Microbial Growth in Wastes and Its Health Impact on Rag Pickers

Abstract

Waste is any material that is of little or no value to manufacturers or consumers. With almost every activity, humans generate waste. The fast urban development of many Indian cities has led to population growth close to dumping grounds and may exacerbate the risks. Inappropriate methods of handling and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste cause many types of pollution: air, water and soil. Indiscriminate waste dumping contaminates the supply of surface and ground water. In urban areas, municipal solid waste clogs drains, creating stagnant water for insect breeding and floods during rainy seasons. The habitat for different microorganisms is municipal waste, where their range of incidence and ability to concentrate relies on different variables, including the facility’s type and location, the weather and period. The form of dropping waste site can also determine the likelihood and ability of many micro-organisms that can cause many diseases to survive. In addition to respiratory illnesses, it has been suggested that intestinal infections may be produced by associated enteric microorganisms common in dumpling soil. Rag pickers are rarely protected against direct contact and injury in developing countries, and the co-disposal of hazardous and medical waste with municipal solid waste poses a serious health threat. It also contributing to overall health problems due to exhaust fumes from waste collection vehicles, dust from disposal practices and open waste burning. Serious health risks to rag pickers were identified at the dumping yard due to microbial air, soil and MSW pollution.