REDUCING THE RISK OF LANDFILL FIRE

Health and Safety

Smoke generated from landfill fires can contain toxic gases including CO, H₂S, CH₄, and carcinogens such as Dioxins.  Proper respiratory protection is vital. 

Dioxins, more correctly known as polychlorinated dibenzo para-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are organic chemicals that are highly toxic and cause serious health effects such as cancer, birth defects, reproductive and developmental problems.  Dioxins are extremely long lasting molecules that remain in the environment and bio-accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans as well as other life forms.  Dioxins can travel great distances in air currents. 

Dioxins are produced when organic materials are burnt in the presence of chlorine.  For example, PVC, is a common plastic found in MSW and C&D waste that contains both organic materials and chlorine.  Dioxins are known to be produced through low temperature chemical processes, including disposal of MSW.  Dioxins can also be produced by thermal processes including MSW combustion or incineration.  Although typically generated at combustion above 1472ºF (800ºC) dioxins can be produced at lower combustion temperatures. 

Dioxins occur at extremely low concentrations and are therefore very difficult and expensive to analyse.  Rather than testing for dioxins, I assume that dioxins may be present and wear respiratory protection at all times when working a landfill fire, except when there is a need to communicate. 

   Photo 3.  Wearing adequate protective equipment,
                    especially respirator (cartridge type is important!!)

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