Burning leaves a threat to environment, human health
Burning leaves is a threat to the environment and human health, the Moldovan Environment Agency warned on Sunday.
The agency said that burning leaves releases a large amount of carbon monoxide, a harmful gas that can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
In addition, dry vegetation poses a fire hazard. Firefighters responded to about 230 fires involving dry vegetation in the past week, burning over 1,400 hectares of land.
Experts recommend that leaves be raked and buried or composted, so they can be used as a natural fertiliser.
“Burning leaves harms both the environment and human health,” said ecologist Vladimir Garaba. “People with respiratory, cardiac, or neurological diseases are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoke from burning leaves."
“In addition, burning leaves destroys the topsoil, which is essential for plant growth. We urge people to stop burning leaves and instead rake them up and compost them.”
The Environment Agency said that burning leaves is a violation of environmental laws. Individuals who are caught burning leaves can be fined up to 15,000 lei, while businesses can be fined up to 40,000 lei.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
