Which properties make a waste hazardous?

Hazardous wastes are classified based on their biological, chemical, and physical properties, which pose significant risks to human health and the environment. These materials are categorized by the following characteristics:12

• Toxic: These substances act as poisons, causing acute illness, death, or chronic conditions such as cancer and mutagenic effects.1
• Reactive: These wastes are chemically unstable and can react violently with air or water, potentially causing explosions or releasing toxic vapors.1
• Ignitable: These materials burn at relatively low temperatures, creating an immediate fire hazard.1
• Corrosive: These include strong acidic or alkaline substances that destroy living tissue and solid materials through chemical reaction.1
• Infectious: This category includes materials such as used bandages and hypodermic needles from medical or biological research facilities.1
• Radioactive: These wastes emit ionizing energy that can harm living organisms.1

Proper management of these materials is an ethical imperative to prevent water pollution and land pollution, ensuring the safety of communities and the protection of the environment.23