteries or battery packs may be sorted, mixed, discharged, regenerated, disassembled into individual batteries, or removed from products as long as the individual battery cell is not breached. Cells may be opened to remove electrolyte from the battery, but must be closed again immediately. Electrolyte or any other material generated by the handler must be evaluated to determine if it is a hazardous waste and, if so, managed appropriately under 40 CFR part 262 regulations.
Mercury-containing equipment in Syracuse, NY is a device or part of a device that contains elemental mercury integral to its function. Examples of items that meet this definition are mercury thermostats and thermometers, mercury switches and the devices that contain them, mercury barometers and mercury manometers. This definition does not include batteries or lamps.