Burning dried leaves harmful, severely fined - Moldovan authorities say

Chisinau, 12 October /MOLDPRES/- The Environment Agency warns people to avoid burning leaves and waste, noting that this process intensely pollutes the air, is harmful to health and is severely sanctioned by the authorities.

In recent weeks, with the arrival of autumn, there are more and more common actions of burning the leaves. Several studies have shown the harmful effects of burning leaves on health, with about a third of periodic air quality measurements in October indicating exceeding the standards for the level of harmful particles and carbon monoxide.

In many communities, locals often burn household waste along with yellowed leaves, which results in significant amounts of carbon monoxide, harmful particles, heavy metals, toxic chemicals such as dioxins and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in the air. "But let's not forget that such burns can also cause fires of large proportions that can spread over very large territories," say specialists.

At the same time, farmers say that dried leaves can be useful after being composted and used as fertilizer or for mulching the soil.

Individuals who will burn leaves, other dry vegetation and household waste are fined from 600 to 1,200 lei, or with unpaid work for the benefit of the community for up to 60 hours, and legal entities are fined in the amount of at 4,500 to 9,000 lei.

Photo: observatorul.md