Question

Which of the following can be categorised under hazardous wastes?
I. Used syringes
II. Radioactive wastes
III. e-wastes

• A. I and II
• B. Only II
• C. I, II and III
• D. II and III

Answer 1

The correct option is C I, II and III

Hazardous wastes are those that can potentially harm human health and the environment. These include medical wastes, radioactive wastes, toxic chemical compounds, e-wastes, etc.
Used syringes are examples of medical wastes and can be infected with potential pathogens which can cause serious infections in humans who come in contact with such wastes.
Radioactive wastes are hazardous as they emit radiation that are capable of inducing lethal mutations in our genome which can lead to deadly diseases such as cancer.
E-wastes refer to ‘electronic wastes’ and include discarded electronic items such as batteries, mobile phones, computers, etc. They are hazardous wastes as they contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, etc.) which can harm human health and also pollute the soil when dumped or buried in it.