Increased use of generators during war highlights concerns about pollution
Daily Star
Thursday, January 11, 2007
BEIRUT: Israel's assault on the Jiyyeh power plant during the war last summer
led to a strict power-rationing schedule, raising concerns about the damage
that private generators may have done to the environment. Many Lebanese chose
to use generators to compensate for electricity shortages, and this decision
could have negative repercussions on their health.
In an article published in the Environment and Development magazine, Environment
Hotline investigated the metal army of generators that has been deployed
throughout the capital in recent months.
Environment Hotline said that a large percentage of these generators were being
operated illegally, with many placed on building rooftops and in lobbies, in
clear violation of a law requiring all generators to be housed away from other
machinery and people.
In addition, high levels of noise and toxic smoke have resulted from generators
being used around the clock.
But the pressing threat that results from the misuse of such machinery is that
of massive noise pollution.
Environment Hotline measured the level of noise produced by one typical
generator, which it found to be operating at 92 decibels. The maximum legal
noise level during daylight hours is 65 decibels.
The Environment Ministry has established strict guidelines concerning the use of
generators, including a regulation requiring all generators to be outfitted with
specific filters to screen toxic fumes. - Environment Hotline
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