Solid waste pollution refers to the accumulation and improper disposal of unwanted materials generated from households, industries, commercial establishments, hospitals, agriculture, construction activities and other human activities. Solid waste includes biodegradable materials such as food waste and garden waste, as well as non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, metals, glass, chemicals and electronic waste. When solid waste is not properly collected, treated, recycled or disposed of, it becomes an important environmental health problem. Open dumping, uncontrolled burning and disposal of waste into drains, rivers, lakes and oceans can contaminate air, soil and water. Consequently, solid waste pollution affects human health directly and indirectly and causes serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. One of the major effects of solid waste pollution on human health is the spread of infectious diseases. Accumulated waste provides suitable breeding and feeding places for flies, mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches and other disease vectors. Flies can transfer disease-causing microorganisms from decomposing waste to food and drinking water. Mosquitoes breeding in discarded containers and stagnant water may transmit diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Rodents associated with waste dumps can spread infections through their urine, feces and bites. Poorly managed municipal waste therefore increases the risk of communicable diseases, particularly in densely populated communities where sanitation facilities are inadequate. Decomposing organic waste also produces unpleasant odours and gases. Anaerobic decomposition can generate methane, hydrogen sulphide and other volatile compounds. Prolonged exposure to these substances may cause headache, nausea, dizziness and respiratory discomfort. Waste workers and people living close to uncontrolled dumping sites are particularly vulnerable. Open burning of solid waste is another serious health hazard. Burning plastics, rubber, synthetic materials and other waste releases smoke, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide and toxic chemicals, including dioxins and furans. Inhalation of polluted air can aggravate asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions and may increase long-term risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Solid waste may also contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. Batteries, paints, pesticides, solvents, electronic waste and certain industrial residues can release substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium into the environment. These pollutants may enter the human body through contaminated food, water, air or direct contact. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can affect the nervous system, kidneys, liver and other organs. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because it can interfere with brain development, learning ability and behaviour. Some hazardous substances are also carcinogenic or may affect the reproductive and endocrine systems. Improper disposal of medical waste creates additional risks. Used syringes, needles, contaminated dressings, pathological materials and pharmaceutical waste can cause injuries and transmit infections when mixed with ordinary municipal waste. Waste pickers and sanitation workers who handle waste without appropriate protective equipment face particularly high risks of cuts, infections and exposure to hazardous substances. Pharmaceutical residues can also contaminate water sources and contribute to ecological and public health problems. Solid waste pollution can contaminate groundwater and surface water through leachate. Leachate is a polluted liquid formed when rainwater passes through waste and dissolves organic matter, chemicals and other contaminants. If landfills are poorly designed or unmanaged, leachate can enter soil and groundwater. Contaminated water may contain pathogens, heavy metals, organic pollutants