Waste Impacts to Safety and HealthWaste Impacts to Safety and Health

ByByK.Subramaniam, K.Subramaniam, MCIEH, PJK,MCIEH, PJK,

MSc(Envt), BSc(Hons)(Envt & Occ.Health), Dip RSH.MSc(Envt), BSc(Hons)(Envt & Occ.Health), Dip RSH.

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

• IntroductionIntroduction

Industrial Waste Land Reclamation

IntroductionIntroduction• The Health Protection Agency (UK) (2009) has reviewed research The Health Protection Agency (UK) (2009) has reviewed research

undertaken to examine the suggested links between emissions undertaken to examine the suggested links between emissions from municipal waste incinerators and effects on health. from municipal waste incinerators and effects on health.

• While it is not possible to rule out adverse health effects from While it is not possible to rule out adverse health effects from modern, well regulated municipal waste incinerators with modern, well regulated municipal waste incinerators with complete certainty, any potential damage to the health of those complete certainty, any potential damage to the health of those living close-by is likely to be very small, if detectable. living close-by is likely to be very small, if detectable.

• This view is based on detailed assessments of the effects of air This view is based on detailed assessments of the effects of air pollutants on health and on the fact that modern and well pollutants on health and on the fact that modern and well managed municipal waste incinerators make only a very small managed municipal waste incinerators make only a very small contribution to local concentrations of air pollutants. contribution to local concentrations of air pollutants.

Life Cycle Assessment for WasteLife Cycle Assessment for Waste

http://www.electronicstakeback.com/toxics-in-electronics/

IntroductionIntroduction• The Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals The Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals

in Food, Consumer Products and the in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment has reviewed recent data and has Environment has reviewed recent data and has concluded that there is no need to change its concluded that there is no need to change its previous advice, namely that any potential risk previous advice, namely that any potential risk of cancer due to residency near to municipal of cancer due to residency near to municipal waste incinerators is exceedingly low and waste incinerators is exceedingly low and probably not measurable by the most modern probably not measurable by the most modern techniques (HPA, 2009).techniques (HPA, 2009).

IntroductionIntroduction• Since any possible health effects are likely to be Since any possible health effects are likely to be

very small, if detectable, studies of public health very small, if detectable, studies of public health around modern, well managed municipal waste around modern, well managed municipal waste incinerators are not recommended.incinerators are not recommended.

• The Agency's role is to provide expert advice on The Agency's role is to provide expert advice on public health matters to Government, stakeholders public health matters to Government, stakeholders and the public. The regulation of municipal waste and the public. The regulation of municipal waste incinerators is the responsibility of the Environment incinerators is the responsibility of the Environment Agency (HPA, 2009).Agency (HPA, 2009).

Reclaiming in Perth, Australia 1964Reclaiming in Perth, Australia 1964

The entire East Coast Park in Singapore The entire East Coast Park in Singapore was built on reclaimed land with a man-was built on reclaimed land with a man-made beach.made beach.

•Land reclamation, usually Land reclamation, usually known as reclamation, is the known as reclamation, is the process to create process to create new land from sea or riverbeds. new land from sea or riverbeds.

•The land reclaimed is known The land reclaimed is known as reclamation ground as reclamation ground or landfillor landfill

1 Habitation1 Habitation2 Agriculture2 Agriculture3 Beach restoration3 Beach restoration4 Landfill4 Landfill5 Environmental impact5 Environmental impact

5.1 Environmental 5.1 Environmental legislationlegislation5.2 Land amounts added5.2 Land amounts added

• The process by which seriously disturbed land surfaces are The process by which seriously disturbed land surfaces are stabilized against the hazards of wind and water erosion. stabilized against the hazards of wind and water erosion. • Surface mining for coal is responsible for almost one-half Surface mining for coal is responsible for almost one-half of the total land area disturbed in the United States. of the total land area disturbed in the United States. • The drastic disturbance of the overburden severely The drastic disturbance of the overburden severely changes the chemical and physical properties of the changes the chemical and physical properties of the resulting spoils. resulting spoils. • These altered properties often create a hostile These altered properties often create a hostile environment for seed germination and subsequent plant environment for seed germination and subsequent plant growth. growth. • Unless vegetative cover is established almost immediately, Unless vegetative cover is established almost immediately, the denuded areas are subject to both wind and water the denuded areas are subject to both wind and water erosion that pollute surrounding streams with sediment.erosion that pollute surrounding streams with sediment.

Geotechnical Properties of Reclaimed Mined LandsGeotechnical Properties of Reclaimed Mined Lands

• In the US, the Federal Strip Mine Law requires that topsoil beIn the US, the Federal Strip Mine Law requires that topsoil be removed and reapplied on the spoil surface during regarding removed and reapplied on the spoil surface during regarding and reclamation. This aided material reclamation of surface mine and reclamation. This aided material reclamation of surface mine spoil areas throughout the United States. spoil areas throughout the United States. • Even when topsoil is reapplied, the surface may contain coarse-Even when topsoil is reapplied, the surface may contain coarse- textured materials and rock fragments, making it difficult to textured materials and rock fragments, making it difficult to establish establish vegetative cover. vegetative cover. • Many of the eastern mine spoils are derived from sandstone & shales Many of the eastern mine spoils are derived from sandstone & shales and have a low water-holding capacity. and have a low water-holding capacity. • These spoils tend to form crusts and thus create a water-These spoils tend to form crusts and thus create a water- impermeable layer. Practically all of these top soils have low fertility impermeable layer. Practically all of these top soils have low fertility and thus require extensive fertilization for reclamation and thus require extensive fertilization for reclamation and seedling establishment (Krebs, 2009).and seedling establishment (Krebs, 2009).

Settlement of underlying mine spoils can affect buildings constructed on mine spoil Settlement of underlying mine spoils can affect buildings constructed on mine spoil fills. The spoil depth under Building A (left) is relatively uniform, whereas Building B fills. The spoil depth under Building A (left) is relatively uniform, whereas Building B (right) is built over an area where spoil depth varies. Building B is more likely to be (right) is built over an area where spoil depth varies. Building B is more likely to be damaged due to differential settlement because of variations in the depth of the damaged due to differential settlement because of variations in the depth of the underlying spoils, and because it covers a larger lateral area.underlying spoils, and because it covers a larger lateral area.

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-115/460-115.htmlhttp://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-115/460-115.html

Geotechnical Properties of Reclaimed Mined LandsGeotechnical Properties of Reclaimed Mined Lands

i.i. All recently reclaimed land in surface mined areas should be All recently reclaimed land in surface mined areas should be considered as potentially unstable ground, subject to settlement – considered as potentially unstable ground, subject to settlement – even where normal engineering precautions for good stabilization even where normal engineering precautions for good stabilization have been taken in the placement of the fill – have been taken in the placement of the fill – unless an engineer unless an engineer can certify that site conditions are such that potential settlement is can certify that site conditions are such that potential settlement is likely to be of little consequence.likely to be of little consequence.

ii.ii. The amount of settlement that can be expected to occur is a The amount of settlement that can be expected to occur is a function of a number of factors, including function of a number of factors, including depth of fill and degree of depth of fill and degree of compaction upon placementcompaction upon placement. A major factor that cannot be . A major factor that cannot be controlled during fill construction is the subsequent water content controlled during fill construction is the subsequent water content of the fill. Changes in the water content of the fill can induce of the fill. Changes in the water content of the fill can induce settlement, even when the best engineering practices have been settlement, even when the best engineering practices have been utilized during construction. utilized during construction. Thus, owners of homes constructed on Thus, owners of homes constructed on mined lands should endeavor to keep excessive water out of the fill mined lands should endeavor to keep excessive water out of the fill that supports the structure.that supports the structure.

iii.iii. Homes constructed on filled lands should be placed so as to Homes constructed on filled lands should be placed so as to minimize potential settlement and distortion (Krebs, 2009).minimize potential settlement and distortion (Krebs, 2009).

Recommendations for Geotechnical Reclaimation of Mined LandsRecommendations for Geotechnical Reclaimation of Mined Lands

iv.iv. Unless it can be established that settlement will definitely be a Unless it can be established that settlement will definitely be a problem or the homeowner is willing to risk the effects of problem or the homeowner is willing to risk the effects of settlement that occur, homes constructed on filled lands should be settlement that occur, homes constructed on filled lands should be designed to accommodate settlement without suffering severe designed to accommodate settlement without suffering severe damages.damages.

v.v. When adjustable foundations are used, these should provide When adjustable foundations are used, these should provide anchorage against uplift and accommodate both horizontal and anchorage against uplift and accommodate both horizontal and vertical movements of the supporting piers; provision should be vertical movements of the supporting piers; provision should be made for periodic checks of the structure’s bearing and for made for periodic checks of the structure’s bearing and for adjustment of the structure’s individual support points when adjustment of the structure’s individual support points when necessary.necessary.

vi.vi. Appropriate engineering, based upon an understanding of the Appropriate engineering, based upon an understanding of the geotechnical properties of deep fills, can lead to the successful geotechnical properties of deep fills, can lead to the successful utilization of reclaimed mined lands for building construction and utilization of reclaimed mined lands for building construction and development. Anyone considering construction on fill materials or development. Anyone considering construction on fill materials or in areas over mineable coal reserves should consult a professional in areas over mineable coal reserves should consult a professional engineer with a geotechnical background (Krebs, 2009).engineer with a geotechnical background (Krebs, 2009).

Recommendations for Geotechnical Reclamation of Mined LandsRecommendations for Geotechnical Reclamation of Mined Lands

Case study: Powell River Project - Restoring the Value of Case study: Powell River Project - Restoring the Value of Forests on Reclaimed Mined LandForests on Reclaimed Mined Land

• The central Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, The central Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, and southwestern Virginia is gifted with abundant and commercially and southwestern Virginia is gifted with abundant and commercially valuable natural resources – especially timber and coal. valuable natural resources – especially timber and coal. • A huge amount of virgin timber was cut and marketed during the late A huge amount of virgin timber was cut and marketed during the late 1919thth and early 20 and early 20thth centuries. centuries. • Toward the end of this virgin timber harvest, coal mining became the Toward the end of this virgin timber harvest, coal mining became the region’s economic mainstay. region’s economic mainstay. • After the virgin timber cut, the Appalachian forest grew again as a After the virgin timber cut, the Appalachian forest grew again as a sustainable, renewable, and economic resource. sustainable, renewable, and economic resource. • The annual value of the timber and wood-products industry is $7.7 The annual value of the timber and wood-products industry is $7.7 billion in Virginia, $23 billion for the central Appalachian coalfield billion in Virginia, $23 billion for the central Appalachian coalfield states (table 1), and $46 billion for states comprising the Appalachian states (table 1), and $46 billion for states comprising the Appalachian region as it extends northward to Pennsylvania and Ohio. region as it extends northward to Pennsylvania and Ohio. • Today, coal and timber – natural resources produced in central Today, coal and timber – natural resources produced in central Appalachia – make significant contributions to the regional Appalachia – make significant contributions to the regional economy economy (Burger, 2009).(Burger, 2009).

Industrial WasteIndustrial Waste

Industrial Output in Industrial Output in MalaysiaMalaysia

((Statistics Dept, 2007)

• The most important forms of The most important forms of industrial pollution industrial pollution are are suspended suspended particulate particulate discharges that cause air pollution, discharges that cause air pollution, BOD discharges BOD discharges that cause that cause water pollution and water pollution and toxic waste discharges toxic waste discharges that affects all elements. that affects all elements.

• Industry's main pollutants are discharged into water and take the form of Industry's main pollutants are discharged into water and take the form of toxic and hazardous toxic and hazardous waste. waste.

• Approximately 95 % of the total volume of industrial wastewater Approximately 95 % of the total volume of industrial wastewater discharge originates from discharge originates from three categories three categories of manufacturing facilities: of manufacturing facilities:

(i) food and beverage processing (i) food and beverage processing

(ii) industrial chemicals and chemical products, and; (ii) industrial chemicals and chemical products, and;

(iii) textile plants and dye mills. (iii) textile plants and dye mills.

• In a breakdown of wastewater effluents by types of industry, it was found that small to In a breakdown of wastewater effluents by types of industry, it was found that small to medium (SMI) medium (SMI) electronics and electroplatingelectronics and electroplating plant discharges contained plant discharges contained heavy metal heavy metal contaminantscontaminants that were disposed in sewage drains without treatment. that were disposed in sewage drains without treatment.

• Food and beverage processors have waste high inFood and beverage processors have waste high in

i.i. chemical oxygen demand (COD), chemical oxygen demand (COD),

ii.ii. biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD),

iii.iii. oil and grease, and; oil and grease, and;

iv.iv. suspended solids. suspended solids. • In the rubber products processing industry, which accounts for almost a quarter of all In the rubber products processing industry, which accounts for almost a quarter of all

industry in Malaysia, wastewater contains several contaminants including hydrogen industry in Malaysia, wastewater contains several contaminants including hydrogen sulphide.sulphide.

Sahadeb De and Arup K. Mitra (2004)

• A part of Raniganj coalfield, eastern India, covering an areaA part of Raniganj coalfield, eastern India, covering an area of aboutof about 156 km156 km22 (60 mi (60 mi22), was studied to ), was studied to identify the impactidentify the impact of mining on of mining on geo environmentgeo environment, in terms of , in terms of heavy-metal mobilizationheavy-metal mobilization..

• 28 soil samples were taken from 4 major landuse28 soil samples were taken from 4 major landuse classes: classes: mining area, land with or without scrub, agriculturalmining area, land with or without scrub, agricultural field, and social field, and social forestry areaforestry area, and analyzed for pH, electrical, and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic conductivity, organic carbon, and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn,carbon, and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and As). Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and As). • Intermediate groundwater flowIntermediate groundwater flow system of the area was inferred system of the area was inferred through trend surfaces to the water-table elevation data from 55 through trend surfaces to the water-table elevation data from 55 observationobservation wells for wells for premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon periods. premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon periods. • QuantitativeQuantitative analyses analyses of 17 groundwater samples (7 from mining of 17 groundwater samples (7 from mining areas andareas and 10 from nonmining areas) were carried out with special 10 from nonmining areas) were carried out with special referencereference to heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and to heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and As)As) during these three periods. during these three periods. • Twigs of selected planted speciesTwigs of selected planted species used in reclamation of one of the used in reclamation of one of the mine spoils in the area weremine spoils in the area were also analyzed for heavy metals (Fe, Mn, also analyzed for heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr,Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and As). Pb, Cd, and As).

Case study on Waste ImpactsCase study on Waste Impacts

Sahadeb De and Arup K. Mitra (2004)

• Impacts of mining have been measured in termsImpacts of mining have been measured in terms of of erosion and erosion and heavy-metal mobilization from mine spoils heavy-metal mobilization from mine spoils toto the surrounding the surrounding geoenvironment. geoenvironment. • Leaching on mine spoils followedLeaching on mine spoils followed by surface runoff contaminated the by surface runoff contaminated the soil with heavy metals, whereassoil with heavy metals, whereas leaching followed by percolation leaching followed by percolation contaminated the groundwatercontaminated the groundwater with heavy metals. with heavy metals. • Effects were inferred in terms of changingEffects were inferred in terms of changing ecosystem. Native plant ecosystem. Native plant species like species like Shorea robustaShorea robusta, , TerminaliaTerminalia tomentosatomentosa, etc. are being , etc. are being replaced by smaller species like replaced by smaller species like ButeamonospermaButeamonosperma, which appears to , which appears to be more tolerant in this changedbe more tolerant in this changed ecosystem.ecosystem.

Spoils from a Gold mine Orlando, Johannesburg. February 2007Spoils from a Gold mine Orlando, Johannesburg. February 2007

Human Waste Human Waste (Biosolids)(Biosolids)

http://www.nps.gov/plants/restore/pubs/biosolids/design.htm

• Human waste Human waste affects the environment in affects the environment in three ways three ways i.i. it pollutes the air when solid waste is burned it pollutes the air when solid waste is burned

openly; openly;

ii.ii. it contaminates drinking water when it contaminates drinking water when inadequately treated sewage and leachates inadequately treated sewage and leachates seep into the drainage system, and; seep into the drainage system, and;

iii.iii. it results in insect-borne diseases when it results in insect-borne diseases when sanitation is poor. sanitation is poor.

• Water pollution Water pollution is the most serious is the most serious environmental consequence of environmental consequence of inadequate treatment of human waste. inadequate treatment of human waste.

• Sewage discharge Sewage discharge seeps into the drainage seeps into the drainage system and ultimately affects the quality system and ultimately affects the quality of river water. of river water.

• In the coastal areas, lack of proper In the coastal areas, lack of proper sewage disposal systems results in the sewage disposal systems results in the waste being discharged directly into the waste being discharged directly into the rivers and seas. rivers and seas.

• It is no wonder that the coastal waters of It is no wonder that the coastal waters of West Malaysia are highly polluted. West Malaysia are highly polluted.

• The pollution load measured in The pollution load measured in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from domestic sewage was domestic sewage was 366 tons per day366 tons per day. . This is 80% of the national daily output. This is 80% of the national daily output.

• Domestic sewageDomestic sewage from human sources = from human sources = 76% of total organic load discharged into 76% of total organic load discharged into inland rivers, indicating a serious threat inland rivers, indicating a serious threat in terms of water pollution in Malaysia.in terms of water pollution in Malaysia.

Mining WasteMining Waste

• Mining in Malaysia is synonymous with tin mining. Mining in Malaysia is synonymous with tin mining.

• Mining deals with minerals such as tin, gold, copper, iron, kaolin and silica sand Mining deals with minerals such as tin, gold, copper, iron, kaolin and silica sand

and has the reputation of devastating the landscape, polluting and silting the and has the reputation of devastating the landscape, polluting and silting the

rivers. rivers.

• Mining for alluvial tin, which occurred on an extensive scale in the Mining for alluvial tin, which occurred on an extensive scale in the

late 19th and early 20th century in the tin-rich states of Perak and late 19th and early 20th century in the tin-rich states of Perak and

Selangor, resulted in widespread degradation of the environment Selangor, resulted in widespread degradation of the environment

leaving behind its legacy of leaving behind its legacy of retention ponds, mine spoils and sand retention ponds, mine spoils and sand

pilespiles. .

• Re-mining to extract residual minerals makes the land barren and Re-mining to extract residual minerals makes the land barren and

renders it useless for agriculture and human occupation unless renders it useless for agriculture and human occupation unless

treated. treated.

• Two of the main causes of waterway siltation Two of the main causes of waterway siltation are are i.i. soil erosion aggravated by the lost of vegetative soil erosion aggravated by the lost of vegetative

cover due to land clearance for mining, and cover due to land clearance for mining, and

ii.ii. the deposition of solid materials contained in mine the deposition of solid materials contained in mine effluents. effluents.

• Mines effluent containing toxic chemicals and Mines effluent containing toxic chemicals and low pH value can also have an adverse effect on low pH value can also have an adverse effect on rivers. rivers.

• River siltation has made some areas prone to flooding River siltation has made some areas prone to flooding especially during the rainy season. especially during the rainy season.

• Water pollution not only affects the aquatic Water pollution not only affects the aquatic ecosystem but also riverine settlements relying on ecosystem but also riverine settlements relying on the river water for agriculture and domestic the river water for agriculture and domestic purposes. purposes.

• Failure of Failure of

i.i. reservoirs, reservoirs,

ii.ii. waste dumps, waste dumps,

iii.iii.tailing lagoons and tailing lagoons and

iv.iv.open pit sidewalls are additional side effects of open pit sidewalls are additional side effects of mining. mining.

• However, landslips, particularly of open-cast alluvial However, landslips, particularly of open-cast alluvial mines, pose the main hazard to life and property. mines, pose the main hazard to life and property.

• Although current legislation governing Although current legislation governing mining practices has provisions for: mining practices has provisions for:

i.i. the control of water use, the control of water use,

ii.ii. water discharge and water discharge and

iii.iii.river diversions, river diversions,

iv.iv.there are no adequate guidelines, there are no adequate guidelines, standards and regulation for any standards and regulation for any requirements for environmental requirements for environmental rehabilitation and conservation.rehabilitation and conservation.

Mining Land ReclamationMining Land Reclamation

Hazardous WastesHazardous Wastes

• Hazardous wastes, a by-product of Hazardous wastes, a by-product of industrialization, consist of a vast array of industrialization, consist of a vast array of items: items: i.i. heavy metals and heavy metals and ii.ii. materials that are reactive, materials that are reactive, iii.iii. toxic, toxic, iv.iv. inflammable, inflammable, v.v. radioactive, radioactive, vi.vi. Infectious, and; Infectious, and; vii.vii.corrosive. corrosive.

• Heavy metals monitored in Malaysia: Heavy metals monitored in Malaysia: – arsenic, copper, lead, mercury, zinc and arsenic, copper, lead, mercury, zinc and

cadmium. cadmium.

• The DOE reports the most seriousThe DOE reports the most serious offenders in terms of hazardous offenders in terms of hazardous waste generation in the total load. waste generation in the total load.

• Based on this criterion, the metal finishing sub-sector in the Based on this criterion, the metal finishing sub-sector in the – machinery, engineering and electronics subsectors are the major machinery, engineering and electronics subsectors are the major

offenders. offenders.

• Improper handling of hazardous waste can result in air, Improper handling of hazardous waste can result in air, water as well as soil pollution. water as well as soil pollution.

• Existing databases suggest that the nine major industrial Existing databases suggest that the nine major industrial polluters are polluters are i.i. metal finishing, metal finishing, ii.ii.electrical and electronics, electrical and electronics, iii.iii.textiles, textiles, iv.iv.food processing, food processing, v.v.chemicals, chemicals, vi.vi.palm oil, palm oil, vii.vii.rubber, rubber, viii.viii.wood-based, and; wood-based, and; ix.ix.iron and steel manufacturing units. iron and steel manufacturing units.

• Most of these are concentrated in Selangor, Penang, Most of these are concentrated in Selangor, Penang,

Johor, Perak and Kuala Lumpur. Johor, Perak and Kuala Lumpur.

• Although SMIs account for 60 % of the total firms in Although SMIs account for 60 % of the total firms in

Malaysia and often use 'dirty' technologies, Malaysia and often use 'dirty' technologies,

sophisticated industries generate larger amounts of sophisticated industries generate larger amounts of

hazardous and toxic waste per unit of output. hazardous and toxic waste per unit of output.

• The electronics industry, dominated by Japanese and The electronics industry, dominated by Japanese and

US multinationals, uses hazardous chemicals US multinationals, uses hazardous chemicals

intensively. intensively.

• Information on toxic and hazardous waste is sketchy Information on toxic and hazardous waste is sketchy

especially about how much of it there is and what kind. especially about how much of it there is and what kind.

• Some experts project that the total industrial waste will rise Some experts project that the total industrial waste will rise

relative to water and air pollution industry. relative to water and air pollution industry.

• The estimated generation rate of this type of waste The estimated generation rate of this type of waste

in 1992 was 1.08 million cubic meters per year. in 1992 was 1.08 million cubic meters per year.

• In 1994, the DOE reported that 420,000 metric tons of In 1994, the DOE reported that 420,000 metric tons of

scheduled wastes were generated by industries. scheduled wastes were generated by industries.

• Acids, heavy metals, dross, slag, clinker and mineral Acids, heavy metals, dross, slag, clinker and mineral

sludge were over 70 % of the quantity, followed by sludge were over 70 % of the quantity, followed by

asbestos, heavy metal sludge, oil and hydrocarbons, asbestos, heavy metal sludge, oil and hydrocarbons,

the balance of 30%. the balance of 30%.

• In the states of Penang, Perak and Johor, on the west coast of In the states of Penang, Perak and Johor, on the west coast of

Peninsular Malaysia, where industries are concentrated, heavy Peninsular Malaysia, where industries are concentrated, heavy

metal concentrations exceeded the standards set (Std.A and B in metal concentrations exceeded the standards set (Std.A and B in

EQ (IER), 2009). EQ (IER), 2009).

• Due to a lack of scheduled waste treatment facilities in Malaysia, Due to a lack of scheduled waste treatment facilities in Malaysia,

industries have to store, pre-treat or export their wastes, and industries have to store, pre-treat or export their wastes, and

storage capacity is exhausted. storage capacity is exhausted.

• Current hazardous waste management practices in Malaysia Current hazardous waste management practices in Malaysia

threaten public health. threaten public health.

• Exposure to hazardous waste has had public health consequences Exposure to hazardous waste has had public health consequences

in Bukit Merah, Perak, with leukaemia and infant death cases.in Bukit Merah, Perak, with leukaemia and infant death cases.

Health and Safety issues Health and Safety issues related to wasterelated to waste

Health and Safety issues related to wasteHealth and Safety issues related to waste

2009/20102009/2010 2010/2011p2010/2011p

IncidenceIncidence Rate per Rate per 100,000100,000 IncidenceIncidence Rate per Rate per

100,000100,000

All industry All industry rate per rate per 100,000100,000

Comparison Comparison between between W&R and all W&R and all industry industry ratesrates

Fatal Fatal injuriesinjuries 33 2.32.3 1010 8.48.4 0.50.5 x 16.8x 16.8

Major Major injuriesinjuries 511511 390390 483483 405405 9999 x 4.1x 4.1

Over 3-day Over 3-day injuriesinjuries 20892089 15951595 19541954 16371637 363363 x 4.5x 4.5

All injuriesAll injuries 26032603 19881988 24472447 20502050 462462 x 4.4x 4.4

* These statistics are based on waste and recycling activities (waste * These statistics are based on waste and recycling activities (waste collection, treatment and disposal and wholesale waste and scrap). The collection, treatment and disposal and wholesale waste and scrap). The majority of incidents do not account for Local Authority incidents that majority of incidents do not account for Local Authority incidents that may be incorrectly coded (e.g. as public administration) or remediation may be incorrectly coded (e.g. as public administration) or remediation activities and other waste management services such as street cleaning.activities and other waste management services such as street cleaning.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm

Main causes of injury based on the total number of reported Main causes of injury based on the total number of reported accidents during the period 2001/2002 to 2010/2011accidents during the period 2001/2002 to 2010/2011

Kind of workKind of work ExamplesExamples Percentage Percentage (%)(%)

HandlingHandling•MSDs: handling large and awkward objects (33 %).MSDs: handling large and awkward objects (33 %).•Sharps: punctures, hypodermic needles, sorting of Sharps: punctures, hypodermic needles, sorting of sharp objects (9%)sharp objects (9%)

4141

Slips and tripsSlips and tripsVehicle access, egress, street environments, picking Vehicle access, egress, street environments, picking platforms, fixed plant maintenance (e.g.at MeRFs or platforms, fixed plant maintenance (e.g.at MeRFs or waste transfer stations)waste transfer stations)

2626Hit by fixed or moving Hit by fixed or moving objectobject During waste collections or at recycling facilitiesDuring waste collections or at recycling facilities 1616FallsFalls Sheeting and unsheeting of vehicles, undertaking Sheeting and unsheeting of vehicles, undertaking

maintenance work at heightmaintenance work at height 66Workplace transportWorkplace transport‘hit by moving ‘hit by moving vehicle’vehicle’Most of the major Most of the major and fatal accidents are in and fatal accidents are in this categorythis category

•Working with vehicle (collection/sorting) in vicinity Working with vehicle (collection/sorting) in vicinity of members of the public or operatives.of members of the public or operatives.•Inadequate vehicle and pedestrian segregation at Inadequate vehicle and pedestrian segregation at fixed sitesfixed sites

44

MachineryMachinery Access to moving parts during cleaning, maintenance Access to moving parts during cleaning, maintenance and repair of machinery; failure to isolateand repair of machinery; failure to isolate 33

OtherOther e.g. electricity, fire, explosion, exposed to harmful e.g. electricity, fire, explosion, exposed to harmful substancesubstance 55http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm

Health and Safety issues related to Health and Safety issues related to wastewaste

• Improper handling of solid waste and Improper handling of solid waste and indiscriminate disposal in open spaces, indiscriminate disposal in open spaces, road margins, tank beds, and etcetera, road margins, tank beds, and etcetera, give rise to numerous potential risks to give rise to numerous potential risks to the environment and to human health.the environment and to human health.• Other effects are from transportation, Other effects are from transportation,

open burning, and odours (Dr.Kalpana open burning, and odours (Dr.Kalpana Shankar, 2010).Shankar, 2010).

Collecting waste and recyclablesCollecting waste and recyclables• Collection activities account for the majority (75 to 80%) Collection activities account for the majority (75 to 80%)

of accidents within the industry. Particular safety and of accidents within the industry. Particular safety and health areas that should be considered are:-health areas that should be considered are:-

• Musculoskeletal injuriesMusculoskeletal injuries from handling receptacles of from handling receptacles of waste and recyclables.waste and recyclables.

• Slips and trips.Slips and trips.• Transport movementsTransport movements, particularly reversing and the risks , particularly reversing and the risks

of 'struck by injury' to both workers and members of the of 'struck by injury' to both workers and members of the public.public.

• Personal protective equipment e.g. high-visibility clothing Personal protective equipment e.g. high-visibility clothing and cut-resistant clothing.and cut-resistant clothing.

• Personal hygiene and on-board hand washing facilities.Personal hygiene and on-board hand washing facilities.• Hoist/ receptacle compatibility.Hoist/ receptacle compatibility.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm

• Health issuesHealth issues• Statistical data on health issues within the waste Statistical data on health issues within the waste

and recycling industry is currently unreliable, and and recycling industry is currently unreliable, and research into this area continues. The main health research into this area continues. The main health concerns include:concerns include:

• Manual handlingManual handling• Hygiene Hygiene • Exposure to bioaerosolsExposure to bioaerosols• Noise in kerbside glass collections, MeRFs etcNoise in kerbside glass collections, MeRFs etc• Exposure to harmful substances e.g. mercury or Exposure to harmful substances e.g. mercury or

lead during WEEE recyclinglead during WEEE recycling

http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm

Health and Safety issues related to Health and Safety issues related to wastewaste

• Direct health risks concern workers without Direct health risks concern workers without using proper PPE (e.g.gloves & uniforms), using proper PPE (e.g.gloves & uniforms), and; a high percentage of waste workers and and; a high percentage of waste workers and individuals who live near or on disposal sites individuals who live near or on disposal sites are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, worms, and related organisms.worms, and related organisms.

• For the public, the main risks to health are For the public, the main risks to health are indirect and related to poor water, land, air indirect and related to poor water, land, air quality, and; infrequent collection of waste quality, and; infrequent collection of waste provides a breeding ground for flies and rats.provides a breeding ground for flies and rats.

Thank you…Thank you…

ReferencesReferences• Burger, J.A. (2009). Powell River Project - Restoring the Value of Forests on Reclaimed Mined Land. Burger, J.A. (2009). Powell River Project - Restoring the Value of Forests on Reclaimed Mined Land.

Forestry and Soil Science, Virginia Tech; Carl Zipper, Extension Specialist, Crop and Soil Environmental Forestry and Soil Science, Virginia Tech; Carl Zipper, Extension Specialist, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech. Sciences, Virginia Tech. (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-138/460-138.html).(http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-138/460-138.html).

• Dr.Kalpana Shankar. (2010). Dr.Kalpana Shankar. (2010). A PROPOSAL FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT – Environmental A PROPOSAL FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT – Environmental Protection that Benefits the Poor. Hand-In-Hand, Tamil Nadu, India.Protection that Benefits the Poor. Hand-In-Hand, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Health Protection Agency (HPA). (2009). The Impact on Health of Emissions to Air from Municipal Health Protection Agency (HPA). (2009). The Impact on Health of Emissions to Air from Municipal Waste Incinerators. Waste Incinerators. (www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1251473372218)(www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1251473372218)

• DOE. (2010). Environment Quality Act, 1974 (A) 2000.DOE. (2010). Environment Quality Act, 1974 (A) 2000.• DOE. (2010). Environment Quality (Industrial Effluence) Regulations, 2009. DOE. (2010). Environment Quality (Industrial Effluence) Regulations, 2009. • DOE. (2006). EQ Annual Report 2005.DOE. (2006). EQ Annual Report 2005.• Krebs, R.D. (2009). Powell River Project - Foundations for Housing on Reclaimed Mined Lands. Krebs, R.D. (2009). Powell River Project - Foundations for Housing on Reclaimed Mined Lands.

(http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-115/460-115.html).(http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/460/460-115/460-115.html).

• Sahadeb De and Arup K. Mitra (2004). Sahadeb De and Arup K. Mitra (2004). Mobilization of heavy metals from mine spoils in a part of Mobilization of heavy metals from mine spoils in a part of Raniganj coalfield, India: Causes and effects. Raniganj coalfield, India: Causes and effects. Environmental GeosciencesEnvironmental Geosciences; June 2004; v. 11; no. 2; p. 65-76; DOI: ; June 2004; v. 11; no. 2; p. 65-76; DOI: 10.1306/eg.1001030300710.1306/eg.10010303007© 2004 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).© 2004 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

• HSE (UK).(2012). Health and safety statistics in waste management and recycling.HSE (UK).(2012). Health and safety statistics in waste management and recycling.(http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm)(http://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/statistics.htm)

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