In Nigeria, the bustling abattoirs serve not only as places for processing animals but also as vibrant market hubs. These centers witness a daily influx of over 1,000 people engaging in meat trade and other transactions. However, beneath this lively facade lies a concerning practice—burning used car tyres to fuel the processing of animal carcasses. This method, though cost-effective, is wreaking havoc on both human health and the environment.
Thick black smoke billows from these slaughterhouses due to burning tyres, especially prevalent in Northern Nigeria where climate change impacts are increasingly severe. The situation is particularly dire in Kaduna State, with numerous slaughterhouses spread across local government areas. One such facility in Kakuri processes a substantial number of animals daily using an alarming average of 14 tyres per day.
Mallam Usman, a butcher at the Kakuri slaughterhouse, acknowledged the use of burning tyres to prepare roasted hides known as Kpomo. This hazardous practice has drawn criticism from environmentalists like Comrade Jibrin Ibrahim who advocate for regulatory measures to curb this detrimental trend.
Dr. Yusuf Nadabo, an expert in anatomy and environmental health issues, shed light on the dangers posed by burning tyres. He highlighted that fine particulates from tyre smoke can deeply penetrate the lungs, posing significant health risks—especially to vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Additionally, emissions from burnt tyres contain harmful substances such as dioxins and mercury known for their toxicity and carcinogenic properties.
Beyond air pollution concerns, burning tyres also contaminate water sources and soil with toxic materials—an issue exacerbated by improper disposal methods. Dr. Tijjani Salisu, a veterinary doctor and environmental consultant warned about consuming ponmo prepared using burning tyres due to increased heavy metal concentrations in the animal hide.
Efforts have been made by the Nigerian government to regulate abattoir practices; however, more stringent measures are necessary
according to experts.
Recommendations include enforcing strict regulations on tyre disposal, banning their use as fuel in slaughterhouses, promoting sustainable processing techniques through education campaigns among butchers.
Experts emphasize that addressing this crisis requires collaborative efforts involving government agencies enforcement bodies along with public-private partnerships embracing cleaner alternatives like biogas or LPG while regulating scrap tyre collection for recycling purposes.
In conclusion:
– Immediate action is crucial to mitigate environmental degradation caused by tyre burning.
– Sustainable solutions must be implemented at various levels involving stakeholders.
– Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate communities on safer meat processing methods.
The urgency of curbing tyre-burning practices cannot be overstated; it’s imperative for protecting public health and preserving Nigeria’s environment for future generations.
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