A report by the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD), has shown that a sample of free-range chicken eggs near dumpsites and plastic waste recycling yards contained high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are not biodegradable.
According to experts, the contaminated eggs are from chicken that scavenge in dumpsites and recycling areas leaving people who physically live around dumpsites exposed harmful chemicals.
The open burning of plastic waste according to environmental experts, releases furans and dioxins chemicals into the soil, air and water. The free-range chicken feed on plants that grow in such environments and the eggs they lay have high POPs content.
According to the report, the eggs showed very high concentrations of POPs chemicals that are as much as 111 times higher than the EU regulatory limits for dioxins, plus dioxin-like PCBs.
Scientists maintain that the open burning of waste should be prohibited due to the risk plastic chemicals pose to the human health as highly toxic chemicals from plastic waste contaminate the food chain products.
With POPs capable of being moved by air, residents across major urban towns are exposed to many toxics.
