An environmental expert has warned against the rising practice of burning used tyres by youths in northern Nigeria to recover metal wires for sale, saying the activity poses serious health and environmental risks.

The concerns followed findings from a survey conducted by African Climate Reporters, which revealed that the practice had become a source of livelihood for some young people operating in and around informal waste disposal sites.

A tyre is an essential component of a vehicle, a rubber or synthetic rubber covering, typically inflated or surrounding an inflated inner tube, placed round a wheel to form soft contact with the road.

The Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters, Ibrahima Yakubu,  said the survey showed that many youths burn discarded tyres to extract steel wires, which are subsequently sold in local markets for income.

According to him, some of the recovered wires are purchased by traders and households for various domestic uses, including cooking.

Mr Yakubu, who is also a lecturer in science and environmental studies at the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, said the increasing trend was largely driven by poverty and lack of economic opportunities among young people in affected communities.

He added that burning tyres release toxic substances that endanger both those involved in the activity and residents living nearby.

He explained that tyre combustion emits hazardous pollutants and fine particulate matter capable of penetrating into the lungs and bloodstream.

He said children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly persons, asthma patients and individuals with weakened immune systems were particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of such emissions.

“Exposure to fine particulate matter has been linked to respiratory illnesses, aggravated asthma conditions and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,” he said.

The environmental expert noted that tyres were not designed for combustion and contain several hazardous substances, including extender oils derived from benzene, styrene and 1,3-butadiene.

He said the chemicals had been associated with serious health concerns, including suspected carcinogenic effects.

He further warned that toxins attached to fine particulate matter could accumulate in the body over time, resulting in chronic respiratory complications.

He noted that tyre-derived emissions could also contaminate soil, water and air quality, thereby posing long-term environmental challenges for communities.

He, therefore, urged government agencies, environmental regulators, civil society organisations and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers associated with tyre burning.

He also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities and discourage them from engaging in practices that threaten their health and the environment.

Mr Yakubu stressed the need for sustainable waste management systems and alternative livelihood opportunities to reduce dependence on hazardous activities among young people.

Some of the youths interviewed during the survey said the activity provided them with a means of survival and a source of daily income.

One of the respondents, whose identity was withheld, said he was unaware of the health implications of tyre burning.

“I did not know that the smoke from burning tyres could be harmful to my health and the environment. Now that I know, I will stop the practice,” he said.

(NAN)