Toxic Legacy: Incineration Plants in Africa Spew Out Pollution and Poison

Despite being a less polluting solution compared to many other waste treatment methods, the reality is far from rosy when it comes to incineration plants on the African continent. These incineration facilities are not as environmentally friendly or effective as marketed, and residents are paying a hefty price – their health. This article sets out to unpack the toxic legacy of incineration plants in Africa and uncover the devastating truth about the destruction they bring forth.

The Problematics of Incineration

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), incineration is expected to account for about 26% of Europe’s waste-treatment capacity and around 36% in countries such as Chile, South Korea, and Denmark. However, Africa has traditionally taken a conservative approach to its waste management.

While incineration may appeal to governments tempted by the revenue-generating advantages and the sense of accomplishment created by disposing large quantities of solid waste, researchers warn that neglecting proper operating and maintenance mechanisms will only accentuate the danger of pollution – with severe humanitarian implications.

Incineration plants lack effective emission mitigation strategies, hence allowing pollutants of different kinds including heavy metals such as mercury to release into the environment. On top of emitting carbon dioxide gases and particulates into the surrounding atmosphere, poor plant maintenance frequently exacerbates local health issues via hazardous waste sludge disposal ⁴

The Incinerators: A Breeding Ground of Toxics

Nigeria – The Most Recent Victim

“In Akure, located in the State of Ogun, Nigeria,

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Nigeria presents an exemplary

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Nightly emissions cause discomfort for residential dwellers by blocking out of air, but their effects span much further for instance, contamination of water is likely. Health implications for surrounding neighborhoods, ranging from respiratory harm, cancer-linked chemical exposure up to reproductive ailments ^, due to these dangers pose significant medical risk â„¢(s). In spite of these realities, there could be no quick-fix solutions when incineraters (c)
Nigeria demonstrates how these plant

In Akue