Title: Development implications of hazardous waste in urban environments: a problem that cannot be buried

Authors: F. Sikabongo, D. Storey

Addresses: Development Studies Programme, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, New Zealand. ' Development Studies Programme, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, New Zealand ' '

Abstract: Although the problem of hazardous waste has always been with us, relatively little is known about its effects on human health and the environment in many localities throughout the world. Nevertheless, as industrial economies and mass production systems emerge in the global periphery, hazardous waste has become an increasingly serious ecological, social, economic and political problem. As attempts to bury toxic waste have clear limitations, the need to educate the public, industry, and government is apparent. With the use of practical examples from African cities, this paper attempts to further awareness about the implications of hazardous waste in urban environments. We argue that adverse impacts of hazardous waste threaten to disrupt socioeconomic development strategies, and thus derail sustainable development initiatives.

Keywords: Africa; development; hazardous waste; human health; policy; pollution; urban environment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2003.003749

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2003 Vol.19 No.2, pp.101 - 122

Published online: 22 Dec 2003 *

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