Man's Dilemma Flashcards
reduce
to lesson in any way ,such as to lower the amount or to make something smaller.
reuse
to use something again
waste
in nature something that has been left over ,not used or discarded
landfill
garbage that is stacked and covered with earth
pollution
enviromental contamination with man-made waste
hazardous
dangerous or toxic
leachate
liquid waste that seeps from landfill material . Leachate often toxic and contaminate ground water
non-renewable
materials that can’t be recovered after they are used.Most petroleum products are non-renewable as they take years to produce
recycle
to reuse materials instead of disposing of it in a landfill site
renewable
something that can be replaced . Trees are a good example of a renewable resource
corrosive
a substance that is capable of dissolving metal
dump
old term for landfill . A place where waste is simply piled and buried without sorting or treatment
flammable
a substance that catches fire easily
garbage
old term for waste
biodegradable
able to decompose in nature . Able to be broken down or decay Subject to the action of decomposers
Advantages to Landfills
- buried waste can produce energy and can be obtained by the conversion of landfill gases
- waste products can be used as direct fuel for combustion or processed into another fuel
- a specific location for waste than can be monitored
- the land can be reclaimed and used for parks or farm land
- waste can be processed and all recyclable materials can be used before closing
- methane gas that is produced by the underground decomposing material can be captured
Disadvantages to Landfills
- areas surrounding the landfills can become heavily polluted
- landfills can pollute, air, water, and soil
- it can be difficult to keep dangerous chemicals from leaching out into the surrounding area
- many rodents and insects are attracted to landfills resulting in dangerous diseases
- chemicals can seep into the ground water system
- disease and illness in communities around landfill
examples and definition of flammable
gases, liquids, solids
easily set on fire near heat, flames, sparks
ex. gasoline, polishes, aerosol cans, rubbing alcohol, house paint
examples and definition of explosive
materials that explode if heated or punctured
ex. aerosol cans, propane tanks, spray paint, fire extinguisher
examples and definition of corrosive
attack or corrode metals, cause permanent damage to human tissues - burn eyes, skin on contact - burn stomach, throat if swallowed
ex. oven cleaner, drain cleaner, battery acid, ammonia, paint thinner
examples and definition of poisonous
eating, drinking, licking, smelling these materials can cause illness or death
ex. methanol, oven cleaners, insect killers, antifreeze drain cleaners, floor wax
