Humans produce a great variety of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes.
Some wastes, such as plutonium, are so toxic that small amounts can kill many people. Other wastes, such as cans and bottles, are more of a nuisance than a hazardous threat. Chapter 7 discusses the various types of wastes and what can be done to dispose of them in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner. If burned, wastes release smoke and other gases. Some gases, such as mercury vapor and carbon monoxide, are toxic.