Tear gas and burning of tyres pose threat to the entire ecosystem

A police officer lobbing teargas. Pollutant particles are capable of translocating to the bloodstream through the lungs. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Uncontrolled tyre combustion releases carcinogenic compounds likely to cause genetic mutation more than the use of traditional wood combustion and coal-fired utilities. The most vulnerable members of society are foetuses, babies (through breast milk), children, asthmatics, the elderly, and other immune-suppressed persons.

The sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides released have far-reaching environmental and climate change issues. The oxides released combine with rainwater to cause acid rain that harms aquatic life, harm and kills plants and animals as well as corrodes buildings, metals, monuments, and other structures.

A collection of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ozone, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, spray and gas aerosols, and other pollutants from the greenhouse gases leads to global warming, a phenomenon characterised by an increase in air temperatures near the earth's surface. The overall impact is the currently witnessed climate change, characterised by shrinking mountain glaciers and rising sea levels among others.

In order to aviate the above effects of open combustion of tyres, it requires a major intervention by regulators on both tear gas use and uncontrolled open combustion of tyres. There is also a need to promote sustainable scrap tyre management such as efficient tyre recycling to produce alternative energy/fuels and other rubber by-products.

- The writer is the Renewable Energy Officer, Ministry of Water, Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Tana River County