Date:18/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061804180100.htm

Front Page

Improper waste disposal a big hazard

Staff Reporter

`Contamination at home' remains an area of great concern, says survey

NEW DELHI:

The Capital may be adding to its greens, improving its air quality, even looking at rainwater harvesting seriously, but "contamination at home" continues to be an area of great concern.

A recent survey by Toxics Link, a non-government organisation, found that every household in the city has some hazardous products stored inside and that most are thrown away without adhering to proper disposal of waste norms.

"Chemicals are poured down the drain with the harmful substances flowing into storm sewers. Other times these dangerous chemicals are dumped into open bins. Though the dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health,'' says Prashant Pastore of Toxics Link.

The survey found that of the total households in the city using thermometers, around 29 per cent had experienced its breakage at home and then this dangerous bio-medical waste was disposed of in the common bin, mixing it with other wastes.

"This household hazardous product harms children, older people and those with low immunity. Also, products such as aerosols, bleaches, polishes, batteries, waste oils, paint products, pesticides, electronics and old medicines contain potentially hazardous ingredients. These are often used and disposed of without realising the dangers they pose. These materials are often not stored, used or disposed of properly,'' points out Mr. Pastore.

Household cleaners have been found to contain solvents that are hazardous to the lungs and can get into the body and skin, while polishes usually contain petroleum distillates that catch fire easily and can be hazardous.

Also, automotive products contain pollutants that catch fire easily and are poisonous. Even small amount of oil, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate large quantities of drinking water.

Car batteries that contain lead and sulphuric acid if not properly disposed of can contaminate groundwater and the acid can burn the skin, notes the survey.