Effect of Improper Waste Disposal on the Health of Lagosians

Lagos State, often described as the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. With a population estimated to be over 20 million people, Lagos experiences intense urban pressure in terms of housing, transportation, sanitation, and waste management. Every day, thousands of tonnes of waste are generated from households, markets, industries, hospitals, and commercial centers across the state. Unfortunately, the systems put in place to manage this waste have not been able to keep up with the growing population and rapid urbanization.

Improper waste disposal has therefore become a major environmental and public health issue in Lagos. Open dumping, roadside refuse heaps, blocked drainage systems, and indiscriminate burning of waste are common sights in many communities. These practices expose residents—often referred to as Lagosians—to serious health risks. This article examines the meaning of improper waste disposal, common waste disposal practices in Lagos, and the direct and indirect effects these practices have on the health of Lagosians.

Understanding Improper Waste Disposal

Improper waste disposal refers to the handling and discarding of waste in ways that do not follow established environmental and public health standards. This includes dumping refuse in unauthorized places, disposing waste into drainage channels and water bodies, burning waste openly, and failing to separate hazardous waste from general household waste.

In Lagos, improper waste disposal is driven by several factors such as population explosion, inadequate waste management infrastructure, poor environmental awareness, poverty, and weak enforcement of sanitation laws. When waste is not properly collected, treated, and disposed of, it becomes a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms and a source of environmental pollution.

Common Waste Disposal Practices in Lagos

Many Lagosians dispose of waste using methods that are harmful to both the environment and human health. Some of the most common practices include:

Open Dumping

Open dumping involves throwing refuse on vacant land, roadsides, or unapproved dump sites. These dumps often contain a mixture of food waste, plastics, medical waste, and even human excreta.

Dumping Waste in Drainage Channels

In many areas of Lagos, especially during the rainy season, residents dump waste into gutters and canals. This blocks water flow and contributes to flooding, which spreads waste and disease.

Open Burning of Waste

To reduce the volume of accumulated waste, some residents resort to burning refuse in the open. This practice releases harmful smoke and toxic gases into the air.

Poorly Managed Landfills

Even approved landfill sites in Lagos are sometimes poorly managed, leading to the leakage of toxic substances into surrounding soil and groundwater.

Health Effects of Improper Waste Disposal

Improper waste disposal has severe consequences on the health of Lagosians. These effects can be grouped into communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, environmental health hazards, and mental health impacts.

Spread of Communicable Diseases

One of the most serious health effects of improper waste disposal is the spread of communicable diseases. Waste heaps provide ideal breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, rats, and cockroaches.

Malaria

Stagnant water created by blocked drainage systems becomes a breeding site for mosquitoes. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Lagos, particularly among children and pregnant women.

Cholera and Diarrhea

When waste contaminates water sources, it increases the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea. During flooding, contaminated water often enters homes, exposing residents to harmful bacteria.

Lassa Fever

Improperly disposed waste attracts rodents, especially rats, which are carriers of Lassa fever. Poor waste management in densely populated areas increases the likelihood of human contact with infected rodents.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Problems

Open burning of waste releases harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter into the air. These pollutants have serious effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Asthma and Bronchitis

Continuous exposure to smoke from burning refuse can trigger asthma attacks and cause chronic bronchitis, especially in children and the elderly.

Lung Infections

Inhalation of polluted air weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Heart Diseases

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke among urban populations.

Water and Soil Contamination

Improper waste disposal also leads to contamination of soil and water resources. When waste decomposes, it produces leachate—a liquid that contains toxic substances—which can seep into the ground.

Contaminated Drinking Water

Many Lagosians rely on wells and boreholes for drinking water. When waste is dumped nearby, harmful chemicals and microorganisms can contaminate these water sources, posing serious health risks.

Food Contamination

Vegetables grown on contaminated soil absorb harmful substances, which can enter the human body when consumed. This increases the risk of food poisoning and long-term health problems.

Impact on Children and Vulnerable Groups

Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of improper waste disposal.

Childhood Diseases

Children often play around refuse dumps, exposing themselves to sharp objects, toxic materials, and disease-causing organisms. This increases cases of skin infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses.

Low Birth Weight and Complications

Pregnant women exposed to polluted air and contaminated water face higher risks of pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and premature delivery.

Flooding and Related Health Risks

Blocked drainage systems caused by indiscriminate waste disposal contribute significantly to flooding in Lagos. Flooding not only destroys property but also creates serious health hazards.

Floodwaters often mix with sewage and waste, spreading pathogens across communities. After floods, outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and skin infections are common. Flooding also increases the risk of drowning and physical injuries.

Mental and Psychological Effects

Living in an environment filled with waste, foul odors, and constant flooding can negatively affect mental health. Many Lagosians experience stress, anxiety, and frustration due to poor environmental conditions.

The fear of disease outbreaks, loss of property during floods, and daily exposure to unsanitary surroundings can lead to emotional distress and reduced quality of life.

Economic Burden on Lagosians

Health problems caused by improper waste disposal also create an economic burden. Families spend large portions of their income on medical treatment for preventable diseases. Frequent illness reduces productivity, leading to loss of income and increased poverty.

The government also bears high healthcare costs in treating waste-related diseases, funds that could have been used for development projects.

Efforts by Government and Agencies

The Lagos State Government, through agencies such as the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has made efforts to address waste management challenges. Initiatives include waste collection services, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement of sanitation laws.

However, these efforts are often undermined by inadequate funding, poor compliance by residents, corruption, and rapid population growth.

Recommendations

To reduce the health impact of improper waste disposal on Lagosians, the following measures are recommended:

• Increased public education on proper waste disposal practices
• Provision of adequate waste bins and regular waste collection
• Strict enforcement of environmental sanitation laws
• Promotion of waste recycling and reuse
• Community participation in environmental sanitation programs

Conclusion

Improper waste disposal remains a serious threat to the health of Lagosians. From the spread of infectious diseases to respiratory problems, flooding, and mental stress, the effects are far-reaching and devastating. Addressing this issue requires collective action from the government, private sector, and residents of Lagos State.

Proper waste management is not only an environmental responsibility but also a public health necessity. By adopting safe waste disposal practices and strengthening waste management systems, Lagos can reduce disease burden, improve quality of life, and create a healthier environment for its growing population.