PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad--The consequences of inhaling toxic fumes from a burning landfill can be devastating, causing serious health risks to people living in close proximity, says Dr. Joel Teelucksingh, a consultant physician at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Residents of Springvale, Claxton, located downwind of the Forres Park landfill site have been complaining for years about the burning landfill, which they believe is poisoning them.
As a result of the burning landfill, the Springvale Hindu Primary School closes several times a year as children and staff fall ill from the smoke blanketing the area. Parts of the Solomon Hochoy Highway are also covered by the thick smoke.
Residents have complained of nausea, vomiting and respiratory problems. The stench is sometimes overpowering, they said.
Dr. Teelucksingh empathised with the residents, and called for better legislation in dealing with this issue.
He said that more research is needed into the “potentially devastating health consequences of landfill sites,” but conceded that “landfills leak toxins and may cause a plethora of symptoms including headaches, skin rashes, fatigue, nausea, coughing, irritation of eyes and shortness of breath … Noxious fumes from landfill gas contain methane and carbon dioxide which damage the environment and cause the above respiratory symptoms.”
Dr. Teelucksingh added that international reports have delineated various health risks among those living near landfills. “There have been international reports of an increased cancer risk, seizures, and birth defects including prematurity and low birth weight in persons living in close proximity.”
In 2013, former Minister of Works and Infrastructure Dr. Suruj Rambachan acknowledged that the Forres Park landfill was posing a health threat to residents.
He had said a plan of action would be formulated within two months.
However, residents claim that nothing has been done to assist their situation.
When the Express contacted the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited for comment, the response was that the State agency had visited the site and was conducting enquiries. ~ Trinidad Express ~
