Soot and the dangers of her show, a call to action

A clean, pure and healthy environment and the atmospheric air or rather the oxygen that we humans absorb on a daily basis play an important role in the longevity and good health we enjoy as humans. However, one could say the opposite of a medium or an environment polluted by soot.

A few years ago in Rivers State there was massive reporting on the issue at hand – the dangers of soot, otherwise known as “Particulate pollution” referred to as PM 2.5 – particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less. Recently, many residents residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have taken to certain platforms and social media groups to make their voices heard about the soot palaver and the danger it poses if nothing is done. ‘is made.

Soot can be defined as a deep black powdery or fluffy substance made up largely of amorphous carbon produced by the incomplete combustion of organic material. It can also be said to be a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels, in particular coal. It is emitted by a variety of sources, including combustion coal for electricity or industrial fuel, manufacturing, petroleum refining and motor vehicles. Soot is released into the air as extremely small particles or liquid droplets.

It (soot) contains a number of pollutants, not only chemicals, but also acids, metals, soil and dust, which are suspended in the air after emission. Soot can come in a solid, liquid or gaseous state, but for the purposes of this piece I will limit myself to the “Powdered deep black” substance and its inherent dangers, effects and damage to human life and health.

Particulate pollution pose well harms public health, in particular because of its size. Due to the tiny nature of the particles, they can easily enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing damage in a number of ways.

According to a US government agency, EPA Environmental Protection Agency, with its headquarters in Washington DC said that “microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks and strokes, as well as acute bronchitis and worsened asthma in children. ”

For the American Lung Association, Pollution by respiratory particles can potentially cause “cancer and developmental and reproductive disorders”.

It was as a result of the above damage associated with soot that a defense group that bears the name Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative CQTI Through its National President, Chief Obiaruko Christy Ndukwe said: “Everyone who lives or sleeps in Rivers State, especially in and around Port Harcourt, daily inhales black soot, a dangerous by-product of illegal bunkering of oil and local refining of crude.

“In my next articles I will elucidate the side effects of this silent and slow killer that permeates the whole atmosphere.

“Despite several protests and appeals from civil society groups led by groups like Eugene Abels and others, both federal and state governments have remained silent while those predisposed to respiratory infections not excluding the Deadly Covid viruses are daily subject to slow death!

“It is high time that we push for a solution to this problem through better ways of engaging in the dynamic business of local refineries in order to save the atmosphere and, in turn, the masses.

“Not everyone can afford a humidifier, just as the majority don’t even know its importance.

#StopBlackSoot and #SaveRiversLives at the Citizens Quest for Truth initiative ”

The above situation calls for urgent affirmative action by the federal and state government to contain, stop and minimize to the lowest level all actions or activities such as illegal bunkering of oil and local refining of crude that give rise to soot emissions in Rivers State.

The adoption by the two governments of appropriate legislation that will ensure clean air, allow the construction of modular refineries, eliminate all forms of illegal bunkering of oil and local refining of crude will certainly be the right step in the process. right direction to deal with soot emissions. There is no better time to act if not now.

The health and life of every resident of Rivers State is important.

Nwaorgu Faustinus is a socio-political commentator, columnist, freelance writer, graduate in mass communication and contributor of opinions, articles and interviews to newspapers and online news platforms.