Abstract

Purpose: Global municipal solid waste (MSW) generation exceeds two billion metric tons annually and is projected to rise by 70% by 2050. Landfilling, the most common disposal method, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous substances that pose significant environmental and health risks. This study aims to synthesize current knowledge on the emission characteristics, influencing factors, and public health implications of VOCs and odorants emitted from landfills. Research design, data and methodology: A narrative review approach was applied, incorporating over 20 years of peer-reviewed literature and regulatory data. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to identify studies focused on emission sources, compound profiles, environmental factors, and health risk assessments. Results: The findings show that emissions are site-specific and influenced by waste composition, microbial activity, cover system integrity, and meteorological conditions. High-risk compounds including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and trichloroethylene—pose carcinogenic risks, while hydrogen sulfide and ammonia affect quality of life through odor-related stress. Leachate storage pools and dumping areas were identified as emission hotspots. Conclusions: The study concludes that a comprehensive landfill emission management strategy should integrate real-time monitoring, health risk assessment, and AI-based prediction tools to better inform zoning, mitigation, and policy decisions for public health protection.