dandorawastedump reportsummary
Environmental Pollution and
Impacts on Public Health:
Implications of the Dandora Municipal Dumping Site in Nairobi, Kenya
Report Summary
Based on a study by Njoroge G. Kimani in cooperation with
United Nations Environment Programme and the St. John Catholic Church, Korogocho
Urban Environment Unit
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi - KENYA.
Telephone: +254-20-7624184, Fax: +254-20-7624249
Email: urban.environment@unep.org web: http://www.unep.org/urban_environment
Photo: UNEP
UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices globally and in its own activities.
This publication is printed on paper from sustainable forests including recycled fibre. The paper is chlorine free, and the inks vegetablebased. Our distribution policy aims to reduce
UNEP’s carbon footprint.
1. Introduction
Over the last three decades there has been increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution, in particular, the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollution. Most of these environment-related diseases are however not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifested later in adulthood. Improper management of solid waste is one of the main causes of environmental pollution and degradation in many cities, especially in developing countries. Many of these cities lack solid waste regulations and proper disposal facilities, including for harmful waste. Such waste may be infectious, toxic or radioactive. Municipal waste dumping sites are designated places set aside for waste disposal. Depending on a city’s level of waste management, such waste may be dumped in an uncontrolled manner, segregated for recycling purposes, or simply burnt. Poor waste management poses a great challenge to the well-being of city residents, particularly those living adjacent
Impacts on Public Health:
Implications of the Dandora Municipal Dumping Site in Nairobi, Kenya
Report Summary
Based on a study by Njoroge G. Kimani in cooperation with
United Nations Environment Programme and the St. John Catholic Church, Korogocho
Urban Environment Unit
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi - KENYA.
Telephone: +254-20-7624184, Fax: +254-20-7624249
Email: urban.environment@unep.org web: http://www.unep.org/urban_environment
Photo: UNEP
UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices globally and in its own activities.
This publication is printed on paper from sustainable forests including recycled fibre. The paper is chlorine free, and the inks vegetablebased. Our distribution policy aims to reduce
UNEP’s carbon footprint.
1. Introduction
Over the last three decades there has been increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to environmental pollution, in particular, the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollution. Most of these environment-related diseases are however not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifested later in adulthood. Improper management of solid waste is one of the main causes of environmental pollution and degradation in many cities, especially in developing countries. Many of these cities lack solid waste regulations and proper disposal facilities, including for harmful waste. Such waste may be infectious, toxic or radioactive. Municipal waste dumping sites are designated places set aside for waste disposal. Depending on a city’s level of waste management, such waste may be dumped in an uncontrolled manner, segregated for recycling purposes, or simply burnt. Poor waste management poses a great challenge to the well-being of city residents, particularly those living adjacent