NCERT Solution class 9 Health and Physical Education Chapter-10 Waste Management
Q. 1. Why is it necessary to segregate our garbage at source?
Answer:-
Necessity of Segregating Garbage at Source
Segregating garbage at the source is an essential step in waste management as it helps in efficient disposal and environmental protection.
Key Reasons for Segregation:
- Efficient Waste Management – Sorting waste into categories like biodegradable and non-biodegradable simplifies collection and treatment.
- Resource Recovery and Recycling – Segregation allows materials like paper, plastic, and metal to be recycled, reducing the need for new resources.
- Environmental Protection – Prevents hazardous waste from contaminating non-hazardous waste, reducing pollution and health risks.
- Economic Benefits – Reduces waste disposal costs and promotes job opportunities in recycling industries.
- Public Health and Safety – Minimizes the spread of diseases caused by improper waste disposal.
Proper segregation ensures a sustainable future by reducing landfill waste and promoting responsible waste management.
Q. 2. List at least four environmental friendly practices that can help to reduce, reuse and recycle waste or garbage.
Answer:-
Environmental-Friendly Practices for Waste Management
Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste are essential for environmental conservation. Here are four effective practices:
- Composting – Organic waste like food scraps and garden waste can be composted to create natural fertilizer, reducing landfill waste.
- Reusing Materials – Items like wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and glass jars can be reused for storage or other purposes instead of being discarded.
- Recycling Waste – Materials such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass can be processed and used to manufacture new products, reducing resource consumption.
- Avoiding Single-Use Plastics – Using cloth bags instead of plastic bags and opting for reusable containers helps minimize plastic waste.
These practices contribute to sustainable waste management and environmental protection.
Q. 3. What are the health risks faced by rag pickers? Suggest two measures for their safety.
Answer:-
Health Risks Faced by Rag Pickers
Rag pickers are exposed to various health hazards due to their direct contact with waste materials. Some of the major risks include:
- Bacterial Infections – Exposure to contaminated waste increases the risk of diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and gastroenteritis.
- Respiratory Issues – Inhalation of toxic fumes and dust from waste dumps can lead to asthma, lung infections, and breathing difficulties.
- Skin Diseases – Direct contact with hazardous waste can cause skin infections, rashes, and allergies.
- Injury Risks – Sharp objects like broken glass and metal scraps can cause cuts, wounds, and serious injuries.
Safety Measures for Rag Pickers
- Use of Protective Gear – Providing gloves, masks, boots, and uniforms can reduce direct exposure to harmful waste.
- Access to Healthcare – Regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and hygiene awareness programs can help prevent infections and diseases.
These measures ensure better health and safety for rag pickers while improving waste management practices.
Q. 4. Toxic waste, hospital waste and soiled waste should be disposed of with great care. Explain why?
Answer:-
Importance of Proper Disposal of Toxic, Hospital, and Soiled Waste
Toxic waste, hospital waste, and soiled waste must be disposed of with great care due to their hazardous nature. Improper disposal can lead to serious health and environmental risks.
Reasons for Careful Disposal:
- Prevents Health Hazards – Hospital waste includes contaminated materials like needles and surgical instruments, which can spread diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and C.
- Reduces Environmental Pollution – Toxic waste contains harmful chemicals that can contaminate soil, air, and water, affecting ecosystems.
- Avoids Spread of Infections – Soiled waste, including biological materials, can harbor bacteria and viruses, leading to outbreaks of infectious diseases.
- Ensures Safe Waste Management – Proper disposal methods, such as incineration, sterilization, and segregation, help minimize risks and protect public health.
Strict regulations and responsible waste management practices are essential to prevent harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Q. 5. Mention some of the health hazards associated with open garbage dumps.
Answer:-
Health Hazards Associated with Open Garbage Dumps
Open garbage dumps pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Some of the major health hazards include:
- Spread of Diseases – Contaminated waste can lead to infections such as dysentery, cholera, and gastroenteritis.
- Air Pollution – Decomposing waste releases harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to respiratory issues.
- Water Contamination – Toxic substances from waste seep into groundwater, causing waterborne diseases.
- Pest Infestation – Dumps attract rats, flies, and mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
- Skin and Eye Irritations – Direct exposure to waste can cause rashes, allergies, and eye infections.
Proper waste management and disposal methods are essential to prevent these health hazards.
Q. 6. What is the difference between biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste? How does non-biodegradable material affect our environment?
Answer:-
Difference Between Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste
Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste are classified based on their ability to decompose naturally.
| Category | Biodegradable Waste | Non-Biodegradable Waste |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Waste that decomposes naturally by microorganisms. | Waste that does not decompose easily and remains in the environment for a long time. |
| Examples | Food scraps, paper, cotton, vegetable peels. | Plastic, glass, metal, synthetic fibers. |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal, as it breaks down into harmless substances. | Causes pollution and harms ecosystems. |
Impact of Non-Biodegradable Waste on the Environment
Non-biodegradable materials negatively affect the environment in several ways:
- Land Pollution – Accumulation of plastic and other waste leads to soil contamination.
- Water Pollution – Non-biodegradable waste clogs water bodies, harming aquatic life.
- Air Pollution – Burning plastic releases toxic gases, affecting air quality.
- Threat to Wildlife – Animals mistakenly consume plastic waste, leading to health issues.
Proper waste management and recycling help reduce the harmful effects of non-biodegradable waste.
Q. 7. Suggest some ways of minimising the use of plastics in our daily life. What are the health hazards associated with plastic?
Answer:-
Ways to Minimise the Use of Plastics
Reducing plastic usage is essential for environmental conservation and health protection. Here are some effective ways to minimise plastic use:
- Use Cloth Bags – Replace plastic bags with reusable cloth or jute bags for shopping.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics – Say no to plastic straws, disposable cutlery, and packaging.
- Opt for Glass or Metal Containers – Use glass or stainless steel bottles and containers instead of plastic ones.
- Recycle and Reuse – Properly recycle plastic waste and reuse items whenever possible.
- Encourage Sustainable Alternatives – Choose biodegradable products over plastic-based items.
Health Hazards Associated with Plastic
Plastic poses several health risks due to its toxic components and environmental impact:
- Chemical Exposure – Plastics contain harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and cause health issues.
- Respiratory Problems – Burning plastic releases toxic fumes, leading to lung diseases and breathing difficulties.
- Cancer Risk – Prolonged exposure to plastic-related toxins may increase the risk of cancer.
- Food Contamination – Plastic packaging can leach chemicals into food, affecting digestion and overall health.
Minimising plastic use helps protect both human health and the environment.
Q. 8. Which of these items cannot be recycled?
(a) Jars
(b) Bottles
(c) Bulbs
(d) Paper
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Bulbs.
Bulbs cannot be easily recycled because they are made of different materials, including glass, metal, and sometimes hazardous substances like mercury. Recycling them requires specialized processes, unlike jars, bottles, and paper, which can be commonly recycled.
Q. 9. Composting is an appropriate method for dealing with
(a) commercial waste
(b) domestic waste
(c) organic waste
(d) industrial waste
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Organic waste.
Composting is an effective method for managing organic waste, such as food scraps, garden waste, and biodegradable materials. It helps in converting waste into nutrient-rich compost, which improves soil fertility and reduces landfill waste.
Q. 10. Which of these is not a biodegradable waste?
(a) Vegetable peel
(b) Wool
(c) Fruits
(d) Tin
Answer:-
The correct answer is (d) Tin.
Tin is not biodegradable because it is a metal and does not decompose naturally by microorganisms. In contrast, vegetable peel, wool, and fruits are biodegradable as they break down over time through biological processes.