Air pollution is becoming an increasing concern among the residents of Randfontein,
Residents of Helikon Park are worried that their chances of contracting cancer, asthma, and various forms of respiratory disease, or of developing an hormonal imbalance are being increased by the ever-burning, ever-smoking Randfontein dump site. The trail of smoke covers the entire Helikon Park area.
In the early morning, the smoke from the dumpster obscures the rising sun with a red haze which, although picturesque, is extremely worrying.
Louda Ras, resident of Helikon Park says the dump site also smells of dangerous toxins. “It doesn’t smell like burning grass, it smells more like plastic and rubbish,” she said. Other parts of Randfontein are also affected by the smoke, and residents of Greenhills have reported a strange toxic smell as well.
Carina Harkin, a natural scientist with eleven years’ experience in the field said burning plastic can lead to respiratory disease and ultimately cancer. “When PVC is burnt, it releases carbon monoxide, dioxins and furans, which studies have shown are all linked to the development of cancers and respiratory diseases,” she said.
She said further that smoke from burning rubbish can cause asthma and hormonal imbalances in humans as well as animals. Carina also says that inhaling these toxins causes exceptionally low sperm counts in males compared to previous generations – between 1979 and 1991, the number of cases of testicular cancer increased by 55 per cent.
The ash that is left after plastic is burnt is also hazardous and should not be dug into or spread on the ground.
“Plastic should never be burnt in the open air,” said Carina. “There are recycling options available for many of these products.”
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