国外环保技术简介.ppt

Introduction to Environmental Technology Preserving the Legacy Introduction cont. Developed in the early 70’s Pollutant, a general terms that refers to any substance introduced to the environment that adversely affects that environment. Contaminant, a more specific term that refers to specific substance or features (whether physical, chemical, biological or radiological) that has an adverse affect on air, water or soil. Environmental Consciousness Developed in the early 70’s Environmental health is now a national and global priority New government agencies set standards and enforce compliance with regulations Environmental Technology Knowledge and skills necessary to manage, work with and control hazardous materials Also refers to an industry that has developed around the skills and knowledge base that has developed Can be very technical or more politically developed. What do I mean by political? Hazardous materials – substances that may cause an increase in death or irreversible illness in the population or pose a hazard to human health or the environment when handled improperly Hazardous waste – hazardous material for which there is no further use Environmental Compartments Also called an environmental medium Includes air, water, soil and biota A spill of hazardous material that evaporates quickly could – contaminate air and soil immediately, migrate to ground and surface water, and be ingested by animals and humans Primary Federal Agencies EPA – Environmental Protection Agency OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration DOT – Department of Transportation Historical Perspectives During colonial times our national resources were viewed as an unlimited supply of raw materials for our developing nation Concern for the environment and reverence for nature were first expressed by people such as Thomas Jefferson and Ralph Waldo Emerson Henry David Thoreau Influenced policy makers during the 19th century Wilderness was vital to human existence