Lagos Waste Reporter

Air pollution can cause DNA mutations that have been linked to lung cancer, according to new research showing strong connections between polluted air and the same genetic changes often seen in smokers.  Scientists analyzed the cancer genomes of 871 non-smokers with lung cancer from four continents and found a clear pattern. People living in areas with high levels of air pollution had more mutations in key genes tied to lung cancer, namely TP53 and EGFR, and were nearly four times more likely to show the SBS4 mutation, a known result of exposure to tobacco smoke. These mutations were far less common in non-smokers from cleaner regions. The study also uncovered a new mutational signature, SBS40a, present in 28% of non-smokers but absent in smokers, with no clear environmental cause identified. The research compared these non-smoker genomes with 345 smoker genomes to show both shared and unique patterns.  Secondhand smoke was linked to only a small increase in these g...

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, spoke at the grand finale of the Lagos Has Talent competition Climate Edition, highlighting the event's role in showcasing youth-led climate advocacy. The initiative began in 2023 and gained traction with the involvement of social media influencer Maryam Apaokagi (Taooma) to amplify youth voices in climate issues. The government is focused on practical solutions for addressing climate change through the Lagos Climate Action Plan and the Lagos State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (LCARP). The competition's top finalists were praised as ambassadors for creativity and climate awareness, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in climate action. Awards were presented, with the 1st place winner receiving N5Million, and other prizes distributed to the runners-up. The initiative is supported by C40 Cities and UK International Development, with collaboration from the Ministry of the Envir...

Fascinating thought! Imagine waking up on collection day to find not the usual waste collectors but a quiet robot skillfully navigating your bin area, precisely picking up your garbage bins.  This is not just a futuristic fantasy; it is a very real possibility being explored in various parts of the world. Robotic arms are already being used in some recycling facilities to sort materials, and autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly common. Integrating these technologies for curbside collection could offer significant advantages: 1. Efficiency and Speed: Robots could work tirelessly, potentially around the clock, and might be able to pick up waste more quickly and consistently than traditional methods, especially in areas with difficult access. 2. Safety Improvements: Waste collection is surprisingly dangerous for humans, with risks ranging from accidents to exposure to hazardous materials. Robots could assume these risks, making the process much safer. ...

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has presented financial support cheques to sweepers who sustained injuries while on duty, as well as to the families of deceased sweepers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated in a press release on Thursday that the presentation of the cheques was a demonstration of LAWMA’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of sanitation workers. Gbadegesin reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to protecting the lives and livelihoods of sanitation workers, describing them as frontline environmental heroes who play vital roles in keeping Lagos clean and habitable. ”Our sanitation workers go to great lengths, often under very risky conditions, to maintain environmental sanity across the state. As a responsible organisation, we have a moral and institutional obligation to support them—not just in words but in action—especially when accidents or unfortunate incidents occur while ...