BAHRAIN’s industries have been urged to minimise the quantities of waste they generate – either by recycling, reusing it or exporting it.
An expert blamed waste for causing a reduction in immunity and a prevalence of disease, as well as fevers, respiratory infections (including asthma and sinus congestions), skin rashes, eye and nose irritations, fatigue and drowsiness.
The message was delivered by senior environmental specialist at the Environmental Control Directorate of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, Rehan Ahmed.
He highlighted the environmental impact of waste storage, collection, transportation, disposal, treatment and recycling in a paper presented on the last day of a major conference. These included pollution of soil, air and water resources, as well as foul odours due to decomposition and disposal of waste.
The fifth speciality conference and exhibition on Environmental Progress in Oil and Petrochemical Industries (Enviro Arabia 2007), organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE), took place at the Gulf Hotel’s Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre last week.
Mr Ahmed said the health impact of waste was mostly occupational in nature.
He added that the commission was constantly striving to efficiently manage and monitor industrial waste generated in the country.