What are the reasons behind the gloomy atmosphere at the incinerator site?

回答於 : 2024-07-12

參考資料

Without Climbing Everest, Chronicling a Solemn Descent - The New ...

nytimes.com

Baltimore climate activists are fighting big coal, and winning : Code ...

npr.org

3 Incineration Processes and Environmental Releases ...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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答案

完善答案

The gloomy atmosphere at the incinerator site can be attributed to several factors:

### Environmental and Health Concerns

1. **Air Pollution**:

Incinerators release pollutants, including mercury, particulates, NOx, and other harmful substances into the atmosphere. These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and contribute to overall poor air quality[2][4].

2. **Ash Management Issues**:

There are significant concerns around the management of ash produced by incineration. Ensuring that ash does not escape into the environment and that workers are safe during its handling is critical. Mishandling can result in environmental contamination and health risks for workers and nearby residents[3].

3. **Pollution Control Deficiencies**:

Some incinerators, like the Covanta facility mentioned, lack comprehensive pollution control systems. For example, the Covanta incinerator in Chester lacks both mercury and NOx control systems, leading to higher emissions of these harmful pollutants[4].

### Social and Economic Factors

1. **Cost Implications**:

The cost of implementing and maintaining pollution control technologies is significant. Some companies may avoid these investments to maintain profit margins, which can result in continued high levels of pollution[4].

2. **Community Impact**:

Living close to an incinerator often correlates with higher incidences of respiratory diseases among the population. The health impacts on local communities contribute to the overall gloomy mood associated with these facilities[6].

### General Mood and Perception

1. **General Gloom**:

The atmosphere around incinerator sites can be tangibly gloomy due to the visible and air quality impacts. The sight of waste being incinerated and the knowledge of potential health risks can weigh heavily on the mood of the area[1][2][5].

### Summary

The gloomy atmosphere at incinerator sites is driven by a combination of environmental pollution, health risks, inadequate pollution controls, economic considerations, and the general negative perception associated with waste incineration. These factors together create a pervasive sense of concern and unease among those living and working near these facilities.