PIMS incinerator sparks air pollution concerns

The incinerator at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, intended to safely dispose of hazardous medical waste, has become a significant nuisance for residents of the F-8, G-7, and G-8 sectors. Since the last quarter of the year, these residents have been exposed to dark smoke and an increased level of pollutants emitted by the incinerator.

An incinerator is an expensive infrastructure designed to convert solid or liquid waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, into gas or ash, making the waste less bulky, less toxic, or less harmful. The primary products of waste incineration are carbon dioxide (CO2), water, and ash. However, compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, and halogens, which are also produced, pose serious health and environmental risks.

The PIMS incinerator operates at high temperatures ranging from 850°C to 1200°C, converting waste into flue gas CO2 and water as end products. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has been notified about the issue and is taking action as per the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act of 1997.

Resident, Suleman Bilal, told APP that the incinerator starts emitting thick dark smoke, especially during the morning and evening hours, making the air unbreathable. "The incinerator is next to the hospital, close to the Paediatric ward, burn centre, and cafeteria, where many visitors are present. They are at risk of serious health complications and respiratory diseases due to the pungent smoke directly affecting their nostrils and lungs," he said, urging authorities to take action and stop the unhealthy practice at this healthcare facility.

Despite multiple attempts to reach PIMS spokesperson Dr Mubashir for an official comment, he did not respond to queries.

A medical student, Tahir Shah, urged the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change to prioritise this issue and ensure action according to the law. He emphasised the importance of public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants, women and the elderly.