The burning of garbage is very prevalent in Jamaica and affects the health of many, especially those with respiratory problems.

A nurse said smoke inhalation is a serious problem and has resulted in children and adults suffering from respiratory problems.

"Those who contribute daily to the problem by burning garbage, especially green bushes do not realise they are not only injuring other people's health, but actually injuring their health too," the nurse said.

She said she wanted to make a special appeal people to stop the habit of burning garbage and other items.

The nurse said she has a respiratory problem and has to be equipped at all times with her medicine. She said when leaving home she knows she is going to encounter smoke at some point on the journey to work.

She pointed out that, just this week, she encountered thick black smoke while travelling along Dyke Road in Portmore, St Catherine.

She said she was surprised the fire was lit by men employed by a certain government agency to bush the area.

"While driving along the road, I saw several yellow signs stating that men employed by a certain government agency were at work. I noticed that men were bushing the area but, to my surprise, after I travelled several chains along the road, I came upon thick black smoke, which was obviously set by some of the men at work.

"Even when I turned on the headlights of my car, I could not see and just had to drive very slow through the smoke. I am sure the agency can more than afford to dispose of the bushes that were cut from the side of the road, so I cannot understand why they were lit. I think, in future, officials should advise the workers not to create a smoke hazard.

"I know setting fires on roadways and in residential areas is an offence and everyone must obey the law and bear in mind that smoke inhalation is dangerous to health," the nurse added.

It is an offence under The Towns and Communities Act for someone to burn bushes along the roadway.