The ill-effects of a Hazardous Practice
Due to open defecation and poor sanitation practices, tons of faeces are introduced daily into the environment, leading to chances of direct contact of faeces with people. Without proper sanitation, the risk of spreading diarrheal and waterborne diseases has become huge and as a result, according to an estimate by Unicef, nearly 100,000 children under the age of five have died due to diarrheal conditions. Poor sanitation practices have also affected the sanitation workers as they suffer from many diseases while working. They are not provided with proper gear like gloves, masks and suits and when they enter dumps and drains, they are exposed to toxic gases and fumes that ultimately leads to their death