How does improper solid waste management primarily impact public health?

Improper solid waste management primarily impacts public health by contributing to water contamination. When waste is not disposed of correctly, it can leach harmful substances into nearby water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens found in solid waste can infiltrate these water sources, posing serious health risks to communities that rely on them for drinking and recreational purposes.

Contaminated water can lead to a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Furthermore, the presence of pollutants in water bodies can disrupt ecosystems, leading to broader environmental health challenges.

While other options like increasing landfill size and causing air pollution are relevant issues in the context of waste management, they do not directly address how improper solid waste management affects public health through the contamination of water sources, which can have immediate and severe consequences for human health.