Sachets of plastic pose a danger to the lives of Sierra Leoneans

By Abdul Rahman Bah

It’s heartbreaking to realize the detrimental impact of plastic sachets on the lives of Sierra Leoneans. The use of plastic sachets for packaging water and beverages in Sierra Leone presents significant health risks that cannot be overlooked. These dangers are further compounded by inadequate waste management, environmental factors, and the widespread reliance on sachet water for daily hydration. It’s imperative to address the critical health hazards associated with plastic sachets in Sierra Leone:

Chemical Leaching and Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Plastic sachets can release harmful chemicals such as BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates into the water when exposed to heat or stored for extended periods. These chemicals have the potential to disrupt endocrine functions, leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of cancers.

Toxic Additives: Low-quality plastics used in sachets may contain additives that contaminate the water with toxins when broken down, leading to health problems such as hormonal imbalances and other chronic conditions.

Microplastic Ingestion: As plastic sachets degrade, they may release microplastics into the water, causing long-term health consequences such as inflammation, tissue damage, and exposure to harmful chemicals carried by the microplastics.

Cumulative Health Impact: Ingested microplastics can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to metabolic disorders and immune system disruptions.

Contaminated Water and Unsanitary Production: Water inside plastic sachets may not always be treated or purified to safe drinking standards, introducing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens into the water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Poor storage conditions, exposure to sunlight, and heat can affect the quality of the plastic sachet and the water inside it, leading to chemical breakdowns and microbial contamination.

Spread of Mosquito-borne Diseases: Discarded sachets that accumulate in the environment can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, posing significant public health challenges in Sierra Leone.

Blocked Drainage and Stagnant Water: Clogged drainage systems caused by discarded plastic sachets contribute to the pooling of stagnant water in urban areas, further increasing the spread of these diseases.

Air Pollution from Burning Plastic: The burning of plastic sachets releases toxic fumes, including dioxins, furans, and other harmful chemicals, leading to respiratory issues and other chronic health problems. Communities in both urban and rural areas are exposed to these toxic fumes, degrading the overall air quality and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases.

Contributing to Malnutrition: Plastic sachets contaminating soil and water sources affect the quality of agricultural products and marine life, indirectly contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition.

Increased Healthcare Burden: The health risks posed by plastic sachets place an additional burden on Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, diverting critical resources from other pressing healthcare needs.

Community Health Risks and Improper Disposal: Improper disposal of plastic sachets leads to unsanitary conditions in public spaces, contributing to the spread of diseases in crowded areas, especially during the rainy season.

In conclusion, urgent and sustainable solutions are needed to address the multi-faceted health hazards associated with plastic sachets in Sierra Leone and to mitigate their impact on public health and the environment. It’s crucial to work together to find compassionate and effective ways to tackle this issue and protect the well-being of the people of Sierra Leone.