Introduction
Over the last three decades there has been increasing global concern over the
public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution, in particular, the global
burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a
quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to
environmental pollution. Most of these environment-related diseases are however
not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifested later in
adulthood.
Improper management of solid waste is one of the main causes of
environmental pollution and degradation in many cities, especially in developing
countries. Many of these cities lack solid waste regulations and proper disposal
facilities, including for harmful waste. Such waste may be infectious, toxic or
radioactive.
Municipal waste dumping sites are designated places set aside for waste
disposal. Depending on a city’s level of waste management, such waste may be
dumped in an uncontrolled manner, segregated for recycling purposes, or simply
burnt. Poor waste management poses a great challenge to the well-being of city
residents, particularly those living adjacent the dump sites due to the potential of
the waste to pollute water, food sources, land, air and vegetation. The poor disposal
and handling of waste thus leads to environmental degradation, destruction of the
ecosystem and poses great risks to public health.