All questions of Waste Management for Class 9 Exam

Health risks faced by rag pickers include:
1. Risk of bacterial infections and diseases: Rag pickers often come into contact with waste materials, including rotting food, animal waste, and medical waste, which can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens. This puts them at a higher risk of contracting bacterial infections such as cholera, typhoid, and tetanus, as well as other diseases like hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Measures for their safety:
To ensure the safety and well-being of rag pickers, the following measures can be implemented:
1. Providing protective gear: Rag pickers should be provided with appropriate protective gear such as gloves, masks, and boots to minimize direct contact with waste materials. This can significantly reduce their risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide further protection for their skin.

2. Access to healthcare facilities: Rag pickers should have easy access to healthcare facilities where they can receive regular check-ups and necessary vaccinations to prevent the onset of diseases. Regular medical examinations can help identify any health issues at an early stage and ensure timely treatment. Additionally, education and awareness programs can be conducted to empower rag pickers with knowledge about preventive measures and the importance of seeking medical assistance when required.

By implementing these measures, the health risks faced by rag pickers can be minimized, and their overall well-being can be improved. It is crucial to recognize the significant contribution of rag pickers to waste management and provide them with a safe and healthy working environment.

Health hazards associated with open garbage dumps include respiratory problems such as dysentery, cholera, and gastroenteritis, which result from exposure to contaminated air and water in and around the dumps.

Pesticides are an example of hazardous waste due to their potential to harm the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.

To minimize plastic usage, one can use reusable bottles, avoid plastic straws, and opt for cloth bags instead of plastic bags for shopping. Health hazards associated with plastic include the risk of cancer, ulcers, and skin diseases due to exposure to harmful chemicals.

Reducing waste decreases the need for additional landfill space and conserves resources. Reusing items reduces the demand for new manufacturing and, in turn, reduces resource consumption. Recycling also conserves resources by reusing materials like paper and plastic to create new products. However, reducing waste does not increase resource depletion.

Composting kitchen waste, reusing items like cardboard boxes, recycling materials, and using cloth bags instead of plastic bags are four environmentally friendly practices that can help reduce, reuse, and recycle waste or garbage.

Toxic waste, hospital waste, and soiled waste should be disposed of with great care to prevent the spread of diseases. Incorrect disposal can lead to the transmission of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B and C through contact with contaminated materials.

Segregating garbage at source is necessary to prevent groundwater contamination through continuous contact with the deposited waste. This practice reduces the environmental and health hazards associated with solid waste disposal.

The primary purpose of recycling is to reduce the volume of waste in landfills by reusing materials and conserving resources.

Biodegradable waste can be easily broken down by nature, while non-biodegradable waste cannot and remains in its original form for a long time. Non-biodegradable materials like plastics and glass contaminate soil and water, degrading the quality of the environment.