Other significant hazards

Abstract The mercury-bearing lamps, towards the end-of-life, pose significant hazard potential due to the likely release of mercury. Though, these fluorescent lamps (FLs) release relatively less quantity of mercury when disposed as compared to other mercury-based products, they are still a concern due to the large and further growing number of FLs in service, particularly, in the domestic sector and then-fragile nature. 

HDI and HDI prepolymers can be released to the atmosphere during spray applications of polymer paints containing residual amounts (0.5-1.0%) of monomeric HDI (Alexandersson et al. 1987 Hulse 1984 Karol and Hauth 1982). These substances could also be released to the atmosphere from waste streams from sites of HDI or polymer production. No information is available in the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory database on the amoimt of HDI released to the atmosphere from facihties that produce or process HDI because this compound is not included under SARA, Title 111, and therefore, is not among the chemicals that facilities are required to report (EPA 1995). There is also a potential for atmospheric release of HDI from hazardous waste sites however, no information was found on detections of HDI in air at any NPL or other Superfund hazardous waste sites (1996). Beeause of the relatively rapid reaction of HDI with hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere an possible hydrolysis (see Seetion 5.3.2.1), significant atmospheric concentrations are not expeeted to oeeur exeept near emission sourees. 

If the plant is small enough, the maximum possible accident may not pose a significant hazard to people, the environment, or property. This may result in an additional reduction in the equipment needed for the plant—it may not require as much (or any) safety equipment, emergency alarms and interlocks, or other layers of protection to manage risk. Even if the small plant still requires safety equipment, this equipment will be smaller and cheaper. Installation and ongoing operation of safety equipment is often a major expense if it can be eliminated or reduced in size and complexity, there will be cost savings. Safety need not cost money—safer can also be cheaper if a small, efficient, inherently safer process can be invented. 

Based on the activities that were initially conducted for the enabling activity project (Bravante and Medina, 2004), it was reported that little is known about POPs in the country and that even the users have minimal understanding of their hazards. As no comprehensive data on POPs is available for use as baseline information, a more comprehensive inventory is needed for the Philippines to have an actual measure of the risks that must be managed and addressed in the NIP. The Initial National Inventory conducted showed that POPs have already been banned in the country except HCB and mirex, which have no recorded use, importation or production in the country. Significant amounts of PCBs mainly come from electric transformers and capacitors. Dioxins and Source Inventory by DOST showed that there are numerous sources of dioxins and furans in the country, which emit significant quantities of dioxins and furans into the environment. No treatment facility in the country that deals with the destruction of POPs and other toxic hazardous wastes are present in the country (Bravante and Moreno, 2005). 

Encapsulated materials can be handled with relative case and safety. They are effective longer than other formulations containing the same active ingredient. Insecticides formulated this way may, however, pose a significant hazard for bees because bees may take capsules with pollen back to the hive. 

Very limited ecotoxicological data are available on the effects of phosphine, while no data were found for the effects of aluminum phosphide on wildlife. One study reported that turkeys and chickens exposed to phosphine gas at concentrations of 211 and 224mgm for 74 and 59min, respectively, exhibited dyspnea, organ swelling, convulsions, and death. These types of effects are unlikely in the unconfined atmospheric conditions that most birds and wildlife are exposed to in nature. However, if misapplied or disposed of incorrectly, phosphine gas liberated from the decomposition of aluminum phosphide could represent a significant hazard to nontarget wildlife exposed to the gas in burrows or other confined spaces. 

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