Take the next step: Ban backyard burning in communities

I am told that the wheels of change turn slowly, especially when it comes to key issues that need to be addressed in Barbados.
However, I do see myself as an optimist and so, I am prepared to continue to look forward to the day, when the relevant authorities will adequately address the issue of indiscriminate burning of refuse in local communities.

Of late, we have heard that the authorities have taken an additional step to ban the smoking of e-cigarettes in public spaces. Well done! However, I have stated time and time again, my belief that a ban on indiscriminate burning needs to accompany the present smoking ban.

I keep stressing the point that we need not look far when seeking a model to draw on, to address this problem. We can simply look to the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there remains adamant that “indiscriminate burning of refuse”, also referred to as backyard burning of garbage or waste, is an outdated practice that should be discontinued. What’s more, whilst cigarette smoke affects those in close proximity, the emissions contained in the smoke emanating from the offender’s property reach far and wide to those in the community for a lengthier period of time, and sometimes the offenders engage in the practice for days on end, posing a problem especially for those with respiratory challenges.

For those who however disagree that it is an environmental as well as health concern, here are a few things to consider.

According to the EPA, The Act of Indiscriminate Burning Produces the Following:
Dioxins: Dioxins 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.

Particle Pollution: Particle pollution, also referred to as particulate matter, or PM, refers to 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 (heartbeat irregularities) and heart attacks.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, 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.

Volatile Organic Compounds: People in the immediate vicinity of a burn barrel are also exposed to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by open burning. Many VOCs are harmful to humans. Inhaling certain VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

Carbon Monoxide: Another major pollutant generated by backyard burning is carbon monoxide (CO). At low levels of exposure to CO, humans may experience a variety of neurological symptoms including headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

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.
So the next time your neighbour lights up, consider the above. Now let 2017 be the year that we stamp out this bad environmental practice that is detrimental to our health.