An environmental expert has raised alarm over the increasing practice of burning used tyres among youths in northern Nigeria to recover metal wires for sale, warning that the activity poses serious health and environmental risks.
The concern follows findings from a survey conducted by African Climate Reporters, which revealed that some young people rely on tyre burning as a source of livelihood around informal waste disposal sites.
Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu, Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters and a lecturer at the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, explained that burning tyres releases hazardous pollutants and fine particulate matter, which can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, endangering both participants and nearby residents.
“Exposure to these emissions has been linked to respiratory illnesses, aggravated asthma, and cardiovascular diseases,” Yakubu said. He highlighted that children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Tyres contain hazardous chemicals, including benzene, styrene, 1,3-butadiene, and extender oils, which are not meant for combustion. Yakubu noted that repeated exposure could accumulate toxins in the body, causing chronic respiratory problems, and contaminating soil, air, and water, posing long-term environmental challenges.
The survey showed that youths burn tyres to extract steel wires, which are sold locally for income or used domestically, including for cooking. Poverty and lack of economic opportunities were cited as the main drivers of this practice.
Yakubu urged government agencies, environmental regulators, civil society organizations, and community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of tyre burning. He also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities and provide safer livelihood alternatives.
Some youths interviewed admitted they were unaware of the health risks associated with tyre combustion. “I did not know that the smoke from burning tyres could be harmful to my health and the environment. Now that I know, I will stop the practice,” one respondent said.
