Human beings have been found to be sexually affected by polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are known endocrine disrupters, which act as hormones and can cause cancer, infertility and even bring about sexual changes. Wilfried Karmaus and his team studied 101 families which had children born after 1963. Both, the men and women had higher levels of PCBs in their bodies. They found that out of the 208 children born, 57 per cent were boys, which was an increase of the normal trend of about 51 per cent. The study suggests that environmental contaminants may play a role in human reproduction.

Jan 18, 2002 Toxins Toxic Bhopal

Studies reveal that since the Bhopal Gas tragedy 17 years ago, highly toxic chemicals such as lead, chromium, mercury, halo- organics, cholorbenzenes and the pesticide BHC have spread from the factory premises into the soil, water and vegetables, and even inside breast milk. These deadly toxins are now being passed on from mothers to their children. Known to be carcinogenic in nature, these chemicals depress the immune and endocrine system, thus making victims more prone to illness.

Jan 18, 2002 International News Cancerous Kodak

Kodak, located at Rochester, New York is one of the largest polluters of cancer-causing chemicals in the US. The dioxin that it releases every year is the equivalent of nearly 544 million adult doses. Women staying near Kodak Park have an 80 per cent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer; which increases to a whooping 96 per cent risk in women who have been living close to Kodak Park for more than 20 years. Children staying in the vicinity of the park continue to be exposed to these toxic chemicals. In 1997 alone, 33 cases of childhood brain and spinal cord cancer were detected in the neighbouring locality of Kodak Park.

Jan 8, 2002. International News Air pollution linked to birth defects

A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has for the first time linked air pollution with birth defects. Comparing air pollution monitoring data from the Environmental Protection Agency along with statewide database on birth defects from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Programme, the study found that pregnant women who were exposed to the highest levels of carbon monoxide and ozone were three times more prone to give birth to children with heart defects. The homes of these women were close to busy freeways and hence they were more exposed to auto emissions and diesel exhaust. The presence of ultrafine particulate matter in these emissions may be the real reason behind the health implications on pregnant women. Particulate matter is known to cause adverse health effects like heart and lung disorder, respiratory illness, mortality and increased risk of cancer.

Jan 1, 2002 International News Garbage burning -a poison for health

The increase in garbage burning in the residential areas of Karachi, Pakistan, is leading to a rise in health problems amongst its residents. Asthma patients have been complaining of severe breathlessness due to the emission of the poisonous fumes and noxious gases from the burning garbage. The worst affected are the children who inhale these poisonous fumes, which often act as a trigger for asthma attacks.

Dec 17, 2001 International News Health of babies affected by smog

Extreme levels of air pollution have been found to harm babies. New research conducted by UCLA shows that even unborn babies are not spared of the harmful effects of dirty air. The greatest risk occurs during the second month of pregnancy, when a fetus gains most of its organs and much of its facial structure. Pollutants inhaled by pregnant mothers can reach fetuses through the umbilical cord, and can result in babies being born with cleft lips and palates and defective heart valves.

Dec 10, 2001 Industrial Pollution Environmental damage has monetary implications on human health

The implications of environmental damage on human health has costed the Andhra Pradesh Government Rs 3,259 crore per annum. This translates to about 4 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP). According to the World Bank study, the total burden of disease in AP from environmental threats is 15 per cent. Almost 0.4 per cent of this is due to industrial and agricultural pollution impacts on water quality, which translates into Rs 68 crore.

Nov 5, 2001 International News Airports major pollution emitters

With air travel expected to grow rapidly in the years to come, the pollution that they emit is growing to be a serious environmental concern. Most airports are situated in or near major cities and it is the urban residents who are most affected by noise, pollution and congestion arising from airport developments. Even aircrafts that lie idle on the runway emit pollution. The demand for conveniently scheduled departure times and more frequent departures, add to the growing problem of aircraft pollution. Los Angeles airport is the second largest producer of industrial smog whereas Kennedy airport emits more volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides than the Hudson Avenue power plant in New York.

Nov 3, 2001 International News Ambient air pollution on the rise in Pakistan

Major ambient air pollutants like SPM, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and heavy metals have either crossed safe limits or reached the threshold limits. The average hourly concentration of carbon monoxide in Rawalpindi and Islamabad is around five to six ppm. Nitrogen dioxide is in the range of 150 to 240 parts per million whereas its safe limit is 0.05 ppm. Produced by vehicles, industries, burning of solid wastes, brick kilns and natural dust, these pollutants have become a matter of serious concern due to their health implications. Pakistan being an arid country with low rainfall and low wind speed, dispersal of natural dust and anthrapogenic pollution generated takes a much longer time.

Nov 2, 2001 Noise Pollution Diwali: A festival of ill-health

According to a recent survey carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), ninety-five per cent of the crackers violate the noise and pollution norms. The set limit is 124 decibel at a distance of 4 metres from the point of bursting. Even crackers like "phuljari" and "anar" contain highly toxic heavy metals like cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, zinc, sodium and potassium. Exposure to 100 ppm of Suspendend Particulate Matter results in headache and reduced mental acuity. Nitrogen dioxide being less soluble, penetrates the smaller airways and enters into the lungs, causing asthma. Temporary hearing loss can occur due to the high decibel level of crackers. Exposure to excessive noise is known to make children more hyperactive or withdrawn.

Oct 24, 2001 Noise Pollution Mumbai amongst one of the noisiest ciites in the world

Blowing of car horns, brusting of firecrackers and loud speakers screeching out high-pitched songs-all this is enough to drive anyone crazy. With Mumbai having the dubious distinction of being one of the noisiest cities in the world, Delhi is not far behind. More than three million motorised vehicles ply on the streets of Delhi, causing a virtual cacophony of sound. The noise made by pressure horns range upto 100-105 db, whereas the limit prescribed by the RTO is 65-70 db. Autorickshaws emit a lingering noise of about 82 db from its engine, and this continues for quite some time before it comes down to a low decibel level. Exposure to either sounds that are too loud or to loud sounds over a long time damages the sensitive structures of the inner ear and may result in Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), a disease which unfortunately has no cure. Since prevention by avoidance of loud noises is the only answer, stringent laws coupled with awareness amongst drivers and people are needed to bring about a decrease in the noise pollution level in the cities.

Oct 22, 2001 International News Pledge to make your home smoke-free!

The unique vulnerabilities of children make them more prone to absorbtion of greater concentrations of smoke than adults do from the same exposure. More than one million children in the US alone have aggravated asthma symptoms of second-hand smoke, resulting in almost 10 million missed school days. Parents have the responsibility of providing for a smoke-free environment in their home or anywhere where children are present.

Oct 20, 2001 International News Second-hand smoke affects bar workers

Study conducted by the Ireland's Environmental Health Officers Association amongst bar workers in Ireland, has found that levels of carbon monoxide in the air inside the bars far exceeded the levels found in non-smoking offices and outside on the street. The environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) inside pubs, bars and restaurants contained more than 60 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide, as compared to just 6 ppm found on a busy road. The very nature of their job puts the staff working in such occupations at a high risk. Changing the ventilation facilities coupled with a ban on smoking in these places may be the answer.

Oct 19, 2001 International News Asbestos-related diseases on the rise

Despite the restriction being put on the use of asbestos, incidences of asbestos-related cancer occur every year in industrialised countries, and there is going to be an increase in such cases within the next 10 to 20 years. The continued presence of asbestos in the environment may be the reason behind this. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis and lung cancer, including a rare but lethal form called mesothelioma. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health reports 30,000 new cases of asbestos-related cancers annually, making doctors worry about the continued presence of the disease in the coming years.

Oct 11, 2001 Air pollution Deadly air.

Study conducted at busy traffic areas of Kolkata have found higher concentrations of particulate matter and harmful nitrous gases trapped inside the car. The study carried out by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board recorded 817 micro gram per cubic metre of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) inside the car, compared to just 281 micro gram per cubic metre outside. So was the case with Respiratory Particulate Matter (RPM) levels- 139 micro gm/cu cm outside and 255 inside. Levels for Nitrous Oxides were more than double inside the car at 171 micro gm/cu cm against 74 micro gm/cu cm outside. Air Pollutants are known to result in respiratory illnesses and cause exacerbation of asthma.

Oct 10, 2001 Water Pollution Bodh Gaya in the grip of fluorosis

High content of fluoride in the water is leading to an increase in the number of cases of fluorosis being detected in Bhoopnagar village in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Villagers complain of their legs getting bent due to the high fluoride content in the water. Fluorosis has no treatment or cure. A study team from Denmark has reached Bhoopnagar to offer aid and to conduct research.

Oct 7, 2001 Water Pollution Killer asbestos

Broken and cracked asbestos cement pressure pipes which carry drinking water, have been found to contain asbestos particles. Cases of cancer and increased complaints of chronic digestive and intestinal problems have been noted in the district of Lakshmikantapur, South 24-Parganas, West Bengal. The water carried by these defective pipes has a dark yellow tinge and carries heavy sediment. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to chrysotile asbestos can cause diseases like fibrosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Oct 4, 2001 International News Bitter Butter

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has found nine cases of workers suffering from a rare and disabling lung disorder and bronchiolitis obliterans.All these workers are employees of a popcorn making factory in Missouri, USA. These workers complained of breathlessness and persistent cough after being exposed to artifical flavoring while mixing and packaging microwave popcorn. This is for the first time that an outbreak of bronchiolitis obliterans has been noticed , which is otherwise known to occur in individual patients usually exposed to chemicals in accidents like the explosion of chlorine tanks. Though it is still not clear what ingredient in the flavoring may have triggered the disease, scientists are zeoring in on a chemical called diacetyl.

Oct 5, 2001 Pesticides Scientific study to find out effects of endosulfan

Waking up to the realities of the harmful effects that the aerial spraying of endosulfan has caused on the residents of Kasaragod district in Kerala, the Union Health Minister, Mr.C.P.Thakur has ordered the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a detailed study of the same. A team comprising of officials of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and representatives of local institutions along with doctors from National Institute of Occupational Health will conduct an "in-depth" study of the evil- effects of endosulphan pesticide. A ban relating to the use of the pesticide in the country would be taken only after the study report was available.

Oct 2, 2001 Air Pollution Delhi has 9 lakh Asthmatics

Pollutants from vehicular emmission is the main irritant for asthma patients. They irritate the air passages in the lungs, ultimately leading to the lungs being shriveled up. With firecrackers triggering asthmatic attacks and breathing problems, admissions to chest clinics increase threefold after diwali. These pollutants not only affect the asthmatics, but also bring on the condition in those who are predisposed to it. Staying away from the polluted environment is one preventive step that can be taken by the patients- but that remains a pipe dream, at least in Delhi.

Sept 26, 2001 International News Unsustainable consumption and production destroying the planet.

Growing population, unsustainable consumption and persistent poverty are straining the planet. The State of the World Population 2001 Report says that, "More people are using more resources with more intensity and leaving a bigger 'footprint' on the Earth than ever before." Air pollution alone accounts for nearly more than 3 million deaths a year. Unclean water and poor sanitation kills more than 12 million people a year. Almost 90 to 95 per cent of sewage and 70 per cent of industrial wastes are being dumped untreated into surface waters. Increased carbon monoxide emissions is leading to a global warning trend that will have severe environmental impact. The Report calls for widespread action to protect the environment and reduce unsustainable consumption and production.

Sept 26, 2001. Infectious diseases Dengue epidemic hitting Rajasthan.

With more than 19 people having died of dengue fever in Rajasthan, and over 50,000 being feared infected from the disease, the state is slowly heading towards an epidemic. From the 77,000 water samples collected for testing the presence of dengue mosquito, more than 33,000 water sources were found to contain the mosquito larvae. High temperature is known to help breeding of the dengue mosquito Ades Egypta. Besides children who have been the most affected by this disease, doctors dealing with dengue cases have also contracted the disease.

Sept 24, 2001 Water Pollution Haryana in the grip of fluorosis.

Recent surveys conducted by the Central Ground Water Board Sources have revealed rampant spread of fluorosis in some parts of South Haryana . Disposal of the waste and polluted water through boring wells by factories manufacturing steel and steel products, aluminium, bricks and coal has resulted in the pollutants getting mixed with groundwater. Excess of flouride level in water is known to lead to "yellowing" of teeth and skeletal disorders. Where the average level of flouride in drinking water should be around 1.5 mg per litre, the flouride level in South Haryana has risen to 7 to 8 mg per litre. The survey also reports the presence of other "hard metals" in the water used for drinking, thereby making the water unfit for both, drinking as well as washing.

Sept 19, 2001 Pesticide Endosulphan spraying opposed.

In mid-September new evidence was uncovered to suggest that the effects of endosulfan were spreading. In addition to the Padre village area, residents of Belthangady taluka are also showing symptoms of diseases caused by the chemical, and they report that the symptoms accentuate immediately after spraying. A significant number of villagers complained of skin diseases, mental retardation and asthma, while several cases of cattle infertility and fish death were also observed. Nagarika Seva Trust conducted the study, and called for immediate curative measures. The Endosulphan Spray Protest Action Committee (ESPAC) has called for a total ban of the spraying of endosulphan. Sept 19, 2001 International News Health risks are minimal from Trade Tower rubble. Because the collapse of the US trade towers is unprecedented, there is deep uncertainty as to the environmental health risks it will pose. It is believed there will be slight health risks for rescue and clean-up workers, and for residents with weak immune systems. Tests on dust and air around the site suggest that no lasting health problems should result from the disaster. EPA officials said the levels of asbestos, lead or toxic organic compounds existed in air samples were not harmful. However, the levels of  asbestos in the rubble itself has increased, possibly from floor materials or other substances. This will only pose concerns for rescue teams who will be working at the site. In nearby buildings, AC and heating systems will be cleaned and tested for pollutants. Considerable uncertainty surrounds the effect of intense heat from jet fuel fires. Some environmental experts say it could have produced hazardous dioxins from the incarceration of PCBs, from equipment such as lighting fixtures. Others suggest the fires could have acted as a cleaning agent, with the intense heat  incarcerating the hazardous compounds. Health and environmental experts agree that, as a precaution, people should limit their exposure to smoke and dust as much as possible. They have recommended the use of filtering masks and washing any coated clothing separately. Sept 14, 2001 International News Toxic rocket fuels cause cancer. Doctors are now documenting the health impacts of heptyl, the extremely toxic fuel which billows out during rocket launches. Heptyl is known to contaminate the soil and increase in cancer  cases and rise in mortality rates are now being observed in regions in Russia where intercontinental ballistic missiles are blown. Within a few days of the rocket launch, local people complained of severe headaches, drop in blood pressure, sudden increase in bodily temperature , pains in the joints and dryness in the mouth. Premature births have become a regular phenomena with almost 73% of births being premature as compared to just 30-35%  premature births 15 years ago. Sept 13, 2001. Water pollution Water pollution on the high in TN, Pondicherry. The latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General  (CAG), says that water quality in as much as 44 per cent of the sources in T.N. has not improved since 1994. In Pondicherry, as many as 5.06 lakh people have been reported to be affected by water-borne diseases during 1995-2000. Dumping of  harmful effluents and industrial wastes has been citied as the reason for contamination of water both, in T.N. and  Pondicherry. High concentrations of fluoride results in fluorosis, whereas high levels of nitrates is known to cause anemia in infants (methemoglobinemia).

Sept 5, 2001 Policy and governance

New National Health Policy draft unveiled The draft of a new National Health Policy, envisages a massive infusion of public investment to rejuvenate the healthcare system. The draft seeks to increase health expenditure from 5.2 percent of the gross domestic product to 6 per cent. For details of the policy, visit: www.mohfw.nic.in

Sept 1, 2001 Water Pollution
Idols generate waste
The idols of lord Ganesha, or for that matter, even those of Goddess Durga, when immersed in lakes, wells, rivers and the sea after the celebrations, cause health and environment hazards. Voluntary agencies in Mumbai and Bangalore are now working on public awareness programmes for collecting the idols for an eco-friendly disposal, and for depositing pooja items like flowers, banana shoots and plantain leaves in containers installed at the river banks.

Aug 21, 2001 Pesticides
The Endosulfan story.
The aerial spraying of the pesticide, Endosulfan, on cashew plantations by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) ,has affected almost all the families of the cashew farms of Kasargode. A highly toxic substance, endosulfan affects the central nervous system. Long-term exposure to low levels of endosulfan affects the kidneys, the developing foetus, and the liver.

Aug 21, 2001 International News
Landfill sites pose health hazards
The study indicates a link between the risks of birth defects and the proximity of landfill site to the pregnant mother’s home. The work conducted also reaffirms the importance of  lifestyle factors for a healthy pregnancy. The study looked at over 9,500 landfill sites, some with  hazardous wastes, and examined the effects on pregnant mothers living within a 2 kilometre radius. Results varied widely. The risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida and heart or circulation defects, increased by 4-5% for children born close to a landfill. When the sites contained hazardous waste, the rate of defects increased from 1% to 7%. In addition, the likelihood of  low birth weight climbed to 5%, a birth defect that can lead to other health problems such as diabetes.  However, the results are not conclusive. Firstly, it is unclear which landfill emissions are causing the increased risks. Secondly, it is not certain how ‘landfill effects’ may be interacting with lifestyle factors (such as maternal smoking and  poor diet), because their impact could not be ruled out in the study. Obviously more research is needed to understand the  links between birth defects and landfill sites.

Aug, 18, 2001 International News
Super-small pollution sensor
A super-small sensor has been developed, to be worn on a lapel or sleeve, which can monitor the surrounding environment for harmful chemicals. The liquid crystal sensor, about the size of a band-aid, can detect airborne chemicals as well as toxins in spoiled food. It consists of an ultra-thin layer of gold film, and the surface is coated with chemical receptors that bond to liquid crystal. These receptors interact with chemicals in the air and change colour accordingly, thereby indicating the local toxin content. The sensor can be used to analyse things like pesticides, nerve gases and spoiled food. The US Department of Agriculture hopes to develop the equipment to assist in checking the quality of the country's food supply. Several large American chemical companies have also shown their interest.

Aug 17, 2001 International News
Biodiversity Mapping
The maps are a project of the Bank's Development Research Group and Environment Department, and the World Bank Institute. In their present form the maps are considered  incomplete, because of the limited information available. It is said that the maps will increase in scope as new information becomes available, but they will be useful to stimulate debate and highlight areas of concern in the meantime. Air and water pollution, green accounting, biodiversity levels,  natural resource threats and water supplies are all indicated on the maps, as well as the degree of assistance offered to them by  the Bank.

Aug 10, 2001 Water Pollution
Groundwater no longer safe
With more and more tubewells being bored, and water reserves depleting, groundwater contamination and pollution pose a major health hazard for the public. The two most common are arsenic and fluoride contamination. Arsenic is known to cause cancer of the skin, lungs, urinary bladder and kidney lead to pigmentation changes. West Bengal accounts for the highest incidence of arsenic, wherein groundwater concentrations exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) maximum permissible level of 50 microgrammes per litre and its lower concentration of 10 microgrammes per litre. Food cooked with arsenic contaminated water may retain the poisonous chemical and cause health problems. Excess fluoride in drinking water causes fluorosis- a crippling disease, leading to deformities in bone structures. A recent study shows residents of Doninmukkala village in Guntakal mandal (Andhra Pradesh) complaining of orthopaedic deformities and tooth decay at a tender age, because of the groundwater being contaminated with fluoride.

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