The Iraqi Ministry of Environment Baghdad – Jaafar Al Nasrawi The Iraqi Ministry of Environment has ordered all Iraqi governates to take strict measures in order to reduce pollution and to punish those who unlawfully burn waste. The ministry spokesman, Amir Ali Hassoun, said on Saturday that The Environment Ministry started legal procedures against offenders who burn material that contaminates the air. Hassoun pointed out in that burning certain materials releases toxic gases and carcinogens which negatively influence the lives of the Iraqi citizens. Iraq does not process waste in an environmentally friendly way. The competent authorities dispose of the waste on deserted land without processing it. Experts have repeatedly warned that this may lead to an environmental disaster.