Health Impact Assessment of Waste Management Facilities in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): Forastiere Francesco, Badaloni Chiara, de Hoogh Kees, von Kraus Martin K, Martuzzi Marco, Mitis Francesco, Palkovicova Lubica, Porta Daniela, Preiss Philipp, Ranzi Andrea, Perucci Carlo A, Briggs David
Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service, Lazio, Italy
Hypothesis
What are the health impacts of landfilling and incineration in Italy, Slovakia, and England?
Conclusion
The health impacts of landfilling and incineration are moderate compared to other environmental pollution sources.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 1,000,000 people lived close to incinerators in Italy.
- Annual cancer cases due to exposure in 2001-2020 will reach 11 in Italy and then decline to 0 by 2050.
- Attributable impact on the 2001 cohort of residents will be 3,621 Years of Life Lost in Italy by 2050.
- Congenital anomalies and low birth weight cases are expected to increase due to landfill exposure.
Takeaway
This study looked at how waste management affects people's health in three countries, finding that the effects are not as bad as other pollution sources.
Methodology
The study assessed health impacts using epidemiological studies and air pollution dispersion modeling.
Potential Biases
There are uncertainties in data availability and reliability, particularly regarding landfill locations.
Limitations
The study did not consider emissions from waste transport or the health effects of composting.
Participant Demographics
The study included residents living within 3 km of incinerators and 2 km of landfills in Italy, Slovakia, and England.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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