On the 9th of February, 2017. One of Rivers State finest environmental activist and propagator of a clean Niger Delta Region, Sir Celestine Akpobari was on air to discuss the Health Hazard termed "The black soot", it's harmful effects on Rivers People and the preventive measures.
Like the preventable incidents of oil spills on the surface of the environment, which can be harmful when in contact with the skin, consumable aquatic life and prolonged inhalation of the waste oil fume into the lungs. The black soot is in a different region of hierarchy of destructive health hazard.
Sir, Celestine Akpobari, was of the opinion that, though the word "soot" sounds so simple and harmless. To some Rivers People, it conjures up images of campfires, illegal local refineries and perhaps a burning of combustibles. In the simple sense of it, soot is anything but simple and is certainly not harmless.
Having done thorough research on this health menace, soot includes the fine black particles, chiefly composed of carbon, produced by incomplete combustion of coal, oil, wood, or other sources of fuels. Sir Celestine took time to explain that, soot can consist of acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The common trait of soot particles is that they are extremely tiny - 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. According to the environmentalist, this is smaller than dust and mold, and about 1/30 the diameter of a human hair. This combination - extremely small size and toxic composition, is what makes soot so dangerous.
He said the harmful hazard can travel deep into the lung, where the compounds can cause very serious damage. Soot can also negatively impact indoor air quality, excessive use of candles in an indoor environment can lead to a building of soot.
RISKS- Health and Environment composition from soot - Sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides combine with moisture to form acid rain, which worsens water quality, damages soil and crops and changes nutrients balances in various ecosystems.
Breathing the tiny particles can cause coronary heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, and many other respiratory illnesses.
Sir Akpobari, further cautioned that, persistent exposure to soot inhalation can cause premature death. He recommended that Governors in the Niger Delta Region should as matter of urgent public health protection, liaise with relevant agencies to monitor and dislodge the activities of illegal refineries as it is the root cause of massive soot in our atmosphere. People should be mindful of exposed drinks, water, food and other consumables.
He finally urged the Rivers State Government to synergize with the Federal Ministry of Environment for possible containment measures.
Thank you, sir Celestine Akpobari.
~ Rowland Orlu wrote from Port Harcourt
