Protecting Health and Protecting Health and Subsistence: Solid Waste in Subsistence: Solid Waste in

Alaska Isolated VillagesAlaska Isolated Villages

Solid Waste Cluster TrainingITEP and AI-TC

Selawik May 2006

Trash is called Trash is called ““solid wastesolid waste””. What are solid . What are solid wastes?wastes?

Solid wastes are the Solid wastes are the ““leftoversleftovers””from a communityfrom a community’’s lifes life

Solid wasteSolid waste managementmanagement (SWM) (SWM) isis howhow the the communitycommunity ““takes caretakes care”” of the leftoversof the leftovers it creates.it creates.

Good Good solid waste management protects the solid waste management protects the community, andcommunity, and protects subsistenceprotects subsistence……

Work on protecting your community and Work on protecting your community and subsistence. Then you will end up meeting the subsistence. Then you will end up meeting the

new State regulations.new State regulations.

Traditional Solid Waste Management

Elders tell us that there used to be few Elders tell us that there used to be few ““leftoversleftovers””. What . What was not used belonged to the earth. Even houses were was not used belonged to the earth. Even houses were returned to the earth.returned to the earth.

SubsistenceSubsistence wasteswastes still belong to the earth. Good solid still belong to the earth. Good solid waste management is feeding dogs with leftovers, or waste management is feeding dogs with leftovers, or leaving leftovers away from town.leaving leftovers away from town.

For example, some of the SWM planning For example, some of the SWM planning that elders have taught in Nelson Island that elders have taught in Nelson Island

Consortium:Consortium:

•• Not leaving fish nets in and wasting fish and polluting Not leaving fish nets in and wasting fish and polluting the river.the river.

•• Being careful with gasoline and oil when using motors Being careful with gasoline and oil when using motors and chain saws for ice fishing.and chain saws for ice fishing.

•• Helping each other cleanup. Helping each other cleanup. •• Volunteering in keeping campsites and towns clean.Volunteering in keeping campsites and towns clean.•• Bringing litter into town to the dump site.Bringing litter into town to the dump site.•• Not wasting food, not using so many throwaways, like Not wasting food, not using so many throwaways, like

plastics, Styrofoam, diapers.plastics, Styrofoam, diapers.

More Good SWM Elders have taught:More Good SWM Elders have taught:

•• Bringing your own dishes and cups to Bringing your own dishes and cups to meetings and celebrations.meetings and celebrations.

•• Teaching youth in an encouraging Teaching youth in an encouraging manner. Not humiliating them. manner. Not humiliating them. Teaching them the old ways. Teaching them the old ways.

•• Encourage subsistence activities. It is Encourage subsistence activities. It is healthier and makes less throwhealthier and makes less throw--away away packaging.packaging.

•• And a lot moreAnd a lot more……..

3.43.44.8, 5.2, 10.14.8, 5.2, 10.1frequencyfrequency

2.62.6----------3.53.5NumbnessNumbness

1.71.73.03.0

1.91.9----------

1.51.52.02.0

----------2.92.9

18.418.414.114.1

CoughCoughHeadacheHeadache

1.41.41.61.6

----------2.02.0

1.81.81.81.8

--------------------

19.419.414.114.1

CongestionCongestionSore throatSore throat

2.12.13.73.7

--------------------

5.55.52.32.3

----------18.918.9

4.44.45.95.9

Ear irritationEar irritationEye irritationEye irritation

3.63.6----------

--------------------

1.61.61.51.5

--------------------

2.62.65.25.2

VomitingVomitingDiarrheaDiarrhea

2.02.03.03.0

2.32.3----------

1.71.72.22.2

--------------------

8.78.710.310.3

FeverFeverStomach Stomach painpain

2.92.93.53.5

29.729.75.4,13.2, 17.45.4,13.2, 17.4

frequencyfrequency

2.32.36.36.3

----------44

7.27.23.63.6

RashRashFaintnessFaintness

Visits Visits dumpdump

Burns nearBurns nearhomehome

Dump smoke orDump smoke orodor concernsodor concerns

Live near Live near dumpdump

% Affected% AffectedSymptomSymptom

Why we are here: Relative risk of symptoms related to Why we are here: Relative risk of symptoms related to waste disposal factors in four Alaska Native Villages, 2001.waste disposal factors in four Alaska Native Villages, 2001.

Visits to Dumpsites

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1 or 2 timesMore than 2 times

Birth Outcomes Study•• A A study was performed using birth records from 1997 study was performed using birth records from 1997 –– 2001 from mothers 2001 from mothers

who resided in 197 Villages, together with dumpsite rankings.who resided in 197 Villages, together with dumpsite rankings.Infants weighed on average 36 grams lessInfants weighed on average 36 grams less when born to mothers from the when born to mothers from the high exposure group than infants in the intermediate exposure grhigh exposure group than infants in the intermediate exposure group and oup and 55.4g 55.4g lessless than infants in the low exposure group. than infants in the low exposure group.

On average,On average, pregnancies lasted 1.2 days lesspregnancies lasted 1.2 days less in mothers from high hazard in mothers from high hazard potential Villages than pregnancies in the intermediate hazard rpotential Villages than pregnancies in the intermediate hazard ranked Villages. anked Villages.

InfantsInfants born to mothers residing in Villages with born to mothers residing in Villages with high hazard dumpsite high hazard dumpsite contentscontents were were 4.3 times4.3 times more likely to have more likely to have ““other defectsother defects”” than other than other infantsinfants. .

Additionally, Additionally, positive odds ratiospositive odds ratios for all congenital anomalies, central nervous for all congenital anomalies, central nervous system anomalies, circulatory and respiratory anomalies, urogenisystem anomalies, circulatory and respiratory anomalies, urogenital anomalies, tal anomalies, musculoskeletal and integumental anomalies, multiple anomalies wmusculoskeletal and integumental anomalies, multiple anomalies were found. ere found. The estimates were similar to significant associations found in The estimates were similar to significant associations found in other birth defect other birth defect studies on maternal populations living near open dump sites in dstudies on maternal populations living near open dump sites in developing eveloping countriescountries, , indicating that associations in Alaska Villages with these birthindicating that associations in Alaska Villages with these birthdefect categories could be significant with a higher population defect categories could be significant with a higher population size or size or greater exposure detailgreater exposure detail. .

See handout for where to find more detailed information on this See handout for where to find more detailed information on this study.study.

Solid Waste Categories Solid Waste Categories ––Standardizing to Standardizing to organize, compare, organize, compare, and decide.and decide. In an In an ““Integrated SWM planIntegrated SWM plan””, you decide where , you decide where allall of these of these wastes belong for your community because wastes belong for your community because each has more or less health riskseach has more or less health risksdepending on how it is handled and disposed.depending on how it is handled and disposed.

Mining, Logging, Cannery wastesMining, Logging, Cannery wastes

““Hazardous wastesHazardous wastes””, EPA defined, EPA defined

““Special wastesSpecial wastes”” (furniture, electronics, toys, (furniture, electronics, toys, tires, large appliances, household batteries, tires, large appliances, household batteries, etc.)etc.)

Tin cans, aluminum, and other metalsTin cans, aluminum, and other metals

GlassGlass

““YardYard”” wastes and woodwastes and wood

TextilesTextiles

PlasticsPlastics

Paper & CardboardPaper & Cardboard

Food wastesFood wastes

What is a Wastestream?What is a Wastestream?

A A wastewastestream is like a river stream is like a river -- a a waterwater stream, but made up stream, but made up of of wasteswastes, instead of , instead of waterwater..

The wastes go in one direction only. The wastes go in one direction only.

Each waste starts from one place. Each waste starts from one place.

By the time the wastes arrive at the dump, they are with By the time the wastes arrive at the dump, they are with lots of other wastes lots of other wastes –– just like a river can get bigger and just like a river can get bigger and bigger when the small streams join together.bigger when the small streams join together.

BusinessesBusinesses

ProjectsProjectsUtilitiesUtilities

Houses, collectedHouses, collected

SchoolSchoolHouses, selfHouses, self--haulhaul

DumpDump

Residential and CommercialResidential and Commercial

Miscellaneous litter in subsistence areasMiscellaneous litter in subsistence areas

Vehicle Batteries and used oil dumped Vehicle Batteries and used oil dumped in subsistence areas, lead shotin subsistence areas, lead shot

Subsistence Subsistence

BusinessesBusinesses

ProjectsProjects

UtilitiesUtilities

Houses, collectedHouses, collectedSchoolSchool

Houses, selfHouses, self--haulhaul

DumpDump

Residential and CommercialResidential and Commercial

CleanClean

CleanClean

Subsistence WastesSubsistence Wastes

Recycle/ Recycle/ Reuse CenterReuse Center

backhaul

Used oil Used oil blender/burner, blender/burner, antifreeze recyclerantifreeze recycler

BackhaulBackhaul

BackhaulBackhaul

BackhaulBackhaul

Wastestream: Just like the waterways and trails, your Wastestream: Just like the waterways and trails, your wastestream must be learned well to live well.wastestream must be learned well to live well.

How muchHow much of of each kindeach kind of waste do you have? of waste do you have? WhereWhere does it start? does it start? What What wastestreamswastestreams are most are most importantimportant to work on? to work on? Which wastestream can be Which wastestream can be

made smaller or less hazardousmade smaller or less hazardous? ?

Learning your wastestream is called a Learning your wastestream is called a ““wastestream wastestream analysisanalysis””. Some people say . Some people say ““waste assessmentwaste assessment”” or or

““waste characterizationwaste characterization””..

Your handouts have information on where to get Your handouts have information on where to get information to perform an analysisinformation to perform an analysis..

Akiachak Total Residential and Business Wastestream by Weight

Organics - non-paper/plastic42.3%

Glass3.1%Cardboard

11.4%

Metals8.1%

Paper5.9%

Special Wastes1.5%

Plastic 6.4%

Hazardous Waste (with containers)

7.3%

Disposable diapers4.7%

Estimated self-haul large items 3.0%

Construction and demolition (20-yr avg)

6.4%

Organics - non-paper/plasticGlassCardboardMetalsPaperSpecial WastesPlastic Hazardous Waste (with containers)Disposable diapersEstimated self-haul large items Construction and demolition (20-yr avg)

Wastestream analysis in SW Alaska Village, by Weight

Akiachak Business and Residential Wastestream by Volume

Organics - non-paper/plastic13.4%

Glass2.4%

Cardboard34.2%

Metals9.4%

Paper10.0%

Special Wastes3.4%

Plastic 16.3%

Hazardous Waste (with containers)

6.2%

Disposable diapers1.5%

Estimated self-haul large items 2.2%

Construction and demolition (20-yr avg)

1.0%

Organics - non-paper/plasticGlassCardboardMetalsPaperSpecial WastesPlastic Hazardous Waste (with containers)Disposable diapersEstimated self-haul large items Construction and demolition (20-yr avg)

Wastestream analysis in SW Alaska Village, by Volume

Where does each type of leftover belong? How Where does each type of leftover belong? How can the can the wastestreamswastestreams be managed to reduce be managed to reduce overall health risks the most?overall health risks the most?

Do they belong on the ground, away from town, for the Do they belong on the ground, away from town, for the animals and birds to eat?animals and birds to eat?

Do they belong in Do they belong in KotzebueKotzebue Landfill, Flying Cans, or on Landfill, Flying Cans, or on the barge or NAC to be recycled in Seattle or Anchorage?the barge or NAC to be recycled in Seattle or Anchorage?

Do they belong in a burnbox?Do they belong in a burnbox?

Do they belong in a hazardous Do they belong in a hazardous hazardous waste hazardous waste ““share shedshare shed””? ?

Do they belong at a dump salvage area?Do they belong at a dump salvage area?

Perfect Perfect SWM PlanSWM Plan

that is that is acted on!!acted on!!It is not It is not possible. possible.

EnvironmentEnvironment, technology, , technology,

$$, $$, backhaul backhaul chanceschances——

they all will they all will change. The change. The

best plan best plan for your for your

community community will be will be

different in different in 5 5 –– 20 years20 years

No Plan, no action

Community Community concerned, concerned,

thenthenorganizes organizes to identify to identify concernsconcerns

ReRe--doing, redoing, re--planning.planning. With big changes, a big step back With big changes, a big step back might be necessary. But with a concerned community and might be necessary. But with a concerned community and trained environmental staff, you will never get back to the trained environmental staff, you will never get back to the worst place worst place –– no plan, no action.no plan, no action.

Capacity Capacity building of building of

staff, staff, respond to respond to identified identified concernsconcerns

Plan is Plan is formed & formed & acted on. acted on. SlowlySlowly,, it it will will include include actions actions that that address address allall wastes. wastes.

CommmuniCommmunityty uses uses plan to plan to follow follow good good practices, practices, and to get and to get $$ for $$ for things like things like buying buying equipmentequipment

CommunitiesCommunities

Try to Try to stay here, stay here, always always checking, checking, learning, learning, improving.improving.

We have limited time and resources. The We have limited time and resources. The prioritypriority in in developing program for each waste type matters. Here developing program for each waste type matters. Here are 3 properties to determine priority of a waste type:are 3 properties to determine priority of a waste type:

•• Hazardous:Hazardous: How hazardous a waste is will affect subsistence and health.How hazardous a waste is will affect subsistence and health.Amount?:Amount?: Small amounts of hazardous are okay. Large amounts are not.Small amounts of hazardous are okay. Large amounts are not.Degree?: Degree?: A small amount of very hazardous waste can be as bad as a large A small amount of very hazardous waste can be as bad as a large amount of slightly hazardousamount of slightly hazardous. . Degrade?:Degrade?: A waste that breaks down slowly A waste that breaks down slowly gives the environment time to absorb it.gives the environment time to absorb it. Exposure?:Exposure?: If people and animals are If people and animals are not exposed, not exposed, it wonit won’’t mattert matter if the waste is hazardous. Can you store it instead if the waste is hazardous. Can you store it instead of burn or dispose it?of burn or dispose it?

•• Total Volume:Total Volume: Volume affects the amount of space for the dump. Can you keep Volume affects the amount of space for the dump. Can you keep the volume from spreading into the river or flooding areas? Whathe volume from spreading into the river or flooding areas? What wastes make t wastes make the most volume?the most volume? Degrades?: Degrades?: Look at waste volume over time. Cardboard and Look at waste volume over time. Cardboard and paper and food slowly will disappear, (or can be burned quickly)paper and food slowly will disappear, (or can be burned quickly)..

•• Weight and size of individual wastes:Weight and size of individual wastes: Weight affects how much it will cost to Weight affects how much it will cost to backhaul the waste. And whether heavy equipment is needed to mobackhaul the waste. And whether heavy equipment is needed to move it.ve it. Size:Size:Is it harmless and small? Keep it there. Is it harmful Is it harmless and small? Keep it there. Is it harmful oror big? Keep it out by big? Keep it out by using project contracts, or backhaul it to Bethel.using project contracts, or backhaul it to Bethel.

•• (#4)Revenue(#4)Revenue: : Can I make money to help pay for the collection service or more Can I make money to help pay for the collection service or more backhaul? (Aluminum, copper pipes, ink cartridges)backhaul? (Aluminum, copper pipes, ink cartridges)

Hazardous WastesHazardous WastesThe EPA calls a waste a The EPA calls a waste a ““hazardous wastehazardous waste”” if it is either:if it is either:

Toxic:Toxic: Capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, Capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. Some toxic substances cause inhalation or skin absorption. Some toxic substances cause cancer, genetic mutations and fetal harm. cancer, genetic mutations and fetal harm. The amount plus The amount plus the length of time exposed equals the length of time exposed equals ““the dosethe dose””, and whether , and whether animals can be harmed.animals can be harmed. Examples:Examples: Pesticides, lead, mercury, Pesticides, lead, mercury, dioxins, ethylene glycol, oil.dioxins, ethylene glycol, oil.

Corrosive:Corrosive: Chemical action can burn and destroy living Chemical action can burn and destroy living tissues or other materials when brought in contact.tissues or other materials when brought in contact.Examples: Examples: Acid from leadAcid from lead--acid batteriesacid batteries

Explosive/Reactive:Explosive/Reactive: Can detonate or explode through Can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, or pressure. exposure to heat, sudden shock, or pressure. Examples:Examples: Chlorine, drain cleanerChlorine, drain cleaner

Flammable/Combustible/Ignitable:Flammable/Combustible/Ignitable: Can be easily set on fire.Can be easily set on fire.Examples:Examples: Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, oilGasoline, kerosene, alcohol, oil

Plastic isnPlastic isn’’t called a t called a ““hazardous wastehazardous waste”” but burning it can but burning it can cause bad chemicals to go into the water and air. cause bad chemicals to go into the water and air.

Carpets and pans and clothes arenCarpets and pans and clothes aren’’t hazardous wastes, t hazardous wastes, but burning even these can release hazardous chemicals but burning even these can release hazardous chemicals in the air, as they contain sealants and in the air, as they contain sealants and brominatedbrominated flame flame retardants. retardants.

Paper isnPaper isn’’t called a t called a ““hazardous wastehazardous waste””, but when it is , but when it is burned the smoke can affect air quality and ash can settle burned the smoke can affect air quality and ash can settle in water. Magazines and color advertisements contain in water. Magazines and color advertisements contain ““heavy metalheavy metal”” inks.inks. Get rid of junk mail Get rid of junk mail to reduce your to reduce your volume and hazards. volume and hazards. SSeeee yoyouurr hhaannddoouutt..

For projects, contractors are supposed to take out For projects, contractors are supposed to take out ““hazardous wasteshazardous wastes””. But in Village Dumps, other . But in Village Dumps, other wasteswastescan can becomebecome hazardoushazardous if they are burnedif they are burned –– even in a welleven in a well--made burnbox. If you donmade burnbox. If you don’’t want these project wastes in t want these project wastes in your dump, write it into the contract.your dump, write it into the contract.

You can burn your wastes with different kinds of equipment. You can burn your wastes with different kinds of equipment. Unfortunately, the safer the smoke and the more complete the burUnfortunately, the safer the smoke and the more complete the burn, the n, the more money it costs to buy and maintain.more money it costs to buy and maintain.

““IncineratorIncinerator””($$$): A ($$$): A ““high techhigh tech”” chamber(schamber(s) with excellent ) with excellent air cleaning. The O & M can cost $100/house/month due to fuel.air cleaning. The O & M can cost $100/house/month due to fuel.

Air controlled system Air controlled system ($$): A controlled chamber with filters. ($$): A controlled chamber with filters. Burnbox/burncageBurnbox/burncage ($): A metal tank or cage with a vent system($): A metal tank or cage with a vent system

Open Burning:Open Burning: A burn trench at the dump A burn trench at the dump –– under State law this type of under State law this type of burning will be illegal by July 2006burning will be illegal by July 2006

Burning is really good for reducing the size of the dump. You caBurning is really good for reducing the size of the dump. You can n separate out the safer waste to burn separate out the safer waste to burn –– like paper, cardboard, and like paper, cardboard, and food. Then landfill or recycle the rest. food. Then landfill or recycle the rest. That way you get the good That way you get the good parts of burning without the bad.parts of burning without the bad. Like managing anything, when Like managing anything, when you decide to manage wastes, you have to make choices about you decide to manage wastes, you have to make choices about what you want. More work, but safer health.what you want. More work, but safer health.

Burning Wastes

What can burnboxes looks like?What can burnboxes looks like?

This is the kind that Selawik is installing. This is the kind that Selawik is installing. One of the bad things about burningOne of the bad things about burning––You are left with the ash. To empty the ash, You are left with the ash. To empty the ash, people tilt this burnbox with a Bobcat. But smaller people tilt this burnbox with a Bobcat. But smaller burnboxes can be made with a long handle to tilt by hand, burnboxes can be made with a long handle to tilt by hand, or you can shovel the ash out.or you can shovel the ash out.

A cageA cage--type burnbox can be made to push the ash out with a type burnbox can be made to push the ash out with a dozer, a more convenient method if you have the dry ground, dozer, a more convenient method if you have the dry ground, equipment, and operation and maintenance money. This is the equipment, and operation and maintenance money. This is the kind that Kiana is installing.kind that Kiana is installing.

Both types, and many other designs, can be Both types, and many other designs, can be made locallymade locally with with local materials. They may not last as local materials. They may not last as long, but if made with good draft, long, but if made with good draft, they will they will produce similar emissions,produce similar emissions, are are much much cheapercheaper,, and they employ and they employ local laborlocal labor. . ANTHC has designs available, or ask other ANTHC has designs available, or ask other villages.villages. See handout for additional informationSee handout for additional information.

Household trash burning study, waste composition by percent weight

Paper, cardboard61.8

Plastic and Styrofoam

7.6

Food 5.7

Textile, leather 3.7

Wood 1.1

Glass/Ceramics10.1

Iron, tin, steel cans7.3 Aluminum cans, foil

1.7

Wire, copper pipe, household batteries

1.1

A detailed study was done by EPA on A detailed study was done by EPA on ““open burningopen burning””. So far, it is the only one with . So far, it is the only one with high detail. They used a high detail. They used a burnbarrelburnbarrel that was designed for maximum venting (a design that was designed for maximum venting (a design available through SWAN). They burned only regular household traavailable through SWAN). They burned only regular household trash, from a lowersh, from a lower--48 48 city. The waste composition and amount is different from Alaska city. The waste composition and amount is different from Alaska Villages, but not Villages, but not extremely different. So the chemicals found in the emissions woextremely different. So the chemicals found in the emissions would be likelyuld be likely similar to similar to those from a burnbox. The amount of chemical could be expected those from a burnbox. The amount of chemical could be expected to be around the to be around the same order of magnitude (i.e. similar size of the number, but nosame order of magnitude (i.e. similar size of the number, but not the same number) .t the same number) .

5,300hexachlorobenzene12,800pentachlorobenzene17,800tetrachlorobenzenes26,500trichlorobenzenes38,500dichlorobenzenes33,700phenol11,500naphthalene

3,464,500total VOCs (tentative)178,000styrene226,200acetone298,300benzene

mg/village/dCompound

112,600HCN68,200HCI

4,200PM2.54,571,200PM10

687total PCBs2total furans9total dioxins

673,700aldehydes & ketones

1,800phenanthrene4,300naphthalenec2,600acenaphthylene

mg/village/dCompound

Types of chemicals from burning of regular trash at Types of chemicals from burning of regular trash at 1400F1400F in a in a burn barrel with wellburn barrel with well--designed puncture holes and wire mesh on designed puncture holes and wire mesh on top, with good draft properties.top, with good draft properties. Even with a high temperature, many Numbers given equivalent to Village of 400 people.Numbers given equivalent to Village of 400 people.

What are “Heavy Metals” Versus “Big Metals” ?

•• ““Heavy MetalsHeavy Metals”” are not big metal wastes like vehicles or 55are not big metal wastes like vehicles or 55--gal drums gal drums or refrigerators. A or refrigerators. A ““heavy metalheavy metal”” is a scientific term foris a scientific term for metal metal chemicalschemicals.. When metal is in its chemical form it is easy to inhale, When metal is in its chemical form it is easy to inhale, eat, or absorb. If this happens, most heavy metals are dangeroueat, or absorb. If this happens, most heavy metals are dangerous. s. But metals likeBut metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium are lead, mercury, and cadmium are very very dangerous to dangerous to fish and peoplefish and people,, even in small amounts.even in small amounts.

•• Scrap metalScrap metal and and ““white goodswhite goods”” are mostly iron, copper tubing, are mostly iron, copper tubing, aluminum, etc. This type of metalaluminum, etc. This type of metal is is notnot harmfulharmful to fish and peopleto fish and peoplewhen left at the dump. when left at the dump. It is okayIt is okay to have junked vehicles and metal to have junked vehicles and metal at your dump. In most casesat your dump. In most cases, , metal does not travel through soil very metal does not travel through soil very well.well. It binds to soil and tundra and is taken up by plants. AndIt binds to soil and tundra and is taken up by plants. And it it takes a very long time for big metal to degrade.takes a very long time for big metal to degrade. You can work on a You can work on a backhaul plan slowly for big metal wastes. backhaul plan slowly for big metal wastes.

•• To make scrap/vehicle metal To make scrap/vehicle metal ““safesafe””, just, just remove the fluids, battery, remove the fluids, battery, freonfreon (if any) and mercury switches and sensors.(if any) and mercury switches and sensors. With the small With the small volume and weight, you can backhaul out what you removed, or stovolume and weight, you can backhaul out what you removed, or store re it. it. See the mercury removal manual referred to in your handout.See the mercury removal manual referred to in your handout.

140 140 1 1 5.2 22 Cyanide4,600 610 8.2 74 52 470 Nickel

0.3 mg/kg 0.94 1.8 0.77 0.77 1.4 1.4 Mercury Mercury MethylmercuryMethylmercury

8.1 210 2.5 2.5 65 65 LeadLead1,300 3.1 4.8 9.0 13 Copper

50 1,100 11 16 Chromium (VI)74 570 Chromium (III)

8.8 40 0.25 0.25 2.0 2.0 CadmiumCadmiumBeryllium

0.14 0.018 36 69 150 340 Arsenic

Organism Only (µg/L)

CMC(acute) (µg/L)

CMC(acute) (µg/L)

CMC(acute) (µg/L)

CCC(chronic)

(µg/L)

CMC(acute) (µg/L)

Human consumption ofSaltwaterFreshwater

NonNon--Priority Pollutant:Priority Pollutant:87 750 Aluminum at

pH of 6.5 - 9.0

EPA 2006 Aquatic Life and Consumption TablesEPA 2006 Aquatic Life and Consumption Tables

Lead, Mercury and Cadmium are the most common heavy Lead, Mercury and Cadmium are the most common heavy metals in landfills, by farmetals in landfills, by far.. We would expect the same to be true We would expect the same to be true for Village dumps. The percent of lead in Village dumps could bfor Village dumps. The percent of lead in Village dumps could be e even higher than national averages because vehicle batteries areeven higher than national averages because vehicle batteries arenot recycled very much here, and less electronic goods are beingnot recycled very much here, and less electronic goods are beingbought and discarded bought and discarded (so far)(so far) ..

Where does lead, mercury, and cadmium come from and how do we get rid of it?

•• Some Some freezers, stoves, thermostats, and carsfreezers, stoves, thermostats, and cars havehave MercuryMercury switches or switches or sensors. This is likely the biggest source of mercury at the dusensors. This is likely the biggest source of mercury at the dumpmp. . You canYou canremove this risk by removing the switches.remove this risk by removing the switches. Also, Also, old clinic equipmentold clinic equipment can can contain contain a lota lot of mercury. Make sure your clinic backhauls all of its blood of mercury. Make sure your clinic backhauls all of its blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, batteries, etc. when they are replpressure cuffs, thermometers, batteries, etc. when they are replaced. aced. Button cell batteries and fluorescent lightsButton cell batteries and fluorescent lights contain mercury too. So do contain mercury too. So do computers (see below). These are easy to collect and backhaul. computers (see below). These are easy to collect and backhaul.

•• Lead Lead comes mostly from comes mostly from vehicle batteries (vehicle batteries (““leadlead--acid batteriesacid batteries””)). A . A community of 400 people can make close to 2,000 to 4,000 pounds community of 400 people can make close to 2,000 to 4,000 pounds of lead of lead each yeareach year from this source. from this source. ComputersComputers contain a lot of lead. contain a lot of lead. ““Picture Picture tubestubes”” in in TVsTVs also contain lead. These sources are important, but there are also contain lead. These sources are important, but there are not nearly as many discarded (yet), they donnot nearly as many discarded (yet), they don’’t contain as much lead, and t contain as much lead, and they do not contain their own supply of acid.they do not contain their own supply of acid. Backhaul your batteries.Backhaul your batteries.

•• Cadmium,Cadmium, and many other harmful heavy metals are in and many other harmful heavy metals are in computerscomputers and and other other electronic goodselectronic goods.. Computers must be stored until they are Computers must be stored until they are backhauled. Donbackhauled. Don’’t burn electronic items, including t burn electronic items, including householdhousehold batteriesbatteries. . Backhaul or recycle them.Backhaul or recycle them. Educate kids about electronic games. Try to Educate kids about electronic games. Try to reduce use.reduce use. Work with the schoolWork with the school so that they backhaul their computers on so that they backhaul their computers on their charter flights and barges.their charter flights and barges.

•• See your handout for information on getting rid of these wastes.See your handout for information on getting rid of these wastes.

Subsistence and traditions Subsistence and traditions –– at risk from waste?at risk from waste?

Our health study found that about Our health study found that about 7272percentpercent of residents in a NW Arctic Village of residents in a NW Arctic Village were changing their subsistence practices were changing their subsistence practices because they were concerned about because they were concerned about pollution from dumps and from the litter at pollution from dumps and from the litter at camps.camps.

1.6 timescough

3.4 timesvomiting

1.5 timesstomach pain

2.3 timesfever

Eating subsistence foods most of the time (more than 50% of time) decreased the likelihood of having the symptom by this much:

Symptom

But subsistence actually protects people from ill healthBut subsistence actually protects people from ill healthassociated with open dumps:associated with open dumps:

So, Protecting Subsistence So, Protecting Subsistence ““Rule # Rule # ZeroZero””

•• Keep doing subsistence. Make sure your Keep doing subsistence. Make sure your communitycommunity’’s concerns about dump pollution do not s concerns about dump pollution do not reduce their subsistence food consumption or reduce their subsistence food consumption or activities. Subsistence is protective of community activities. Subsistence is protective of community health, regardless of how bad the dump is.health, regardless of how bad the dump is.

•• The only exception is industrial processes or The only exception is industrial processes or directdirectoutfalloutfall from sewage or hazardous wastes from sewage or hazardous wastes rightright intointo the the subsistence areas. Until the direct outfall is stopped, subsistence areas. Until the direct outfall is stopped, subsistence activities should be relocated. subsistence activities should be relocated.

•• With bigger flows, some way further downstream (and With bigger flows, some way further downstream (and less further upstream), or completely away from these less further upstream), or completely away from these areas is areas is okay for subsistence.okay for subsistence. You can testYou can test the water the water or soilor soil if there is a reason to think it is still too if there is a reason to think it is still too contaminated.contaminated.

Protecting Subsistence Rule #1•• Get the lead out.Get the lead out. Lead causes brain problems including Lead causes brain problems including

ability to move and think. It is especially harmful to childrenability to move and think. It is especially harmful to children. . Count how many vehicle batteries are discarded in your Count how many vehicle batteries are discarded in your community each year and make sure that every single one community each year and make sure that every single one gets stored, or shipped out to Bethel or Anchorage. gets stored, or shipped out to Bethel or Anchorage. See See handout.handout.

•• Why are vehicle batteries more important to work onWhy are vehicle batteries more important to work on thanthanelectronic goods or most other wastes?electronic goods or most other wastes? Because we discard Because we discard a lot of them, they are almost all lead, and they contain acid.a lot of them, they are almost all lead, and they contain acid.The acid makes the lead go through the soil and water. The acid makes the lead go through the soil and water.

•• Lead in soil.Lead in soil. All children need to do is play in an area where All children need to do is play in an area where lead is in the soil. They will get lead into their bodies, and lead is in the soil. They will get lead into their bodies, and it it can harm them. Never let children play at the dump and never can harm them. Never let children play at the dump and never discard batteries on the ground in town.discard batteries on the ground in town.

•• Lead shot and sinkers.Lead shot and sinkers. A solid waste? Look for pollution A solid waste? Look for pollution prevention, IGAP, Tribal lead, Conservation grants for prevention, IGAP, Tribal lead, Conservation grants for subsidizing steel shot and sinker programs. Steel shot subsidizing steel shot and sinker programs. Steel shot clinics have been held in villages here, including clinics have been held in villages here, including NoorvikNoorvik. . See handout for more infoSee handout for more info..

Subsistence protection Rule #2:

DonDon’’t burn anything that contains mercury or lead or cadmiumt burn anything that contains mercury or lead or cadmium..This means never burn batteries, electronic goods, or fluorescenThis means never burn batteries, electronic goods, or fluorescent t lamps.lamps. Burning is the most certain way to harm the community and Burning is the most certain way to harm the community and fish and other foods.fish and other foods. The heavy metals will go into the air and The heavy metals will go into the air and settle into water and be breathed by people and animals. Withousettle into water and be breathed by people and animals. Without t burning, the metals may never get beyond the dump bufferburning, the metals may never get beyond the dump buffer..

With burnboxes that are easy for residents to throw in their wasWith burnboxes that are easy for residents to throw in their wastes, tes, the risk of vehicle batteries and electronics being the risk of vehicle batteries and electronics being ““heaved inheaved in”” is is higher. Education is extremely important, as ishigher. Education is extremely important, as is prohibiting or prohibiting or controlling selfcontrolling self--haulers, so they are in only one area of the dump.haulers, so they are in only one area of the dump.

Batteries and electronic goods and fluorescent bulbs are easy toBatteries and electronic goods and fluorescent bulbs are easy toseparate out.separate out. They are pretty easy to backhaul for free or little cost. They are pretty easy to backhaul for free or little cost. They can be stored until then. Household batteries are free toThey can be stored until then. Household batteries are free torecycle. recycle. Look at your handouts for more information.Look at your handouts for more information.

If households canIf households can’’t separate them before they go to the dump, thent separate them before they go to the dump, thenprovide a provide a ConnexConnex or other container at the dump for these itemsor other container at the dump for these items..

Protecting Subsistence Rule #3Protecting Subsistence Rule #3Take care of your used oil.Take care of your used oil. DonDon’’t discard or leak oil t discard or leak oil anywhere near water.anywhere near water. 1 quart1 quart contaminates one 250,000 contaminates one 250,000 gallonsgallons of drinking water. Used oil contains heavy metals from of drinking water. Used oil contains heavy metals from cirulatingcirulating through engines, and new fuel still contains cancerthrough engines, and new fuel still contains cancer--causing causing chemicalschemicals. . It is very important to provide residents It is very important to provide residents a place to bring their used oil, and to encourage a place to bring their used oil, and to encourage maintenance of vehicles so that they donmaintenance of vehicles so that they don’’t leak.t leak. Purchase Purchase a used oil burner to heat buildings or buy a used oil blender a used oil burner to heat buildings or buy a used oil blender that cleans and recycles the oil to new fuel.that cleans and recycles the oil to new fuel. Remember, fish Remember, fish that live yearthat live year--round in the same area, such as pike, are round in the same area, such as pike, are most susceptible to local contamination.most susceptible to local contamination. Make sure that Make sure that when people are icewhen people are ice--fishing, they are careful about fuel spills, fishing, they are careful about fuel spills, changing oil, and using gas powered chainsaws. changing oil, and using gas powered chainsaws. 10 empty oil 10 empty oil quarts contain as much as a full quart of oil. Use a dish quarts contain as much as a full quart of oil. Use a dish drying rack to extract all the oil, and funnel it to a new oil drying rack to extract all the oil, and funnel it to a new oil container. container. See handout.See handout.

Protecting Subsistence Rule #4Protecting Subsistence Rule #4•• Educate households and stores about their Educate households and stores about their hazardous wastes.hazardous wastes.

Most household products that contain dangerous chemicals are Most household products that contain dangerous chemicals are not necessary. Read the labels. There are alternatives. Bakinnot necessary. Read the labels. There are alternatives. Baking g soda and vinegar can clean almost anything. soda and vinegar can clean almost anything. See handout to find See handout to find out some alternatives.out some alternatives.

•• Set up a Set up a ““share shedshare shed”” so that the unused products can be used so that the unused products can be used up by someone else. up by someone else. See handout to view examples.See handout to view examples.

•• With a shed and educationWith a shed and education, , there is no reason for household there is no reason for household hazardous wastes to end up at the dump.hazardous wastes to end up at the dump. Your homes will be Your homes will be safer too.safer too.

•• Convince your store and community toConvince your store and community to buy glass and aluminum buy glass and aluminum instead of plastic bottles and containers.instead of plastic bottles and containers. Plastic containers Plastic containers should only be brought into town if you can be certain they donshould only be brought into town if you can be certain they don’’t t end up being burned in household trash end up being burned in household trash –– almost impossible if almost impossible if you use burning as a waste option. Some day, households will you use burning as a waste option. Some day, households will become used to separating out their trash. When that happens, become used to separating out their trash. When that happens, plastic containers can come back in (but better if they donplastic containers can come back in (but better if they don’’t).t).

Protecting Subsistence Rule #5

•• Use nature as a guide.Use nature as a guide. Keep aKeep a buffer zone of plantsbuffer zone of plants between your dump and river between your dump and river or subsistence areas. Plants will take out a lot of contaminantor subsistence areas. Plants will take out a lot of contaminants through filtering and s through filtering and uptakinguptaking them. Moss retains a lot of water and allows time for the metathem. Moss retains a lot of water and allows time for the metals to settle.ls to settle.

•• Most soil can hold metals and many contaminantsMost soil can hold metals and many contaminants, , as well as filter the as well as filter the leachateleachatebefore it drains through the water. Some soil properties are bebefore it drains through the water. Some soil properties are better than others. Soil tter than others. Soil pH between 6 and 9, high organic content, and more clay, less sapH between 6 and 9, high organic content, and more clay, less sand are all helpful in nd are all helpful in keeping metals at or close to the dump. You can get your soil tkeeping metals at or close to the dump. You can get your soil tested through UAF ested through UAF Ag. Ext. Service. If your waters are brackish (partly salty froAg. Ext. Service. If your waters are brackish (partly salty from the ocean tides) this m the ocean tides) this can indicate that your soil retains heavy metals well too. The fcan indicate that your soil retains heavy metals well too. The final answer depends inal answer depends on chemistry.on chemistry.

•• Disturbance of the plants and soilsDisturbance of the plants and soils (like ATV trails, permafrost melt, (like ATV trails, permafrost melt, turbulentturbulentflooding, and digging)flooding, and digging) can release heavy metalscan release heavy metals and other contaminants so that they and other contaminants so that they are free to go into the water or move further away from the dumpare free to go into the water or move further away from the dump. Disturbance . Disturbance brings oxygen to the soil which results in heavy metals being rebrings oxygen to the soil which results in heavy metals being released due to a leased due to a chemical reaction. Encourage responsible ATV and chemical reaction. Encourage responsible ATV and snosno--go use around the dump go use around the dump area.area.

•• Animals and birds that Animals and birds that mightmight visit the dump visit the dump occasionallyoccasionally are okay to eat and handle.are okay to eat and handle.You go to the dump, and they would be getting exposed to the samYou go to the dump, and they would be getting exposed to the same things. If you e things. If you have questions, it is just best to use alcohol sanitizer or watehave questions, it is just best to use alcohol sanitizer or water and soap to wash off r and soap to wash off after prepping, and before contact with other parts/members of yafter prepping, and before contact with other parts/members of your household, or our household, or your mouth, nose, or eyes.your mouth, nose, or eyes. Also, cooking to an internal temperature of 180F (as Also, cooking to an internal temperature of 180F (as low as 165F) kills viruses and bacteria.low as 165F) kills viruses and bacteria.

•• If animals If animals livelive at the dump or could be there frequently, it is probably wise tat the dump or could be there frequently, it is probably wise to be o be cautious and not to hunt them.cautious and not to hunt them. Birds lighting on honeybucket dumps or regular Birds lighting on honeybucket dumps or regular dumps (i.e. diapers) can carry harmful bacteria on their feet. dumps (i.e. diapers) can carry harmful bacteria on their feet. Just like humans, they Just like humans, they can track it into town where they land. That is why it is best can track it into town where they land. That is why it is best to not throw food away, to not throw food away, or if it is thrown out, to burn or bury it quickly, so animals aor if it is thrown out, to burn or bury it quickly, so animals arenren’’t attracted. Diapers t attracted. Diapers should be wellshould be well--wrapped (if they are used). wrapped (if they are used). Note Note coliformcoliform bacteria (associated bacteria (associated with fecal matter) have been shown to survive (outdoors) throughwith fecal matter) have been shown to survive (outdoors) through Alaska Alaska Interior winters.Interior winters.

•• If If ““dump birdsdump birds”” land on rain water roof catchment system,land on rain water roof catchment system, they could be a source of they could be a source of bacterial or viral contamination, just like dipping an unwashed bacterial or viral contamination, just like dipping an unwashed hand in the barrel. If hand in the barrel. If you get a lot of birds on the roof, disinfect the water by boiliyou get a lot of birds on the roof, disinfect the water by boiling it, using chorine ng it, using chorine tablets, or other means (UAF is researching some easy, lowtablets, or other means (UAF is researching some easy, low--cost alternatives). cost alternatives).

•• Berry picking near the dump.Berry picking near the dump. From what we know, occasional eating of berries near From what we know, occasional eating of berries near the dump should be fine. It is best to go further away for morethe dump should be fine. It is best to go further away for more frequent picking, frequent picking, at at leastleast 400 yards away. A preliminary sampling study showed decreased l400 yards away. A preliminary sampling study showed decreased levels of evels of bacteria and used oil and lead as the soil samples got further abacteria and used oil and lead as the soil samples got further away from several way from several dumps, and near or at background levels within a few hundred yardumps, and near or at background levels within a few hundred yards.ds.

•• However, go even further away if you can, especially if you are However, go even further away if you can, especially if you are downstream (or downstream (or downwind) from the dump and there are no plants indownwind) from the dump and there are no plants in--between, for your regular berry between, for your regular berry picking, or if you eat a picking, or if you eat a lotlot of berries of berries throughoutthroughout the year.the year. We do know that washing We do know that washing off berries and other plant (and animal) foods will remove at leoff berries and other plant (and animal) foods will remove at least some ast some contaminants if they are present,contaminants if they are present, and should always be done anyway, especially if and should always be done anyway, especially if you use DEET. Eating some while picking should not be harmful byou use DEET. Eating some while picking should not be harmful because it is only ecause it is only done for a short time each yeardone for a short time each year..

Protecting Subsistence Rule #6

•• Treat your burnbox like the hazard it is.Treat your burnbox like the hazard it is.Burnboxes emit toxic smoke. Burnboxes emit toxic smoke. All All of of them. Smoke settles and pollutes. them. Smoke settles and pollutes. Make sure your town and subsistence Make sure your town and subsistence grounds are as far away as possible, grounds are as far away as possible, downwind as infrequently as possible, downwind as infrequently as possible, andand reduce the hazardous wastes reduce the hazardous wastes (including plastics)(including plastics) as well as the total as well as the total volume of wastes (including paper) as volume of wastes (including paper) as much as possible.much as possible.

•• For resident health,For resident health, keep people far keep people far away from burning burnboxes,away from burning burnboxes,especially those that emit smoke at face especially those that emit smoke at face level.level. Make your operator wear an Make your operator wear an approved mask.approved mask.

•• There have not been any completed detailed studies on There have not been any completed detailed studies on Alaska burnbox or Village open dump smoke yet. But Alaska burnbox or Village open dump smoke yet. But very high breathing of smoke particulates (particulate very high breathing of smoke particulates (particulate matter, or matter, or ““PMPM””), has been shown to be connected ), has been shown to be connected withwith……

o Increased deathso Cancer o Hospitalization o Functional Limitation, and o Physiological impairment (like asthma).

The reason why breathing any smoke, even from The reason why breathing any smoke, even from nonnon--inked paper or cardboard can be harmful:inked paper or cardboard can be harmful:

Source: EPA Source: EPA -- ATW ATW -- Risk Assessment for Toxic Air Pollutants A Citizen's GuideRisk Assessment for Toxic Air Pollutants A Citizen's Guide

Simple Model of Exposure Factors:Simple Model of Exposure Factors: Note, the higher the Note, the higher the ““hazardhazard”” of a of a chemical, the lower the concentration (C) needs to be for bad efchemical, the lower the concentration (C) needs to be for bad effects. Also, fects. Also, chemicals breakdown differently once they enter the body. Some chemicals breakdown differently once they enter the body. Some get more get more toxic, others less toxic, and some are eliminated without being toxic, others less toxic, and some are eliminated without being absorbed. absorbed. Also, animal and birds have different tolerances. Birds have veAlso, animal and birds have different tolerances. Birds have very sensitive ry sensitive respiratory systems. They are very affected by breathing smoke respiratory systems. They are very affected by breathing smoke from from sealants and flame sealants and flame retardentsretardents..

We donWe don’’t know yet.t know yet. We do know that people We do know that people living less than living less than ½½mile from burning dumps mile from burning dumps cancan (but don(but don’’t always) experience at t always) experience at least shortleast short--term health risks. And based on one burning study, term health risks. And based on one burning study, assuming assuming little windlittle wind and and daily burningdaily burning, homes should be at least , homes should be at least 1/3rd to 1/3rd to ½½ mile away for residents to avoid breathing more mile away for residents to avoid breathing more particulate matter than recommended.particulate matter than recommended.

If it is If it is really easyreally easy to smell the dump (a strong smell), and the to smell the dump (a strong smell), and the smoke or odors are smelledsmoke or odors are smelled most daysmost days, , then the homes arethen the homes are too too close.close. If it is possible,If it is possible, dondon’’t burnt burn.. If yourIf your wastes will wastes will overflow overflow into your waterways,into your waterways, then try to burn mostly paper and then try to burn mostly paper and cardboard and food wastescardboard and food wastes.. If you donIf you don’’t have the land or t have the land or compacting equipment to compacting equipment to notnot burn, work with EPA or DEC and burn, work with EPA or DEC and find funding for an alternative find funding for an alternative asapasap. You have a good reason to . You have a good reason to get funded if you can state your situation clearly. get funded if you can state your situation clearly. Reduce waste Reduce waste volume and toxics as much as you canvolume and toxics as much as you can in the meantime.in the meantime.

What is a safe distance for homes and subsistenceWhat is a safe distance for homes and subsistencegrounds?grounds?

If you canIf you can’’t stop burningt stop burning

Breathing it (usually greatest risk)Breathing it (usually greatest risk)

Absorbing chemicals through skinAbsorbing chemicals through skin

Eating it (by eating settled/adsorbed ash and smoke on Eating it (by eating settled/adsorbed ash and smoke on hanging fish, or children ingesting dirt, smoke blowing hanging fish, or children ingesting dirt, smoke blowing over berry grounds, etc.) Occasional or light smoke/ash over berry grounds, etc.) Occasional or light smoke/ash is okay. Heavy and regular may not be.is okay. Heavy and regular may not be.

Drinking it (by drinking settled or absorbed ash/smoke in Drinking it (by drinking settled or absorbed ash/smoke in water right after or during a burn nearby)water right after or during a burn nearby)

If these connections donIf these connections don’’t happen, your t happen, your community woncommunity won’’t suffer the health effects.t suffer the health effects.

Smoke connections (exposures) to break.Smoke connections (exposures) to break.

••Keep the burning out of the Village.Keep the burning out of the Village. DonDon’’t t allow (or limit) home barrel burning.allow (or limit) home barrel burning.

••Keep burn hours at the dumpKeep burn hours at the dump when the when the public wonpublic won’’t come. t come.

••Consider burning during lowConsider burning during low--activity activity hourshours when children are not playing when children are not playing outside, such as night.outside, such as night.

••Burn downwindBurn downwind of the Village.of the Village.

••Make the smoke exposure shorterMake the smoke exposure shorter by by reducing your waste volume.reducing your waste volume. Reuse, Reuse, repair, recycle, and refuse packaging and repair, recycle, and refuse packaging and plasticsplastics..

••Move the burnbox further awayMove the burnbox further away from people and from people and subsistence grounds. This will dilute the smoke by the subsistence grounds. This will dilute the smoke by the time it reaches peopletime it reaches people’’s and animals lungs, or settles s and animals lungs, or settles onto berries or drying racks.onto berries or drying racks.

••Make the smoke emissions less toxic by using a Make the smoke emissions less toxic by using a burnbox instead of ground/trench burning.burnbox instead of ground/trench burning. AnyAnyburnbox with good venting will work. It doesnburnbox with good venting will work. It doesn’’t matter t matter if it is localif it is local--made or premade or pre--made. As far as we know, made. As far as we know, emissions are about the same.emissions are about the same.

••Residents should not come to the dump during a Residents should not come to the dump during a burn. But if they do,burn. But if they do, keep them at least 100 ft from the keep them at least 100 ft from the burnbox, and donburnbox, and don’’t let them stay longt let them stay long. . Watch out for Watch out for smoke that comes out at face level. High stacks can smoke that comes out at face level. High stacks can dilute the smoke before someone breathes it.dilute the smoke before someone breathes it.

••Separate out hazardous wastes, electronic wastes, Separate out hazardous wastes, electronic wastes, and plastics.and plastics. Remember every waste separated is less Remember every waste separated is less chemicals to the environment.chemicals to the environment.

Styrofoam

Health Protection Health Protection –– Exposure, Exposure, Exposure.Exposure, Exposure, Exposure.Do your waste disposal practices safe prevent exposure? Do your waste disposal practices safe prevent exposure?

If not, there are many ways that poor health can happen:If not, there are many ways that poor health can happen:

Disease fromDisease from germs in honeybucketgerms in honeybucket wastes and liners.wastes and liners.Tracking on Tracking on boots boots and and tires was proven by a UAF studytires was proven by a UAF study..

FoodFood--borne disease from germsborne disease from germs in peoplein people’’s leftovers and s leftovers and wrappings.wrappings.

AnimalAnimal--borne diseaseborne disease carried by insects, pet dog carcasses, carried by insects, pet dog carcasses, and animal dump site scavengers.and animal dump site scavengers.

LongLong--or shortor short--termterm illness from toxic fumesillness from toxic fumes, , including smoke including smoke from dump fires, home burnfrom dump fires, home burn--barrels, and burnboxes.barrels, and burnboxes.

Breathing problemsBreathing problems fromfrom smoke inhalationsmoke inhalation. . Burnboxes still Burnboxes still make toxic smoke. The smoke is safer than smoke from less make toxic smoke. The smoke is safer than smoke from less hot fires. But to be fully safe, the smoke should not be hot fires. But to be fully safe, the smoke should not be noticeable to smell in town or at subsistence areas .noticeable to smell in town or at subsistence areas .

Accidental contactAccidental contact withwith medical wastesmedical wastes from the clinic or from the clinic or homes. This includes bandhomes. This includes band--aids, Kleenex, gauze.aids, Kleenex, gauze.

Many Villages have stopped using plastic bags. A few Many Villages have stopped using plastic bags. A few have banned Styrofoam.have banned Styrofoam.

Eating more subsistence foods reduces paper and Eating more subsistence foods reduces paper and cardboard wastes.cardboard wastes.

Buying foods Buying foods ““in bulkin bulk”” instead of single or small servings instead of single or small servings reduces plastics and paper.reduces plastics and paper.

Working with the stores to Working with the stores to order only aluminum cans or order only aluminum cans or glass bottles and jars. glass bottles and jars. It reduces plastics It reduces plastics –– an important an important way to reduce your hazardsway to reduce your hazards..

Reduce / Refuse Wastes: Reduce / Refuse Wastes: An important choice to An important choice to make is how much you want to reduce, or make is how much you want to reduce, or ““refuserefuse”” your your wastes.wastes.

Recycling, reusing, or repairing wastes are another good way to Recycling, reusing, or repairing wastes are another good way to reduce your wastes. Many Villages do this with aluminum cans, reduce your wastes. Many Villages do this with aluminum cans, lead acid batteries.lead acid batteries. Fluorescent light bulbs, household Fluorescent light bulbs, household batteries, inkjet cartridges, and computers are all wastes that batteries, inkjet cartridges, and computers are all wastes that can be easily recycled from this area.can be easily recycled from this area. They are also wastes They are also wastes that will keep toxic chemicals out of the dump and camps. IGAP that will keep toxic chemicals out of the dump and camps. IGAP will pay for the prewill pay for the pre--paid boxes that you needpaid boxes that you need..

Reuse inReuse in--communitycommunity

Haul wastes to a Haul wastes to a ““BuyBuy--backback””, like Bethel , like Bethel Recycling. Or a Recycling. Or a ““TakeTake--backback”” like Napa Autolike Napa Auto

Reuse wastes inReuse wastes in--homehome

““Share shedShare shed”” for for Household hazardous itemsHousehold hazardous items

Mail wastes in preMail wastes in pre--paid paid boxes, or free envelopesboxes, or free envelopes

““Materials ExchangeMaterials Exchange””

Recycle and Reuse WastesRecycle and Reuse Wastes

Thank you!Thank you!

Do you have questions?Do you have questions?Try the SWAN network at Try the SWAN network at www.ccthitawww.ccthita--swan.orgswan.org

and and There are additional solid waste materials developed by Zender There are additional solid waste materials developed by Zender Environmental and Institute of Tribal Environmental ProfessionalEnvironmental and Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals s

(ITEP)(ITEP)on www.zenderwww.zender--engr.netengr.net

Or contact:Or contact:Lynn Zender, Lynn Zender, lzender@zenderlzender@zender--engr.netengr.net or or

Simone Sebalo,Simone Sebalo, ssebalo@zenderssebalo@zender--engr.netengr.netAt (907) 277At (907) 277--21112111