Plastic fumes cause cancer, impotence
BURNING plastic bags is dangerous because they release toxic fumes that lead to impotence, an expert in toxicology has revealed.
By Gerald Tenywa
BURNING plastic bags is dangerous because they release toxic fumes that lead to impotence, an expert in toxicology has revealed.
The fumes also lead to birth defects in human beings and wild animals, said Dr. David Ogaram, a commissioner in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Affairs.
“Dioxins and furans are very toxic substances,†said Ogaram. “We are exposed to dangerous chemicals because of the attitudes of most people and institutions that are concerned with waste.â€
He was presenting a paper titled, “Synthesis Paper on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Management Priorities†at a two day conference at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Tuesday.
He said dioxins and furans are listed among the 12 deadly chemicals, which are referred to as the dirty dozen or POPs, because they have ability to damage and kill living organisms.
Other complications that can arise from exposure are cancer, skin and teeth defects. The toxins also affect the endocrine system, which produces hormones that influence biological and chemical reactions in the body.
Ogaram said most people, including health authorities, get rid of waste by burning.
“It is case of overcoming one problem and creating even a bigger one,†he said.
BURNING plastic bags is dangerous because they release toxic fumes that lead to impotence, an expert in toxicology has revealed.
The fumes also lead to birth defects in human beings and wild animals, said Dr. David Ogaram, a commissioner in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Affairs.
“Dioxins and furans are very toxic substances,†said Ogaram. “We are exposed to dangerous chemicals because of the attitudes of most people and institutions that are concerned with waste.â€
He was presenting a paper titled, “Synthesis Paper on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Management Priorities†at a two day conference at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Tuesday.
He said dioxins and furans are listed among the 12 deadly chemicals, which are referred to as the dirty dozen or POPs, because they have ability to damage and kill living organisms.
Other complications that can arise from exposure are cancer, skin and teeth defects. The toxins also affect the endocrine system, which produces hormones that influence biological and chemical reactions in the body.
Ogaram said most people, including health authorities, get rid of waste by burning.
“It is case of overcoming one problem and creating even a bigger one,†he said.