Health effects of landfill exposure

Thyroid disruption

Interferes with hormone production, affecting metabolism, energy, and growth

Respiratory disease

Volatile organic compounds irritate airways and worsen asthma and chronic lung disease

Higher cholesterol

Linked to elevated LDL cholesterol and increased cardiovascular disease risk

Cardiovascular disease

Long-term exposure to landfill VOCs associated with elevated rates of heart disease and stroke

Immune suppression

Reduces vaccine effectiveness and weakens the body's ability to fight infection

Neurological effects

Benzene, toluene, and other VOCs linked to headaches, cognitive impairment, and nervous system damage

Liver & cancer risk

Linked to liver damage and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers

Cancer

Elevated rates of bladder cancer, leukemia, lung, larynx, and esophageal cancers documented near landfill sites

Kidney damage

Associated with chronic kidney disease and significantly elevated kidney cancer risk

Bladder & blood cancers

Women near NY landfills found to be four times more likely to develop bladder cancer and leukemia

Pregnancy & fetal harm

Crosses the placenta and appears in breast milk — linked to low birth weight, preeclampsia, and disrupted fetal development

Birth outcomes

33% increased risk of congenital anomalies within 3km of a landfill; associations with low birth weight across multiple studies

PFAS does not break down in the body. It accumulates over years of low-level exposure — building up in blood, organs, and breast milk with no natural way out. The EPA set its first enforceable PFAS drinking water limit in 2024 at 4 parts per trillion.

Full Circle Future analysis. Sources: NYSDOH 1998; NYC DOH Fresh Kills study; Dolk et al. 1998 (Lancet); Elliott et al. 2001 (BMJ); Porta et al. 2009 systematic review; NTP 2016; C8 Health Project.