What does 'source control' mean in environmental safety?

Source control in environmental safety refers to the practice of reducing or eliminating the release of hazardous substances right at their origin before they can enter the environment. This proactive approach is essential for preventing pollution and safeguarding both human health and the ecosystem. By addressing the problem at its source, source control directly mitigates the risks associated with exposure to hazardous materials, making it a critical component of effective environmental safety strategies.

The focus on controlling substances where they are generated ensures that emissions, spills, or leaks are minimized. This can involve adopting cleaner production techniques, modifying processes, and employing better management practices that prevent hazardous substances from being created in excess.

Other options pertain to different aspects of environmental safety. Monitoring hazardous substances already in the environment deals with assessing existing contamination rather than preventing it. Implementing recycling programs for hazardous materials focuses on managing waste after it has been generated, not on stopping its release. Conducting regular audits of chemical usage is valuable for compliance and management purposes, but does not inherently prevent the initial release of hazardous substances.