Environmental Justice
Action in Southern Africa
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Environmental Justice
Action in Southern Africa |
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The
household toxic tour Beyond the home
Chemical products in the home have a negative impact on the environment as
well. When these products are used and disposed off, they release chemicals
into the ground and wastewater stream which may contaminate our groundwater and
present a problem to wastewater treatment facilities. Most often hazardous
products are not disposed of properly and are landfilled or incinerated where
they release their toxins to the environment.
Some
of these toxics, such as the chemicals in household cleaners, pesticides and
insecticides, persist in the environment and can concentrate as they go up the
food chain. They have wiped out many species and will produce stronger resistant
strains of pests and insects. Some chemicals, like the corrosives and reactives,
are hazardous if they enter the environment in high concentrations, but upon
dilution become easily handled by natural processes. Those that take a long time
to biodegrade are more harmful to organisms. Some never break down, like heavy
metals (lead and mercury). Phosphate is low in toxicity but in water becomes a
nutrient for algae, causing algae blooms that block sunlight, resulting in fish
die-offs. Chlorine used in bleaches contributes to ozone allowing ultraviolet
radiation to harm organisms and humans. The toxic effects of chemicals in your
home has serious short and long term repercussions for you, the environment and
all it’s living entities.
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