Petroleum pollutants increasingly contaminating drinking water

by Carol Aloysius

An alarming degree of toxins such as lubricants, engine oil and other cleaning detergents used by petrol service stations are polluting water resources making water unsafe for human consumption, Head, Toxicology Information Unit, National Hospital, Dr Waruna Gunathilake said.

"There are no regulations relating to how these pollutants should be disposed of. It is a serious concern that warrants immediate attention, as they adversely affect the environment, flroa and fauna as well as human life. It may also contribute to the sharp rise in Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs) including cancer," he warned.

Recent studies have shown that petroleum- based chemicals have been found to cause accelerated ageing, early fertility, hyperactivity and neurological disorders as well as cancer.

Dr. Gunathileke said, several complaints had been received relating to the haphazard disposal of petroleum-based chemicals, especially from the Central Province, where petrol stations are located hilltops and used contents dumped down the slopes to open spaces below."

He added that while the harmful impact of agro chemicals is now well known, few knew these chemicals are equally or more harmful.

"Petrol service stations have mushroomed everywhere, and the demand for their services is rising sharply due to the overwhelming increase of vehicular traffic on our roads," Dr Gunathilake said.

"Once the containers have been used, they are also dumped in open spaces including residential areas. This too poses a serious health hazard as people could use them for storing food", he noted.