Impacts of the lack of sanitation: a view on health, environment, and quality of life in Salgueiro, Pernambuco

Abstract

The lack of sanitation, including open sewage, inadequate paving, and improper waste management, results in serious health issues, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, affecting low-income communities. With this in mind, this paper discusses the lack of basic sanitation in a neighborhood in Salgueiro, Pernambuco, highlighting its impacts on the public health, the environment, and the quality of life. The study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the impacts of sanitation deficiencies on the residents' quality of life, investigating the correlation between diseases and the absence of sanitation. The research data was obtained through surveys and interviews with the 20 residents of the Nossa Senhora Aparecida neighborhood. The results demonstrated that the lack of sanitation affects health, the environment, and the quality of life, leading to issues such as waterborne diseases, unpleasant odors, water and soil contamination, and social inequalities. The conclusion emphasizes the need for effective public policies, social mobilization, and environmental education, enhancing investments in sanitation as a crucial measure for a healthier and more sustainable future in disadvantaged communities.