Hazardous wastes

Hazardous wastes, chemicals and their byproducts that are dangerous to humans or pollute the environment. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 deems a material hazardous if it is poisonous, radioactive, or toxic; corrodes another material; explodes or ignites easily; reacts with water; or is unstable to heat. Industries, factories, laboratories, and hospitals are the biggest producers of hazardous wastes. The harmful effects include polluted groundwater, rivers, and lakes which could severely limit a city's drinking water and food supply. The Superfund Act, also known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, helps fund ways to fix unsafe hazardous waste dumps.