Environmental Risk Assessment of Toxic Emissions into the Air Resulting from Waste Fires

The risk arising from the uncontrolled burning of waste is significant given the spatial conditions and the exposure to human health. The environmental risk associated with the emission of harmful gases and particulates into the air as a result of uncontrolled waste burning is the subject of an analysis of the legal consequences of the incident. In order to determine the risks involved, it is necessary to analyse the volume of emissions, the qualitative composition of these emissions, the range of pollutant dispersion during the event, and the level of human exposure in relation to the distribution of the pollutants present. As part of this study, the authors have undertaken work to address a research gap involving the development of a methodology for assessing environmental risk based on an analysis of the degree of exposure of people and the environment to air emissions from a waste storage facility fire. The resulting risk is assessed using analytical methods based on mathematical modelling of pollutant dispersion using the Gaussian “plume” model (Model Pasquilla) using a computer programme called Operat FB and analysing the reference levels set by the NDS (Maximum permissible concentration), EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and under local Polish legislation. This paper presents a case study, namely the uncontrolled incineration of waste resulting from the treatment of municipal waste.