Health Risks of Living Near…

Health Risks of Living Near Landfills
1. Respiratory Illness and Cancer Risk
• Study shows elevated risk of respiratory disease and cancer for residents near landfills.
• Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5005946/
2. Widespread Health Complaints
• Residents near landfills reported diarrhea, breathing problems, and skin conditions.
• Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617357/
3. Long-Term Health Impacts
• EPA study notes increased rates of low birth weight, birth defects, and cancers near hazardous waste sites.
• Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Full text: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-03/documents/health_effect…

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Environmental & Water Contamination Risks
4. Landfill Leachate Pollution
• Landfill leachate can contaminate both surface water and groundwater sources.
• Source: Science of The Total Environment
• Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723076568
5. Groundwater Contamination Risks
• Research identifies heavy metal leaching and recommends regular monitoring.
• Source: Applied Sciences (MDPI)
• Full text: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12898

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Community & Social Impact
6. Disproportionate Harm to Small Communities
• Landfills bring odor, pests, traffic, and air pollution—often to underrepresented communities.
• Source: University of Colorado Boulder
• Full article: https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2021/04/15/hidden-damage-landfills
7. Living Near Toxic Waste Sites
• Studies show higher rates of cancer and developmental issues in children.
• Source: Urban Institute – Housing Matters
• Full article: https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/millions-americans-live-near-…

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Methane and Climate Impact
8. Massive Methane Emissions from Landfills
• Landfills emit more methane than reported, impacting climate and air quality.
• Source: Satellite-based research (Arxiv)
• Full article: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.10957
9. Environmental Harm of Landfills
• Landfills emit methane, threaten biodiversity, and can catch fire or explode.
• Source: Iberdrola – Activesustainability.com
• Full article: https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/landfills-serious-prob…

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Regulatory Oversight Issues
10. Health Impact from Landfill Emissions

• UK government review says risk is unclear for old sites due to lack of data.
• Source: UK Health Security Agency
• Full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landfill-sites-impact-on-hea…

11. Leaching of PFAS and ‘Forever Chemicals’

• Landfills may leak toxic substances into soil and water.
• Source: The Guardian
• Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/28/landfill-si…