What is a potential consequence of improperly disposed munitions?

Improperly disposed munitions can lead to soil and water contamination, which poses significant environmental and public health risks. When munitions are abandoned or discarded inappropriately, they can leach harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and explosive residues into the surrounding soil and groundwater. This contamination can affect local ecosystems, harm wildlife, and pose risks to human health, particularly for communities relying on contaminated water sources. The potential for long-term environmental damage emphasizes the importance of proper disposal and management of military munitions to protect the environment and public safety.

The other options, while relevant to military contexts, do not directly address the consequences of improper disposal of munitions. For example, increased military funding would not be a direct outcome of mishandling munitions, and improved ecosystem health clearly contradicts the negative impacts of contamination. Similarly, the idea of increased effectiveness of munitions does not relate to disposal methods and their consequences.