The negative impact of hazardous waste on public health is a growing global
problem. Exposure to toxic waste is associated with numerous serious physical health
problems, compromised intellectual development, mental illness and reduced personal
well-being. This comprehensive analysis summarizes current epidemiological findings
on the relationship of hazardous waste exposure to a wide range of physical illnesses
and it also explores the pathways through which random exposure to toxic substances
affects intellectual development in children and adults' mental health and perceived
quality of life. The relationships are interpreted through the lens of sustainable societal
development and environmental health. Regional differences and similarities of the
physical and mental health consequences of toxic waste exposure are discussed using
studies from the United States, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Environmental health, Hazardous waste, Health
problems, Intellectual development, Mental health, Personal well-being,
Sustainable development.
