Potential
Health Hazard: Municipal solid waste heaps do several parts of our major cities
blocking motor roads, alleys and pavement. These unsightly dump sites are
characterized by various non biodegradable household petrol chemical products
like polythene bags, these waste dumps are unsanitary; destroy the aesthetic
appeal of the environment.
They harbor flies, fleas, mosquitoes, rats and other
diseases vectors. Some of the disease carried by rodents and insects vectors
includes lessa fever, malaria, filiariasis, yellow fever etc. these waste wear
provide food, water and habitants and breeding areas for these disease carrying
agents as said earlier, children that frequent refuse dumps stands greater risk
of contracting disease especially poliomyelitis. Health related environmental
problems in Nigeria vary with social and economic development achieved by
different states and even different town and villages within industrial states.
They are linked to poverty absence of adequate water suppliers, lack of
sanitation services and poor housing conditions. With increasingly industrialization
the risk of respiratory illness and cancer related death also arises.
The open burning of waste cause air
pollution, the product of combustion into toxins, which are particularly
hazardous. Aerosols and dusts can spread Fungi and pathogens from uncollected
and decomposing wastes. Uncollected waste degrades the urban environments
discouraging efforts to keep streets and open spaces clean are an indicator of
the ineffectiveness of a municipal administration. Waste collection workers
face particularly occupational hazards, including strains from lifting,
injuries from sharp objects and traffic accidents.
Using partially diluted,
polluted water for irrigation causes reduction in the food quality and quantity
of useful and beneficial aquatic flora and fauna, reduction in the food quality
and quantity of harvested agricultural produce as a result of irrigation with
unwholesome water consumption of agricultural produce. The world health
organization defines health as “the state of complete physical, social and
mental well being and not the absence of disease or infirmity”. This shows
management of waste as an integral part of ensuring a sanitary safe and sound
environment.