ABSTRACT
Waste disposal by landfill have caused health and environmental concern. People who live near landfill sites may be exposed to chemicals released into the air, water and soil. Local surface water and groundwater can become contaminated and these may endanger the potable water supply or water for recreational use. Thus, the landfill can cause a health risk for local residents and particularly for children. Concentrations of toxic substances in groundwater near the landfills often exceed drinking-water norms, but not as consistently as with surface water. The health risk depends on the quality and quantity of the waste material in the landfill, the engineering structure of protective barriers and the hydrogeological conditions. Risk is high in the case of landfills situated near groundwater reservoirs used as potable water sources.
