A joint study by the African Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACEPUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has revealed alarming levels of cancer-causing chemicals in meats singed using tyres.

Published in the journal Environmental Health Insights, the study found that meats singed with tyres contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly a harmful chemical called Benzo[a]pyrene, which is known to increase the risk of cancer.

Highest risk from tyre-singed meats

Led by Prosper Manu Abdulai from ACEPUTOR, the research involved testing meats singed with tyres, firewood, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Ghana’s five largest cities: Kumasi, Accra, Koforidua, Tamale, and Ho.

The researchers collected 180 samples of cattle and goat meat and found that meats singed with tyres contained the highest levels of PAHs, with some exceeding regulatory limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

“We did a health risk assessment, and we realised that kids and adults who take this meat, whether singed with firewood or tyres, are at serious risk of getting cancer,” Abdulai warned.

Children and older adults were identified as the most vulnerable groups exposed to these harmful substances.

Recommendations for safer alternatives

The study recommends the use of safer alternatives, such as LPG gas, for singeing meat. Among the tested fuel types, LPG demonstrated the lowest levels of PAHs, making it the preferred option for reducing the risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals.

The researchers also emphasised the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent the use of tyres for meat singeing. “The stakeholders should have something to do at the abattoirs so that all of them will use the LPG,” Abdulai urged.

Call for Action

The study calls for:

Stricter regulations: Authorities are urged to impose heavy penalties for using tyres in meat preparation to protect public health.

Awareness campaigns: Educating stakeholders and the general public on the health risks associated with tyre-singed meats.

Promoting LPG usage: Encouraging the adoption of LPG as a safer singeing alternative to traditional methods like firewood and tyres.

A collaborative effort

The KNUST co-author of the study, Prof. Caleb Kesse Firempong, highlighted the importance of collaborative research in addressing public health concerns and urged policymakers to act swiftly to mitigate the risks posed by PAHs.

This ground-breaking study sheds light on a critical issue affecting public health and underscores the need for immediate interventions to safeguard consumers from exposure to dangerous chemicals in singed meats.