However, it is
important that garbage should be disposed off quickly and in a safe manner so
as to cause minimum damage to the environment. If garbage is allowed to collect
in open places, it attracts files and other insects. As garbage rots, a large
number of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are produced.
Some of these
microorganisms are disease producing. They stick to the hairy feet and other
parts of the files. When these flies sit on uncovered food material, they leave
this disease causing germs there. When people consume such infected food, they
fall sick. Files may also transfer these germs to open cuts and wounds or cause
infection of the eye and skin.
The waste gives bad
odor. When thrown on road it makes them narrow and dirty. It makes the place
look ugly too.
Another serous threat
to the human health is the transfer of waste to water supplies either in
surface water or in water treatment plants which are not very effective
treating all kinds of waste. Industrial waste which is discharged into rivers
may affect the health of humans and animals who consume this water.
Transportation of
industrial waste from one place to another, if not carried out efficiently, can
lead to leakage and cause illness, contamination of crops or water supplies.
Health risks exist
for the sanitary workers who need to be protected as far as possible from the
direct contact with wastes. There are even greater risks in handling wastes
from hospitals and clinics.