Question

Explain adverse effects of improper solid waste disposal

Answer 1

Groundwater Contamination
If waste isn't discarded properly on land, when it rains the waste is soaked and is then carried through the landfill, eventually making its way into the water you may drink. Especially dangerous chemicals are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which usually come from household cleaners and industrial solvents used in operations like dry cleaning. These compounds have been linked to everything from cancers to birth defects.

Disease Outbreaks
Another danger, especially with open pits, comes from the spread of diseases--usually carried by rodents and bugs. An example of this is malaria, which festers in open areas with standing water and particularly hot and muggy temperatures. In addition, there may be a propensity for people to scavenge wastes in landfills and open pits, which again can create unsanitary conditions and aid the spread of disease.

Habitat Destruction
Disposal locations may encroach upon existing habitat for native flora and fauna, especially when sited in areas near wetlands. In some cases, people have taken steps to reclaim the land by capping the landfill and later attempting to grow vegetation on it.

Climate Change
As waste begins to break down, methane is produced. Methane is considered a greenhouse gases that is responsible for some of the spike in the earth's temperatures.

Air Quality
When wastes are burned, especially toxic chemicals like dioxin, they're released into the surrounding environment and can then cause serious public health risks.