Municipal Solid Waste Management and Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Giovanni Vinti, University of Brescia; Valerie Bauza, Emory University; Thomas Clasen, Emory University; Kate Medlicott, WHO; Terry Tudor, SusConnect Ltd; Christian Zurbrugg, Eawag—Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Mentore Vaccari, University of Brescia
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-04-01
• Publisher: MDPI
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084331
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: International Journal of Environmental Research
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 8
• Grant/Funding Information: This research received no external funding.
• Keywords: Landfills; MSW; Air-pollution; public health; Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Incinerators; PRISMA guidelines; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Exposure; epidemiology; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; leachate; Emissions; Multisite; Dumpsites
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Biology, Ecology; Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations’ health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed.