A new WHO report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environment.

The report summarises evidence on how solid waste, especially municipal solid waste, affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food.

When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned, or poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources, and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.

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