Improper use of chemicals can pose real danger

Manama 

 A United Nations official yesterday stressed the need for strict regulations in importing certain organically persistent chemicals to ensure safety of citizens and residents.

 Speaking to DT News on the sidelines of the Fourth National Workshop on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) held at a hotel here in Manama, representative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Dr. Abdulellah Al Wadaee said Bahrain is currently safe in chemical waste management, but if not properly regulated, it could cause numerous health hazards.

 “Some chemicals stay in the environment for years, and sometimes they get mixed with seawater. It gets inside fish, and enters humans, when they consume the fish,” said Dr Al Wadaee explaining the possibility of threat. 

 “UN has classified chemicals based on its risk. The classification include explosives, intoxicants, flammable and very dangerous. UN is extremely keen to offer support, especially to the developing countries for the sound management of chemicals,” he added.

 He said threat on Bahrain can never be confirmed till the sea water is analysed as per the standards set by the World Health Organisation. “The sea is generally safe, but it needs to be continuously monitored,” he said.

 Chief Executive Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) Dr Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina told DT News the Government of Bahrain has a very comprehensive national legislation for the use of such chemicals.

 “Factories that do not have proper waste-management facilities are allowed to run here. Also, we are studying different types of chemical wastes to identify which of them are hazardous to human health,” added Dr Daina.

 He also stressed the need for the private and public sector to work together to save the environment.

 Head of Recycling and Waste Treatment Unit Abdul Karim H. Rashed said they give maximum care to ensure no one is harmed by the side effects of chemicals – right from its production to disposal.

 “We have become so dependent on chemicals that we cannot stop using it. But we can properly manage it and keep risk under control,” he said.