Residents raise alarm as Nairobi West Hospital’s Incinerator plan raises environmental worries

Residents raise alarm as Nairobi West Hospital’s Incinerator plan raises environmental worries

Nairobi, Kenya – Alarm has been raised by residents surrounding Nairobi West Hospital following the announcement of their plan to install a medical waste incinerator on their premises. Concerns regarding the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with the project have been vocalized.

Nairobi West Hospital’s decision to address its medical waste disposal needs through incineration has sparked controversy. Many residents express skepticism about the project’s feasibility and safety measures.

Environmental Impact Concerns:

The process of medical waste incineration releases hazardous pollutants into the air. These pollutants pose significant environmental and health risks. Concerns raised by residents include:

• Air pollution: Toxic fumes and chemicals emitted during the incineration process can contaminate the air, leading to respiratory and other health problems.
• Greenhouse gases: Incineration generates greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to climate change.
• Ash disposal: The disposal of incineration ash raises additional environmental concerns. Improper management can lead to soil and water pollution.
• Lack of public participation: The process of planning and executing the project appears to have lacked adequate public consultation and involvement.

Health Concerns:

Beyond environmental worries, the project raises questions about its impact on human health. Residents express concern over:

• Increased air pollution leading to breathing difficulties, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
• Potential exposure to harmful chemicals released during the process.
• Lack of transparency regarding the safety measures and pollutants’ management.

Community Concerns and Demand for Alternatives:

Local residents urge the hospital to explore alternative and sustainable waste management solutions such as:

• Medical waste reduction: Implementing measures to minimize the amount of waste produced.
• Biomedical waste composting: Turning waste into valuable organic fertilizer.
• Rendering and recycling: Converting medical plastics and sharps into usable materials.
• Incineration only as a last resort: Considering only incineration when other options are not viable.

Call for Environmental Impact Assessment:

Activists and local representatives urge Nairobi West Hospital to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed project before proceeding. The assessment should include air quality monitoring and modeling, greenhouse gas emission calculations, and detailed waste management plans.

FAQs

1. What is Nairobi West Hospital’s rationale for installing the incinerator?

The hospital aims to address the safe and hygienic disposal of medical waste.

2. What specific environmental and health regulations will be followed?

The hospital must comply with all applicable environmental regulations and obtain necessary permits.

3. What measures are being taken to mitigate air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions?

Details on the pollution control and mitigation measures are not publicly available.

4 Künji Nyang’a, a local environmental activist, urges the hospital to "explore every possible avenue to minimize the environmental footprint of this project."