Toxic Flames: How open burning pollutes our communities

Read Comments Comments (19)

• Nicholas 7 months ago

  The article presents a forceful and immediate message. The article presents straightforward information about open burning's negative impacts on health and environment while demonstrating its economic burdens so readers easil ...
  read full comment

  The article presents a forceful and immediate message. The article presents straightforward information about open burning's negative impacts on health and environment while demonstrating its economic burdens so readers easily see why quick action is necessary. The article stands out because it shows both problem identification and practical solutions for better recycling alongside enhanced legislation and public education about open burning hazards. An empowering call to action exists at the conclusion of your piece. The message you have raised about this vital issue deserves more attention because of your excellent work.

  reply
• G.A Myers-Hansen 7 months ago

  Great message. Very useful and timely. We all must get involved in educating members of our communities about the dangers of open burning of waste.

  Great message. Very useful and timely. We all must get involved in educating members of our communities about the dangers of open burning of waste.

  reply
• Michael Ntrakwa 7 months ago

  This is an excellent piece of writing, Mr. Ephraim. One major environmental issue in Ghana is the open burning of waste, which hasn't received as much attention as "Galamsey". As a genetic scientist and clinician, I am deeply ...
  read full comment

  This is an excellent piece of writing, Mr. Ephraim. One major environmental issue in Ghana is the open burning of waste, which hasn't received as much attention as "Galamsey". As a genetic scientist and clinician, I am deeply concerned whenever I drive through certain areas in Accra (names withheld) and see this happening. The smoke from such burning can cause epigenetic changes, which are heritable modifications in our genes that affect gene regulation related to inflammation, immune responses, and cellular repair, potentially leading to cancer-related diseases. Sadly, even if this practice is halted, the epigenetic effects can last for decades, especially within families, because it is heritable, contributing to long-term health risks. This is a national problem, and the government of the day, together with well-meaning Ghanaians, must come together to fight this with the same energy we fought "Galamsey"

  reply
• Raphael Eshun 7 months ago

  Well done Patrick. The anthropocene era presents a lot of environmental challenges and throwing more light on their effects on the various spheres of life will allow individual to discover their ignorance on environmental iss ...
  read full comment

  Well done Patrick. The anthropocene era presents a lot of environmental challenges and throwing more light on their effects on the various spheres of life will allow individual to discover their ignorance on environmental issues and bring to bear sustainable solutions to curb this menace.

  reply
• Shiraz 7 months ago

  Excellent piece. In fact, the continuous burning of waist at Agbogbloshi is an eye sore. And this is the center of a vibrant market patronized by both the affluent and the underprivileged.
  So the concern raised in your artic ...
  read full comment

  Excellent piece. In fact, the continuous burning of waist at Agbogbloshi is an eye sore. And this is the center of a vibrant market patronized by both the affluent and the underprivileged.
  So the concern raised in your article is timely. And we as individuals should help in the education of the dangers this could cause to the country.

  reply
• Miss Mensah 7 months ago

  You’ve done a great job Patrick. There should be strict enforcement of laws and bylaws concerning this menace by the appropriate authorities. This occurrence happens daily in our households, markets ,etc.The state should co ...
  read full comment

  You’ve done a great job Patrick. There should be strict enforcement of laws and bylaws concerning this menace by the appropriate authorities. This occurrence happens daily in our households, markets ,etc.The state should consider other safe and appropriate methods such as incineration.

  reply
• Ishmaila 7 months ago

  Important write up. Examples of some heavy metals are missing. Nice work

  Important write up. Examples of some heavy metals are missing. Nice work

  reply
• Sampson Boamah 7 months ago

  A very insightful piece. issue raised with such commendations also discussed. Authorities much act in order to save us from some these dangers. The other point i want to raise is about climate change. The burning of waste con ...
  read full comment

  A very insightful piece. issue raised with such commendations also discussed. Authorities much act in order to save us from some these dangers. The other point i want to raise is about climate change. The burning of waste contribute greatly to climate change and its impact is daring. Good piece!!

  reply
• Albert Ephraim 7 months ago

  Great one Patrick… The consequences of open burning are often overlooked. investing in proper waste management, we can attract investors and tourists to boost local economy.Ghana can learn from other countries that have suc ...
  read full comment

  Great one Patrick… The consequences of open burning are often overlooked. investing in proper waste management, we can attract investors and tourists to boost local economy.Ghana can learn from other countries that have successfully implemented waste management systems to adopt best practices and work towards a cleaner future.

  reply
• Agabus 7 months ago

  Open burning's impact on air quality and public health is alarming. We need stricter regulations and community education.The health risks associated with open burning are concerning. Let's work together to promote sustainable ...
  read full comment

  Open burning's impact on air quality and public health is alarming. We need stricter regulations and community education.The health risks associated with open burning are concerning. Let's work together to promote sustainable waste management practices. The environmental and health consequences of open burning are devastating. We must take action to protect our communities.
  And this cut across most part of the country. And the nice foods are found in these areas. God save us all.

  reply
• Theophilus 7 months ago

  That’s a key issue you have raised here, kudos on that

  That’s a key issue you have raised here, kudos on that

  reply
• Richard Yaw Otwey 7 months ago

  Very insightful. A more forward approach is required to deal with this situation across various countries with similar challenges

  Very insightful. A more forward approach is required to deal with this situation across various countries with similar challenges

  reply
• Vera Djokoto 7 months ago

  This article provides a critical examination of the detrimental effects of open burning on our communities. The author effectively highlights the significant health and environmental consequences associated with this practice ...
  read full comment

  This article provides a critical examination of the detrimental effects of open burning on our communities. The author effectively highlights the significant health and environmental consequences associated with this practice. This is a valuable contribution to raising public awareness of a pressing issue.

  reply
• Jennifer Takyi Amoah 7 months ago

  Insightful piece of work. A wake up call too all to contribute our quota. Each and everyone of us has got a responsibility to fulfill.
  God bless our Homeland Ghana.

  Insightful piece of work. A wake up call too all to contribute our quota. Each and everyone of us has got a responsibility to fulfill.
  God bless our Homeland Ghana.

  reply
• Pious Acquah 7 months ago

  Open burning, though a quick fix for waste disposal in many communities, poses a serious threat to both human health and the environment. The release of toxic fumes from burning plastics, rubber, and other household waste con ...
  read full comment

  Open burning, though a quick fix for waste disposal in many communities, poses a serious threat to both human health and the environment. The release of toxic fumes from burning plastics, rubber, and other household waste contributes to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even cancer, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Beyond health risks, it pollutes the air, contaminates water sources, and accelerates climate change through harmful emissions. Addressing this issue requires urgent public education, strict enforcement of anti-burning laws, and investment in sustainable waste management solutions to protect our communities from the invisible dangers of toxic flames.
  It's about time the public and government ought to be aware and be sensitive.
  We pray for protection but we also seek reasonable precautions to avoid danger!
  It's a great article ❤️

  reply
• Afi Mensah 7 months ago

  Very well said and explained! This is a crucial health topic that requires immediate action to avoid the dire consequences. We need to do more us individuals and communities to protect the environment that surrounds us and no ...
  read full comment

  Very well said and explained! This is a crucial health topic that requires immediate action to avoid the dire consequences. We need to do more us individuals and communities to protect the environment that surrounds us and not destroy it by our own actions. Continuous education especially in schools, churches, market places will be a great way make people understand the implications of open burning.

  reply
• Livingstone Quarshie 7 months ago

  An important reminder for us to consider the best way to handle waste. The interesting part is that we don’t classify our waste into groups such as food waste, electronic waste, chemical waste, etc. That makes it more dange ...
  read full comment

  An important reminder for us to consider the best way to handle waste. The interesting part is that we don’t classify our waste into groups such as food waste, electronic waste, chemical waste, etc. That makes it more dangerous to burn these waste in the open. Countless of harmful pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere, while others go into the soil.
  
  This is a call to action for the EPA and all other concerned parties to be involved to regulate the proper management of our waste.

  reply
• Theresa 7 months ago

  Insightful piece. As an environmentalist, I’m glad when I see such articles. This is a major environmental concern. Many daily open burnings in households, markets and dump sites. Well done for putting this out here to crea ...
  read full comment

  Insightful piece. As an environmentalist, I’m glad when I see such articles. This is a major environmental concern. Many daily open burnings in households, markets and dump sites. Well done for putting this out here to create more education and to save our environment!

  reply
• Afi Mensah 6 months ago

  Very well said and explained! This is a crucial health topic that requires immediate action to avoid the dire consequences. We need to do more us individuals and communities to protect the environment that surrounds us and no ...
  read full comment

  Very well said and explained! This is a crucial health topic that requires immediate action to avoid the dire consequences. We need to do more us individuals and communities to protect the environment that surrounds us and not destroy it by our own actions. Continuous education especially in schools, churches, market places will be a great way make people understand the implications of open burning.

  reply