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Inorganics
Chemicals that do not contain carbon atoms.
Leachate
A liquid that is formed when rain or surface water filters through a landfill and
comes into contact with contaminated wastes. If the leachate is not controlled, it can
eventually mix with and contaminate ground water and surface water.
Lead
Lead is a toxic metal known to be harmful to human health if ingested. Too much lead
in the human body can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood
cells. Lead has been used in the production of dyes.
LNAPL
Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquid.
Mercury
A heavy silver-white toxic metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
and is used in scientific instruments.
Metals
Naturally occurring elements often found in soil and water.
Metal Chelates
Carbon-containing acids that can
bind and hold metals, making them easier to dissolve in water and preventing them from
reacting with other substances.
Methane
A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is a product of the
decomposition of organic matter, especially in marshes and in mines, and ca, in high
concentrations, be harmful to human health.
NAPL
Nonaqueous
Phase Liquid
Organic Solvents
Liquids composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen that are capable of dissolving
other liquids or solids to form a solution. The chief uses of solvents are as industrial
cleaners and degreasers and in paints and pharmaceuticals. Many solvents are flammable and
toxic to varying degrees. Solvents have been used in the production of dyes.
Ozone
A form of oxygen found naturally in the stratosphere, which provides a protective
layer shielding the earth from ultraviolet radiation’s harm to health and
environment. In the troposhere, ozone is a chemical oxidant and a major component of smog.
PAHs (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are common to fossil
fuels. There are many different PPAHs. Some PAHs are known to cause cancer. PAHs are also
common incomplete combustion products and are found in woodsmoke.
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
PCBs are a family of organic compounds used in electrical transformers, lubricants,
and adhesives. PCBs are extremely persistent in the environment and do not break down into
less harmful substances. EPA banned the use of PCBs in 1979 because of long term exposure
to PCBs can cause liver damage and other adverse health effects.
PCE (Tetrachloroethene)
A man-made chemical commonly used as a dry-cleaning solvent and a degreaser. PCE
has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats and is therefore considered a probable
human carcinogen.
SVOC
Semi-Volatile
organic Compound
Solvents
Liquids capable of dissolving other liquids or solids to forma a solution. The
chief uses of industrial solvents are as cleaners and degreasers. Solvents also are used
in paints and pharmaceuticals. Solvents used in foundries and other industrial
applications are frequently VOCs. Many solvents are flammable and toxic to varying
degrees.
Tetrachloroethene (PCE)
A man-made chemical commonly used as a dry-cleaning solvent and a degreaser. PCE
has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats and is therefore considered a probable
human carcinogen.
TPH
Total
Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Trichloroethene (TCE)
A non-flammable manufactured solvent used in dry cleaning and degreasing of metal.
TCE is a common ground water contaminant at hazardous waste sites because it moves readily
from soil into ground water. Long term exposure to low levels of TCE has been associated
with liver damage in humans. TCE has been shown to cause cancer in mice and is therefore
considered a probable human carcinogen.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
A
group of chemical compounds, composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen, that are
characterized
by their tendency to evaporate (or volatize) into the air from water or soil.
VOCs
include substances that are contained in common solvents and cleaning fluids. Some
VOCs
are known to cause cancer.
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