In Florida, for the past few decades, a rapid population growth has been accompanied by changes in waste management and incineration practices. As of late, these practices have become increasingly concerning to the citizens of the Sunshine State and beyond. Recent studies in environmental health reveal that burning trash is causing a variety of health issues for Florida residents, such as respiratory illnesses and cancer.
The increase in trash burning is a largely attributed to Florida’s population growth, which has outpaced other states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state’s population has grown nearly 20 percent since 2010, and is projected to grow an additional ten percent by 2030. With so many people in the state, waste management efforts have been unable keep up. As a result, the number of waste incinerators in the state has grown from two to sixteen, and the amount of trash burned has grown by forty percent in the past decade.
The burning of waste at incinerators has recently been identified as a major cause of air pollution in the state. Incineration facilities emit heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere, such as lead, mercury, and dioxins. These chemicals lead to serious health problems, including breathing ailments and increased risk of cancer.
The concept of incinerating waste as a way to address the mounting garbage problem has been around for centuries, but it is only recently that its harmful effects on the environment and public health have been made public. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted in Florida and the rest of the country: their conclusions consistently demonstrate a correlation between incinerators and health concerns.
Moreover, the toxic fumes from incinerators affect people regardless of their proximity to them. The wind can easily spread the pollutants from an incinerator to a nearby residential area, exposing innocent citizens to a significant health risk. What’s worse, these citizens have no way of knowing the health risks they face until it’s too late.
In light of these dangers, many Floridians have called on the state government to take action. People are demanding stronger regulations on plumbing and waste disposal companies, bans on open-air burning, stronger enforcement of rules regarding smoke plumes, and other measures that will ensure a safe environment for citizens.
The environmental health concerns caused by Florida’s trash burning practices are troubling. In order for the state to provide a safe living environment, it’s essential that officials take steps to protect citizens from the potentially hazardous effects of burning waste.
