Hazardous wastes in eastern and central Europe: Technology and health effects

Issues of hazardous waste management are major concerns in the countries of eastern and central Europe. A National Institute of Environmental Health S ciences-supported conference was held in Prague, Czech Republic, as a part of a continuing effort to provide information and promote discussion among the countries of eastern and central Europe on issues related to hazardous wastes. The focus was on incineration as a means of disposal of hazardous w astes, with discussions on both engineering methods for safe incineration, and possible human health effects from incineration by-products. Representa tives from government agencies, academic institutions, and local industries from 14 countries in the region participated along with a few U.S. and wes tern European experts in this field. A series of 12 country reports documen ted national issues relating to the environment, with a focus on use of inc ineration for hazardous waste disposal. A particularly valuable contributio n was made by junior scientists from the region, who described results of e nvironmental issues in their countries.