Introduction
In Togo, a health and environmental crisis is unfolding silently before our very eyes. Plastic bags, which are practical and omnipresent in our daily lives, are a real threat to our health. They carry unsuspected toxicities for our food and represent a major ecological threat. How did we get into this situation, and what can we do about it?
The Omnipresence of Plastic Bags in Food
Plastic bags are everywhere in our food. Hot porridge is poured into them, and food that is still steaming is wrapped in them. They’re even used to cook traditional dishes like ‘Khom’ or ‘Ablo’, which require very high temperatures. Every day in Togo, thousands of people eat food impregnated with harmful substances released by plastic packaging exposed to heat. What should be a beneficial act – eating – is thus transformed into a source of insidious and repeated contamination.
Health Hazards: Poison in Every Mouthful
When plastic bags are heated, they release toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances, consumed on a daily basis, are veritable poisons for our bodies. Worldwide research has shown that they disrupt the hormonal system, lead to endocrine dysfunction, increase the risk of cancer and even have an impact on children’s neurological development.
An Ecological Threat on Top of the Health Drama
In addition to the health hazards they represent, the abusive use of these plastic bags is creating a considerable environmental problem. They accumulate everywhere: in landfill sites, waterways and streets. They smother our soil, pollute our rivers, and contribute to indirect health problems, such as the proliferation of mosquitoes in stagnant water.
Solutions Exist, but Where is the Will?
It’s time to sound the alarm and take action. There are alternatives such as the use of reusable containers (citizens should be encouraged to bring their own containers when buying food), going back to natural materials (banana leaves, used in the past to wrap food, are a safe and environmentally friendly solution), awareness campaigns that will educate people about the health and environmental risks associated with these practices, and the government must intervene with strict regulation to ban the use of plastic bags for hot food, while supporting alternative initiatives.
Conclusion
Every day, the use of plastic bags poisons thousands of lives in Togo. What appears to be a simple gesture of convenience hides a real danger to public health and the environment. We urgently need to raise awareness, change habits and protect future generations. This cry from the heart is an invitation to act, before it’s too late.
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