Health Implication of Solid Waste Pollution on the Inhabitants of Muzaffarabad

Abstract

Solid waste is a crucial environmental issue that poses significant risk to public health, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. Efficient management of solid waste is an essential component of social progress, yet it is frequently disregarded in developing countries. Inadequate solid waste management caused environmental contamination and infectious illnesses. This paper assesses the health impact of solid waste pollution in Muzaffarabad city. This study is purely quantitative, and data was collected from the household of Lower Plate using systematic random sampling. The results reveal that inadequate solid waste management contributes to water, land, and air contamination, with some health implications. Common health issues that are linked to exposure to contaminated water, air and land includes diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis, respiratory problems, and skin issues. The study also highlights the community’s awareness of such health issues, suggesting that an efficient management practice is needed to mitigate the adverse effects on inhabitants’ health. Effective management of solid waste is linked to UNSDGs that pollution due to solid waste hams human health (SDGs-3). Furthermore, Solid waste management is related to the UNSDGs since solid waste pollution harms human health (SDGs-03). Solid waste pollution contaminates water sources, risking access to clean water and sanitation (SDGs-06). Further, reducing pollution and public health enhancement can contribute to more sustainable and suitable societies by improving management of solid waste (SDGs-11). Appropriate management of solid waste is an important thing to attain sustainable development goals for a sustainable future. However more research is needed to establish a causal relationship between solid waste pollution and infectious diseases.