Checks by Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm indicates that some unknown persons are using the Mallam Overhead to burn scrap tires and coconut husk.
Although studies have shown that burning of tires releases a toxic soup of pollutants, these unknown individuals have ignored the warning signs and engaging in their unhealthy activity.
Hundreds of different toxic pollutants are created by burning tires as well as a tremendous number of small particles that settle deep in the lungs.
Our reporter, Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi who visited the scene reported that, some of the left over from the burning activity has been left unattended to.
According to him, the situation has also damaged the Mallam Overhead and portions of the bridge will soon collapse.
Studies have also shown that tires are not designed to be burned as a fuel and contain hazardous ingredients (the rubber in tires contains 25% extender oils derived from benzene, 25% styrene, a derivative of benzene, and 25% 1,3 butadiene. – both benzene and 1,3 butadiene are suspected human carcinogens).
Tire-derived fuel (TDF) also contains remnants of wire that is difficult to totally remove when tires are processed for fuel.
The area is also turning into a refuse dump where trash is thrown.
The situation has no environmental protection and Rainbow Radio will like to use the opportunity to alert officials to take up the change and resolve the situation.
Source: GhanaWeb
