adminChristine Chinhanhu
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed that over 200 individuals have been prosecuted around the country for continuously using kaylites, despite their ban in 2017.
Kaylites have detrimental effects both on the environment and human health.
EMA Communications Officer, Joyce Chapungu, said the agency has been conducting inspections and awareness campaigns on the effects of kaylites.
“We have been conducting continuous inspections, especially at hotspots, and carrying out education and awareness using various platforms.
“At least 249 offenders have been prosecuted since the ban on kaylites and these include business premises such as production and retail outlets.
“Non-biodegradable food packaging, especially Styrofoam, constitutes a large portion of litter in Zimbabwe and the cost of managing it is high,” she said.
She added that the continuous use of kaylites has negative impacts on the environment.
“The process of manufacturing polystyrene pollutes the air and creates large amounts of liquid and solid waste.
“The lightweight and buoyant polystyrene travels easily through gutters and storm drains, eventually reaching the water bodies, thereby reducing the aesthetic value of the environment.
“When polystyrene reaches the lakes and rivers, it breaks down into smaller, non-biodegradable pieces that are ingested by marine life into the food chain, thereby damaging human health,” she said.
A study by the University of Zimbabwe’s Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences Department, revealed that polystyrene food containers leach styrene, when they come into contact with warm food or drink, alcohol, oils and acidic foods, posing direct health risk to people.
Online Reporter