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

Giovanni Vinti, Valerie Bauza, Thomas Clasen, Kate Medlicott, Terry Tudor, Christian Zurbrügg and Mentore Vaccari
Additional contact information
Giovanni Vinti: Department of Civil Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Valerie Bauza: Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Thomas Clasen: Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Kate Medlicott: Department of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Terry Tudor: SusConnect Ltd. Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire NN7 4PS, UK
Christian Zurbrügg: Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec), Eawag—Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
Mentore Vaccari: Department of Civil Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-26

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.

Keywords: MSW; public health; epidemiology; PRISMA guidelines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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