The management of waste can have serious impacts on human health. Disposal strategies in developed nations as discussed earlier, such as landfilling and incineration, have the potential to hinder air and water quality. Another important factor to be discussed in this section is the use of open dump sites, which is typically more common in developing nations. As waste management has now become a global issue, considerations of health impacts from all management techniques is valuable. These sites generally serve the same purpose as landfills, but a number of factors make them much less sanitary. Studies aiming to better understand the effects of such sites usually examine residential areas that are in immediate proximity (~2 Km) to active or closed facilities. This section aims to highlight some of the common findings and special characteristics of each disposal type that contribute these negative consequences.
Stunted Development and Growth of Children
In developing nations, or any area with less regulation, “open dumping” is a common form of waste disposal. Areas of land devoted to this purpose vary in size and may or may not have an enforcement group that monitors the types of waste disposed. The biggest difference between this method and the modern sanitary landfill, is the lack of soil cover or synthetic liner to prevent the spread of contaminants. Businesses, other industries, and local residents may be more likely to dispose of hazardous waste or other harmful contaminants into such dump sites (1). As a result, pollutants can enter the air and water bodies much easier.
Studies specifically analyzing the effects of open dump sites demonstrate that children living close to such areas are more likely to be shorter and have a smaller body mass index (BMI) relative to their age. Importantly, these children were compared to children with the same socioeconomic background who did not live near such open dump sites. Other findings show nutritional deficiencies of calcium, iron, and protein (2). Similarly, certain effects may even be seen at birth, of families and households living in proximity to landfill sites. Birth defects (such as abnormalities during development) and low birth weight have been observed by studies over the last two decades (3).
Cancer and Higher Rates of Asthma
In terms of incineration, similar effects have been documented due to the release of emissions of particulate matter and heavy metals into urban air. Even among populations living near closed incinerators, the likelihood of specific cancers has been found to be somewhat more likely in specific areas. Other negative consequences have been observed through decreased respiratory function and higher prevalence of asthma (or other chronic pulmonary conditions) (3).
Although many studies demonstrate potential negative impacts of incineration, many of these studies have been conducted on older facilities and techniques. As more innovative facilities are constructed with efficient practices that trap emissions and other hazards, newer studies should be performed to better understand such impacts.
Spread of Infectious Disease
Another important issue in the management of waste disposal is the spread of infectious disease. Open dump sites and poorly-managed landfills can encourage the survival of certain pest species and disease vectors (4). As such, poorer individuals that live near these locations may be more likely to contract these diseases at which point they could spread further in urban settings.
Issue of Environmental Justice
The concept of “environmental justice” dictates that all individuals experience the same level of environmental quality and protection regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In other words, all residents have the right to live under the same standards of air, water and soil quality. Historically, the siting of landfills and waste incinerators has been within the proximity of disadvantaged neighborhoods and districts. As a result, such groups are much more likely to suffer the potential health consequences associated with such contaminants. The environmental justice movement has brought attention to this discrepancy and called for the adequate involvement and engagement of effected populations in the process of siting such facilities (5). It is important that this consideration be taken into account not only in the developed world, within countries like the United States and United Kingdom, but also in the developing world.
In the next part of this series, I will cover some of the environmental and ecological consequences that result from poor waste management. Within an urban settings, such consequences are just as important as human health impacts.
Sources:
1) Alam, P; Ahmade, K. 2013. Impact of Solid Waste on Health and the Environment. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Green Economics. 2(1)
2) Awan, R., Khan, N., and Nasir, M. 2016. Impact of Domestic Waste Exposure on Health and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 5-7 Years. Vitamins & Minerals. 5(3)
3) Porta, D., Milani, S., Lazzarino, A., Perucci, C.A., and Forastiere, F. 2009. Systematic Review of Epidemological Studies on Health Effects Associated with Management of Solid Waste. Environmental Health. 8(60)
4) Hoornweg., Bhada-Tata, P. 2013. What a Waste – A Global Review of Solid Waste Management. The World Bank.
5) United States Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management. (n.d.) “What is Environmental Justice?”