Environmental Hazard Analysis: Chose one (1) hazard (A-E) from the list below. Using primary sources, such as those listed below in the resource list, research, define, describe, and/or explain the hazard’s characteristics. Cite your specific source for each researched item in the reference column in APA formatting.

Hazards:

• Natural hazards – naturally occurring phenomenon or event that produces or releases energy in amounts that exceed human endurance, causing injury, disease, or death (radiation, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods)
• Radiation – a process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves
  • Ionizing radiation – high-energy radiation that can knock an electron out of orbit, creating an ion, and can thereby damage living cells and tissues
  • Radiation from Natural Sources (Ozone Depletion)
    • UV radiation – ultraviolet radiation; radiation energy with wavelengths 0-400 nanometers
  • Radiation from Human made Sources – X-rays, nuclear medicine diagnoses, radiation therapy, consumer products
• Chemical Waste – There are 31 priority chemicals that the EPA is focus on for recovery and elimination. The listing is under Wastes – Hazardous Waste – Waste Minimization in the resource list below. Choose only one chemical or chemical group.
  • Biological Waste – Blood borne pathogens, food contamination, anthrax, others. Choose only one.
• eWaste – According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household. (CEA 2008) These products contain hazardous chemicals, metals, and additional solid waste. Prior to recycling of electronics, the personal computers went right to the landfills.