Decommissioned vehicles

Decommissioned vehicles cause significant damage to the environment. Hazardous substances contained in the waste can enter the soil and water resources, polluting them. This leads to a decrease in water quality, the death of plants and animals, as well as to the degradation of ecosystems.

Environmental hazards include:

• pollution of the soil with toxic substances;
• pollution of surface and underground waters;
• disruption of natural ecosystems;
• emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere;
• formation of natural landfills.

Toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals contained in vehicle waste can lead to long-term environmental pollution. These substances have the ability to accumulate in soil and water, which poses a long-term threat to ecosystems and human health. For example, lead can seep into soil and water sources, adversely affecting plants and animals, and can enter the food chain, ultimately affecting humans.

Improper storage and treatment of vehicle waste can also lead to leakage of toxic fluids, such as oils, brake fluid and fuel, seeping into the soil and contaminating aquifers. This can have serious consequences for the quality of drinking water, which is a critically important resource for the population.

Pity for people

Improper management of hazardous vehicle waste can have serious consequences for human health. Toxic substances contained in waste can cause a variety of diseases, including cancer, respiratory diseases, skin diseases and others.

Negative effects on human health include:

• intoxication of the body with toxic substances;
• diseases of the respiratory system;
• oncological diseases;
• allergic reactions;
• disruption of the nervous system.

Toxic materials in vehicle waste can cause serious illness, especially in cases of prolonged exposure. For example, lead, which is often found in waste car batteries, can cause poisoning of the body, which leads to damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys and other organs. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which can lead to developmental delays and learning problems.

Other toxic materials, such as asbestos used in brake pads and other vehicle components, can cause respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can occur both directly and through air pollution and dust generated during the destruction of old cars.

In addition, improper handling of fuel and oils can lead to poisoning and burns. Contact with these substances can cause serious allergic reactions and skin damage. Inhalation of fuel vapors can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and even loss of consciousness.

All these factors emphasize the importance of implementing effective methods of environmental management of hazardous waste from end-of-life vehicles. Proper collection, sorting, transportation and processing of these wastes are critical to reducing their negative impact on the environment and human health.