Plastic Waste Disposal : “Propylene Damages the Central Nervous System”
Health and environmental experts say inappropriate disposal of plastic waste can lead to enormous public health harzards.
World Environment Day was observed on June 5 with a resounding call to beat plastic waste in order to prevent further environmental hazards.
The global observance was hosted in the Swedish Capital , Stockholm from June 2 – 3. Leaders and government representatives, businesses, international organizations, civil society and youth organizations came together to discuss growing environmental challenges.
Discussions focused on this year’s slogan, “Only One Earth”. The slogan was first used by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment which held in Stockholm in 1972.
On the occasion of World Environmental Day 2022, the United Nations said environmental hazards could go beyond control by 2040 if appropriate measures are not taken to reverse current threats.
“To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040”. The UN says
Health Hazards of Plastic Waste
Polythene, and Polyvinyl Chloride, (PVC) are plastic types mostly used to package food and liquids.
Ekun Vanessa Enonchong, epse Ndeh Ndifor, an environmental engineer explains that, “PVC is considered highly toxic, because of the material constituents; heavy metals, dioxins, BPA and phthalates. Phthalates in particular are harmful to humans, and the production, usage and disposal of PVC in general, have been known to cause severe health risks. Landfilling these plastic types and then incinerating them will release these harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. The soot, dust or ashes produced during this combustion settles on the soil, and when it rains, it can go into ground water or the plants even take it up, and it’s incorporated into the food chain”.
She adds that the eyes, respiratory tract and the skin can also be irritated when dangerous substances are released from plastic waste.
“We have compounds released during combustion of PVC, such as Acetone, which irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract, benzaldehyde which irritates the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and limits brain function. Propylene damages the central nervous system by reducing consciousness”.
“Plastics Favor the Onset of Cancers”
The World Health Organization says cancer is the second leading cause of global deaths and accounts for about 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths in 2018. Some of these cancers may result from indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste.
According to Dr. Nfor Leonard Njamnshi , “Some plastics contain calcinogenic substances which can favor the onset of some cancers. When incinerated, the smoke that is released is potentially calcinogenic and can lead to some forms of cancers . It can also lead to some lung diseases depending on long term exposure. There are also some forms of atopic dermatitis ( skin diseases) for susceptible individuals who come in contact with plastics”.
Health and environmental experts say waste management will reduce pollution, improve economic growth, and positively impact health.
Kathy Neba Sina
