| Disposal of Medical Waste |
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| Medical waste, produced by hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, research facilities, and even private homes from self-administered healthcare, is extremely varied in character, and much of it poses a public health hazard. Because of the potential hazards posed by medical waste, it is important to public health and the environment to properly dispose of it. The disposal of medical waste is generally regulated at the state level; however, several federal agencies are involved in certain aspects of medical waste disposal. More... |
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| Sulfur dioxide |
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| Sulfur dioxide is one of the six common pollutants--referred to by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "criteria pollutants"--for which the EPA sets air quality standards under the mandates of the Clean Air Act. Sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere comes mostly from electric power generation plants that burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil. It is also produced by industrial operations, from vehicles that burn gasoline and diesel fuel, and the burning of other fossil fuels such as home heating oil. More... |
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| The Atomic Energy Act and State Regulation of Nuclear Materials |
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| In 1959, reflecting the states' traditional roles in protecting the health and safety of their citizens, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) provided for the entry of the individual states into the area of nuclear regulation. Under the amendments, states could license and regulate radioactive waste, source materials such as uranium ores, and small quantities of special nuclear materials such as enriched uranium. In order for a state to assert regulatory authority under the AEA, the state must make an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the NRC must ascertain that the state's regulatory scheme for controlling radioactive materials meets NRC requirements and will safeguard public health and the environment. More... |
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| Carbon monoxide |
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| Carbon monoxide is one of the six common pollutants--referred to by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "criteria pollutants"--for which the EPA sets air quality standards under the mandates of the Clean Air Act. Although carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with faulty heating equipment in houses and apartments, unhealthful carbon monoxide concentrations can accumulate outside as well. More... |
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| An Introduction to the Clean Air Act |
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| The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in 1970 for the purpose of administering the Clean Air Act of 1970 (CAA) and was later charged with administering several other environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act. More... |
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