South West Public Health Observatory

Health Impacts of Different WasteDisposal Options

Project being undertaken by: Unitof Applied Epidemiology, University ofthe West of England, Bristol Forfurther information contact Dr.Derek Pheby, University of the West ofEngland -

Abstract

The study will comprise a systematic review of the published literature on the health impacts of different waste disposal strategies, and will be conducted following, as far as possible, the methodology developed by the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. It will also investigate the relevant ‘grey’ literature (unpublished and limited circulation documents), through contact with organisations in the South and West Region and nationally with responsibilities in this area. In addition, relevant databases of geographically-referenced data will be explored, to assess their usefulness for ecological studies designed to facilitate hypothesis generation, and where possible to undertake such studies.

Rationale

Wastedisposal is becoming a major issue asthe volume of waste increasesrelentlessly, and current disposalstrategies reach their limits. Changesto current policies may impact on publichealth, and an assessment of theirimpact on health, both in the long andshort term should be a part of any majorpolicy discussions on this issue.  

Scope

Aliterature review examining andsummarising the evidence on health ofdifferent waste disposal strategies,specifically landfill sites,incinerators, and dumping in rivers,lakes and sea. An analysis of availableinformation about the location andcontent of landfill sites in the SouthWest, and the location and compositionof incineration facilities, and sea andriver dumping.  

Outputs

Anreport examining the health impact ofdifferent waste disposal strategies,that will prove helpful in determiningand shaping local policy.

The Public Health Observatory is part of the South West Observatory, a wider Regional intelligence function, currently supported by the South West Regional Assembly, the Department of Health, Government Office South West, the South West of England Regional Development Agency and the Environment Agency.