Waste sent to Adana from Europe increases carcinogenic substances: 400,000 times the normal level

Nihan Temiz Ataş, Biodiversity Project Leader at Greenpeace Mediterranean, stated that they conducted research revealing the environmental and health impacts of imported plastic waste in Adana. 

Speaking to Melek Eliş from 9.Köy, Ataş said, “As Greenpeace Turkey, we conducted a detailed scientific study by taking soil and water samples from areas where plastic waste, mostly imported from the UK and European Union countries, is illegally dumped and burned in the open within the borders of Adana province. We reached striking data in the research report.”

TOXIC CHEMICALS OVER A VERY WIDE AREA

Explaining the results of the research, Ataş stated that soil, ash, and riverbed sludge samples taken from the Çukurova Karahan, Seyhan-Kuyumcular, Yenidam, and Yüreğir/İncirlik regions of Adana contained a very wide range of toxic chemicals produced during the burning of plastics. Stating that dioxins and furans, known to cause serious health problems such as cancer, were found in the soil and ash samples taken, Ataş warned, “The amount of dioxin and furan detected in Adana is 400,000 times that of an uncontaminated soil sample and is the highest toxic level reported in soil in Turkey to date.”

GREAT DANGER FOR CHILDREN

Ataş stated that among the critical findings in the report, the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), which have negative effects on hormonal systems, were 30,000 times higher than the control soil sample. She also said that lead was found at levels high enough to cause nervous system and learning problems in children, and that the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was 35 times higher than the control soil sample.

Ataş said, “Dioxins and furans tend to accumulate at high rates in animal and human bodies, and even very small concentrations of dioxin can cause significant side effects on environmental and human health. Especially since we know that illegal plastic waste burning activities in Adana take place near agricultural lands, irrigation canals, and residential areas, we are concerned about the risks of such a high rate to human and environmental health.”

"THERE IS NO DECLINE IN THE AMOUNT OF PLASTIC WASTE"

Ataş drew attention to the increase in the amount of imported waste with these words; “Turkey has maintained its first place among countries importing plastic waste from Europe in recent years. Since waste imports have increased 196-fold since 2004, we demand that the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization put an end to this situation. Although a decrease was observed for a certain period, this may be due to a global decline. However, sending countries and importers find a way for plastics that cannot be recycled to enter our country without a complete ban. As can be seen from various data sources, there is no trend-based decline in the amount of plastic waste coming to Turkey.”

40 THOUSAND TONS OF WASTE EVERY MONTH

“In general, an import volume of approximately 40 thousand tons per month continues, and these are only the data from sources we can see legally. I would also like to add the inconsistency of the sources and the fact that it is reported low in some sources. According to the table, among the UK and European Union countries, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have continued to be the main developed countries sending us their waste, especially for the last four years.”

Stating that as Greenpeace Mediterranean, they are working to ensure their demands are heard in the Global Plastics Treaty, which includes waste imports and aims to reduce plastic production by 75 percent by 2040, Ataş stated that they invite everyone to support the campaign on this issue. Ataş said that they have reached 217,232 signatures so far.

Dr. Özden Polatöz

“IT MAKES ADANA'S AIR DANGEROUS"

Emphasizing the dangers of imported waste to public health, Adana Medical Chamber President Dr. Özden Polatöz said, “The spread of the trade in imported waste and Adana becoming a center for this can lead to very dangerous consequences. The toxic gases released during the burning of this waste make Adana's air dangerous.” Polatöz stated that the toxic gases released by the burning of imported waste can lead to respiratory system diseases and types of cancer. She said that the risk of lung cancer is particularly high and that these substances negatively affect the respiratory system, lungs, bladder, and other organs.

“IT SHORTENS LIFE EXPECTANCY"

Adana Medical Chamber President Dr. Polatöz also drew attention to the effects of imported waste on sensitive groups such as children and the elderly. “These substances accumulate in children's bones and impair growth and development. It also shortens life expectancy,” she said, stating that these groups should be protected with special measures.

Dr. Polatöz said, “There is a more serious problem before these wastes mix with the city water. Since water pipes are made of asbestos, this is a separate danger. In addition, it poses great risks if it mixes with spring water and the city network.”

Stating, “Our Adana Medical Chamber Environment Commission is very active on this issue. We make various suggestions to the Ministry and the directorate, and we share these negative parts on behalf of our chamber in the courts,” Dr. Polatöz emphasized that the entry of imported waste into Turkey should be prevented and urgent scientific research should be conducted.

Yaşar Gökoğlu

“IT IS SPREADING INTO THE ATMOSPHERE WE BREATHE"

Stating that Turkey is the second largest in Europe in plastic production, Adana Ecology Association representative Yaşar Gökoğlu said, “As if our own plastic waste were not enough, Turkey has been importing half of Europe's plastic waste every year since 2018. Very little of this imported plastic waste can be recycled; the rest is dumped indiscriminately into streams, forests, and soil, or burned, spreading the toxic substances within it into the atmosphere we breathe, poisoning the soil and water. The one most affected by this negative situation is Adana. Increasing plastic raw material production means increasing plastic consumption and therefore the amount of plastic waste. This is a step that threatens our lives, our nature, and the ecology. A point that should not be forgotten is that plastic recycling is ultimately not possible. Even the ten percent of plastics that are recycled will eventually end up among plastic waste one day.”

“IT WILL BE OPENED FOR SIGNATURE BY THE END OF THE YEAR"

Stating that plastic waste poses a major threat worldwide, Gökoğlu said: “Plastic production, which has increased especially after the Second World War, is pushing all boundaries. Oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, and soil are filled with plastic waste. Plastic, which is a petroleum product, takes many years to decompose in nature and does not disappear; it threatens living things in the form of small particles called microplastics. It was recently documented by medical circles that microplastics are found in human blood and lungs. The United Nations reached an agreement at a meeting held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, at the beginning of 2022 with representatives of 167 countries to impose restrictions on the production and consumption of plastic. This agreement, which includes sanctions, will be opened for signature by the end of the year.”