Air most foul

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Depending on factors like age, health and environmental conditions, the human body’s survival limits are as follows: without oxygen – three to five minutes; without water – three to five days and without food – 30 to 40 days.

Air (oxygen) is most critical for human survival. Therefore, air pollution should not be tolerated and should be closely monitored. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. All the state agencies (local and central) that are responsible seem to act like monitoring air quality is an afterthought.

There is the growing practice of poultry (chicken) farming in urban and other densely populated areas.

There are regulations to address this issue, but as usual there is no enforcement. Local and central government seem to have turned a blind eye to this problem.

Poultry operations release dangerous toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide (with a smell like “rotten egg.”) All these gases negatively affect the level of oxygen in the air. Many residents are now forced to breathe air most foul (devoid of the required level of oxygen). The health risks are enormous. Reduced oxygen in the air can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health issues. The elderly and the very young are particularly affected.

Chicken droppings are loaded with many parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. Salmonella and other harmful bacteria are also present. These attract pests such as rats and flies. The risk for contamination of the chicken meat is extremely high.

The Public Health Departments and municipalities across Jamaica must act with swiftness to enforce the zoning regulations that restrict animal farming in built-up areas. Failure to do so will result in serious consequences to public health, sooner rather than later.

CONCERNED CITIZEN