Every year many millions of tons of chemicals and toxic substances are manufactured or produced as by products when other products are manufactured. These chemicals and toxins have to be stored safely and unfortunately, transported to the places where it is needed. When accidents happen the results can be devastating. It is particularly difficult and expensive to clean up chemical spills. When a spill occurs, the highest priority is to prevent the spread of the contamination. This is where containment berms prove to be invaluable.
Of course, the prevention of pollution spreading even further is just the first step. Unfortunately, different chemicals require different approached and methods and each case must therefore be evaluated individually. This can be difficult and it is very expensive. The spill needs to be neutralized and transported to facilities equipped to dispose of the waste without causing further damage. This can take time.
Fortunately, scientific advances have been made to clean up spills more efficiently. Ingenuous agents that are able to accelerate the natural bio degrading process of spilled chemicals have been created. They are very effective, but only when the chemical in question can degrade naturally. Other agents are able to absorb spilled chemicals, rendering them safe for handling and transport from the spill site.
In recent times, another new agent has caused much excitement in environmental circles. This agent also absorbs spilled chemicals, but once the toxins are absorbed a new agent that is safe is created. This new mass is used in the manufacture of several rubber and road construction products and materials. This is seen as a revolutionary step forward, because the cost of cleaning spills can be lowered.
Specially engineered agents unfortunately do not work in all cases. Some chemicals simply do not degrade and others will not be absorbed by any other agent. This is especially the case when the spill took place in a body of water. In such instances everything possible is done to separate the pollutants from the water. The pollutants are then pumped into large floating containers.
It is impossible to deal with all spills. Authorities have to deal with extremely high cost and a shortage of people trained in dealing with chemical spills. Spills that occur in sensitive areas, historical sites, tourism hot spots and densely populated areas are therefore treated as a priority. Many spills that occur in sparsely populated areas and are simply ignored.
There are strict regulations governing the manufacture, storage, transport and use of dangerous substances. However, many companies are still not prepared to deal with disasters. It is vital to develop policies addressing these issues and to make sure that staff knows exactly what to do when an accident occur. It is also important to make sure that suitable containing equipment is available at all times.
Spills can have disastrous results and the after effects of some spills can continue to pollute and poison the environment for many years. Most people use chemicals almost daily. A ban is therefore simply not practical. The answer lies in a greater sense of responsibility by all concerned.
Of course, the prevention of pollution spreading even further is just the first step. Unfortunately, different chemicals require different approached and methods and each case must therefore be evaluated individually. This can be difficult and it is very expensive. The spill needs to be neutralized and transported to facilities equipped to dispose of the waste without causing further damage. This can take time.
Fortunately, scientific advances have been made to clean up spills more efficiently. Ingenuous agents that are able to accelerate the natural bio degrading process of spilled chemicals have been created. They are very effective, but only when the chemical in question can degrade naturally. Other agents are able to absorb spilled chemicals, rendering them safe for handling and transport from the spill site.
In recent times, another new agent has caused much excitement in environmental circles. This agent also absorbs spilled chemicals, but once the toxins are absorbed a new agent that is safe is created. This new mass is used in the manufacture of several rubber and road construction products and materials. This is seen as a revolutionary step forward, because the cost of cleaning spills can be lowered.
Specially engineered agents unfortunately do not work in all cases. Some chemicals simply do not degrade and others will not be absorbed by any other agent. This is especially the case when the spill took place in a body of water. In such instances everything possible is done to separate the pollutants from the water. The pollutants are then pumped into large floating containers.
It is impossible to deal with all spills. Authorities have to deal with extremely high cost and a shortage of people trained in dealing with chemical spills. Spills that occur in sensitive areas, historical sites, tourism hot spots and densely populated areas are therefore treated as a priority. Many spills that occur in sparsely populated areas and are simply ignored.
There are strict regulations governing the manufacture, storage, transport and use of dangerous substances. However, many companies are still not prepared to deal with disasters. It is vital to develop policies addressing these issues and to make sure that staff knows exactly what to do when an accident occur. It is also important to make sure that suitable containing equipment is available at all times.
Spills can have disastrous results and the after effects of some spills can continue to pollute and poison the environment for many years. Most people use chemicals almost daily. A ban is therefore simply not practical. The answer lies in a greater sense of responsibility by all concerned.
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