PUNE: Housing societies in Kalyaninagar have raised an alarm over the health hazards caused due to spray paints on the outer walls of societies by mischievous individuals.
Residents said that miscreants have sprayed paint on the societies’ walls, defacing them with offensive words, meaningless quotes, and unwanted images which was an act that defiled communal space.
They also said that the spray paint was a significant health hazard as the fumes emitted from such paints contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that could be detrimental to residents passing by.
Law enforcement agencies should conduct an investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the vandalism through surveillance footage, witnesses’ statements, and any available evidence should be used to apprehend the culprits.
A resident of Siddharth Estate Housing Society Yasmin Charania said, “The offensive graffiti and images not only tarnish the physical appearance of the neighbourhood but also have psychological effects on those who encounter them regularly. Parents are particularly worried about their children’s exposure to explicit content and the negative messages conveyed by the graffiti.”
Affected societies bearing the brunt of this mess were Siddharth Estate, Waterfront and Trump Towers. Another resident of the area, Aaditya Patil from Kumar Sophronia Society, said, “Raising awareness about the consequences of such vandalism and the potential health hazards can help prevent future occurrences and foster a sense of responsibility among citizens. Moreover, shedding light on this issue might encourage local authorities to take action against such behaviour and ensure the overall improvement of our society’s environment.”
The residents highlighted that regular exposure to VOCs found in spray paint has been linked to long-term health effects, including damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Another resident, Sachin Agashe from lane 6, said, “Spray paint contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment. When vandals spray paint in public spaces, they contribute to air and water pollution, impacting both human health and ecosystems. Prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health complications. This is particularly concerning for children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.”
Resident of Kumar Kruti Housing Society Munir Vastani highlighted the impact of these offensive messages on the walls on the neighbourhood.
Vastani said, “The graffiti and images are in bad taste. They not only tarnish the physical appearance of the neighborhood, but also have psychological effects on those who encounter them regularly. Parents are particularly worried about their children’s exposure to foul words and the negative messages conveyed by the graffiti.”
Many areas across the city have such graffiti which passes off as street art. Citizens said it is visual pollution as bad as other forms of pollution and must be curtailed as soon as possible.
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