Download RCRA 8 Infographic

RCRA monitors a long list of elements and solid wastes that are
considered environmentally hazardous because they exhibit
characteristics of corrosivity, toxicity, ignitability, or reactivity. On
this list there are eight RCRA monitored metals, known as the RCRA 8’s.
The 8 Metals are explained below.
Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring element which can be found in small
quantities in the earth’s crust. The majority, however, comes from human
activities like burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing. Lead's EPA
hazardous waste code is D008; its regulation level is 5 ppm.
Arsenic
While small quantities of arsenic can be found in food, water, and
household products it becomes very dangerous at high concentrations. At
250 parts per million (ppm) it becomes toxic. The EPA hazardous waste
code for arsenic is D004, and its allowable limit in waste is 5 ppm.
Cadmium
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),
“Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust. It is usually found as
a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine, or
sulfur. Most cadmium used in the United States is extracted during the
production of other metals like zinc, lead, and copper.” Cadmium's EPA
hazardous waste code is D006, and its regulated level is 1 ppm.
Barium
Barium is a rather common element which has a multitude of applications.
Barium is used as rat poison, in the coloring of fireworks, and in the
productions of items like fluorescent light bulbs and tiles. It can often be
found on the tips of drill bits at oil refineries. Barium's EPA hazardous
waste code is D005, and its regulated level is 100 ppm.
Silver
According to ATSDR silver is, “often found as a by-product during the
retrieval of copper, lead, zinc, and gold ores.” Silver is used in a multitude
of ways from making jewelry and silverware, to being used in lozenges
and chewing gum to help people stop smoking. Silver's EPA hazardous
waste code is D011, and its regulation level is 5 ppm.
Selenium
Small doses of selenium are actually necessary to maintain good health.
It is exposure to large doses that becomes dangerous. According to the
ATSDR, most processed selenium is used in the electronics industry, but it
is also used for several other applications. Selenium's EPA hazardous
waste code is D010; its regulation level is 1.0 ppm.
Chromium
Small amounts of chromium, an element found naturally in rocks, soil,
plants, and even animals, are needed for human health. That said, when it
is included in compounds created during the manufacture of other
products it can become dangerous. Chromium's EPA hazardous waste code
is D007, and its regulated level is 5 ppm.
Mercury
According to eHow, “Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that in the
past was used in thermometers, dental fillings and batteries. Mercury
enters the atmosphere from burning coal, manufacturing plants and
mining. When combined with other elements, the resulting mercury
compounds become more dangerous to human health.” The EPA hazardous
waste code for mercury is D009, and its regulated level is 0.2 ppm.
Sources:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
http://www.ehow.com/info_808
8217_list-rcra-metals.html