Important environmental and health issues on Bonaire

People enjoy living on Bonaire. At the same time, they are concerned about pollutants in the environment and the effects on their own health. Thanks to a questionnaire and research by RIVM, we now know more about the main environmental and health issues on Bonaire.

People often mention waste as an issue that is bad for the environment and for public health. Littering is a concern. The landfill site at Lagun is considered especially problematic.

Other items mentioned are dust, traffic, noise, smelly seaweed and polluted air, soil and water. The question is whether these are also harmful to the health of people living on Bonaire.

Other topics mentioned that fall outside the scope of RIVM’s current recommendations are climate change, heat, green spaces and animals causing a nuisance. These are animals such as donkeys, goats, flies, and mosquitoes.

Lagun landfill site

The situation at the Lagun landfill site is the most urgent. People living near the landfill have been experiencing health problems for a long time. When fires occur at the landfill, these residents experience breathing problems, coughing, and eye irritation. According to RIVM, this situation needs to be addressed urgently. Examples of measures the government could take:

• Waste separation at the landfill site;
• Covering the landfill so fewer substances are released;
• Re-using more products instead of throwing them away;
• Reducing food and garden waste in the landfill.These types of waste generate heat as they decompose, making them quick to combust;
• Preventing the waste from catching fire,  extinguishing any fires that do occur as fast as possible.

It is important to know exactly which substances are being released by the landfill and whether people are being exposed to these substances. This can be determined by measuring substances in the air and water near the landfill site. If people living nearby are being exposed to too many harmful substances, more needs to be done to protect them.

RIVM also recommends launching a study to determine how people are feeling as soon as possible. What health complaints do local residents have? What are they worried about? What would people need to feel healthier? This can be achieved by going door to door and through questionnaires. Such research makes it easier for the government to help people effectively.

Actions to improve the landfill site:

Seperate waste and increase re-use.
Reduce food and garden waste in the landfill.
Prevent waste from blowing into surroundings.

Measure substances released by the landfill:

In the air around the landfill site and in nearby homes.
In the soil.
In the water by Lagun.
 

Assess health of local residents:

Research into health complaints and concerns.
Ways to help people feel better.
Ask experts if physical examinations could be useful in this respect.

In case of fire:

 Ensure that local residents aren’t forced to breathe in smoke.
 Extinguish fires fast and thoroughly.
 Clearly explain what is going on and what is being done to address it.

Obtaining more information about environmental pollution and health

Not much is known yet about the impact of the environment on health on Bonaire. There are, however, various studies on health and the environment that will be starting soon. Joining these efforts is a very good idea. That way the government will be better informed regarding the state of public health on Bonaire. If necessary, more frequent measurements of the air, soil, or water can help support decisions on which measures to take. This information should be both public and readily accessible.

Create a more pleasant environment by reducing dust, cleaning up litter, and preventing noise nuisance.

More frequent measurements of the air, soil, or water can help support decisions on which actions to take.

Collaborate with other organizations to improve the environment and health research