About 40% of the Rivne region is covered by forests, which has led to the development of the woodworking and furniture industries. This is an important sector for the region's economy, but its impact on the environment and human health is extremely negative. This is not only about deforestation, but also about wastewater discharge, formaldehyde emissions, dust, and noise pollution.
In their joint investigation, Suspilne and the television and radio company RIVNE 1 analyzed the environmental cost that the region pays for wood processing.
Dependence on chemicals
The region's enterprises account for 62% of the country's plywood production. They also manufacture 43% of all chipboard and over 70% of certain types of furniture. This information is provided by the Rivne Regional State Administration.
Wood alone is not enough to manufacture these products. Depending on the type and technology, the processes require the use of certain chemicals, which are not always safe.
"It depends, for example, in the production of those same particle boards, which adhesives and what other substances are used in the production process. It also depends on how strictly the company follows environmental protection requirements and whether the necessary filters and treatment equipment are installed to reduce emissions into the environment," said Olha Melen-Zabramna, head of the legal department at the NGO "Ecology-Law-Human".
Local residents feel the consequences
Wood processing is an industry that comes with all its accompanying inconveniences. Constant noise pollution from equipment operation, the unpleasant smell of chemicals impregnating the wood, and dust – all of this makes life extremely uncomfortable for local residents.
In particular, Ivan Nechyporuk complained to journalists about such discomforts. He has lived next to a woodworking facility in Kostopil for over ten years. He said that, before the full-scale invasion, people repeatedly submitted appeals to the city mayor and even organized protests. This had no effect on the situation.
"It never stopped before. Constantly. The plant worked round the clock. Then the war started. Sometimes, the plant would stand idle for a couple of days. However, not all the pipes are working now. Now we notice a toxic smell of wood, unclear whether it is formalin or glue, it is all evaporating. Everyone in the area who lives here is dissatisfied," the man shared.
Harmful neighborhood for health
Emissions from woodworking or furniture factories in the long run cause serious health consequences. According to medical professionals, the primary concern is for allergy-related diseases. As a result, residents may develop chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, laryngitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis.
Prolonged residence in areas where the enterprise exceeds emission norms can also lead to a range of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
"The cardiovascular system will suffer. Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias are possible, and on the part of the nervous system, headaches, insomnia, sleep disturbances, as well as irritability, will be observed. However, it should be noted that this occurs only in the case of excessive emissions," emphasized Nataliia Budynka, general hygiene physician of the Environmental Safety Department.
EcoPolitic previously reported that the forest reform negatively impacted the small communities of Chernivtsi region. After the closure of woodworking enterprises, people lost their jobs, and the reduction of preferential land tax rates led to decreased revenues for the local budget.
