Toxic waste
For other uses, see Toxic waste (disambiguation). Valley of the Drums, a toxic waste site in Kentucky, United States, 1980. Toxic waste is any unwanted material in all forms that can cause harm (e.g. by being inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin). Many of today's household products such as televisions, computers and phones contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the air and contaminate soil and water. Disposing of such waste is a major public health issue. Contents 1 Classifying toxic materials 2 Health defects 3 Handling and disposal 3.1 History of US toxic waste regulation 3.2 Mapping of toxic waste in the United States 4 See also 5 References 6 External links Classifying toxic materials Toxic materials are poisonous byproducts as a result of industries such as manufacturing, farming, construction, automotive, laboratories, and hospitals which may contain heavy metals, radiation, dangerous pathogens, or other ...