“Florida on Fire: Burning Trash Sends Residents Reeling”.

The sunshine state of Florida is experiencing a period of rapid growth and development. However, this surge in population brings with it an unfortunate side-effect. According to residents, burning trash to power the local economy is making them sick. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection explains that most of the trash burning power plants burn waste as fuel to produce electricity. This process results in hazardous air pollutants including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can impact nearby communities’ air quality standards and consequently place the health of residents at risk. Residents of at least one Florida community are reporting serious health issues due to air pollution from a waste-burning power plant. As a result of nearby burning waste, respiratory ailments, depression, and neurological disabilities are on the rise. Some neighboring families have even observed an increase in cancers within their communities. Thankfully, local and state governments are taking notice. Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection temporarily closed one local plant. While this is a step in the right direction, more regulations are needed to protect the health of Florida residents. At present, some residents are finding solutions outside of governmental intervention. Neighbors are collecting resources to rent air filtration units that can clean pollutants from the air in their homes. Making improvements to air quality standards protecting residents’ health is always welcome ‑ whatever the cause. Florida residents are hoping to find a permanent and sustainable solution soon, to prevent further consequences.