Illegal plastic recycling units pose a big threat in Chennai

CHENNAI: Toxic smoke spewing out of several plastic recycling units and acid fumes from warehouses are virtually choking Vadaperumbakkam, causing a host of respiratory illnesses among children and women there, claim residents.
A residential neighbourhood located near Madhavaram, Vadaperumbakkam is fast turning into an industrial area with about 60 recycling units and warehouses coming up in the four years since it was brought under the city corporation in 2011.Most of these units are unauthorised and operate with scant regard for safety regulations, according to a former Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) member.
Every night, about half-a-tonne of plastic waste burnt by the recycling units releases a toxic cloud of smoke that spreads to residential areas that are barely 100 metres away. To compound their woes, an acid bottling plant came up in Dhanalakshmi Nagar last year, its fumes adding to the soot from burning plastic. The plant, where about 5,000 litres of hydrochloric acid are bottled daily, has four walls but no roof. Proof of its toxicity is its iron gate damaged beyond recognition.
While vegetation around the plant has dried up, five cows and two buffaloes have died after grazing in the neighbouring polluted fields, say residents.
About 30 residents said they had written to the TNPCB and the corporation for a solution in vain.
The smoke can cause damage within a radius of at least three kilometres, said Sadia Sohail of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that has conducted various studies on the matter, including on mercury pollution in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh in 2012. “Burning large amounts of plastic waste releases carbon monoxide and dioxins that remain suspended in air for long hours and could enter the food chain causing widespread damage,” she said.
Allergy and asthma specialist Dr R Sridharan said long-term exposure to such high levels of pollution can reduce lung capacity and even lead to cancer.
Perumal Kovil Street resident Lawrence said his two children been regularly visiting doctors for breathing problems. “My seven-month-old child fell sick recently, while my 3-year old son is already suffering breathing problems,” he said.
Others complained of increasing cases of tuberculosis, especially among those working in recycling units.
The real estate value of the area has also allegedly dropped. “With more than 3 tonnes plastic being processed every night, the air around is not fit for breathing. Land prices have remained low due to this,” said Pasupathy, a real estate dealer
According to TNPCB former deputy director Dr V N Rayudu, an assessment of pollution levels in the area is necessary, followed by mandating registration of the processing units so that their practices can be monitored.