Illegal Dumping and Pollution Issues - History and Current Status

Illegal Dumping and Pollution Issues - History and Current Status

### The Beginnings of Pollution Issues in the 1990s
Since the 1990s, illegal dumping has been a major environmental issue worldwide. Industrial waste and hazardous materials, when not properly managed, cause air and water pollution, severely impacting ecosystems and human health. For example, in Toms River, New Jersey, USA, trichloroethylene and dioxins from chemical plants contaminated groundwater, leading to childhood cancer rates nearly double the national average. The US government enacted the Superfund law (CERCLA), holding companies responsible for approximately 2 billion USD in cleanup costs.

In Uttar Pradesh, India, industrial wastewater from textile factories and pharmaceutical companies flowed into the Ganges River, deteriorating water quality with heavy metals such as chromium and lead. The Indian government launched the "National Mission for Clean Ganga" to protect the environment, yet residents remain at risk of drinking contaminated water.

In Italy, near Naples in the Campania region, the criminal organization Camorra controls waste disposal. Hazardous materials like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and asbestos are illegally buried, leading to an increase in cancer rates to 1.2 times the national average. Although the Italian government has strengthened penalties for companies involved in illegal waste disposal, the issue persists.

In Japan, construction waste in Gifu Prefecture is illegally dumped in forests and mountains, polluting water sources and soil with hazardous materials such as asbestos and PCBs. Gifu Prefecture, in collaboration with waste management companies, has increased penalties up to 5 million yen for violators, but illegal dumping remains a problem.

### The Current Situation and New Challenges in the 2020s
In the 2020s, the issue of illegal dumping has become even more severe, with increased risks from waste containing electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

In Silicon Valley, California, USA, illegal dumping of electronic waste from the IT industry has become a major issue. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and lithium in computers and smartphones contaminate groundwater and soil, affecting the health of local residents. Companies like Apple and Tesla have made efforts to introduce recycling technology, but the waste management department reports that approximately 400,000 tons of electronic waste are not properly disposed of each year.

In Agbogbloshie, Ghana, known as "the world's largest electronic waste graveyard," electronic waste from Europe and the US is illegally dumped. Lead and mercury leaking from waste contaminates soil and water sources, with cancer and neurological disorders rising among local residents. Although the Ghanaian government is working to strengthen waste import regulations, approximately 500,000 tons of electronic waste are brought in each year, mostly without proper disposal.

In Hebei Province, China, hazardous waste from pharmaceutical and chemical factories is illegally dumped in farmlands and rivers, causing health issues among nearby residents. Chemicals like sulfuric acid and toluene pollute groundwater, expanding areas where well water is unsafe to drink. Over 200,000 tons of hazardous waste are illegally dumped each year in Hebei, and although the Chinese government has strengthened penalties and monitoring systems, the vast area to monitor complicates enforcement.

In the Campania region of Italy, the "Eco Mafia" problem continues into the 2020s, with illegal dumping polluting soil and water sources, particularly with waste containing PCBs and asbestos, posing significant health risks. There are an average of 3,000 illegal dumping cases annually in Campania, and while surveillance cameras and drones are used for monitoring, their effectiveness is limited.

### Corporate and International Efforts
In response to these issues, countries have begun to strictly require companies to properly dispose of waste and take responsibility for recycling. American companies such as Dell and Microsoft, and Germany's Siemens, have implemented electronic waste recycling programs, striving to increase the use of recycled materials. Europe has set a target under the "Circular Economy Package" to recycle 50% of all waste by 2025.

### Conclusion
The problem of illegal dumping not only leads to environmental destruction and health damage but also threatens the achievement of a sustainable society. Looking back at the history of pollution issues, the impact of illegal dumping continues to expand, making international cooperation essential for a solution. In the 2020s, autonomous environmental management by companies and increased public awareness within communities are necessary to build a sustainable environmental system.