Obuasi, Dec. 13, GNA - An environmental expert and consultant has observed that the burning of nutshell and hide in public have potential effect on the environment and human health. Mr Kingsley Asamoah, the environmental expert said emissions of the copious black smoke contained noxious pollutants that were injurious to human, plant and animal life. Mr Asamoah was speaking on the topic: "Causes, consequences and long-term solutions to indiscriminate burning of nutshell and hide in public and refuse disposal in streams within Obuasi Municipality" at a stakeholders' conference on environment at Obuasi on Monday.

The conference was organized by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund in collaboration with Shaft Radio, an Obuasi-based radio station. It was sponsored by DANIDA. Mr Asamoah said effects of the pollutants could increase cough discomfort, impairment of visibility and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory or cardio-respiratory symptoms as well as increase in mortality rate. He said excessive burning of hide made it to lose its nutritional value and therefore, recommended that treatment of hide should be done at the abattoir with the use of steam.

The Environmental Expert and Consultant expressed concern about the discharge of domestic waste into streams that polluted the environment and also posed serious threat to biophysical and aquatic environment. Mr Asamoah said the environment, whether natural or man-made should be diligently and conscientiously protected from all forms of pollution. Mr Barnabas Sefa-Boakye, a Business consultant and a Service provider of the BUSAC Fund, recommended to the Ministry of Health (MOH) to undertake random medical check-up of residents to help determine the health status of the Obuasi Municipality. Miss Victoria Owusu, General Manager of Shaft Radio, pledged the station's commitment to collaborate with agencies to improve on the environment within the Municipality.