The Hidden Health Risks of Landfills: A Call for Action in India
The negative health consequences of landfills cannot be ignored. We need to take action to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and implement proper waste management strategies to protect the health of our communities.
India is facing a serious waste management problem, with landfills piling up and causing negative health consequences for the people living near them. According to a 2018 report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates about 62 million tonnes of waste annually, and only 43 million tonnes of that waste is collected. This means that the remaining 19 million tonnes of waste is either left to rot in landfills or is burnt, contributing to air pollution and negative health outcomes for nearby residents.
The toxins and gases created from landfills can cause a range of negative health consequences. Many of these toxins pose a cancer risk at high exposure levels and can be inhaled or ingested by individuals working at or living near the site. Studies have indicated that elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide – commonly emitted from landfills – can lead to increased eye, throat, and lung irritation, lung cancer, nausea, headaches, nasal blockage, sleeping difficulties, weight loss, chest pain, and asthma aggravation.
According to a 2018 study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, people living within a 5-kilometer radius of landfills in Delhi were found to have higher levels of respiratory problems, lung cancer, and mortality rates due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study also found that the population living near the landfills had a higher incidence of tuberculosis, bronchitis, and skin diseases.
It is not just the landfills that are causing health issues. Waste incinerators, which are also located near residential areas in India, produce energy from waste but also release pollutants into the surrounding environment, negatively impacting humans. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that waste incineration facilities located near residential areas in India were responsible for the release of dioxins and furans, which are carcinogenic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems.
The negative health consequences of landfills and waste incinerators are a serious issue in India that needs to be addressed through proper waste management practices. It is important for the government and waste management companies to work together to implement effective waste management practices that prioritize human health and environmental sustainability. This could include better segregation of waste at the source, the establishment of more waste treatment facilities, and the development of innovative recycling and waste-to-energy technologies.