ANALYZING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON URBAN RESIDENTS OF MULTAN
Keywords:
Solid Waste Management (SWM), Urban Health, Respiratory Problems, Waste Disposal Practices, Public Health Risks.Abstract
Solid waste management (SWM) is an essential component of urban sustainability, involving the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste materials to decrease environmental pollution and promote public health. The rapid growth of urban areas has intensified waste generation, leading to significant environmental and health challenges. The objectives of the research were to examine the improper waste disposal effects on health and to study the solutions for improving SWM in urban areas of Multan. The study was quantitative in nature and survey research design was exploited to conduct the research. The residents who were living near waste dumps or affected by landfill sites, were the target population. A stratified random sampling technique was employed and collected data from 300 respondents by using the questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS. The findings highlight significant health risks, particularly for those living near waste dumps, and suggest a need for culturally sensitive solutions to enhance SWM effectiveness. The study’s findings highlight the dire need to improve SWM practices in urban areas of Multan. Results show clear health risks are linked with poor waste management, exclusively for exposed populations such as women, the elderly, and the less educated, and recommend that waste management reform must be inclusive. Recommendations include enhancing public awareness programs, improving waste disposal infrastructure, and including culturally delicate approaches to changing attitudes toward waste management. Moreover, efforts should concentrate on reducing the closeness of waste dumps to inhabited areas and modifying the environmental dangers posed by burners and landfills.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
