Waste and environmental health

: Waste and environmental health

Specifications : 2 Pages , 3 Sources , APA Style

: language and Environmental Health

Are improper solid waste disposal practices merely unsightly ? Or , can they really present serious human health problems ? Explain . limit your response to 2-3 pages maximum . Be sure to justify your opinion with evidence from the literature . HYPERLINK "http /www .epa .gov /epaoswer /osw /basifact .htm http /www .epa .gov /epaoswer /osw /basifact .htm

HYPERLINK "http /wwfpak .org /factsheets_mswf .php http /wwfpak .org /factsheets_mswf .php

HYPERLINK "http /www .epa .gov /epaoswer /non-hw /muncpl /facts .htm

http /www .epa .gov /epaoswer /non-hw /muncpl /facts .htm

Solid wastes (also known as `trash ' or `garbage ) are that which disposed of by humans or as a result of human activity . They are not merely unsightly but can also pose a serious health problem to human and animal activity . Sold wastes include unwanted material that are disposed from residential , commercial or industrial premises and consists of solids , semi-solids and liquids . It also includes the sludge from a wastewater treatment plant or material from an air pollution control unit . It consists of things that are used routinely such as packaging material , furniture , newss , batteries , paint , food material , bottles , plastics , clothing , appliances , etc . In the US , more than 245 million tons of solid wastes were generated in 2005 from commercial establishments and residential apartments . This leaves about 4 .5 pounds of wastes generated everyday per person . In the year 1998 , more than 220 million tons of solid wastes were generated in the US . This suggests that the amount of solid wastes that are generated is increasing every year . Such amounts of wasted generated if not properly handled can occupy the landfill . It these wastes are burned in an improper manner , it could emit toxic substances into the environment and pose a health hazard . Hence , efforts should be made not only to reduce the amount of solid wastes that are generated , but also to ensure that proper recycling management techniques are followed (EPA 2006 , EPA , 2007 WWF Pak , 2007

Solids wastes disposed in improper manner can pose several environmental problems . It could affect human and animal health Usually the problems would not only affect the area in which it is disposed , but also other areas . When wastes are disposed off into the rivers or canals , they can be carried over to other areas and affect the water supply in that region . Even diseases and microorganisms can be transmitted and enter human after they consume the water . Solid wastes present may contaminate the ground water . The chemicals present in the solid wastes can dissolve in the water . Such water contains high quantities of heavy metals , iron , zinc , paint , pesticides microorganisms , etc . This water can have a serious impact on human animal and plant life (WWF Pak , 2007

Solid wastes release a lot of dust into the environment at the dumpsite . This can precipitate a lot of diseases such as breathing problems . When these solid wastes are burnt , toxic fumes are...