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Last week we discussed health effects of backyard burning. We continue with these and also environmental impacts. 

Volatile Organic Compounds
Backyard burning expose people to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many VOCs are harmful to humans. They also contribute to ground-level ozone pollution, also known as smog, which can worsen respiratory, heart, and other existing health problems. Inhaling certain VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

Carbon Monoxide
Another major pollutant generated by backyard burning is carbon monoxide (CO). At low levels of exposure to CO, humans may experience a variety of nervous (neurological) symptoms including headache, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues.  When the body exposed to CO it  combines with red blood cells, thus affecting oxygen transportation to the vital organs and tissues.  CO also contributes to the formation of smog which can trigger serious respiratory problems. 

Health hazards of mercury
Mercury pollution may endanger the natural environment. When products containing mercury are burnt, the mercury becomes airborne and eventually settles in water bodies. Humans are affected by mercury when they eat (ingest) food polluted with mercury. If it is thrown in bins could enter the body of animals via the skin or inhalation, or enter into the ground causing soil and groundwater poisoning.  Mercury affects the central nervous system, kidneys and liver, and also affects the ability to feel, see, touch and move. 

Environmental Effects 
Open burning of waste is also an environmental threat of great magnitude the world over.  Backyard burning produces various compounds toxic to the environment. These include among others nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, dioxins, heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Poisonous substances from backyard burning can enter our bodies when we breathe in polluted air, or when we eat food that has been contaminated (touched by dirt or poison). For example, these chemicals can settle on grass, and then cows eat the grass. When we drink the cows’ milk or eat beef, these chemicals enter our bodies. Also, these chemicals can pollute both surface and groundwater contaminating drinking water and food.

Fires
Backyard burning is also frequently the cause of residential, bush, and forest fires, particularly during drought conditions. In Swaziland uncontrolled fires are a common problem and some are a result of backyard burning. 

Yonge Nawe is promoting sustainable means to dispose waste through public education, awareness raising and training.

Watch this column for subsequent articles on burning waste.