That burning heap of garbage could cause more than just bad odour and smoke.
Experts say that burning waste contributes to open biomass burning, which is a source of hazardous pollutants such as PM 10 and PM 2.5. Inhaling these pollutants could cause increase in asthma-related diseases, asthma attacks in case of those who already suffer from this condition and even contribute to bronchitis, sinus headaches and throat infections.
Chief project scientist, System for Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) and scientist at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said that garbage burning contributes to open biomass burning, which increases the concentration of particulate matter in the vicinity, especially coarser particles or PM10 significantly. Particulate matter like PM 10 and PM 2.5 are hazardous pollutants which can harm the heart and brain as well. People with existing heart or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, or ischemic heart disease, when exposed to these pollutants, are at an increased risk of admission to hospitals based on the severity of the existing problem.
ENT specialist said that the fumes from burning garbage lets out a foul smell, besides causing irritation to the nasal cavity and mucosa. Allergies, chronic sinus headaches, excessively dry throat and dry cough can be expected from exposure to such fumes. Continuous (around three months) exposure to such fumes can cause respiratory allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis and even asthma.
Environmentalist from NGO Awaaz Foundation said that burning garbage is one of the worst ways to dispose of refuse. It releases a lot of pollutants into the air. Plastic is harmful when it burns, as it releases chemicals into the atmosphere that are harmful to health. As far as possible, household garbage should first be segregated and then recycled. It should never be burned.
Sancheti Hospital chairman said that long-term exposure to fumes from garbage burning can be dangerous and can even cause lung issues like Pneumonitis.
What is PM10
Particulate matters in the atmosphere less than 10 microns in size are classified as PM10. Particles that are larger in size are filtered out in the upper layers of the respiratory track, but quite larger part of PM10 particles can enter the lungs.
What is PM2.5
Particles that are less than 2.5 microns in size are considered even more dangerous as these can penetrate deeper into the lungs and also enter the bloodstream.
Source: timesofindia, Feb’14
