This story is from February 26, 2015

Smoke from burning garbage can cause respiratory problems: Doctors

Doctors have warned against the harmful effects of the smoke from burning garbage on human health.
Smoke from burning garbage can cause respiratory problems: Doctors
PUNE: Doctors have warned against the harmful effects of the smoke from burning garbage on human health.
Sundeep Salvi, director of the Chest Research Foundation, said, "The smoke from burning of dry garden waste, plastic or rubber waste contains a high amount of particulate matter which affects people having a history of respiratory problems. People with no medical history have also come to us with complaints."
Salvi said a number of citizens have reported a resistant type of cough in recent times.
"Many asthmatic patients had to be hospitalized while people with a history of respiratory ailments have reported complications. Many senior citizens, though healthy otherwise, are susceptible to falling ill due to such smoke. The smoke from burning rubber is the worst, followed by burning plastic and dry organic waste," he added.
Aparna Susarla of the Solid Waste Collection and Handing (Swach) Cooperative said, "People are concerned about getting rid of their household garbage in any possible way. But they do not realize that others are also affected by the polluted air and smoke from burning garbage heaps."
"The open burning of garbage, which may contain things like thermocol, paper, plastic, rubber and organic waste, produces pollutants which are extremely harmful. While segregation is a must, organic waste should be converted into compost in every household since this waste produces a lot of carbon dioxide," Susarla said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA