Burning medical waste could cause infertility
Dec 04, 2005
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have warned against the burning of garbage and medical waste because it releases toxic gases that lead to reproductive failure and consequently population decline.
By Gerald Tenywa
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have warned against the burning of garbage and medical waste because it releases toxic gases that lead to reproductive failure and consequently population decline.
Silver Ssebagala, an official of the Uganda Cleaner Production Centre, said burning solid and hospital waste contributes the largest amount of harmful gases that affect wildlife and human beings.
He was speaking recently during a workshop organised by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on the Stockholm Convention that restricts the use of and outlaws 12 deadly chemicals.
Bernard Kiremire, a Makerere University Professor in the Chemistry Department, said the incineration of solid and medical waste is to blame for much of the environmental contamination in Uganda.
The chemicals, which are widely described as the dirty dozen, also compromise people’s immune systems and lead to behavioural abnormalities, shortened lactation (production of milk) period in nursing mothers and increased incidences of diabetes. Ssebagala said the dioxins and furans, which are categorised as by-products of burning processes, were among the common sources of pollution.
Gerald Sawula Musoke, the NEMA deputy executive director, said it is difficult to monitor dioxins and furans being released from incinerators.
“That leaves a lot to be desired in Uganda,†Sawula said, adding that waste reduction should be encouraged.
He said that alternative technologies to deal with medical waste such as microwave and biological degradation induced by bacteria should replace incineration.
Ssebagala said the dirty dozen are dangerous because they persist in the environment and move long distances from where they are generated. Speaking at the same ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Kahinda Otafiire, said teams would undertake a countrywide inventory of the chemicals that are listed under Persisted Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, who heads NEMA, said the pollution caused by the POPs is a global concern, adding that Uganda last year ratified the Stockholm Convention. Mugisha said the goal is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the dangerous chemicals, which include DDT.
He said Uganda has the responsibility of reporting progress made to phase out the chemicals next year at the meeting of the contracting parties. Other sources of POPs are obsolete stockpiles scattered on private plantations across the country and electric equipment.
Ends
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have warned against the burning of garbage and medical waste because it releases toxic gases that lead to reproductive failure and consequently population decline.
Silver Ssebagala, an official of the Uganda Cleaner Production Centre, said burning solid and hospital waste contributes the largest amount of harmful gases that affect wildlife and human beings.
He was speaking recently during a workshop organised by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on the Stockholm Convention that restricts the use of and outlaws 12 deadly chemicals.
Bernard Kiremire, a Makerere University Professor in the Chemistry Department, said the incineration of solid and medical waste is to blame for much of the environmental contamination in Uganda.
The chemicals, which are widely described as the dirty dozen, also compromise people’s immune systems and lead to behavioural abnormalities, shortened lactation (production of milk) period in nursing mothers and increased incidences of diabetes. Ssebagala said the dioxins and furans, which are categorised as by-products of burning processes, were among the common sources of pollution.
Gerald Sawula Musoke, the NEMA deputy executive director, said it is difficult to monitor dioxins and furans being released from incinerators.
“That leaves a lot to be desired in Uganda,†Sawula said, adding that waste reduction should be encouraged.
He said that alternative technologies to deal with medical waste such as microwave and biological degradation induced by bacteria should replace incineration.
Ssebagala said the dirty dozen are dangerous because they persist in the environment and move long distances from where they are generated. Speaking at the same ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Kahinda Otafiire, said teams would undertake a countrywide inventory of the chemicals that are listed under Persisted Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, who heads NEMA, said the pollution caused by the POPs is a global concern, adding that Uganda last year ratified the Stockholm Convention. Mugisha said the goal is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the dangerous chemicals, which include DDT.
He said Uganda has the responsibility of reporting progress made to phase out the chemicals next year at the meeting of the contracting parties. Other sources of POPs are obsolete stockpiles scattered on private plantations across the country and electric equipment.
Ends