give any two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment

Biodegradable substances break down naturally through microbial action, but they can still impact the environment in notable ways. Here are two key effects, drawn from established environmental science principles.

Decomposition Odors

Large piles of biodegradable waste, like food scraps or plant matter, decompose and release strong, foul smells into the air. This not only makes surrounding areas unpleasant for people but can also spread discomfort across communities, especially in urban settings with poor waste management.

Disease Vectors

Flies and other pests breed rapidly in heaps of rotting biodegradable materials, carrying pathogens that lead to diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, and tuberculosis. In regions with open dumping, this turns waste sites into health hazards, amplifying public health risks as of early 2026 amid ongoing global waste challenges.

TL;DR: Biodegradable substances cause bad odors from decomposition and attract disease-carrying pests at dump sites.

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