Health Effects of Solid Waste Disposal at a Dumpsite on the Surrounding Human Settlements

Abstract

Background: Solid waste management is a major problem in most developing nations, like Nigeria, and poses serious public health issues to those living around such waste management facilities. We sought to evaluate the health impact of Olusosun Dumpsite in Lagos State, Nigeria on the residents living around the site. 

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, using non-probability sampling, data was collected from 100 households within 250 metres radius of the dumpsite and 100 households between 250-500 metres from the dumpsite through the use of self-administered questionnaires. Data was collected in October and November 2015.  

Results: Most of the residents were within the economically active age range of 26-45 years. Majority of the respondents were females (60.4%), self-employed (69.8%), educated to secondary level (44.7%), and had lived in the area for over 7 years (42.1%). The number of children within the households varied, 50.3% of households had 1-3 children, with the average household size being five people. A large majority of the respondents (92.5%) believed that the location of the dumpsite had an impact on the quality of their environment, 16.3% believed the dumpsite’s location affected their health, and 83% identified the odour emanating from the dumpsite as their main concern. The severity of health impact due to the dumpsite decreased as people moved away from the dumpsite, however this was not statistically significant. 

Conclusions: Open dumping is very common in developing countries like Nigeria, and poses a risk to human health and the environment. Waste not properly managed has been known to have a negative impact on health, environment and aesthetic values. We recommend educating residents living around Olusosun Dumpsite on the alternative and more sustainable waste management options, so that the dumpsite can be gradually closed.