Pollution

WATER, NOISE AND AIR

By Sunil Jose

What is pollution ?
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an
environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances, or energy, such as noise, heat, or light energy.

 Pollutants, the elements of pollution, can be

foreign substances or energies, or naturally

occurring; when naturally occurring, they are

considered contaminants when they exceed natural levels. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.

AIR POLLUTION

1. Air Pollution
Air pollution occurs when gases, dust particles,
fumes (or smoke) or odour are introduced into

the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful

to humans, animals and plant. This is because the air becomes dirty (contaminated or

unclean).

 Anything additional gas, particles or odours that are introduced into the air (either by nature or human activity) to destroy this natural balance can be called air pollution. Things that pollute the air are called pollutants. Examples nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons, sulphur oxides (usually from factories), sand or dust particles, and organic compounds that can evaporate and enter the atmosphere.

1.1 Causes of air pollution

Industries and Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies that have long tube called chimneys erected high into the air, with lots of smoke and fumes coming out of it. Waste incinerators, manufacturing industries and power plants emit high levels of carbon

monoxide, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air.

This happen almost everywhere that people live. Petroleum refineries also release lots of hydrocarbons into the air

Burning Fossil Fuels

Cars and heavy duty trucks, train, shipping vessels and airplanes all burn lots of fossil fuels to work. This is a major cause of pollution, and one that is very difficult to manage. This is because humans rely heavily on vehicles and engines for

transporting people, good and services.

Household and Farming Chemicals

Crop dusting, fumigating homes, household

cleaning products or painting supplies, over the

counter insect/pest killers, fertilizer dust emit harmful chemicals into air and cause pollution. In many case, when we use these chemicals at home or offices with no or little ventilation, we may fall ill if we breathe them.

 http://earthjournalism.net/resources/air-pollutionoutdoor The World Health Organization has a large collection of information that can help journalists who are reporting on outdoor air pollution. This includes a detailed fact-sheet and air quality guidelines for various pollutants in all world regions, which are available in Arabic, Chinese, English,

French, Russian and Spanish.

 Other useful sources include the Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat, an alliance of four Swedish environmental organizations, and Earthwire, which is tracks news stories about air pollution.

WATER POLLUTION

2. Water pollution
Water pollution occurs when pollutants (particles,

chemicals or substances that make water contaminated)

are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without enough treatment to get rid of harmful compounds. Pollutants get into water mainly by human causes or factors. Any change or modification in the physical, chemical and biological properties of water that will have a detrimental consequence on living things is water pollution

2.2 Types of water pollution

Water comes from many sources. This means they can be polluted in many scenarios. Let's see a few types of water pollution:

 Nutrients Pollution
Some wastewater, fertilizers and sewage contain high

levels of nutrients. If they end up in water bodies, they

encourage algae and weed growth in the water. This will make the water undrinkable, and even clog filters. Too much algae will also use up all the oxygen in the water, and other water organisms in the water will die

out of oxygen from starvation.

Surface water pollution

Surface water includes natural water found on the earth's surface, like rivers, lakes, lagoons and oceans. Any kind of activity that pollutes these surface waters can be called surface water pollution.

 Oxygen Depleting Water bodies have micro-organisms. These include aerobic and anaerobic organisms. When to much biodegradable matter (things that easily decay) end

up in water, it encourages more microorganism

growth, and they use up more oxygen in the water. If oxygen is depleted, aerobic organisms die, and anaerobic organism grow more to produce harmful toxins such as ammonia and sulfides

 Ground water pollution

When humans apply pesticides and chemicals to

soils, they are washed deep into the ground by rain

water. This gets to underground water.

This means when we dig wells and bore holes to

get water from underground, it needs to be

checked for ground water pollution

 Microbiological
In many communities in the world, people drink untreated water (straight from a river or stream). Sometimes there is natural pollution caused by microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This natural pollution can cause fishes and other water life to die. They can also cause serious illness to humans

who

drink

from

such

waters.

This

is

called

microbiological pollution.

 Suspended Matter
Some pollutants (substances, particles and

chemicals) do not easily dissolve in water. This kind of material is called particulate matter. Some suspended pollutants later settle under the water body. This can harm and even kill aquatic life that live at the floor of water bodies

 Chemical Water Pollution

Many industries and farmers work with chemicals
that end up in water. These include chemicals that

are used to control weeds, insects and pests.

Metals and solvents from industries can pollute water bodies. These are poisonous to many forms of aquatic life and may slow their development, make them infertile and kill them.

 Oil Spillage
Oil spills usually have only a localized affect on

wildlife but can spread for miles. The oil can cause
the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of

seabirds causing them to lose the ability to fly.

2.3.Causes of water pollution

Industrial waste
Sulphur Asbestos Lead and Mercury Nitrates & Phosphates Oils Septic Tanks Ocean and marine dumping Oil Pollution Underground storage and tube leakages. Atmospheric

2.4. Effect of water pollution

Death of aquatic (water) animals

Disruption of food-chains
Diseases

Destruction of ecosystems

 http://earthjournalism.net/resources/waterpollution
Sources of news, contacts and story ideas include

Circle of Blue, an international network of journalists,

scientists and communicators who share information publish Water News, which is updated daily online.

 Other good sources of information for journalists

include the many different UN agencies whose

work relates in some way to water. UN Water exists to improve links between these agencies. Its website includes factsheets and other information for journalists.

NOISE POLLUTIONS

3.Noise Pollution
Sound is essential to our daily lives, but noise is not.
Noise is generally used as an unwanted sound, or sound which produces unpleasant effects and discomfort on the ears. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as

sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes ones

quality of life. Not all noise can be called noise pollution. If it does not happen regularly, it may be termed as 'Nuisance'

Noise (or sound) is measured in the units of decibels and is denoted by the dB. Noise which is more than

115 dB is intolerant. The industrial limit of sound in

the industries must be 75 dB according to the World Health Organization.

Foundations and Agencies

EPA- Environmental Protection Agency TCN- Technical Committee on Noise HORN- Halt Outrageous Railroad Noise

3.1.Causes of Noise Pollution

Rail noise. Aircraft noise. Construction site. Factory machinery. Power tools / lighting. Transportation systems. Construction equipment. Audio entertainment system

3.2 Effects of Noise Pollution

Deafness. Decrease in the efficiency in working. Fatigue caused is another effect of noise. Too much of noise disturbs the rhythms of working, thereby affecting the concentration required for doing a work. Noise of traffic or the loud speakers or different types of horns divert the attention, thus causing harm in the working standard. Noise pollution acts as a stress invigorator, increasing the stress levels among people.

 People can be victims of certain diseases like blood pressure, mental illness. Noise pollution indirectly affects the vegetation. Plants

require cool & peaceful environment to grow. Noise

pollution causes poor quality of crops. Animals are susceptible to noise pollution as well. It damages the nervous system of the animals. Noise indirectly weakens the edifice of buildings, bridges and monuments. It creates waves, which can be very dangerous and harmful and put the building in danger condition

The Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1995.
These regulations are enacted for prevention and control of pollution in air. These are applicable to all places of work including factories covered under the Factories Act 1948. The Central and State Pollution Control Boards are the enforcing agencies.

Some of the duties of these authorities include:

 grant No Objection Certificate to industries setting standards for industrial pollution in the ambient air monitoring, analysis and conducting investigations regarding air pollution.

The enforcement is carried out by the State Pollution Control Boards through qualified engineers and scientists.

 The occupiers of factories are required to ensure that amount of pollutants released in the ambient air do not exceed the permissible limits prescribed under the

statutes. However, there are no provisions relating to

monitoring and control of airborne concentration of pollutants at the source as well as in the work room. The statutes also do not prescribe the precautions to be taken to protect workers against harmful airborne

substance.

The Water(Protection and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules 1995.
These Rules are enacted for prevention and control of pollution in water courses. These are applicable to all places of work including factories covered under the Factories Act. The Central and State

Pollution Control Boards are the enforcing agencies.

Some of the duties of the enforcement authorities

include:

 providing technical guidance monitoring, analysis and conducting investigations regarding water pollution setting standards for industrial effluents in water.

The enforcement is carried out by state boards through the qualified engineers and scientists appointed for that purpose.

 As per the requirement of this statutes the occupier of the factories are required to ensure

that amount of effluents in the water let out do

not exceed the permissible limits. However, there are no provisions relating to control of harmful substances during use, handling and transportation as well as safety precautions to be taken in order to protect workers against exposure to these substances.

POWER OF POLLUTION
BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY A CASE STUDY

BACKGROUND
In 1969, Union Carbide India Ltd. (Parent Co. UCC - 50.9%
stake) set up a small plant in Bhopal, capital city of M.P. to formulate pesticides. Bhopal facility was part of Indias Green Revolution aimed to increase productivity of crops.

Until 1979,the UCIL used to import MIC (Methyl

Isocynate) from the parent co. in U.S.

After 1979,it decided to manufacture its own MIC.

 Organic ,volatile, flammable & poisonous chemical used in

pesticide production. Little lighter than water but twice as heavy as air Ability to react with many substances: water, acids, metals, small deposits of corrosive materials that accumulate in pipes, tanks & valves. Highly toxic to humans & short term exposure can cause death, respiratory diseases, ophthalmic problems,

neurological disorders etc.

 On the night of Dec 3,1984, a dangerous chemical reaction occurred

GREATEST INDUSTRIAL DISASTER IN HISTORY

into UCIL factory when a large amount of water seeped into the MIC
storage tank. The leak was identified but staff inadequacies prevented any

containment.
Result: About 40 tons of MIC poured out of the tank for nearly 2 hours & escaped into the air, spreading within 8 hours downwind over the city of nearly 9 lakh. Thousands of people were killed in their sleep & lakhs remain injured or affected. Most seriously affected were the densely populated nearby slum colonies around the plant near the Bhopal Rly. Station.

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

No computerized data loggers.
Unreliable temp.& pressure gauges. No effective warning system.

Different for Bhopal plant & West Virginia (U.S.) plant.

Gas leaks detected by workers reporting tearing & burning sensation in their eyes.

Inadequate safety & maintenance procedures.

Several minor accidents reported earlier.

Most technicians poorly trained & inexperienced.

LAXITY OF INDIAN RULES & REGULATIONS

UCIL was able to operate its deteriorating plant because industrial safety & environmental laws & regulations were lacking making state of M.P. or the Indian Govt. indirectly

responsible for the tragedy.

NEGLIGENCE OF UNION CARBIDE

Co. made no effort to communicate the risk to the public.

No emergency response plans practiced.

When MIC was released , the co. insisted there was no leak. Public alarm was not sounded until hours later. UCIL provided misleading information on treatment for the toxic effects of MIC, resulting in inadequate treatment by

local doctors.
UCC never publicly accepted liability for the Bhopal catastrophe.

STRATEGY OF UNION CARBIDE

Strategy for negotiation focused on a fixed settlement

(supreme court-Oct 1991,$470 million) that would allow

them to walk away from Bhopal & its victims. UCC fought hard to ensure the legal battle took place in

India & lawsuits filed in U.S. courts were rejected on the

basis that the disaster occurred in the plant in India, the victims were Indian & UCIL-which ran the plant was a subsidiary of UCC. UCC was able to delay the legal process in India.

LEGAL STANDING
Following the disaster, Govt. of India passed the Bhopal Gas Leak
Disaster (Processing of claims) Act,1985. The act gave power to the central govt. to represent all claimants in

appropriate forums, appoint a welfare commissioner & other staff &

to discharge duties connected with hearing of the claims & distribution of compensation.

Indian Supreme Court ordered the dismissal of all civil & criminal
charges against Carbide & its officers & gave them immunity from future prosecution.

The Supreme Court felt ,the victims needed immediate relief, not
further legal delay.

LEGAL STANDING (contd.)

International law at present plays no role in a Bhopal scenario. A change in Govt. prompted the court case to be reopened. Criminal proceedings against UCC & Warren Andersen (chairman of UCC at the time of catastrophe) have been pending since

1992 in India.
UCC continues to maintain that all personal injury & related claims were settled in 1989 & have refused to respond to any summons from the Indian Court. UCC has been deemed fugitive/absconder.