Open burning of plastics

On 21 May in the Daily FT there was a letter to the Editor on the burning of garbage. I wish to add to this topic as the problem is very serious and life-threatening. 

Last week I came across a research study by an eminent academic on this specific subject explaining how open burning of garbage mainly plastics result in generating toxic pollutants in air. In addition using plastic material in hearths is a common practice, especially in rural areas. 

More serious problems include open burning of e-waste, clinical or medical waste. Respiratory diseases and related cancer are alarmingly on the increase. The lung capacity and immunity levels are affected due to harmful air pollutants from open burning of plastics or garbage.

The Government has already issued a Gazette notification 2034/36 in 2017, “No person shall burn openly or cause to, allow or permit the open burning of refuse or other combustible matters inclusive of plastics.”

We earnestly request the authorities to very strictly implement this and also provide a hot number for reporting such practices. Without community participation solving such a problem is impossible.

Nihal Cooray

Kolonnawa