Exploratory Environmental Science Research
Volume 3 – Issue 1 – 2022
Review
Environmental Contamination And Public Health Effects Of Household Hazardous Waste
Okunola A. Alabi1,2*, Tânia B. Creczynski-Pasa2, Yetunde M. Adeoluwa1, Taiwo Cosmas Adebo1
1Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, (NIGERIA)
2Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
P.O. Box 476, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, (BRAZIL)
PAGE NO: 10-27
ABSTRACT – DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47204/EESR.3.1.2022.010-027
Toxic and hazardous wastes are not only generated by industries, but also by households. Several domestic products have hazardous chemicals in them and thus show characteristics such as; explosiveness, spontaneous combustion, flammability, toxicity reactivity, and corrosiveness that renders them unsafe. These products become household hazardous waste (HHW), and they pose a potential risk to the environment and human health when discarded. Due to their persistence and toxic nature in the environment, HHWs are a potential source of danger to living creatures. In spite of the significant threat to public health, a large fraction of the population does not perceive HHW as harmful. Most HHW are currently mixed with domestic wastes, which are landfilled, incinerated, or composted. If appropriate management procedures are not put in place, negative outcomes of HHW might arise from source; households, waste collection points; during carriage, and after dumping in landfills and/or incineration sites. Sadly, established regulations and standard operating procedures for handling HHW, are lacking in most countries. This review updates the quantity of HHW generated around the world, and the potential and reported environmental and public health effects. Suggestions for reduction of HHW generation and general safety guidelines are also included.