An environmental expert on Tuesday advised Nigerians to limit exposure to harmful substances that could affect their health and the environment.

Dr Salamatu Ekpo, a lecturer at the Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University, Dr Salamatu Ekpo, made the appeal in an interview.

Ms Ekpo said the harmful substances were fireworks, indiscriminate burning of waste, emission of chemicals and smokes into the air and water, which could have long-term negative effects on human health and cause major damage to the environment.

She said Nigeria could do more to be eco-friendly, adding that the small changes in their daily lives were enough to make a big difference.

She said instead of burning waste, recycling and reducing it could help protect the environment, adding that reducing the quantity of waste that ended up in landfills could help biodiversity.

According to her, everyone needs to reduce and reuse resources if possible and also minimise emissions.

“We need to also curb degradation. Instead of cutting down trees, we should start planting more to help us as humans and the environment,” she said.

Ms Ekpo added that being eco friendly had its socio-economic impact, including economic successes alongside food and water security.

She enjoined everyone to be eco-friendly, adding that doing so everyone could build resilience against climate change.

(NAN)