Ban indiscriminate burning
It is said that the wheels of change turn slowly, especially when it comes to key issues that need to be addressed in Barbados. However, one issue that needs to be readily addressed is that of indiscriminate burning of refuse in the open, in communities across Barbados.
A ban on indiscriminate burning needs to accompany the present smoking ban and the relevant ministers responsible for health and the environment should look into this. Members of the public also need to speak out and let their voices be heard on this issue. Earlier this month, the Asthma Association of Barbados called attention to this issue and urged Barbadians directly to cut out the backyard burning, an age old practice that some persons seem so fond of, but which poses a dire threat to asthmatics, as smoke is one of the main triggers of asthma.
Now the point must be made that we need not look far when seeking a model to draw on, to address this problem. The United States Environmental Protection Agency remains adamant that backyard burning of garbage is an outdated practice that should be discontinued. This practice is a major source of dioxin and other toxic emissions the EPA says. For those who however disagree that it is an environmental as well as health concern, here are a few things to once again consider. The Act of indiscriminate burning produces Dioxins, which are potent toxicants with the potential to produce a broad spectrum of adverse effects in humans. Dioxins can alter the fundamental growth and development of cells in ways that have the potential to lead to many kinds of impacts. These include adverse effects upon reproduction and development, suppression of the immune system, disruption of hormonal systems, and cancer.
Backyard burning or indiscriminate burning also produces Particle Pollution and this refers to particulate matter and microscopic particles released by open burning. Particles that are small enough to get into the lungs can cause numerous health problems. Particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and have been associated with cardiac arrhythmia or heartbeat irregularities and heart attacks. People with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and children are at highest risk from exposure to particles. It also produces Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs, which are a group of chemicals commonly found in particulate matter or smoke and soot released from backyard burning. They are formed from the incomplete combustion of certain materials. Some PAHs are cancer-causing.
There is also the issue of Volatile Organic Compounds. Many VOCs are harmful to humans. Inhaling certain VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; loss of co-ordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Carbon Monoxide is another potential problem. It is a major pollutant generated by backyard burning. At low levels of exposure to CO, humans may experience a variety of neurological symptoms including headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Then there is the big headache, that of Ash. Backyard burning also produces ash residue, which can contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic. These metals can be toxic when ingested. When a person ingests hazardous amounts of lead, for example, he or she may experience high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, and brain damage.
So the next time a neighbour lights up, consider the above, then lend your voice to my call for a ban on indiscriminate burning. Let 2017 be the year that we stamp out this bad environmental practice that is detrimental for our health.