The Kimberley Prospector

Burning trash is a common practice in Kimberley, but it can have serious health consequences. When trash is burned, it releases toxic chemicals and pollutants into the air, which can cause a variety of serious illnesses.

Ward councillors, municipal and environmental inspectors, and everyone else who is responsible for enforcing environmental and health regulations in Kimberley should treat dumpster fires and all other waste fires in and around the city with the utmost importance.

Under the South African Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) and the South African National Fire Protection Association, persons responsible for enforcing these regulations have the power to issue fines and prosecute those found guilty of illegally starting fires. Additionally, the Environmental Management Act requires anyone who causes or allows any pollution of the environment to take measures to prevent or reduce the pollution, as well as steps to restore any environment that has been damaged by pollution.

As such, those responsible for enforcing these regulations should take dumpster and waste fires seriously in order to protect the health and safety of residents in Kimberley.

Dioxin: plastics, pesticides and paper products

Exposure to dioxins, a highly toxic chemical released when trash is burned, can cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Inhaling these toxins can damage the lungs, leading to inflammation and an impaired ability to take in oxygen. Common items that can contain dioxins include some types of plastics, pesticides, paper products, textiles, and certain consumer goods that are made from bleached paper or wood pulp. Additionally, emissions from burning waste, such as municipal solid waste, coal, or oil may also contain dioxins.

Arsenic and benzene: exhaust fumes, glues and paints

Exposure to arsenic and benzene, two immunodepressants released when trash is burned, can cause meningitis by weakening the body’s immune system. Common items that contain both arsenic and benzene include cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, coal tar, some paints, some types of treated wood, some types of glues, some types of plastics and resins, some types of dyes, printing inks, and some types of pesticides.

Lead: paint, batteries and vinyl products

Exposure to lead, a neurotoxin released when trash is burned, can cause learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and an impaired ability to think and remember. Common modern items that contain lead include paint, batteries, hair dyes, vinyl products, jewelry, ceramic glazes, ammunition, cosmetics, and pipes.

Particulates: wood, paper, plastic and anything contain carbon

Exposure to particulate matter, small particles released when trash is burned, can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Common items that create particulate matter when burned include wood, paper, plastics, and any other materials that contain carbon. When these materials are burned, they can break down into tiny particles or aerosols that can be breathed in and cause health problems.

Mercury: thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts

Exposure to mercury, a toxic metal released when trash is burned, can cause neurological disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Examples of common household items that may contain mercury include thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts, button cell batteries, and some electrical switches, relays, and circuit breakers.

PAHs: exhaust fumes & burning garbage

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of cancer-causing chemicals released when trash is burned, can cause cancer. Common household items such as cigarettes, candles, fireplaces, stoves, and BBQs can release PAHs when burned. PAHs can also be found in charred food, such as charred vegetables or burnt toast. In addition, PAHs can be released from car exhaust, burning wood, and burning garbage. Exposure to PAHs can be dangerous and lead to a variety of health issues, including damage to the lungs, skin, and eyes.

Formaldehyde: carpets, plywood, furniture and particleboard

Exposure to formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical released when trash is burned, can cause respiratory irritation and allergies. Common household items such as carpets, furniture, plywood, particleboard, and glues can contain or release formaldehyde when burned. When these products are burned, formaldehyde gas is released into the atmosphere. This gas can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and is considered a carcinogen.

Cadium: batteries and PVC plastic

Exposure to cadmium, a heavy metal released when trash is burned, can cause kidney damage and kidney failure. Common household items that contain or release cadmium when burned include paint, batteries, plastics, and electronics. Paint is a common source of cadmium as it may contain high levels of the metal as a pigment. Batteries, such as those found in portable electronics, may also contain cadmium. Plastics such as PVC may also contain cadmium, which is released when burned. Lastly, any electronic device, such as computer components and televisions, may contain cadmium in solders and other components, which are released when the device is burned.

Exposure to sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released when trash is burned, can cause bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Exposure to nitrogen oxides, a group of pollutants released when trash is burned, can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Sulfur dioxide: rubber, plastic or fabric

Sulfur dioxide is an odorous gas that is released when common household items are burned. It is a major component of the fumes from burning coal and fuel oils and is also present in the smoke from burning wood, garbage, and other organic materials. Burning candles and incense, as well as lighting matches and cigarettes, releases sulfur dioxide. Burning sulfur-containing materials such as rubber, plastic, and fabrics, also releases sulfur dioxide. In some cases, sulfur dioxide can be released from common household items when they are exposed to high temperatures, such as during a fire.

Carbon monoxide: exhaust fumes, burning of garbage

Exposure to carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas released when trash is burned, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Common household items such as wood, charcoal, kerosene, gas, and oil can all contain or release carbon monoxide when burned. Burning these items in enclosed spaces, such as a garage, can result in the release of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas. This gas is odourless, colourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper detection devices. Unfortunately, even small amounts of carbon monoxide can be extremely toxic and can cause dangerous health effects, such as nausea, headaches, and in some cases, death. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the sources of carbon monoxide in your home and to take measures, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors, to protect yourself and your family.

The list of afflictions caused by burning trash is long and includes respiratory illnesses, skin allergies and rashes, cancer, liver and kidney damage, reproductive disorders, neurological disorders, heart disease, gastrointestinal illnesses, birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders, and eye and ear infections. To protect our health and the environment, it is important to properly dispose of trash and avoid burning it. Burning trash not only releases toxic pollutants into the air, but it also releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, increasing the risk of climate change. By properly disposing of our trash and avoiding burning it, we can protect our health and the environment.