Waste disasters can cause a wide range of negative psychological effects. Some of the many examples include confusion, trouble paying attention, anxiety, depression and grief. In the majority of these cases, people experience these effects for only a short transitional time period. Groups that need special attention include children, the elderly, people with pre-existing psychological issues, people who have lost family members, and emergency workers. Studies have shown that younger children typically normalize more quickly after waste disasters than older children. It is also beneficial for parents to explain the waste disaster to their children to help them develop coping skills.
Managing the waste that was spilled -- whether nuclear, polluted water, or other forms of contaminants -- is important to preventing further pollution. Collecting the waste and disposing of it safely lowers future risks. Other waste includes human waste, relief waste, debris and hazardous waste. Each form of waste requires specific clean up and disposal methods.
The loss of buildings, animals, land and people can range in size, depending upon the scale and type of waste disaster. The destruction of homes during waste disasters can be one of the most devastating losses. Emergency shelters should be planned and constructed in advance. Families are moved from temporary to permanent housing after a disaster occurs. Schools, hospitals, grocery stores and other key structures must be replaced and repaired.
Damaged assets such as homes, property and livestock are key contributors to the economic effects of a waste disaster. Loss of employment after a waste disaster can range from short to long term. Community costs include clean up of debris, infrastructure restoration and rebuilding, and loss of local business and other taxes. The economic costs of a waste disaster can be very high on the individual and the governmental levels.
Political effects of waste disaster occur when victims become angry about their situation. They may blame their local or federal government, officials or businesses and corporations associated with the waste disaster. Other political effects emerge when communities attempt to rebuild areas. New populations of people may be forced to move from one area to another, resulting in neighborhoods with mixed ethnic and social class groups. Groups of people with various grievances may form organizations within their community to represent their issues. A waste disaster can be very disruptive on the political level.