Checking chemical use on the environment

According to experts, the impact of human activities on the environment is complex and affects a chain of interconnecting ecosystems but more dangerous is the way chemicals are used and disposed into the environment which has become a thing of concern. Chemicals have been described by experts as a vital component which could at the […]

According to experts, the impact of human activities on the environment is complex and affects a chain of interconnecting ecosystems but more dangerous is the way chemicals are used and disposed into the environment which has become a thing of concern.
Chemicals have been described by experts as a vital component which could at the same time be harmful to human and its environment.
It is a well known fact that in the course of our lives, we are exposed to varieties of chemical which are contained either in the food we consume, water, medicines, the air we breathe, cosmetics and health care products, shoes, clothing and other consumer products while in the natural environment, living organisms are also exposed to a complex blend of chemical substances.
According to UNEP report on how chemical affects the environment, chemicals can enter the air, water, and soil when they are produced, used or disposed. Their impact on the environment is determined by the amount of the chemical released, the type and concentration of the chemical, and where it is found. Some chemicals can be harmful if released into the environment even when there is not an immediate, visible impact. Some chemicals are of concern as they can work their way into the food chain and accumulate and/or persist in the environment for many years.
Nigeria took active part in the negotiation of Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management (SAICM) in 2006 which is a policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world.
The objective of the policy is to achieve sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle so that by 2020 chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
Yet, it was gathered that most people use and dispose chemical contents indiscriminately without having firsthand knowledge of its negative effects in the environment and to human health in general or the regulations guiding the use of chemicals.
For Friday Adanu, a painter, the use of chemicals is inevitable in his work but he noted that he is aware of the fact that the chemicals can be harmful if not well managed as it causes a lot of irritation to skin and gets one sick when some with strong odour are inhaled.
Speaking on how to use the right products, he said in his line of business, he knows the right and original products to use even though sometimes they compromise to get something not too good to carry on the work which depends on the amount involved.
Another source who carries out fumigation for residents said he learnt the work from a friend, and that it involves buying the equipment and getting the chemicals as well as mixing it to carry out their work. He however failed to disclose more information on what he uses to mix or give out his name.
During the launch of International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), a sub-regional arm of West African Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (WANECE) which is a network to combat environmental crimes in the sub-region, the former Supervising Minister for Environment, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku said West Africa is increasingly becoming a destination for hazardous chemicals and near-end-of-life electronics.
He said the region has few regulations in place to address the importation of hazardous chemicals and unwanted electronic waste; limited capacity to inspect incoming shipments at ports; and little ability to safely manage hazardous chemicals, and recycling of electronics at the end of their useful life.”
Despite environmental regulatory bodies and agencies set up to tackle issues relating to environment in order to have a sustainable environment, little attention is been paid to use of chemicals in the environment.
The Chairman of Environmental Preservation Development and Restoration International Organisation, Prince Sam Gbadebo, had recently called on Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to pay more attention to the issue of the use of chemicals especially in the area of fumigation and pest control in order to ensure environmental sustainability, noting that there are too many quacks in the business.
He pointed out that there are too many display of signposts by people who claim to render fumigation services all over the place and who have little or no knowledge of what chemical or mixture is good for the work.
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which is the body that regulates and protects the FCT environment against any negative effect that could be harmful to humans and the environment, has said it is on ground to control the use of harmful chemicals in FCT.
According to Mr Samuel Musa of the AEPB, the Board has been exercising its mandate by ensuring the enforcement of the laws to checkmate the unwholesome practices in the FCT. The Board enjoined residents not to patronize unregistered pest control operators, saying the chemicals used by these quacks could be harmful.
“Everybody is seen with knapsack fumigating on our streets. You even hear them saying “e dey worry you” to residents, these are chemicals that can easily kill, while parading themselves as pest control agents,” he said.
He added that the Board has organised pest control operators in the FCT, who are registered with the Board, saying it would no longer condone indiscriminate fumigation in the territory.
“We will ensure that the health and safety of residents are properly taken care in accordance to best global practice, as the Board will not sit aloof and watch people being poisoned in the FCT,” he added.
He noted that the Board had also collaborated with the private sector to provide a programme aimed at phasing out the diverse environmental pollution and unfriendly practices by unregistered pest control service providers in the FCT and also on pest control Laws and regulations, modern techniques in pest management, best practices and safety procedures in pest management.
However, at the just concluded United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, said she was committed to managing chemicals that are hazardous to the environment in order to meet with international conventions on chemicals.
She said that such commitment will include a wholesome look into how electronic waste is being imported, inspection of container ships, aggravated sensitization and advocacy to farmers on the use of the correct type of pesticides and the need to comply strictly with international conventions on chemicals, adding that the commitment of Nigeria on the management of chemicals cannot be rivalled as important aspects of the management will be addressed.
However, experts had noted that many chemicals occur naturally in the environment, and may be found in our air, water, food, and homes. Some chemicals are synthetic and are used in every day products from medicines to computers, fabrics and fuels. Other chemicals are not made deliberately but are by-products of chemical processes and some have the potential to cause harm, in certain amounts, and should only be used when the potential risks are appropriately managed.