Dear MEL Topic Readers, New Delhi chokes as trash mountain fire spreads hazardous fumes
A landfill is a designated area where waste materials are disposed of
by burying them under layers of soil or just piling up on the ground. It is the
most common form of waste disposal. In India, there are over 3,000 landfill
sites across the country, which combined release over 14% of the nation’s
total methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to
climate change. Methane could cause asthma and increase the risk of stroke as
well. Also, liquid from waste materials in landfills can contain harmful
chemicals and pollutants, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. Once the
soil is contaminated with hazardous substances, it makes the land unsuitable
for use. Last month, New Delhi’s largest landfill burst into flames, causing
heat, methane emissions, and a thick and pungent haze over the capital. In
nearby communities, people suffer from poisonous gases, strong odors, and soaring
heat. Since chemical reactions could cause dangerous fumes or fires, it is essential
to sort and treat garbage before they go into a landfill.
Read the article and learn about what could happen if a landfill caught
a fire.
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