IMPACT OF WASTE DISPOSAL ON HUMAN HEALTH IN PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

Human health is threatened by improper refuse disposal in which it causes diseases affecting human respiratory health and well-being. Africa has experienced deaths from cholera, malaria and diarrheal diseases as compared to other region of the world. This study examined the effect of Refuse disposal on Human Health in Plateau State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The survey research design was employed and obtained from a population of 2,399,500 and sample size of 400. Logistic regression model of analysis was employed to analyze the effect of Refuse disposal on Human health in the study area. Findings from the model revealed that the effect of Open Burning and Incineration (OBI) on Human Respiratory Health (RH) has a negative effect. With respect to hypothesis 1, the coefficient of the effect of Open Burning and Incineration (OBI) on Human Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.64. This indicates that increase in Open Burning and Incineration (OBI) will result to a decreasing effect on Public Respiratory Health (RH). Findings exposed that Open Dumping and Drainage Dumping (ODD) on Respiratory Health (RH) have a positive effect. In line with hypothesis 2, the coefficient of the effect of Open Drainage Dumping (ODD) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.005. This revealed that increase in Open Drainage Dumping (ODD) will result to an increase effect on Human Respiratory Health (RH). In addition, findings revealed the effect of Landfills (LDF) on Human Respiratory Health (RH) as insignificant. Looking at hypothesis 3, the coefficient of the effect of Landfills (LDF) on Public Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.309. This means that there is less likelihood for Landfills (LDF) to affect Public Respiratory Health (RH). Further findings revealed that Composting (CPT) on Respiratory Health (RH), results revealed that there is an insignificant effect. In view of hypothesis 4, the coefficient of the effect of Composting (CPT) on Respiratory Health (RH) is 0.365. This indicated that increase in Composting (CPT) will result to decreasing effect on Respiratory Health (RH). The study recommends that families be assisted in determining what is going on in their household which can lead to disease outbreak and a tremendous restructuring, rethinking, and shifting the culture in the community and cultures. Implement public awareness campaigns on the health risks of waste.