Hazardous waste is a major risk but fortunately, industry expert Zena Marchant has some tips to share.
Do you realize how many dangerous materials you come across on any given day? Modern society is filled with modern dangers and some people overlook the risks posed by hazardous waste. Fortunately, hazardous waste expert Zena Marchant is here to help everyone get up to speed.
“Many people fail to understand how common hazardous materials are,” Zena Marchant says. “You might think you’ll only find dangerous materials in say a factory or power plant, but really, you’ll encounter many dangerous substances day in and day out.”
Step into the average American home and you’ll find plenty of dangerous materials. Some of these materials could not only harm the environment if disposed of improperly, but they could also hurt you and your family members.
“Household cleaners are something everyone should watch out for,” Zena Marchant notes. “Hand soaps and the like typically aren’t too hazardous, but bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, and antifreeze, among other substances, are highly dangerous.”
Many parents with young children lock chemicals in storerooms or locked cabinets. If you do have young children in your home, make sure you keep chemicals out of reach. Some folks fail to account for guests and pets. Even if young children don’t live in your home, if friends or family visit, there’s a risk that kids can get into trouble. Likewise, pets too could be exposed to dangerous chemicals.
“I always advise all of my friends and family to set up secured storage areas where chemicals can be housed,” Zena Marchant. “It only takes a quick moment from a loved one or pet to be injured by hazardous materials.”
You should also be careful about what you throw out. Many common items are dangerous to toss in the trash and could end up damaging the environment. For example, many electronics now have lithium batteries. These batteries last a long time and are easy to recharge. However, they are also dangerous. You should dispose of batteries and electronics with said batteries by dropping them off at the proper disposal facility.
You can often find facilities and organizations that will dispose of dangerous materials, including not just lithium batteries and electronics but also antifreeze, oil, and the like. Not sure if any facilities are available nearby? Head to Google and conduct a search. There’s a good chance you’ll find a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Zena Marchant Advises Students to Consider Careers in Hazardous Waste
As a career opportunity, work in hazardous waste often gets overlooked. Those professionals who clean, mitigate, and store hazardous wastes are doing the world a great favor. By controlling dangerous substances, pros help protect communities and the environment. Many students have never heard of or considered careers in hazardous waste, but Zena Marchant believes that a lot of folks would find such careers rewarding.
“As a career, I find hazardous waste isn’t talked about as much as it should be,” Zena Marchant points out. “However, as I and my colleagues can tell you, working in hazardous waste is quite exciting, and protecting communities from dangers is rewarding in and of itself.”
Zena Merchant