The Waste-Energy-Health Nexus

Abstract

The main issues that pertain to the health burden from waste management and energy resource use are laid out highlighting the aspects that determine actual exposure and the socio-economic conditions that underlie them. Case studies covering biomass burning, acute and chronic exposure to urban and industrial waste are described. They refer to different areas in Europe and socio-economic strata focusing on susceptible population groups, which may be affected by enhanced exposure to environmental toxicants stemming from municipal and industrial waste management and domestic heating or cooking using biomass. These features make socio-economic status and the consequent social (in)justice a key determinant of overall exposure early in life. The latter results in a high probability of onset or exacerbation of adverse health outcomes both in the medium term and later in life. Additional factors that affect the health impacts of environmental exposures comprise choice of diet, education level of parents, access to green or blue space and housing condition.