1st Report

1. Introduction Open burning is any outdoor fire or smoke producing process that sends contaminants directly into the outdoor air. This includes a fire on the ground or in a burning barrel, with or without a screen over it. In this project, we have chosen to solve the community problem of the open burning of garbage and rubbish. We will attempt to take some stages to show this community problem.

1.1. Garbage is animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the processing and cooking of food and other putrescible material (material that could be composted). 1.2. Rubbish includes waste material such as paper and paper products, rags, furniture, cans, plastics, chemicals, tires, junk, salvaged materials, trees, branches, garden debris, etc.

2. Why Do People Open Burn? The problem of open burning in Brunei have increased in recent years This is because recycling and proper waste disposal may be less convenient to those people staying in many parts of the rural areas. It has also been the traditional method of disposing garbage by the people in Brunei.

3. Why Is Open Burning A Concern?

Many people in Brunei still use on site disposal methods like "backyard burning" to dispose of their household wastes. A large percentage of Brunei's municipal solid waste is still managed in this way. Backyard burning results in very high levels of toxic chemicals emitted in the smoke. Compared to proper municipal incinerators like in other countries, open burning takes place at much lower temperatures, with virtually no combustion air control and with none of the very expensive high-tech pollution filtering apparatus required before the incinerator stack.

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Open fires are very inefficient because the temperature and mixing of the gases are not controlled. These inefficient conditions create lots of smoke and toxins. Burning of plastics, treated paper, and other rubbish emits hazardous metals (lead, cadmium, chromium) and toxic chemicals (dioxin, diisocyanate). These substances are in the smoke, but are themselves invisible (Tompkins County Health Department, 2006). Open burning contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate pollution. Ozone and particles are harmful pollutants that damage human health, vegetation and buildings. Furthermore, ozone is also a powerful oxidizing agent that causes bleaching and deterioration of many textiles and building materials. Outdoor burning often exposes surrounding property to fire hazard. When an individual burn rubbish in burning barrels or open piles, the potential cost to his or her health, home, neighbors and environment far exceeds the price of adequate collection services. People should protect themselves, their neighbors and wallet by knowing the rules.

4. Health Concerns Among the environmental and health risks posed by residential garbage burning, dioxin (from plastic) is the key concern. Dioxin is a potent human carcinogen that is especially harmful for pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Dioxin is also an endocrine disrupter and can cause reproductive, developmental, and immunological problems in humans and animals (http://www.moea.state.mn.us/reduce/burnbarrel.cfm). The air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems, and eye irritation. The visible smoke is composed of tiny particles that contain toxic pollutants. If inhaled, these microscopic particles can reach deep into the lungs and remain there for months or even years. Breathing particulate matter increases the chances of respiratory infection, and causes other problems such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, prevents oxygen from being absorbed by the blood and lungs. Carbon monoxide can be especially dangerous for young children with immature lungs, the elderly, and people with chronic heart conditions or lung diseases (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental

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Control, 2000). Other air pollutants from open burning include particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury. These pollutants have been linked to several health problems, including asthma, respiratory illnesses, nervous system damage, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive or developmental disorders (OhioEPA).

5. What Have Been Done So Far From the experience Brunei Darussalam gained in implementing and realising zero burning policy, the following factors are considered fundamental in achieving success. a)

Strict enforcement of zero burning regulations

b)

Constant surveillance on open burning

c)

Effective public awareness campaign

d)

Effective communication and information networks

e)

Coordinated and integrated fire fighting teams

f)

Adequate fire fighting resources

5.2. Ban On Open Burning With the onslaught of a critical haze situation blanketing the region, 4th April 1998 was declared as the commencement date of the prescribed period during which open burning was prohibited throughout the country (ASEAN, 1999). A public awareness campaign was also initiated through television and radio program, documentary, leaflets, newspapers and exhibitions. Community leaders at village level were also informed about the ill effects of open burning and about the imposed ban on open burning. This was made to secure public support and cooperation. A programme to promote the use of zero burning technology/techniques is recycling and reuse of biomass wastes through composting is also being pursued. This is shown in the leaflet on the final page of this report. Among the procedures used to enforce the prohibition of open burning activities and reduction of emissions from activities that emits dust and smoke in the event of a haze episode are as follows.

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Offenders approached by Royal Brunei Police

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Through administrative orders (see appendix 3)

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