In the absence of a feasible mechanism for the bulk treatment of plastic and other hazardous solid wastes, such trash are burnt in public places in the city posing serious health hazards to the people. Burning of such waste on house premises often leads to disputes between neighbours.
Medical experts say that the open burning of household trash, industrial waste and other waste materials will lead to particle pollution and cause serious health hazards. Potent toxicants like dioxins are also released when such wastes are burnt.
Ajith Bhaskar, pulmonologist and district president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), says that toxic gases like carbon monoxide emitted will affect the human body swiftly and disrupt the breathing mechanism. “It is a fact that the multiple toxic agents are absorbed into the blood faster than oxygen.”
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Dr. Bhaskar says that respiratory diseases caused by the breathing of toxic smoke are on the increase in the country. “Besides burning of plastics and wastes, smoking in public places too play a role in that.”
Tourism spots such as Butt Road beach, premises of the Sarovaram Bio Park, Canoly canal and wetland areas in Kottuli are among the common spots in the city which witness burning of garbage. Many a time, garbage is burnt at night to avoid public ire.
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