The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 13 Winter 2015 Low res | Page 7

Cleaner air Leave the By Dr Lisa Marabini leaves be Carbon monoxide, is an invisible gas that results from incomplete combustion in burning leaf piles. Carbon monoxide is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and combines with red blood cells. This reduces the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb and supply to body tissues. Unborn children, newborn infants, smokers, the elderly, and persons with heart and chronic lung disease are the most susceptible to carbon monoxide. Additionally, burning organic matter also releases carbon dioxide into the air which can contribute to global warming and climate change. r ea p ex s ce ! rien e 5% discoun vouchert 25 Autumn is here, the leaves are falling and already an alarming number of illegal residential leafy bonfires are being set. Choking on an inconsiderate neighbour’s leaf smoke is more than just an irritation: it can pose serious health risks. The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons (similar to those found in tobacco smoke), which contain a number of toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, as well as carbon monoxide. The particulate matter consists of tiny particles that can reach the deepest regions of the lung and remain there for months. Breathing particulate matter can increase the chances of respiratory infection, reduce the volume of air inhaled and impair the lungs’ ability to use that air. Particulate matter can also trigger asthma attacks. y Good air quality is everyone’s responsibility - avoid polluting the air this winter and start composting! paint specialists Stockists of Dulux, Plascon and Astra Paints colour matching/tinting paint accessories free quotations Dulux trained painters Tel. [phone]. Cell: 0772 340 917 Email: [email protected] Because leaves are often moist and burn without proper air circulation (those insidious smouldering fires that last all night!), they often burn poorly, producing high levels of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are chemicals that can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and can cause cancer in the long term. We need to take protecting our air quality seriously. There are 7 billion people that we share this planet with, and we each need to make sure we are not part of the problem - don’t be afraid of educating your neighbours on the impacts! The eco-friendly alternative of disposing leaves is to make compost. Use the compost to enrich your soil - your plants will love it. Burning leaves is illegal! You could be fined heavily by EMA (Environmental Management Agency). 7