Studies on the Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Dump Sites on Public Health 
An Epidemiological approach in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the award of OD (Doctor of Optometry).
By Nwogwugwu Chioma Peace
Mat. No.: 04/8131
Department of Optometry,
Imo state University, Owerri.
Supervised by: Dr. Onome Okereke
December, 2009
Table Of content
Page
1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 About The study 4
3.0 The Owerri municipal waste dumping site 6
4.0 Environmental pollution and impact of exposure 7
5.0 The study findings 9
6.0 Conclusion 10
7.0 References 11
1. 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)1 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 dumpsites 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.
2. About
By Nwogwugwu Chioma Peace
Mat. No.: 04/8131
Department of Optometry,
Imo state University, Owerri.
Supervised by: Dr. Onome Okereke
December, 2009
Table Of content
Page
1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 About The study 4
3.0 The Owerri municipal waste dumping site 6
4.0 Environmental pollution and impact of exposure 7
5.0 The study findings 9
6.0 Conclusion 10
7.0 References 11
1. 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)1 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 dumpsites 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.
2. About
References: 1. WHO 2. Austroplan Nigeria Ltd. (1992). Compost recycling industry. 3. Aina, E. O. (1991) Environmental problems, Nigeria Environment-FEPA newsletter. Pages 3 (2) 6-7. 4. www.google.com 5. Encyclopeadia. Photo: