Human waste

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Human waste refers to the waste products of the human digestive system and the human metabolism, namely feces and urine. As part of a sanitation system that is in place, human waste is collected, transported, treated and disposed of or reused by one method or another, depending on the type of toilet being used, ability by the users to pay for services and other factors.

Types of Human Waste[edit | edit source]

There are two types of human waste, which are:

  • Feces - This is the waste material from the human digestive system expelled through the rectum.
  • Urine - This is a liquid by-product of metabolism in humans, expelled through the urethra.

Health Risks[edit | edit source]

Human waste can pose serious health risks if not properly managed and disposed of. Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, polio, cryptosporidiosis, ascariasis, and schistosomiasis can be spread via untreated sewage.

Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]

The management and treatment of human waste is a critical area of public health. This includes the use of toilets and other sanitation systems to safely dispose of waste, as well as practices like handwashing which can prevent the spread of disease.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Human waste Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD