Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (Hap) Emissions from Open Burning of Used (Scrap) Tires as Fuel for Dressing of Meat in Benue State Nigeria:A Serious Threat to Human Health

Abstract

Emissions  from combustion of scrap tires used as fuel for meat dressing were detected with the use of hand held gas detector meter, the  RI  VOC Meter extremely sensitive and capable of detecting contamination at 0.1ppm levels..The   substances detected at weekly intervals for 3 weeks were carbon monoxide 15 minutes short term exposure limits STEL was a maximum of 100 ppm  sulfur dioxide15 minutes   STEL   7 ppm   styrene STEL exposure 130 ppm   butadiene 15 minutes   STEL exposure 12 ppm  furans 15 minutes l STEL exposure 8.1 ppm

and other  waste materials that could not be detected and those usually often left on site. These can cause contamination directly and indirectly to the meat source,  to the river waters nearby as well as the land on which the tires are combusted . This scenario of cleaning of animals skins by roasting  preparatory for sales in abattoirs    is what is prevalent in Benue State  Nigeria and its environs  Emissions from an open tire fire can represent significant acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health hazard  to those living   nearby depending on the length and degree of exposure, these health effects could include irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, respiratory effects, central nervous system depression, and even cancer..

Keywords: Durability,  flexible , Bi-products ,Short-term , Emissions.