A growing concern among scientists and public health experts is the increasing use of plastic as fuel in low-income households around the world. The practice poses severe health risks due to the release of toxic chemicals into the air, water, soil, and other areas of everyday life.
Researchers from Curtin University, published in Nature Cities, have sounded the alarm on this issue, calling for immediate action to curb it. They studied communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America where many households cannot afford cleaner energy sources like electricity or gas.
The use of plastic as fuel is widespread, with 13% of Nigerian households reported using garbage as a cooking source. Burning plastic releases dioxins, furans, and heavy metals into the air, posing significant health risks, including lung diseases.
Despite the dangers, global plastic consumption is expected to triple by 2060, and this trend is expected to worsen inequality in developing countries due to rapid urbanization.
To address this issue, researchers suggest subsidies for cleaner fuels, better waste management, education campaigns, and alternative cooking solutions tailored to lower-income areas. Even if you live in an area with affordable clean energy, taking small steps to reduce plastic pollution can help protect the environment.
The problem is not limited to households in poverty-stricken areas; individuals worldwide can contribute to reducing plastic pollution by choosing circular brands, using plastic-free alternatives, and buying second-hand items.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/researchers-raise-concerns-over-harmful-103000608.html