If wastes are allowed to accumulate and are not disposed of carefully, then they will not only affect our environment but will also affect our health. Here, we have discussed the Impact of Waste Accumulation on Human Health.
- When accumulated wastes are left open and unattended, they begin to decompose. This results in the growth and multiplication of a number of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi that carry germs of various diseases to human settlements.
- The decomposition of wastes also produces various gases which pollute the air around us.
- During the rainy season, rain water takes various decomposed wastes containing pathogens to water bodies causing water pollution.
Impact of Waste Accumulation on Human Health
- Respiratory infections and irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. It causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
- Air pollution may also cause chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases and even damages the nerves, kidneys, and liver.
- Pathogens are disease-causing bacteria that are present in wastewater. When contaminated water is consumed, pathogens enter the human body. It may cause various water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and jaundice.
- Metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium dissolved in water may cause several diseases if they enter the human body. When water contaminated with cadmium was consumed by people in Japan, they were affected by a disease called Itai-Itai. Similarly, a disease known as Minamata affected the Japanese after they consumed fish that had large concentrations of mercury. Lead can affect the blood system and can lead to behavioral disorders.
- Radiations are extremely dangerous for human health as they produce harmful changes in the body cells and affect genes.
- When people are exposed to radiation, their offspring may also be affected and gene mutations may be transmitted to future generations. These are known as genetic variations.
- When a person is exposed to radioactive pollution, damage may be caused to the body organs. It may result in lung cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, sterility, and reduced or defective eyesight.
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Waste Management-I
Waste refers to any discarded material which no longer remains useful. According to the Environment Protection Act, 1990, waste is any substance that constitutes a scrap material, or effluent, or an unwanted surplus that arises out of the application of any process. Read more
Waste Management-II
If wastes are allowed to accumulate and are not disposed of carefully, then they will not only affect our environment but will also affect our health. When accumulated wastes are left open and unattended, they begin to decompose. Read more