Ellen Campbell-Grizzle

The potential health risks associated with the smoke coming from the Riverton City dump in Kingston was of concern to some pharmacists here. They shared information as they prepared to deal with anticipated increases in asthma attacks and skin disorders.

It is well known and accepted that vapours and solid compounds suspended in air, called particulate matter (PM), are found in smoke, soot and vehicle exhaust. Particulate matters travel into the lungs and trigger acute respiratory symptoms, severe chest pains, gasping and aggravated coughing. Persons may also experience eye and nose irritation. Substances like Dioxin can lead to acute skin problems. Children, the elderly and people with asthma or heart problems are especially at risk.

Chemical substances in smoke

Persons who are exposed to the pollutants in smoke may experience many health problems. The chance of this occurring depends on the amount of the chemicals in the breathing zone, that is, the air breathed around the nose and mouth. Some of the offending substances that may enter your breathing zone from smoke include:

Carbon monoxide that can reduce the blood's ability to supply necessary oxygen to the tissues. Inhaled at high levels, persons experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion and disorientation. At even higher levels, unconsciousness and death may occur.

The oxides of nitrogen can lower resistance to lung infections. In particular, nitrogen dioxide can cause shortness of the breath and irritation of the upper airways, especially in persons with emphysema and asthma.

Hydrocarbons can damage the lungs.

Volatile organic compounds make breathing difficult. Benzene is known to be carcinogenic.

Formaldehyde can cause coughing, headaches, eye irritation and act as a trigger for asthma.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pose a risk for cancer after prolonged exposure. Some dioxins and furans are also cancer causing.

Acrolein can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation. The important caveat is that adverse health effects are not expected unless persons are very close to the source of the smoke or if the clean air is not enough to dilute the smoke.

You burn it, you breathe it

The concerned pharmacists also discussed possible health risks when people routinely burn wood or garbage in their backyard. Research led to a 'Burn it smart' campaign in Canada that has the mantra 'You burn it, you breathe it'. The campaign highlights the especially harmful impact of trash burning due to the release of chemicals that persist in the environment, air, food, rivers and streams. Experts also recommend:

Caution in the presence of small smouldering fires.

Never burn plastics, cardboard or Styrofoam as this releases poisons.

Never burn wood taken from salt water as the chlorine will combine with the smoke to produce dangerous cancer- causing compounds.

Science now shows that burning your garbage endangers your health and that of your family and neighbours. Persons with lung diseases and the elderly are most vulnerable, but healthy people may suffer too. Allergies may worsen. Our health is linked to the environment in a real way.