Abattoir Waste Could Be Putting Public Health at Risk

(Abattoir Waste. Photo by Environews Nigeria)

Improper disposal of abattoir waste poses serious dangers to public health, the environment and climate, according to an environmental expert at Kaduna Polytechnic.

Mrs Halima Haruna said untreated waste from slaughterhouses can expose residents to cancer risks, heavy metal poisoning and long-term health complications.

Abattoir pollution thrives on poor awareness and weak enforcement, Haruna said, urging the media to investigate, educate the public and push for accountability.

Heavy metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, zinc and copper can contaminate soil around poorly managed abattoirs.

Open burning of waste contributes to poor air quality while untreated effluent contaminates water sources.

But the expert said effective waste management could turn the problem into economic opportunities.

Slaughterhouse waste can be processed into biogas, converted to power through methane-to-power projects, turned into compost or sold as carbon credits.

Haruna called on governments to relocate abattoirs away from densely populated areas and strengthen enforcement of environmental rules.

She urged environmental agencies, scientists and medical researchers to work together monitoring pollution-related health risks.

Traditional rulers, community leaders and religious institutions should intensify public awareness on proper waste disposal and environmental health, she added.