In Dominican Republic the incineration of drugs should, in theory, comply with the Law 64-00 about Environment and Natural Resources, which protects the environment and the health public by establishing standards for air quality and hazardous waste management.
In practice, however, the burning Drug control takes place every Thursday outdoors, in the back of the 16 de Agosto Military Camp, in the Pedro Brand municipality, in a rural area surrounded by residences.
The weekly process consists of applying gasoline to drugs and burn them together. The people present barely use masks simple, which do not offer effective protection against toxins released during incinerationcould see Free Diary.
The Law 50-88 about the control of narcotic substances establishes procedures for the destruction of drugs, but the implementation of environmental regulations is less rigorous compared to other countries. This gives rise to practices that do not always meet environmental protection standards.
In countries like USAColombia and Peru, the burning of drugs is carried out in incinerators closed specialized facilities, which comply with environmental regulations, guaranteeing less impact and greater safety for the people involved.
Impacts on the health
When consulted by Free Diary, pulmonologists They warned that the incineration of illicit substances can release toxic compounds harmful not only for those who participate in the burningbut also for the surrounding communities.
Furthermore, they stated that inhalation of smoke and chemicals increases the risk of respiratory diseases.
He pulmonologist Emil Jorge Manzur pointed out that, during the process of incinerationshould be used masks with N95 or R95 particulate filters, since exposure to smoke may aggravate conditions in patients with chronic lung diseases.
The doctor recommended that the authorities monitor the temperature of the burninguse incinerators certificates and ensure adequate protection for the people involved.
“In other countries it is supposed to be done in controlled incinerators, which operate at a specific temperature to handle it appropriately. What happens? Obviously, exposure to those vapors and fumes, depending on the temperature at which it is burning, “could cause respiratory symptoms in exposed people”Pulmonologist
The doctor Ana MarÃa RodrÃguez added that the incineration inadequate can release toxic pollutantssuch as fine particles and volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to the health.
RodrÃguez, a specialist in pulmonology, recommended that health authorities perform risk assessments, that measure short- and long-term impacts.
Community opinions
Maria Guzman66 years old, resident in the Aguas Vivas neighborhood, in front of the military camp, related that the exhibition of the smoke has damaged his health. “It’s really bothering us a lot. Sometimes everything gets cloudy and dark because of so much smoke“he commented
Jose Luis Mora80, also explained that he faces respiratory problems. “That causes us respiratory diseases All the time, we have a flu that won’t go away, and we can’t find anyone to complain to,” he said.
Denni Santana Lopeza motoconchista who stops in front of the camp, mentions that, although it does not bother him personally, he understands that the smoke could affect the health of the children and elderly of the community
“Sometimes the smell is very strong and could cause problems with health in the lungs,” he considered.
Environmentalist criticizes him
He environmentalist Luis Carvajal emphasized that the burning of chemicals that can generate toxic substances It should not be done outdoors. He stressed that it is important to control the temperature during the process and that just one affected person is enough for measures to be taken.
