when the wastes are disposed of. If such wastes are burned, the smoke contributes to air pollution and to the depletion of the ozone layer. If the wastes are dumped into a river or ocean, the result is an increase in water pollution. If the wastes are buried, they pose a threat in terms of groundwater contamination. Even if the wastes are sealed in containers before being buried, there are various circumstances which can cause the containers to leak. When they leak, the toxic wastes are absorbed into the ground and thereby make their way into nearby groundwater reservoirs. Even if the wastes are disposed of in designated landfills, they have the capacity for contaminating the groundwater which people depend upon for drinking purposes. Furthermore, the problems of toxic waste disposal are compounded by the practice of illegal dumping. Illegal dumping poses a greater threat to environment and health than other methods of disposal, because illegal sites may "remain unknown to authorities for years." By the time the illegal sites are uncovered, chemical leakages may have already done irreparable damage.
One of the major sources for toxic waste is chemicals which are used for ind
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