Why be concerned about former dumps and landfills?
In the past, dumps were located in areas thought to have little value. These areas include gravel pits, ravines, swamps or other lands. Home and business waste was often dumped in these areas. Unfortunately, this practice led to health and environmental concerns. Some former dumps have contaminated groundwater used for drinking. Other sites have exposed waste; or fire hazards from seeping landfill gases. Today, modern landfills are designed for safety. Landfills built since the mid-1980s are designed and operated to prevent environmental contamination. What are the health concerns from former dumpsite waste? Dump waste can be a physical and chemical hazard. Often, old dumps were minimally covered with soil and sometimes this soil cover was not maintained. Broken glass and other sharp objects can cause cuts. Uneven settling of wastes can make the ground unstable resulting in injuries from falls. Direct contact with chemical contaminants in the waste is less likely. But when visible wast
