Accidents & Safety
Litter on the ground increases the probability of accidents – I am sure that many people know about this. It is not only about slipping on litter on the ground (especially so for elderly) but it also poses a danger for drivers who are unable to avoid litter of bigger size that could be thrown down from the HDB or blown from some area to the road. This will cause accidents that are preventable by not littering.
Furthermore, high-rise littering can be fatal to an unaware passer-by if the item thrown down is relatively big and heavy. As mentioned earlier in the case study, death can be resulted from inconsiderate littering behaviours. This can cause people to fear walking at open areas under HDB as they will never know when something will fall right at them.
Health & Well-being
When an area is filled with litter, it creates an unhygienic environment which facilitates the spread of diseases. Thus resulting in individuals’ health and well-being to deteriorate over time.
One major impact that is not known to many of us is how litter can ultimately affect our health through the unknowing consumption the toxic chemicals released by them. Most litter tend to get washed away by rain to the common drains or blown away by the wind which lead them to the ocean. The litter will then pollute the water especially cigarette butts and photodegraded plastics. These litter can release toxic chemicals such as lead and cadmium (from cigarette butts) that contaminate the marine animals that we catch to consume.
Therefore, the chemicals eventually are transferred to our body directly which can lead to cancer, immune system problems and even birth defects.
