Electors Photo Identity Card or one of The Eleven Specified Photo Identity Documents, Essential for Casting Vote

Election Commission28-February, 2019 18:56 IST

Electors Photo Identity Card or one of The Eleven Specified Photo Identity Documents, Essential for Casting Vote

Photo voter slips not to be valid as stand-alone identification document for voting.

The Election Commission of India has directed that all electors in all constituencies who have been issued Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) have to produce the Electors Photo Identity Card for their identification at the polling station before casting their votes. Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall produce one of the following alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. The list of eleven documents is: 

1. Passport,
2. Driving License,
3. Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies,
4. Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,
5. PAN Card,
6. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,
7. MNREGA Job Card,
8. Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour,
9. Pension document with photograph,
10. Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and
11. Aadhaar Card.

Overseas electors shall have to produce their original passport only for identification.

To assist the Voters, the Commission has further directed its officers that in the case of EPIC, minor discrepancies in the entries therein should be ignored provided the identity of the elector can be established by the EPIC. If an elector produces an EPIC which has been issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another Assembly Constituency, such card shall also be accepted for identification, provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station where the elector has turned up for voting.  If it is not possible to establish the identity of the elector on account of mismatch of photograph, etc. the elector shall have to produce one of the above mentioned alternative photo documents.

On earlier occasions, the Commission had allowed Photo Voter Slip as a document for identification. However, there have been representations against its use as a stand-alone identification document on the grounds of misuse as these are printed after the finalisation of the roll and distributed just close to the poll through Booth Level Officers. The design of Photo Voter Slip does not incorporate any security feature. In fact, Photo Voter Slip was started as an alternative document as the coverage of EPIC was not complete in earlier years. Currently more than 99 per cent electors possess EPIC, and more than 99 per cent adults have been issued Aadhar Cards.
Taking all these facts in view, Commission has now decided that Photo Voter Slip shall henceforth not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting.  However, Photo Voter Slip will continue to be prepared and issued to electors as part of the awareness building exercise.  In order to make it clear to the electors that Photo Voter Slips shall not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting, the words `THIS SLIP WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION IN POLLING STATION. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY EPIC OR ONE OF THE 11 ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION FOR VOTING” shall be printed on the Photo Voter Slip in bold letters.
All Returning Officers and all Presiding Officers are being informed of these instructions. A copy of the instructions translated in the vernacular language will be supplied to each of the Presiding Officers. The Order shall be got published in the State, Gazette, immediately and publicised through print/electronic media for information of the general public and electors immediately and at very regular intervals till the date of polling.

SBS

(Release ID :189034)

Prime Minister confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology

Prime Minister's Office28-February, 2019 18:41 IST

Prime Minister confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar prizes for 2016, 2017 and 2018, at an event in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Congratulating the award winners, the Prime Minister said that science, technology and innovation should be connected with the aspirations and requirements of the society. He said that our scientific institutions should align with future requirements and try to find solutions for local problems.
The Prime Minister emphasized on the need for R&D in the new and emerging fields like Big Data, Machine Learning, Block Chain and Artificial Intelligence. He added that the National Mission on Inter Disciplinary Cyber Physical Systems will improve research and development in these fields. He asked the scientific community to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and develop technologies that will make India a global hub for manufacturing, knowledge and technology based industries.
The Prime Minister hailed the world class achievements of the scientific community while working with limited resources. In this context, he mentioned about India’s hugely successful space programs of ISRO, exceptional growth of Indian pharmaceutical sector and various CSIR initiatives.
Talking about the need to think beyond silos, Prime Minister said that scientists and researchers should have an inter-disciplinary approach. Such an approach will help in finding faster and better solutions for the various scientific questions, PM said.
The Prime Minister said that the Union Government policies aim at takingadvantage of demography, democracy and demand in the country. He also mentioned about the various Government initiatives to foster innovation and strengthen the Science and Technology space in India.
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, is given annually to recognize outstanding Indian work in various disciplines of Science and Technology.

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AKT/AK

(Release ID :189033)

How to save your time by preventing Gas leaks before running the Gas Chromatograph?

The article on importance of gas leak detection discussed the need for checking gas leaks and adoption of recommended leak detection methods. The present article discusses the practices that should be adopted to avoid gas leaks and save your valuable time for carrying out Gas chromatographic analysis.

Leaks should be checked and eliminated before proceeding for column conditioning and start of analytical work on the Gas chromatograph. You should start leak checking at the gas source regulator and carefully monitor each fitting and connector leading to the GC. It is important to switch off the column oven before checking all column connections, adapters, unions and fittings inside the oven.

How to prevent gas leaks?

It is advisable to adopt simple practices that will eliminate gas leaks and increase your confidence and laboratory sample throughput.

Proper cutting of tubing and columns

It is a good practice to use a tube cutter to obtain a clean tube cut. Unevenly cut ends contribute to leakages. A burr or ridge can result during the cutting process. This must be removed to allow free gas flow and obtain a leak free connection. Always hold the tube open end facing downwards while using a deburring tool to prevent fragments from falling inside the tube.

Choice of ferrule size and material

Choose the right size of ferrule that is compatible with the outer diameter of the capillary tubing.

Graphite ferrules are useful for general and high-temperature applications (up to 400°C). However, graphite is not the ideal choice for columns packed with oxygen sensitive stationary phases or oxygen sensitive detectors such as ECD due to semi- permeable nature of graphite. Over tightened graphite tends to flake and extrude thereby contaminating the columns.

Polyimide ferrules have limited application as they tend to shrink when exposed to heat cycling thereby increasing the need to over tighten but the material does not fragment.

Metal ferrules have the advantage of inertness and freedom from fragmentation but have no flexibility.

Never over tighten fittings

Over tightening can result in leaks due to breakage of columns or damage to fitting threads.

Compression fitting with two-piece ferrule design

A properly tightened compression fitting

Compression fittings provide gas tight, leak free connections without the use of PTFE tape or adhesives.. For 1/8” tubing hand tighten the nut and follow by 3/4 turn using the wrench. For ¼” tubing turn one and quarter turn past fingered tight position with the wrench. On tightening the back ferrule forces itself onto the front ferrule to form a leak free seal. A properly tightened compression fitting usually shows one thread from the back of the nut. Over tighten fittings show no thread and results in leakage.

It always pays to spend a few minutes before start of analysis to ensure freedom from leaks so that you can avoid loss of high purity gases and save several hours trying to get reproducibility of results.

Importance of Colour Coding for Gas Cylinders and Lines in Laboratories

Colour coded Gas Cylinders

Gases constitute an essential utility in modern-day laboratories. Examples of gases commonly used are compressed air, zero air, nitrogen, helium, argon, hydrogen, nitrous oxide and acetylene. Operation of laboratory instruments such as Gas Chromatographs, Atomic Absorption spectrometers, ICP’s and Mass spectrometers is unthinkable without provision of required gases.

Let us begin by imagining a scene where a laboratory makes use of several gases but colour practices are followed.In such a situation though the chemist and technicians may be trained and confident but there is always scope for human error and catastrophic situations may arise due to:

• Wrong gas supplies being connected to instruments
• Storage of hydrogen or other combustible gases in vicinity of oxidant gases or storage in poorly ventilated areas which can result in formation of combustible gas mixtures.
• Fixing of non-compatible gas regulators to the gas cylinders
• Unsafe gas handling like storing of non- compatible gases or allowing passage of such gases in lines in vicinity of each other

Such potential laboratory hazards can be prevented by using the prescribed colour coding for gas cylinders and gas lines. It should be mandatory for every laboratory to make use of colour coded gas supply tanks and gas lines.

How to handle gas chromatographic gases safely provided some useful tips for handling of gases in a gas chromatography laboratory.You will not have to worry about getting the gas cylinders painted on receipt to the required specifications at it as it is the responsibility of the gas manufacturer to distribute. only prescribed colour coded cylinders.

Colour coding is helpful in identification of gas cylinders and lines even by laymen provided they are familiarised with such colour codes. Almost all countries follow their own guidelines but efforts have been made to prescribe universal colour coding. British Compressed Gases Association introduced cylinder identification and colour coding scheme through BS EN 1089 – 3 which has been harmonised in the European Union. The colours used for medical gases are harmonised on the basis of ISO 32 standard

The colour coding is applied to the shoulder or the curved portion of the cylinder and it identifies the property of the gas inside the cylinder.

• Yellow – toxic
• Red – flammable
• Light blue – oxidising
• Bright Green – inert

A gas cylinder having two concentric colour bands indicates a combination of properties. The body of the cylinder can be of any colour of manufacturer’s choice but it should not lead to confusion regarding risk associated with the gas as indicated by the shoulder colour.

For the purpose of easy identification and the shoulder colours can refer to the gas inside the cylinder. Some typical examples are:

• Maroon – acetylene
• Grey – carbon dioxide
• Brown-helium
• Red – hydrogen
• Blue – Nitrous oxide
• Black – nitrogen
• White – oxidant.

In addition to the colour coding it is helpful if a label is a fixed which bears the name of the gas inside the cylinder.

It is important for all laboratories to prominently display colour code charts in workplace as well as in gas storage space so as to familiarise the workers with associated hazards of gases and their potential hazards..

Peak Height or Peak Area? – Which is the right choice for quantitative chromatographic calculations

A typical chromatogram comprises of several peaks varying in size. The height of each peak is in proportion to the amount of the particular component present in the sample mixture injected into the chromatograph.

  Ideal Chromatographic  Peaks

The chromatogram shown above is an ideal one showing symmetrical shaped peaks rising above a stable horizontal baseline. It can be seen that the peaks are well separated from one another and there are no overlap or shoulder bands. In such situations it is immaterial whether you use peak height or peak area in quantitative calculations.

Real-life sample chromatograms may not be that simple and will more than often show deviations resulting in non-Gaussian peaks due to several factors some of which are listed below:

• Presence of interfering compounds or impurities in the sample mixture
• Changes in operational parameters such as column temperature, flow rate of carrier stream, injection volume, etc.
• Leakages due to septum coring or worn out ferrules, O-rings or joint fittings.
• Detector response variation due to nature of compound
• Residual impurities present from earlier analysis.

Due to such reasons the chromatograms can deviate from ideal peak shapes and distortions in chromatograms become apparent as shown below

                                       Distorted Chromatographic Peaks

In such cases complications arise due to unsymmetrical peak responses and unstable baselines which are not uniformly flat. Peak height based calculations will lead to errors in quantitative estimations. Closely appearing peaks cannot be integrated in a reproducible manner because neighbouring peaks or overlaps influence peak height and area integration.The same is true for peaks arising from sloping or noisy baselines.

Peak integration is a mathematical operation performed by the chromatographic software to measure the area under a peak. The area measurement is based on integration which hypothetically divides the region below the peak into several rectangles which are summed up to give the total area under the peak. In order to define this area the software permits either manual or automatic marking of the start and end points of the peak. The baseline is then drawn between the start and end points to define the area calculation. It is important that same algorithm is used for area calculation of standard as well as sample peaks

Asymmetrical peaks often result due to peak tailing. It is difficult to reproducibly mark the endpoint of such peaks. This leads to errors in reporting of areas resulting in lowering of precision and accuracy of quantitative measurements.

Peak areas are used for most quantitative chromatographic estimations. Peak heights can vary due to distortion of the shapes such as the broadening or fronting and tailing. However, in such situations areas are not affected and show high reproducibility. On the other hand for very small peaks resulting from trace amounts of impurities peak height calculations may be a better option as errors in small variations in making start and end point of peaks become negligible.

The answer to the choice is based on your judgement of the quality of the chromatogram. However, in a majority of situations it would be advisable to make use of peak area measurements to get the highest levels of accuracy and precision.

How to prevent damage to Capillary GC columns

Gas chromatography Capillary Column

Capillary GC columns are capable of producing highly reproducible chromatograms provided right operational conditions are maintained and steps are taken from time to time to prevent damage and performance degradation.

The factors which can result in deterioration are discussed in the present article and preventive measures are suggested:

• Accidental breakage
• High-temperature damage
• Oxygen damage
• Chemical attack
• Contamination
• Accidental damage

Accidental Breakage

Columns appear to be very delicate but the outer polyimide coating on fused silica tubing contributes to their physical stability. However, repeated heating – cooling cycles, vibrations produced by the cooling fan and careless mounting on the cage can lead to breakages. Sudden breakages are not common but over the use weak spots develop which can result in cracks or breakages.

The remedy is installation of unions to join the broken ends but multiple unions can contribute to dead volume which results in complications like peak tailing.

High-Temperature Damage

Every column has a specification on upper temperature operation. Exceeding the limit accelerates the degradation of the stationary phase. However, significant damage like loss of resolution or peak tailing becomes apparent over prolonged operation at temperatures above prescribed limit. Overheating a column with leaks result is in exposure to oxygen which can cause irreversible damage.

Thermal damage can be reversed to an extent by removal of a segment of the detector end of the column. Heating for about 8– 10 hours at its isothermal temperature limit and removing about 10 cm length from the detector end. Re-install and condition as prescribed before reusing.

Oxygen Damage

Continuous use of a leaking column at high-temperature leads to fast deterioration of the stationary phase due to oxygen damage. The damage is lower for stationary phases with polar characteristics.

The leaks can result from gas lines or injector fittings. Early symptoms of oxygen damage are excessive column bleed, loss of resolution, peak tailing, etc. It is best to ensure leak free operation to prevent onset of oxygen damage. This can be achieved by regular leak checking of gas lines and regulators, periodic septa changes and use of high purity grades of gases and installation of oxygen traps in gas lines. Remember to always replace gas cylinders before they run out of supplies completely.

Chemical Attack

Chemical attack is less serious than oxygen attack. Nonvolatile compounds have greater potential of damage to the stationary phase. The influence of nonvolatile compounds can be reversed to an extent by solvent rinsing.

Apart from non-volatile compounds mineral acids or alkalis can attack severely the stationary phases. Organic acids such as perfluoro acids can also result in column damage. Fortunately the damage is confined to around the front end of the column and removal of the front-end (say,1 – 2 m) can improve the column performance.

Contamination

Column contamination can result from introduction of semi-volatile or non-volatile impurities present in the sample matrices. While semi-volatile impurities are easily eluted over a period of time non-volatile impurities impair stationary phase performance and may or may not elute out of the column even on prolonged use. In addition to sample induced contamination such contamination can also result from foreign solid micro particles from gas lines or traps, septa and ferrules, etc.

Freedom of such contamination can be achieved by proper prior treatment of samples and frequent changes of ferrules and septas. Use of guard columns can also reduce problems arising from contamination. The column performance can be reversed by removal of a length of the front end of the column and using the other section and baking the column at its isothermal temperature limit for about 1 to 2 hours.

Among the other performance recovery solutions solvent rinsing technique is popular. Inject a few ml of solvent to dissolve soluble residues and remove them. However, this approach works with bonded or cross-linked phases and on the contrary can result in severe damage to non-bonded stationary phases.

Column Storage

On removal columns should be stored in their original boxes. Septas should be affixed to the open ends to prevent entry of any debris. At time of reuse around 2 – 4 cm of end tubing should be removed to prevent entry of septa debris, if any.

It should be remembered to keep carrier gas flow on if column is left inside a heated GC oven. Without the carrier gas flow damage can occur to the heated stationary phase.

Sampling of Gases for analysis by Gas Chromatography

Tedlar Gas sampling bag (Image Credit : http://www.hedetech.net)

Gas chromatography is an ideal tool for analysis of gases. The versatility of the technique extends its capability to analyse samples such as dissolved solids, liquids and gases. The scope of applications extends from pharmaceuticals, foods, environmental monitoring, petroleum refining, and workplace environment monitoring for safety of workers. Gas samples require special handling as gases have different physical and chemical properties in comparison with solids and liquids.

Types of Gas Sampling

Spot Sampling

Spot sampling is adopted when compositional details of a sample are required at any given point of time.It is commonly applied to observe the composition of a gas stream in industrial manufacturing processes. A tube similar Pitot tube,used for measuring flow velocities of fluids is inserted into the process pipeline and the representative sample is collected in the sampling cylinder for analysis in the laboratory.

Continuous Sampling

Continuous sampling has gained popularity in recent years and is mainly applied in process stream monitoring. The sample is withdrawn continuously and led to the detector for real-time analysis. The method provides real-time changes in the composition and helps in taking instantaneous quality control measures for consistent quality of product. The only disadvantage of this approach is that you have to place reliance on the accurate response of the instrument to changes in composition of the gas stream.

Three approaches are commonly used for collection of gas samples. One requires a direct collection for analysis in a laboratory and the other involving liquid displacement and another using adsorption or absorption on a solid support followed by desorption. In the present article direct collection is covered in some detail.

Grab Sampling

Several devices are used for grab sampling such as evacuated flasks, metal cylinders, plastic bags, etc.

Evacuated glass bulbs with varying capacities have one heat sealed and the open and drawn to a tip and sealed. The sealed tip is broken in the required environment and the allowed air is filled inside the bulb. On resealing the container is submitted for analysis to the laboratory. The sample is drawn using a gas tight syringe by penetrating the butyl rubber septum on the bulb.

Sampling Bags

Plastic bags specially designed for the purpose are available in different capacities depending on applications in hand. These can be used successfully for sampling of both organic and inorganic gases. Such bags are made from materials like polyester, Teflon,Fluorocarbons,etc. The choice of material Is based on the absorption or reaction of the gas with the bag material. The bags are connected to a pump for drawing gas samples inside.

Tips to Reduce Sampling Errors

Like samples of liquids there are potential sources of errors with Gas sampling. Typically these errors can be minimised by:

• Running the sample pump for some time before start of sampling to optimise the representative sample collection
• The sampling bag material should be inert to the gases collected and before transfer samples to the laboratory the bulbs or bags should be sealed tightly with suitable caps and stoppers
• Samples should be stored under appropriate temperature conditions and protected from exposure to light to prevent decomposition
• Whenever possible the sample should be analysed at the earliest opportunity after collection to avoid any changes in composition during storage and transportation.

Standard calibration weights for Analytical Balances- Traceability, Handling and Care

All of you would be familiar with standard weight boxes used for calibration of analytical balances from your school days. Such weights are supplied in wooden boxes and are placed in individual slots inside the box along with a pair of tweezers for handling purpose. The weights provided meet weighing requirements of most analytical laboratories and include following weights: 10mg(0.01gm),20mg(0.02gm),100mg(0.1gm),200mg(0.2gm),  500mg(0.5gm),0.10gm,0.20gm,0.50gm, 1.00gm, 2.00gm,5.00gm,10.00gm,20.00gm,50gm and 100gm.

The observed balance reading should be within +/- 0.1% of market value of standard weight as per USP 41 requirements. As per the mandatory requirements, a weighing balance should be calibrated on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Box containing standard weights

Traceability of calibration weight standards

Calibration weight standards are accompanied by a certificate of traceability. Such certificates are issued by national or international laboratories accredited by global bodies such as NIST, ASTM or OIMIL. Such certificates contain information such as the type of weight, weight class, material density, limit of uncertainty and environmental controls at the time of calibration. The traceability reports also give acceptable tolerance and uncertainty limits. During regular use, the standard weights should be calibrated periodically at assigned intervals and should be sent to a national accredited calibration laboratory and the issued certifications should be preserved for records purpose.

Handling & care

All standard weights comprise of a single piece of metal or alloy with no air cavities or foreign adjusting materials for mass stability. However, the weight readings can vary over time due to mishandling and lack of care. The commonly observed changes are the appearance of scratches or corrosion at microscopic levels due to contact with humid air or fingerprint impressions. Persons handling standard weights should take precautions like wearing gloves to avoid contamination from hands or fingerprint impressions and hair net covers to prevent fall of hair and dandruff. Further weights should be lifted only with ivory-tipped forceps to prevent scratches. Wearing face masks also prevents disturbance due to breath air drafts.

 It is also essential to keep standard weight boxes under controlled temperature and humidity even when not in use to preserve their certified characteristic parameters.

An increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans Global temperature on both land and sea increased by 0.6 ± 0.2 °C over the past century Volume of atmospheric carbon dioxide increased from 280 parts per million in 1800 to 367 in 2000, a 31% increase over 200 years

Global Warming

What is Global Warming? An increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans Global temperature on both land and sea increased by 0.6 ± 0.2 °C over the past century Volume of atmospheric carbon dioxide increased from 280 parts per million in 1800 to 367 in 2000, a 31% increase over 200 years  Our Changing Climate Global mean surface temperatures have increased 0.5-1.0°F since the late 19th century The snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere and floating ice in the Arctic Ocean have decreased Sea level has risen 4-8 inches over the past century Global surface temp. could rise 1-4.5°F (0.6-2.5°C) in the next fifty years, and 2.2-10°F (1.4-5.8°C) in the next century  What causes it? Human Impacts- Atmospheric greenhouse gases trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat Natural Impacts- Change in sun’s energy output Volcanoes Water Vapor Clouds Greenhouse Gases - CO2 Methane Nitrous oxide Fluorinated compounds Since industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide increased 30%, methane more than doubled, nitrous oxide risen by 15%. These increases have enhanced the heat-trapping capability of the earth’s atmosphere Greenhouse Gas Emissions Combustion of fossil fuels? coal-burning power plants, automobile exhausts, factory smokestacks, other waste vents of the human environment contribute 22 billion tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases each year Animal agriculture, manure, natural gas, rice paddies, landfills, coal, and other anthropogenic sources contribute about 450 million tons of methane each year Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and CH4 have increased by 31% and 149% respectively above pre-industrial levels since 1750  Greenhouse Gas Emissions Power Plants  40% of carbon dioxide emissions stem from the burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation Cars  20% of carbon dioxide emissions comes from the burning of gasoline in internal-combustion engines of cars and light trucks with poor gas mileage contribute the most to global warming Trucks  Another 13% of carbon dioxide emissions come from trucks used mostly for commercial purposes Airplanes  Aviation causes 3.5 percent of global warming, and the figure could rise to 15 percent by 2050 Carbon Dioxide from Buildings  Buildings structure account for about 12% of carbon dioxide emissions Methane Methane is more than 20 times as effective as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere 2004 Levels of atmospheric methane have risen 145% in the last 100 years Derived from sources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel production . In flooded fields, anaerobic conditions develop and the organic matter in the soil decomposes Nitrous oxide  Naturally produced by oceans and rainforests , man-made sources-nylon and nitric acid production, the use of fertilizers in agriculture, cars with catalytic converters and the burning of organic matter Deforestation Responsible for 25% of all carbon emissions entering the atmosphere by the burning and cutting of about 34 million acres of trees each year .  The Carbon Cycle  Effects of Global Warming Negative Effects Rising Sea Level Change of precipitation and local climate conditions; acid rain Alteration of forests and crop yields Expansions of deserts into existing rangelands More intense rainstorms Destabilization of Ocean currents Positive Effects Can stimulate plant growth in places where CO2 and temperature are the limiting factors (preventing photorespiration which can destroy existing sugars). Melting Arctic ice may open the Northwest Passage in summer, which would cut 5,000 nautical miles from shipping routes between Europe and Asia  What Can be Done: Alternatives Renewable Energy Sources Solar Energies Wind Power Biomass Geothermal Hybrid Fuel Cell Battery-Electric Kyoto Protocol 1997, Kyoto, Japan ? developed countries agreed to specific targets for cutting their emissions of greenhouse gases Industrialized countries committed to an overall reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases to 5.2% below 1990 levels for the period 2008 - 2012 Objective is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system  References Choi, O. and A. Fisher (2003) "The Impacts of Socioeconomic Development and Climate Change on Severe Weather Catastrophe Losses: Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) and the U.S." Climate Change, vol. 58 pp. 149 Dyurgerov, Mark B, Mark F. Meier (2005). Glaciers and the Changing Earth System: a 2004 Snapshot, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, Occasional Paper Climate Change and Global, Anup Shah, Global Issues, Warming http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/GlobalWarming.asp The Carbon Cycle & the Greenhouse Effect, Corresponding Readings in Primack, Richard B. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dallan/nre220/outline20.htm The Effects of Global Warming, http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html Evidence of Global Warming, http://www.ecobridge.org/content/g_evd.htm The impact of global warming in Asia, http://www.climatehotmap.org/asia.html

Indoor Air Pollution

A Common Myth Air pollution occurs only outdoors Or In industrial environment Truth!!!! What is more agreeable than one’s home? Feeling safe ? Away from outside pollution ? Air inside the conditioned space can be substantially more polluted than outdoor air.  Historical Perspective First indication of indoor contamination – Asbestos pollution, a carcinogenic substance, discovered by epidemiologists, used in almost all building materials about 35 years back.Banned due to adverse health effects NOT considering IAQ. Concept of IAQ first introduced among scientific community in 1980 due to some occurrences of ‘episodes indoors’. At central headquarters of EPA building at Washington, D.C.- more than 100 people fell sick within 15 minutes of entering the office. In Los Angeles, CO level in most of the well insulated buildings was three times greater than the outside level.  Outcome Such episodes indoors in developed nations ended up with 1. Extensive monitoring programme development indoors 2. Identification of indoor contaminants 3. Formulation of IAQ models 4. Development of control methodologies 5. Formulation of Indoor Air Contamination Standards. 6. Identification of ‘Sick Buildings’ 7. Investigation of ‘Sick Building Syndrome(SBS)’  What is IAQ?? IAQ stands for “Indoor Air Quality” It refers to the nature of the conditioned (heat/ cool) air that circulates throughout space/area, where we work and live i.e. the air we breathe most of the time (almost 80 % of the time).  What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?? Air tightness of buildings Poorly designed air conditioning and ventilation systems Indoor sources of pollution Outdoor sources of pollution  Air Tightness in BuildingsCauses inadequate supply of fresh air, as a result, negative pressure develops, which causes Ground level pollutants, e.g. CO, Radon etc.to be drawn inside the buildings. Release of odor (Bioaerosols) and other pollutants. Pull outside polluted air from vents, cracks and openings and increase dust, pollen etc. Causes “Sick Building Syndrome”.  Poorly Designed Air Conditioning Systems Results into the production of fungi, molds and other sickness causing microbes.  Problems of IAQ Enclosed spaces inhabited by humans produce following effects- Reduction in oxygen level of spaces. Increase in CO2 level. Increase in temperature. Increase in humidity Increase in Bioaerosols and odor  Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in a Typical Office Building  Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in a Typical Household  Hard Facts Fresh air contains 21.0% (v/v) O2 Exhaled air contains 17.0% (v/v) O2 and 83.0 % (v/v) CO2 An adult emits 45 gm sweat / hour containing bioaerosols. An adult produces 300 BTU of heat / hour. Carbon based gaseous pollutants (VOCs) indoors are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.  Poor IAQ Results  Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Health Effects Pollutant Effect Limits NOz Type: Immediate Causes: irritation to the skin, eyes and throat, cough etc. 0.05 ppm (avg. over one year for 8 hours exposure daily)- EPA CO Type: Immediate Causes: headache, shortness of breath, higher conc. May cause sudden deaths. . 9.0 ppm (avg. over 8 hours period)- EPA RSPM Type: Cumulative Causes: Lung cancer 150 µg/ m3 (24 hr. average) SO2 Type: Immediate Causes: lung disorders and shortness of breath 0.05 ppm (avg. over one year for 8 hours exposure daily)- EPA Radon  Type: Cumulative Causes: Lung cancer  >/ 4 pCi/ Litre of indoor air Formaldehyde  Type: Immediate Causes: irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, fatigue, headache, skin allergies, vomiting etc. 120 ? g/ cu.m. (continuous exposure)- ASHRAE Asbestos  Type: Cumulative Causes: Lung cancer >/ 2 fibers/ cu.cm. Of the indoor air (8 hrs. exposure period)- OSHA Pesticides Type: Immediate Causes: Skin diseases   VOCs Type: Immediate Causes: Liver, kidney disorders, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, skin rashes and respiratory problems. Not for all VOCs. For chlordane: 5? g/cu.m.(continuous exposure)) CO2 Surrogate index of ventilation 1000 ppm O3 Type: Immediate Causes: eyes itch, burn, respiratory disorders, lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia. 100 ? g/cu.m (continuous exposure)- OSHA  WHO Standards Pollutants Concentration reported Concentrations of limited or no concern Concentration of concern Remarks Respirable particulates 0.05 – 0.7 <0.1 >0.015 Japanese standard 0.15 mg/cubic m CO 1-1.5 <2 >5 Indicator for eye irritation(only from passive smoking) NO2 0.05 – 1 <0.19 >0.32 ------ CO ---- 2% CO Hb 3%COHb 99.9% 1-100 < 11 >30 Continuous exposure Formaldehyde 0.05 – 2 < 0.06 >0.12 Long- and Short- term SO2 0.02 – 1 < 0.5 >1.35 SO2 alone, short-term CO2 500 – 5000 ppm < 1000 ppm >1000 ppm Occupancy indicator O3 600-9000 < 1800 >12000 Japanese standard 1800 mg/cubic m   <10 fibres/cubic m ~ 0  fibre/m  For long Exposure * typical ranges of concentration is given in mg/cubic m, unless otherwise indicated Parameters Affecting IAQ Rate of exchange of air from outdoors (ventilation) Concentration of pollutants in outdoor air Rate of emission from sources indoors Rate of removal of pollutants (Sinks) Indoor temperature Indoor humidity Age of indoor structure Type of foundation soil  Steps for Investigating IAQ Problems Document employee health complaints. Examine floor plans and ventilation system specifications. Analysis of data collected from above steps for SBS score calculations. Study of building layout, position and location of windows, doors, vents, openings etc. Ventilation measurement. Monitoring of indoor pollutants and other environmental parameters and development of IAQ model. Develop a plan for reducing and eliminating the IAQ problem  What is Ventilation?? A process, whereby air is supplied and removed from an indoor space by natural or mechanical means.  Why ventilation is needed indoors? To remove heat or moisture OR to reduce the concentration of one OR more indoor pollutants  Types of Ventilation  Natural  Mechanical Natural Ventilation Involves Infiltration: random/ intentional flow of outdoor air through windows, cracks and a variety of openings in the buildings. Exfiltration: movement of air from indoor spaces to outdoor. Limitation of Natural Ventilation Fairly inefficient as it is NOT UNIFORMLY distributed. Air doesn’t circulate evenly and stale air gets collected in some dead end spaces. It brings POLLENS & OTHER POLLUTANTS from outside air. Maximum energy loss occurs as NO CONSERVATION of energy can be done Mechanical ventilation It involves use of fans and heating / air conditioning equipments. Principle of mechanical ventilation Pulling fresh air from outside to indoor spaces. Exhaust stale air. Control temperature and humidity inside.  Ventilation Measurement A. In naturally ventilated buildings By Infiltration measurement.Infiltration is reported as air change per hour (ACH) – the average rate at which indoor air is replaced by fresh outdoor air.ACH is a rough guideline for different building conditions, given by ASHRAE. For e.g., in “air tight buildings” ACH is 0.1 to 0.2, in “leaky building”, ACH is 2.0 to 3.0. ASHRAE model for measuring infiltration in naturally ventilated buildings is – I = ln (CO / Ci) / t Tracer gas technique is employed to measure infiltration. Non reactive gases, e.g. SF6/NO are used as tracer gases with the assumption that the loss of tracer gas is only due to ventilation/ exfiltration. B. In mechanically ventilated buildings ACH is measured by CO2 concentration. It is a good surrogate index to determine the proper ventilation in HVAC buildings. ASHRAE model for measuring infiltration in HVAC buildings is –Q = G/ Ci – Ca Minimum recommended ventilation rate by ASHRAE is 8L/sec. per person to maintain the indoor concentration of CO2 as 700 ppm. Parameters for Natural Ventilation Air Flow- occurs mainly due to two driving forces 1. Pressure Gradient – Difference in outdoor and indoor pressure (varies with building shape, size, openings, wind direction, local environmental densities, neighbour building’s configuration, topography etc.) 2. Temperature Gradient (Buoyancy Forces)- when the inside air temperature is higher than outside air, the warm air at floor surface starts rising and the cool air starts entering as a result of vaccum created at floor surface. This effect is called as “Stack Effect”. Parameters for Mechanical Ventilation Infiltration air Exfiltration air Recirculated air Exhaust air Makeup air What is sick building syndrome? The feeling of illness among majority of occupants of a conditioned space is called “Sick Building Syndrome”. A variety of illness symptoms reported by occupants in sick buildings are – Headache, fatigue, irritation in eyes, nose and throat, shortness of breathe etc. Causes Inadequate ventilation – insufficient supply of outside air; poor mixing; fluctuations in temperature & humidity; air filtration problem due to lack of maintenance of HVAC systems. The CO2 level indicates the ventilation efficiency of buildings. Building shows SBS symptoms, if CO2 concentration > 1000 ppm.  About The building How old is the building? What construction materials have been used? How many floors in the building? How many square feet per floor? What types of windows are in the building? Do they open? Who is responsible for the functioning of the building systems? Who is responsible for cleaning the interior of the building? How often is the building cleaned? Have there been any major renovations or operating changes ? What are they ? When did they occur? Does the building have sprayed or foamed insulation? When was it applied? What type of heating system is used? What type of cooling system is used? What type of humidification system is used?  How is the total ventilation system operated? What floors and rooms are served by each system? What type of filtration system is used? How often it is changed or maintenainced? How much fresh air is being introduced into the ventilation system? Does this amount meet system specifications? Where are the fresh air inlets? Are they functioning properly? Are there any possible sources of contamination located in the general vicinity of the air inlets? How likely are contaminants to be drawn into the air inlets due to prevailing winds and inversions? How does exhaust air leave the building? Is the building being used for the same purpose for which it was designed? What type of activities are buliding occupants engaged in? What processes or activities are present in the building that may serve as contaminant sources?Is locla exhaust ventilation used near contamination sources?  Employees Questionnaire What health complaints have experienced at work? Do you have any of the following conditions? Hey fever _______ Other allergies ________ Dermatitis or other skin problems______ Sinus problems______ Cold or Flu______ Naussea or dizziness____ Eye irritation________ Headache______ Excess fatigue______ Joint aches_____ When did you first noticed these symptoms? When do the symptoms occur? How often? Do your symptoms clear within an hour of leaving work?If not, which symptoms persist through the week? Are the symptoms more likely to appear at particular times of day? Do they occur in the particular areas of the building? How many co-workers smoke? Do they smoke? Is there a specific incident to which your health problems can be traced( ie building renovations, installation of new carpets,purchase of new furniture) What office machines are used in your vicinity? What chemicals do they use? What office products are used that contain chemicals?List the ingredients? What fabrics are used in the carpets,curtains, shades and wall coverings? Is there any evidence of excessive dust or mold? Are you aware of any water leakage that have not been repaired so far? What is your overall assessment for the air quality and confort level in your office? Do you work with any office equipment? Specify the type? Where is your office located? Specify floor, department, and proximity to office equipment ? How old are you? What is your job title? Briefly describe your responsibilties? Whta is the general condition of your health? Is there any family histroy or illness?