Health Impact of Landfill Sites on Communities near by - a Study at Khon Kaen Municipality, Khon Kaen

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the health impact, both positive and
negative, including physical and mental health, and the impact on the society of a municipal solid waste
disposal site at Khon Kaen municipality, northeast Thailand. Suggestions are made how to prevent, control
and reduce the health impact in relation to land fill sites in order to promote and support community health. The
population investigated included representatives of 217 affected households surrounding the Khon Kaen
municipality landfill site out of a total of 2,616 households spread among seven villages (comprising of 13 distinct
community groups). The sample size and locations were selected by a simple random sampling. Four tools were
employed for this study. The first was a questionnaire, the results from which were analyzed by a STATA software
program. Secondly information about waste disposal was obtained. Thirdly the waste disposal operation process
was observed. In addition a workshop was organized to collect qualitative primary information. The
stakeholders involved were divided into two groups; the first group was representatives from the affected
communities and the second group were representatives of health related organizations from the local
communities and representatives from the landfill operation office of the Khon Kaen municipality.
Despite protests over the last five years people generally were exposed to the same level of hazards
as experienced from the beginning of land filling. The majority of households claimed that their physical-
(51.6%) and mental health (71.4%) was affected and the land filling had a negative impact on the society
(70.9%): This situation not only not improved but deteriorated over time. Physical health was impaired by odor
from fermented waste (64.5%); inhalation of dust and smoke (52.5%); and risk of gastrointestinal diseases from
vector borne diseases (52.5%). The main positive impact was that the population got immediate medical
services from the Public Health Section of Khon Kaen Municipality every three months (69.1%). The main
negative impact on mental health were to worry over family health and the health of family members (84.8%);
stress from odor (73.3%); and the annoyance caused by insects and rodents (54.4%). The main positive
impact on mental health was to be satisfied with the medical services from the Public Health section of the
Khon Kaen municipality (69.1%). The main negative social impacts are: Disagreements between communities
and the Khon Kaen Municipality (71.4%); feelings of disgust received from other communities (43.3%);
decrease in production from agriculture/livestock due to pollution (35.5%); and disagreements within the
community (24.4%). The main positive social impact are the availability of a waste disposal site; ability of
communities to fight for their rights regarding the impact of environmental pollution (78.8%); and the
availability of jobs to earn income for the family (30.0%).
The results of the study provided an insight into the existing negative aspects on community health
which needed to be addressed. Public health management plans, safeguards, mitigating measures, and health
promotional activities are clearly needed at this site to manage community health.