Council warns of health risks from burning rubbish

BACKYARD burning has escalated since the introduction of pay-by-weight refuse charges in County Cork and the council yesterday warned that people doing it are damaging the health of neighbours and risk prosecution.

Dr Mary Stack, head of the council’s environmental awareness section, said that so far this year her department had received 107 complaints about members of the public burning rubbish in their back yards.

While the council is investigating these complaints, it also wrote to DIY stores and garden centres asking them to voluntarily withdraw burners from sale. Not one of the stores did so, which the council says is very disappointing.

Dr Stack said that uncontrolled, low temperature burning can have an adverse impact on human health, food safety and the environment.

“Current research indicates that when household waste is burned in barrels, open pits or home incinerators, toxic pollutants are released into the air. Microscopic particles, including dioxins, are formed and these particles are inhaled deep into our lungs,” the environmental officer said.

These microscopic particles are associated with bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory problems.

In particular people who already have heart or respiratory problems, the young and the elderly are most at risk, she said.

“Backyard burning is a panic reaction to the pay-by-weight scheme and most people are doing it by night,” Dr Stack said. “The council’s view is that it is an outdated and anti-social practice,” she said.

The use of these burners for the disposal of household waste can contravene the 1987 Air Pollution Act.

Any member of the public who wants to make a complaint about backyard burning is asked to contact the county council’s environment directorate at 021-4532700

“We have a waste enforcement section and air section that will follow up on complaints received,” Dr Stack said.