Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Many health problems are associated with poor sanitation and waste management, principally caused by contact with human faeces.
• The main types of infectious agent responsible for communicable diseases are bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms.
• The F diagram shows how infectious agents from faeces can be ingested by someone who then becomes infected.
• Poor sanitation and waste management create conditions that may encourage flies and other disease vectors.
• Good hygiene behaviour, especially handwashing with soap at critical times, can significantly reduce health risks.
• Diseases associated with poor sanitation affect children’s physical development and school attendance. Poor sanitation facilities in schools also affect attendance, especially for girls.
• Healthy people are more productive, which brings economic benefits to them and to the wider community.
• In industry, minimising the amount of waste can reduce costs throughout the manufacturing process.
• Environmental impacts of poor sanitation and waste management at a local level include pollution of land and watercourses, the visual impact of litter, and bad odours. At a global level, applying the 3 Rs to solid waste management can reduce energy use which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.