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Look around your neighborhood. You might be surprised how many spots contain toxic materials. The places where these hazardous materials are made, used, or thrown away, when not carefully controlled, often become toxic waste sites. We've all been using some of these materials for years, but didn't know they were dangerous. For instance, it took time to learn that lead in paint is dangerous to kids. However, new laws have helped to protect millions of children from this toxic material. There's a lot more work to do, though. There's still lead paint in millions of homes. Make sure there is no lead paint in your home. Call your local public health department to learn how.
How do toxic waste sites begin? Here's an example! Those telephone or electric poles and railroad ties that you see in your community are an example of a possible future toxic waste site problem. Billions of pounds of toxic pesticides and preservatives are used to protect the wood from insects, fungus, and decay. The telephone pole on the corner may not cause much harm, but problems can occur at the factories that make the chemicals. Next, consider the company that puts the chemicals on the wood, and finally, the waste site where the wood is dumped. When not properly handled, these chemicals may be adding poisons to our Earth's land, air, and water. And guess what? These poles and ties can be made from safer materials like recycled steel and plastic or concrete. So there is a pollution solution! The National Priority List (NPL) The NPL is what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named the 1,500 most dangerous toxic sites. These sites must be cleaned up as soon as possible. There are lots of different kinds of toxic sites and many more may be added. These sites may be at military bases, local garbage dumps, or the factory down the street. Some have been cleaned up and are considered land that is safe and usable. EPA and ATSDR (The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) are working together to help protect all of you from these hazards, but they need your help. Check out some "Pollution Solutions" below. |
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Important Pollution Solutions to Remember!You can protect yourselfDon't use toxic substances in your home unless there is no other choice. With adult household members, use the Healthy Steps worksheets (p. 5-7) to get toxicants out of your home. Safely dispose of the toxicants as hazardous waste. If you discover something in your neighborhood that seems suspicious (like strange liquids in lakes, creeks, etc.; stuff oozing from the ground; unusual smells) or you see a "Danger" sign, Don't Go Near It! Instead, call your community's pollution control department. You can help to make fewer toxic waste sites. Don't buy or use items that may be toxic. Check the labels before you buy. Find safe solutions for house-cleaning, lawn care, and building products. You Can Get Help! Ask your parents, teachers, or adult friends to call the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1-888-422-8737 or e-mail ATSDRIC@cdc.gov Kids Art: Eric 9, Ana 9, Samantha 7 |
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