Every year, five hundred and thirty thousand tons of hazardous waste are disposed of in the United States alone. Most homes, housing an average of four people, produce about twenty pounds of this (solid) waste. Hazardous waste is special because it is harmful and very dangerous. It is considered dangerous if it contains one or more carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic compounds. This means that they are either carcinogenic, capable of damaging our DNA, or can interfere with the development of the human fetus. They are flammable, can explode, release toxic fumes or break metal containers that would contain normal waste (waste). It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste improperly, but many humans do it anyway. Batteries, e-waste from old computers and electronic devices, cleaners, solvents, antifreeze, oil-based paints and thinners are examples of household hazardous waste that are often disposed of improperly (waste) . There are government regulations that aim to prevent improper disposal and encourage the cleanup of improperly disposed waste. The EPA has the authority to manage hazardous waste and how it is disposed of, including Superfund sites. A Superfund site is a declared site that has been used as a hazardous waste disposal area and has high levels of toxicity. Within the superfund, there is the NPL, the national priorities list, which brings together the most toxic sites, often located in neighborhoods and family communities. The main reason for NPL is to clean up the most dangerous cases as quickly as possible, but why? Hazardous waste must be controlled because it impacts the health, economies and quality of life of our communities. Hazardous waste impacts the health of communities. Hazardous waste contains many toxins such......middle of paper......ironmental Protection Agency, nd Web. January 24, 2014. “Superfund provides communities with significant human health, environmental and economic benefits. » EPA. United States Environmental Protection Agency, nd Web. January 17, 2014. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, December 2002. Web. January 14, 2014. "Introducing Superfund: A Citizen's Guide to the EPA's Superfund Program." » EPA. United States Environmental Protection Agency, nd Web. January 16, 2014. .Tox Town. National Library of Medicine, September 11, 2013. Web. January 10. 2014. .