"We feared demolishing the building and disturbing the soil could release this hidden killer again, " he said.

BBC: Former Turner and Newall factory

In the tropics, they take up water from the deep soil and release it as vapor in the air.

FORBES: Govindasamy Bala

The impact will not, however, be sufficiently energetic to melt the lunar soil and release any water that is bound in hydrated minerals.

ECONOMIST: Creative destruction

The softening of the soil and the consequent release of nutrients is likely to encourage the growth of shrubs on land that is now dominated by grass, moss and lichens.

ECONOMIST: Global warming and the permafrost

As a congressman, senator and vice president, he worked relentlessly toward creating disincentives to the development, testing and use of innovative, safe and potentially important technologies--especially biotechnology applied to agriculture, which has been instrumental in enhancing yields, reducing losses from pests and encouraging farming practices that prevent carbon dioxide release from tilling soil.

FORBES: Commentary

Once on Afghan soil, the five hijackers demanded India release three jailed Islamic militants.

CNN: Similarities seen between Indian Airlines, U.S. hijackings

More seriously, it can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water when dumped, or into the air when burned.

ECONOMIST: Talking rubbish

Approximately 1, 100 such units at more than 450 existing power plants emit 48 tons of mercury into the air each year, with 11 tons of that deposited on to U.S. soil and waters, says EPA. Those plants also release arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, all of which are considered hazardous and are therefore subject to clean air laws that require those facilities to use modern pollution controls.

FORBES: Coal Plants Belching Out Less Mercury