Deadly Poison on Your Plate: How Burning Car Tyres for Meat in Ghana is Destroying Your Kidneys

In many parts of Ghana, burning car tyres to remove animal hair from slaughtered goats, sheep, and cattle is a widespread practice. While it may seem like a fast and easy way to process meat, this method is poisoning our food, endangering our health, and polluting our environment. The shocking truth is that consuming meat exposed to tyre smoke could be slowly killing you and your family.

Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Tyre Smoke

Car tyres are not made for burning. They contain a dangerous mix of synthetic rubber, chemicals, and heavy metals. When set on fire, they release a toxic cloud of poisons, including:

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) – Found in tyre smoke, these chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans.
Dioxins and Furans – These highly toxic substances weaken the immune system, disrupt hormones, and increase the risk of birth defects.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – A deadly gas that can cause suffocation, dizziness, and even death in high doses.
Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, etc.) – These metals accumulate in the body over time, damaging the kidneys, nervous system, and brain.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Linked to liver and kidney failure, these compounds also trigger breathing problems and chronic headaches.
Sulfur Oxides and Nitrogen Oxides – These gases contribute to severe respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, especially in children and the elderly.

Eating Poison: The Risks of Consuming Contaminated Meat

When you eat meat that has been exposed to burning tyre smoke, you are unknowingly consuming toxic residues that have settled on the surface. These chemicals do not break down easily and remain in the fat and tissue of the animal. Over time, regular consumption can lead to:

Cancer – PAHs and dioxins are directly linked to lung, liver, and skin cancer.
Hormonal Disorders – Chemicals from tyre smoke interfere with the body’s natural hormone production, leading to infertility and metabolic diseases.
Brain Damage – Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic can impair memory, concentration, and motor skills.
Lung and Respiratory Diseases – The inhalation and consumption of these toxins can cause severe lung damage, leading to chronic coughing, asthma, and other breathing disorders.

Destroying Our Environment and Community Health

Burning car tyres does not just harm those eating the contaminated meat—it affects everyone nearby. The thick, black smoke:

Pollutes the Air – Toxic particles enter the atmosphere, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases.
Contaminates Soil and Water – Ash and residue from burnt tyres seep into the ground and water sources, poisoning crops and livestock.
Creates Unbearable Smell and Health Hazards – The strong, acrid smoke lingers in the air, causing headaches, nausea, and eye irritation.

Safer Ways to Remove Animal Hair

There are far better and safer alternatives to tyre burning for hair removal:

Hot Water and Scraping – Pouring boiling water over the animal and scraping off the hair is a traditional and effective method.
Gas Blowtorch or Open Flame – A controlled gas flame can remove hair without releasing toxic chemicals.
Chemical Depilatory Agents – Food-grade lime or ash solutions help loosen the hair safely.
Skinning – In commercial settings, skinning the animal is a hygienic alternative that completely avoids the dangers of tyre smoke.

Time to End This Deadly Practice

The use of car tyres for hair removal is a ticking time bomb for public health in Ghana. The toxins released are linked to cancer, lung disease, infertility, and brain damage, while also destroying the environment. It is time for health authorities, government agencies, and communities to take action. Awareness campaigns, strict regulations, and education are needed to eliminate this harmful practice and promote safer alternatives.

Your health is in your hands. Say NO to tyre burning and YES to a cleaner, healthier Ghana!