The burning of garbage has been quite prevalent, especially in rural areas where garbage collection is limited or does not exist at all. In many rural areas and small towns, "burn barrels" are commonly used, but this practice can be perilous as it affects people's health and the environment.

People with heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to air pollutants. Smoke can worsen heart conditions by preventing oxygen from reaching tissues while increased breathing difficulties in persons with asthma can aggravate infections such as acute pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The ash from burning can damage the lungs, causing bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. It also contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, which may seep into the ground water and contaminate vegetables and fruits which are afterwards ingested.

The burning of leaves, plastic, rubber or other man-made materials produce smoke and release toxic gases. These toxic gases cause strong irritation when they come in contact with the eyes, nose, and throat. Consequently, persons experience dyspnea (breathing difficulty), burning eyes and nose, coughing, nausea, headaches, or dizziness. Besides, burned garbage releases carbon dioxide which is causing climatic change.

People who choose to burn their garbage are punishable by law. The Public Health Act states that "persons who violate nuisance regulations stipulated in the act risk prosecution and a penalty of $50,000 or 12 months' imprisonment upon conviction".

Instead of burning garbage, therefore, people should dispose of man-made materials at the established dump, reduce, re-use and recycle, and convert unwanted items into marketable recycled product. Be wise! Don't burn your life away.

I am, etc.,

NADINE MANNING

mannadz2002@yahoo.co.uk

Villmore, Spanish Town

St Catherine