Environmental effects of substandard coal

President DTUAMCR and Medical Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa told the media recently that a thorough study should be carried out with regard to rising mercury level in fish in the sea and the lagoons

“Our organisation made continual representations to the Central Environmental Authority to carry out a study of the burning of substandard coal that resulted in the emission of waste detrimental to the environment. However, it is sad that our requests have been ignored”
- Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Medical Specialist, President DTUAMCR

• Experts underscore that the use of substandard coal results in the increase of mercury level in the ocean and lagoons  

By Dilip Jayasekara

 Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights (DTUAMCR) has warned of the dangers of rising mercury level in fish in the sea and the lagoons due to the environmental effects of the combustion of substandard coal and the possible health hazard of eating fish with increased mercury level. 
President DTUAMCR and Medical Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa told the media that a thorough study should be carried out in this regard in view of the impending danger to public health by eating affected fish. He pointed out that the use of substandard coal results in the increase of mercury level in the ocean and the langoons in the relevant zone. 
“Use of substandard coal is a serious issue experienced at present. Our organisation made continual representations to the Central Environmental Authority to carry out a study of the burning of substandard coal that resulted in the emission of waste detrimental to the environment. However, it is sad that our requests have been ignored. These institutions are expected to carry out research with regard to vital issues of this nature and not prepare reports at the beck and call of the ministers.”  
He further said that the import of substandard coal caused a massive damage to the economy and public health as well. He pointed the fact the Ministry of Health and the Central Environmental Authority are moribund inactive in this regard despite continual representations.
“We also drew the attention to the serious consequences of naval accidents in the Sri Lankan sea belt and the possibility of increasing mercury level due to the marine pollution caused by the emission of waste from ship wrecks. This has resulted in the rise of mercury level in fish people consume, which in turn could lead to a serious health hazard,” concluded Dr. Sanjeewa said.