Community Medicine (PSM) · Environmental Health (Water, Air, Sanitation, Radiation, Housing)

Under the twin-pit pour-flush toilet model promoted nationally for rural sanitation, the recommended minimum interval before the first pit is emptied and its contents reused as compost is approximately:

  • A 3 months
  • B 2 years
  • C 6 months
  • D 5 years
Correct answer: B. 2 years

Explanation

In the twin-pit system the pits are used alternately. Once one pit fills, it is closed and the second pit is brought into use; the filled pit is allowed to stand for at least about two years so that aerobic and anaerobic decomposition renders the contents safe humus suitable for handling. Emptying at 3 to 6 months leaves pathogens viable, defeating the design purpose.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 43,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Environmental Health (Water, Air, Sanitation, Radiation, Housing) MCQs

See all Environmental Health (Water, Air, Sanitation, Radiation, Housing) MCQs →