When we think about urban spaces, we often imagine a busy world of skyscrapers, businesses, and parks. However, amongst the shiny walls, a silent crisis is seen to be growing. It is the problem of urban sanitation. This issue isn’t just about maintaining the aesthetic appeal of our cities, it’s about protecting citizens’ health, preventing diseases, and promoting healthier living.
Urban sanitation is an all-encompassing term that includes proper waste disposal, waste treatment, water sanitation, and cleanliness in both public and private spaces. According to the United Nations, almost 2.6 billion people don’t have access to the most basic sanitation facilities. It is important to remember that problems related to sanitation aren’t just about convenience, but more concerning for community health.
The relationship between poor urban sanitation and health is undeniable. Unmanaged waste is a risk for diseases and all types of pollution. Let’s explore this further.
The Hidden Health Risks in Poorly Managed Urban Spaces
In poorly managed urban spaces, the risks to community health are significant. Unattended waste can contaminate both water and air, creating environments that are conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. Poor sanitation also leads to the accumulation of harmful bacteria and viruses.
For instance, improper waste disposal can lead to the contamination of drinking water, making it a breeding ground for diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Additionally, poor urban sanitation can also affect air quality. When garbage is left uncollected in public spaces, it decomposes and produces methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Decomposing waste can also release pathogens into the air, causing respiratory issues and worsening conditions like asthma. Improper waste management contributes to an increase in particulate matter (PM) in the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PM can lead to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Poorly managed public spaces are an issue that not only impacts the immediate community but could also have considerable effects on global health.
Types of Waste that Can Cause Problems
Each type of urban waste has a different potential impact on health. Here are some of the major types of waste that can lead to serious health problems.
Solid Waste
Food scraps, household garbage, plastic, etc come under solid waste. When these pile up, they invite insects and other pests. These pests invite diseases like salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.
These diseases can spread quickly in crowded cities. Not to mention, unattended plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose. These plastics further leak toxic chemicals and impact the environment quality.
Pet Waste
An overlooked but significant contributor to urban sanitation problems is pet waste. Cities are becoming more and more pet-friendly, and we love that! However, the accumulation of pet waste in public spaces can be seen as becoming a health hazard.
Pet waste can contain harmful pathogens, such as E. coli and roundworms, notes Scoop Soldiers. This waste, when left on sidewalks or parks, can pollute the air, water sources, and soil. EPA also highlights that pet waste can lead to serious infections if not disposed of properly.
As responsible citizens, the least we can do is to make sure we clean up the waste caused by us or our pets. Be it in our own outdoor spaces or public places like parks and walkways, we should take care of the mess.
This is probably why pet waste service as a concept is increasingly becoming popular in cities as it helps mitigate the risk posed by pet waste without taking extra time from busy pet parents.
Chemical Waste
Another pressing concern in urban sanitation is the improper disposal of hazardous chemicals, such as paints, pesticides, cleaning agents, and car batteries.
These substances can get into the groundwater, pollute water supplies, and harm thriving ecosystems. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause a range of health issues like cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.
Sewage and Wastewater
Wastewater and sewage are one of the most serious forms of waste in urban environments. If not properly treated, sewage can contain a mix of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and harmful microorganisms that can lead to serious diseases like hepatitis, cholera, and dysentery.
How Urban Sanitation Boosts Community Health
When urban sanitation is properly managed, the benefits to public health are immediately visible. Clean cities are safer, healthier, and more enjoyable places to live. Proper sanitation significantly reduces the spread of communicable diseases. When waste is effectively managed and treated, harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites are kept in check.
Whether it’s organizations managing cleaning drives or individuals scheduling pet waste pick-ups from agencies, systems can make a difference. Well-maintained sanitation systems prevent the contamination of air and water sources. This leads to cleaner drinking water, fewer respiratory problems, and a reduction in pollution-related diseases.
A clean environment can also positively impact mental health. According to recent research, urban green spaces and well-maintained public areas can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also lead to long-term economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs, increasing productivity, and attracting tourists.
Urban sanitation is not just about looking clean and beautiful, it is about guaranteeing the well-being of every individual. Every step toward better sanitation helps reduce the risks of disease, pollution, and environmental degradation. By being mindful of our actions, we can all contribute to creating cities that promote health and happiness.
