Everyone should be proactive when it comes to their health, like eating healthy meals and exercising regularly. However, some factors can also affect health, including the environment. Today, waste is one of the growing problems the world is facing. The cities produce about 1.3 million tons of waste each year. Asia is the major contributor to waste with a whopping 1 million tons of garbage each day.
Hazardous waste has many effects on health. Urbanization and development have their share of disadvantages, especially to health. But with proper hazardous waste collection in Utah or any other state, you can dramatically reduce the burden of garbage across the globe. If waste is not properly managed, it can pose serious health hazards and can even lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
Here are the health effects of hazardous waste:
Respiratory Diseases
One of the major effects of waste products to health are diseases affecting the lungs. Waste products emit fumes and chemicals that can be inhaled and can irritate the linings of the lungs. For instance, incineration or burning of waste can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, which include cancer due to exposure to hazardous chemicals. Bronchial asthma may also occur for those who are allergic to certain compounds in the air that come from garbage.
Poisoning and Chemical Burns
Poisoning can occur when hazardous waste comes in contact with water sources. The water source is where people get drinking water. This may also result from contact with little amounts of hazardous chemicals that mix with other waste products.
In some cases, food contaminated with hazardous chemicals can cause adverse health effects. Meanwhile, chemical burns can happen if there are hazardous waste products or chemicals that come in contact with the skin.
Cancer
Some hazardous chemicals have been linked to the development of some types of cancer. Lung cancer, for one, has been associated with toxic waste chemicals. Toxic waste is cancerous, particularly if mixed with carcinogenic chemicals, such as pesticides.
Infections
Garbage exposure can also lead to certain infections since microorganisms dwell in dirty surroundings, such as garbage disposal areas. Some of the infections may lead to serious health problems if not treated appropriately.
Reproductive issues
Certain studies have pointed out the effects of hazardous waste or toxic waste on adverse pregnancy outcomes and even the inability to conceive. The chemicals from hazardous waste can lead to many health conditions; some may even affect the newborns. Some cases of infertility have been reported due to exposure to the garbage and hazardous waste products, particularly those who live near landfills and dumpsites. Pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive should not live in these areas as much as possible.
There are many health issues associated with toxic wastes. These waste products are not only hazardous to humans but animals and plants as well. Residents and businesses must ensure that waste products are treated properly to prevent negative effects on humans. Work with a trusted waste management company to achieve the best results.
