Previous Story
Trash burning harmful to health, environment
|
Posted on Nov 08 2006
Trash burning is a common practice on our islands. People burn trash for various reasons—either because it is easier than hauling it to the local disposal site or to avoid paying for regular waste collection service. Some even believe that burning trash is cleaner because of the elimination of flies and odor. However, trash burning increases the scope of pollution from land to land, water and air. The toxic pollutants emitted from burning also affects our food chain, which you cannot taste or smell.
Backyard burning refers to the burning of household trash by residents on their own property. Typical burned trash includes paper, cardboard, food scraps, plastics, and yard trimmings—essentially any material that would otherwise be recycled or sent to a landfill. Some residents continue to burn tires and batteries.
Burning also poses a threat to our health, not just the environment. Children and the elderly are most susceptible. The most common chemical released from burning is Dioxin. Dioxins are highly toxic, long-lasting organic compounds. They are dangerous even at extremely low levels and have been linked to several health problems, including cancer and developmental and reproductive disorders. Effects include increased risk of heart disease, respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema, and rashes, nausea, and headaches.
Other air pollutants are ground level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The ash residue from burning can contain toxic pollutants such as mercury, lead, chromium and arsenic, which can contaminate vegetables if scattered in gardens. Children can accidentally swallow toxic materials from dirt on their hands while playing near discarded ash.
Further, the burning of trees, wood, bush, grass, weeds, or other “green wastes” is permissible on private property, as long as fire control regulations are followed. However, the responsible manner to rid of unused or unwanted green waste is through composting or at the lower base Refuse Transfer Station.
Report burning activities to DEQ by calling 664-8500 during working hours. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
