The term hazardous waste refers to any waste that requires special handling because it presents a serious threat to human health and the environment. Hazardous wastes are subject to federal and state management requirements. The human health risks associated with the generation, transport, and storage of hazardous wastes are vast. Serious health effects can result from exposure through direct contact, inhalation of harmful substances in air, use of affected ground water or surface water for consumption or irrigation, or ingestion of plants or animals grown on tainted soil.
Accidents involving hazardous wastes are a risk as well.
In 1991, Texas industries produced 104 million tons of hazardous waste, approximately 34 percent of all such waste in the United States. The multitude of chemical manufacturers, petroleum refineries, and other industries in the region produces a large portion of this toxic refuse. Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Nueces, and Harrison counties generated 81 percent of the state's hazardous waste in 1991. The Sierra Club has rated Harris County the dirtiest county in America based on the amount of toxics in the air, soil, and water. The architect William McDonough says all waste is evidence of design failure.