The small town of Collier County, Florida has been booming in recent years, but some of its residents are starting to feel the effects. With over 300,000 people living in the county, the amount of trash being produced is enormous. To try and make space for the growing population, the county has implemented regulations that make it easier to burn trash. Unfortunately, some of the residents are feeling the toxins coming out of the smoke from the incinerator.
One of the most concerning emissions is particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. This matter is a mix of solid and liquid particles that are so small they can easily be inhaled, and long-term exposure to them can lead to serious health risks. Particulate matter can contain a range of hazardous elements such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Residents of Collier County have been vocal about their concerns on social media, posting stories of burning eyes, headaches, and other health issues they believe are caused by the air pollution. Some have even blamed a new medical condition dubbed “Collier Flu” on the smoke coming from the trash incinerator.
The county has acted quickly to quell the outcry of its citizens, taking steps to reduce emissions. A new waste-to-energy technology has been implemented that reduces the toxins in the smoke and hopes to ease the concerns of citizens. The county has also begun a campaign to have its residents switch to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Despite this, many citizens remain unconvinced. The county’s data does not reflect the existing air pollution levels, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has yet to collect any meaningful samples. To make matters worse, the county has refused to provide any records of known health issues that may have been caused by the burning of trash.
The situation in Collier County shows just how important it is for all levels of government to gather sound scientific evidence before making decisions that impact citizens’ health and wellbeing. The county would do well to create a transparent system to collect data and to keep the citizens informed about their options. Only then will residents of Collier County be sure that their health and safety is not compromised.
