Hazards associated with municipal waste storage Vol. II

The Main School of Fire Service, Faculty of Fire Safety Engineering, 52/54 Slowackiego St., 01-629 Warsaw, Poland

^* Corresponding author: admochowska@sgsp.edu.pl

Abstract

Municipal waste storage leads to many threats to all elements of the environment. Among other things, are suspended dusts. Before closing the plot designated for storing a given portion of waste, the unprotected volatile parts contained in it are emitted, including dusts. They can be a serious pathogenic agent, transferring microtoxins, heavy metals and other pollutants. Depending on the size, they settle on the walls of the alveoli, making gas exchange difficult, causing irritation to the epidermis and mucous membranes, inflammation of the upper respiratory tracts and cause allergic diseases such as asthma. They can also cause lung, throat and larynx cancer. The aim of the research was to measure the concentration of suspended dust in the areas adjacent to the landfill. The DustTrak II dust meter was used for the tests. Dust concentrations measurements were made for orientation purposes (to plan measurements in subsequent years). The obtained results indicate that the permissible dust concentrations are exceeded even though the landfill is already closed, and the landfill top and side escarpments were being reclamation.