ABSTRACT
Hazardous waste represents one of the greatest health threats humans have ever faced. Hazardous substances can enter the body through skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. Publications on waste incineration note as advantages such factors as volume reduction, waste to energy conversion, and conversion of hazardous waste into harmless compounds. Minority communities represent a "least cost" option for waste incineration. This is true primarily because much of the waste that is likely to be incinerated is already in these communities. Several syndromes prevail that make incineration in minority communities politically expedient. The consequences of activities at the Rollins' incinerator in Alsen illustrate why minority communities should be alarmed. The residents of Alsen seem to put little trust in public officials at any level of government. Neither branch of government was held in high esteem. The greatest concern in minority communities is raised after facilities are operational.
