Health Care Managemnt Bhe 314

Improper trash disposal present a serious health problems for the public as well as can have a harmful effect to the environment, vegetation and its inhabitants.

“The most serious problem is groundwater contamination. As water filters through any material, chemicals in the material may dissolve in the water, a process called leaching. The resulting mixture is called leachate. As water percolates through MSW, it makes a leachate that consists of decomposing organic matter combined with iron, mercury, lead, zinc, and other metals from rusting cans, discarded batteries and appliances. It may also contain paints, pesticides, cleaning fluids, newspaper inks, and other chemicals. Contaminated water can have a serious impact on all living creatures, including humans, in an ecosystem. (WWFPAK 2005)” And if consumed, can lead to diseases such as hepatitis and dysentery.

The outbreak of diseases is another major concern. Bacteria or viruses can be transported in the waste when improperly disposed and introduced to new areas. There is a good chance that humans as well as animals, such as a rat or bird may be exposed to the pathogen and then return to a larger population infected. Rodents are like carriers of diseases. They infect humans through bite wounds, water that is contaminated with rodent feces or urine and by the public breathing in germs from the rodents’ urine or germs mixed in the air. Waste acting as a food source for pathogens is another way of spreading diseases, especially if eaten by rats or birds. Open pits are a commonly known place for rodents as well as where one may find improper disposal of trash.

Air is polluted “When waste is burnt heavy metals like lead, toxic gases and smoke spreads over residential areas. The wind also carries waste, dust and gases caused by decomposition. (WWFPAK 2005)”

As bacteria decompose and breakdown waste it produces methane which is dangerous because it is explosive and can start fires. Also methane is harmful to...