Open defecation is the practice of defecating without the usage of any toilet facility in any outdoor open space, such as in a bush or a field. It is generally practiced because of inadequate sanitation facilities. Open defecation also leaves faeces exposed, which results in other people being commonly exposed to faecal pathogens. Open defecation also contributes to the spread of multiple different diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery due to this exposure to faecal pathogens. Significant environmental contamination is also caused by open defecation.
