Written by Summary
In T&T, bush fires, rubbish burning, landfill fires, vehicular emissions and industrial activity all produce air pollution. Most people associate air pollution with only lung cancer. However, air pollution contributes to the development and causation of almost all other cancers. Cancer rates across T&T have skyrocketed in the past 10 years, and the one thing we all have in common is the polluted air we breathe.
The simple way this works, is that particles from the polluted air you breathe pass through your respiratory system and end up in your circulatory system or bloodstream. From here, these particles travel to various organs thoughout the body where they lodge themselves and can damage cell DNA casuing mutations and genomic instability. This harmful DNA damage, genomic instability and mutations are how we get cancer cells.
Trinidad and Tobago is highly insdustrialized, but more importantly it is rampant with various sources of air pollution that we the public produce. Rubbish burning, vehciular emissions and landfill fires, are the major sources of air pollution with T&T ranking in the top 10 most polluted countries in the world per capita by vaious sources such as the United Nations, WHO, EDF and numerous other world governing environmental bodies.
It continues to get worse as we make the health of citizens a low priority. Both citizens and our leaders are to blame as we lack proper regulation, enforcement and responsible action from all parties.
If something is not done immeadiately, we will continue to watch our loved ones suffering and dying from cancer and related diseases..
The Details
Regardless of your diet, lifestyle, genetic pre-dispositions and other environmental factors, the one thing we all have in common is the contaminated air we breathe. The toposphere of Triidad and Tobago is extremly polluted and it’s getting worse.
The result is our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers cousins and friends continue to brethe polluted air and devlop various cancer and related diseases. Have you even heard medical say thet don’t know the exact cause of you cancer or illness or give a very vague answer? It’s not their fault, many of just don’t know exactly how harmful the air we breathe is. it only gets worse if there is pollution next to you. a neighbour a burn pit etc…. dying of cancers and related diseases, which many times are detected late.
Sources of Air Pollution in Trinidad and Tobago
Most of the air pollution that we the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are exposed to on a daily basis comes from:
- Rubbish Burning (extremely toxic and deadly with direct cancer links)
- Vehicular Emissions (Diesel is especially dangerous with direct cancer links)
- Bush Fires (Slash and Burn Agriculture with direct cancer links)
- Landfill fires (The death of entire surrounding communities)
- Industrial emissions (The death of entire nations. Our small island republic is one of the most heavily industrialised and polluted countries per capita in the world)
All of these activities produce a variety of carcinogenic and toxic compounds e.g. arsenics, dioxins, furans, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and polycyclic organic matter (POMs).
Industrial activity while a serious factor, contributes more to the pollution of the ambient air quality of the toposphere, in contrast to the proximate and concentrated sources mentioned above.
These have contributed to an almost exponential increase in cancer rates in T&T in the past 15 years and the situation continues to grow worse.
There are few, superficial and ineffective measures (if any) put in place by administrative bodies or us as citizens to put a stop to this.
How Air Pollution impacts Health in both the Short and Long Term
How is Air Pollution currentlly Managed and Treated in T&T?
stakeholder breakdown with hyperlink to detailed articles
How can we Stop and Reduce Air Pollution in T&T
A Note on the Environemntal Health of Trinidad and Tobago
While Indutrial activity in Trinidad and Tobago certainly contributes to Air pollution, the air the public breathes is mainly contaminated by Illegal Burning (Agriculture and Rubbish Fires) and Traffic Exhaust (Vehicle Fumes especially diesel).
From a govermental point of view they ahve prioritized and focused on the state of the economy rather than the health of the citizenry this guides policy making or lack thereof. At a state level there is a cIn TnT there seems to be a culture among all state agencies to ardently and bueaurcraticaaly operate within archaic legislation that has in most cases not been significantly updated for generations. As a result it is easy for an agency to reference legilation and insist any further action fall out of their mandate. there is also little or no inter-agency colabboration or projects. Platform needed.(Continuous assment and ammends must occur by the legislative arms in governemtn to protect the health and welfare of citizensto transfer blame and
Title: The Silent Threat: Unveiling the Link Between Air Pollution and Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago
Introduction:
Air pollution is a pervasive global issue with severe consequences for public health. In recent years, an increasing body of evidence has highlighted the alarming link between air pollution and various forms of cancer. This article delves into the specific connection between air pollution and cancer, focusing on Trinidad and Tobago, where the impacts of air pollution on public health have gained prominence.
Air Pollution and Cancer: A Global Perspective
Numerous studies conducted worldwide have established a compelling association between exposure to air pollution and an elevated risk of developing cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified several air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), as Group 1 human carcinogens.
Key Studies and Findings:
Research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the WHO, has identified specific pollutants linked to cancer incidence. For example, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to lung cancer, while nitrogen dioxide exposure has been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Trinidad and Tobago: A Microcosm of Air Pollution Challenges
Trinidad and Tobago, nestled in the Caribbean, is not immune to the detrimental effects of air pollution. Urbanization, industrialization, and transportation contribute to elevated pollution levels, posing a significant threat to the health of the population.
Air Pollution Statistics in Trinidad and Tobago:
- According to the Trinidad and Tobago Air Quality Monitoring Network, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 often exceed the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating a potential health risk.
- The petrochemical industry, a major economic driver in the region, emits pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfur dioxide, contributing to the air pollution burden.
Linking Air Pollution to Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Lung Cancer:
- Studies have shown a clear association between long-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 and an increased risk of lung cancer. In Trinidad and Tobago, where industrial activities are prevalent, residents in proximity to industrial zones face a heightened risk.
- Bladder Cancer:
- Nitrogen dioxide, a common pollutant from vehicular emissions, has been linked to bladder cancer. Given the high density of traffic in urban areas like Port of Spain, residents face prolonged exposure to this carcinogenic gas.
- Breast Cancer:
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between air pollution and breast cancer. The presence of pollutants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, in the environment may contribute to the development of breast cancer in susceptible individuals.
Addressing the Issue:
- Regulatory Measures:
- Trinidad and Tobago should implement and strengthen regulations to control emissions from industrial sources, enforcing stricter limits on pollutants to protect public health.
- Promoting Sustainable Transportation:
- Encouraging the use of public transport and adopting eco-friendly vehicles can help reduce vehicular emissions and mitigate the impact of air pollution.
- Public Awareness and Health Initiatives:
- Raising awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution and promoting a healthy lifestyle can empower individuals to take steps to minimize their exposure.
Conclusion:
The link between air pollution and cancer is a sobering reality, and Trinidad and Tobago is not exempt from this global health concern. As the nation strives for economic development, it must simultaneously prioritize the health of its citizens by adopting comprehensive strategies to curb air pollution. Through regulatory measures, sustainable practices, and public awareness initiatives, Trinidad and Tobago can pave the way towards a healthier and cleaner environment for its people.