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Why Are Feces an Environmental Problem?

Worldwide, the lack of facilities for the hygienic disposal of human feces is a big concern. Indiscriminate defecation, especially near homes, is an environmental hazard because of the diseases and parasites found in feces.

  1. Diarrheal Diseases

    • The dehydration caused by diarrhea is particularly dangerous to children; diarrheal diseases are a significant cause of child mortality in the developing world. Several types of bacteria found in feces cause diarrhea, including Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli.

    Parasites

    • Human feces can carry the infective forms of a number of parasites, including roundworms (Ascaris species), pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) and tapeworms (Taenia species). All of these parasites are passed on through fecal contamination. Some of these parasites, such as Girardia lamblia, also cause diarrhea.

    Feces of Other Animals

    • Dog and cat feces can also carry parasites that infect humans. For example, a study by the University of Illinois found the eggs of the common dog roundworm, Toxocara canis, in samples of dirt collected from different playgrounds. These eggs came from the feces of infected dogs.

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