Incinerators in the Northwest
Industrial emissions of hazardous air pollutants from waste incinerators and
power plants have serious consequences on public health and the
environment. Dioxins, furans and heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, which are released into the air during incineration, are classified as persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs). This means, the chemicals don't degrade easily in the environment, building up over time in humans and animals, to potentially dangerous levels. Exposure to these toxics has been linked to types of cancers, immune system disorders, birth defects and neurological disorders.
According to the EPA, waste incinerators are one of the top sources of dioxin emissions in the country! Whats more, there are economically viable and healthier disposal alternatives.
Learn what WVE is doing to protect you and your family from these toxic chemicals.
Success! WVE convinces the Boise VA Medical Center to stop incinerating! Thanks to the hard work and persistence of WVE members and friends in Boise, the VA Medical Center has permanently shut down its medical waste incinerator in the fall of 2005! This eliminated a significant source of air pollution to the North End residential community where the Boise VA is located.
Learn more...
Success! WVE closes the Livingston Municipal Waste Incinerator. Learn more...
Burning PVC plastics at Stone Container. Learn more...
Tire burning at Holcim Cement Plant, Three Forks, MT. Learn more...
How to be clean and green