(CNN) – At one of India’s holiest shrines, they’re cooking up a green idea. Each day the temple serves more than 50,000 meals a day to visiting pilgrims. It’s a major undertaking by any respect, but the cooks here get a little help from Mother Nature.
US Ambassador on a two-day visit to City Bangalore
Feb 16, DHNS: The U S Ambassador Timothy J Roemer will be in the City on a two-day visit from Wednesday. During his visit, he will be meeting various people in the fields of science and technology, space exploration, defence, energy and climate change.
The Ambassador will also be present at a meeting on Wednesday on the occasion of the second Solar Trade Mission’s visit to India. A 15-member delegation of US solar companies, headed by Mary Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce of US, is coming to Bangalore on Wednesday, to explore opportunities in India in the light of the National Solar Plan, which aims to build solar power capacity to 20,000 MW by the year 2020. Since Karnataka leads the country in terms of solar applications, US companies are eager to find partners, clients and projects during the visit.
On Thursday, the Ambassador will be visit the premises of Envirofit -a Bangalore-based enterprise which has developed a range of fuel efficient cookstoves. He will view the demonstration of fuel efficient cookstoves and interact with the end users of cookstoves. Envirofit is an American company which has sold over 100,000 clean burning cookstoves in South India.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2010 Feb 17.
The state of indoor air quality in Pakistan-a review.
Colbeck I, Nasir ZA, Ali Z.
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK,
colbi@essex.ac.uk.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Pakistan, almost 70% of the population lives in rural areas. Ninety-four percent of households in rural areas and 58% in urban areas depend on biomass fuels (wood, dung, and agricultural waste). These solid fuels have poor combustion efficiency. Due to incomplete combustion of the biomass fuels, the resulting smoke contains a range of health-deteriorating substances that, at varying concentrations, can pose a serious threat to human health.
Indoor air pollution accounts for 28,000 deaths a year and 40 million cases of acute respiratory illness. It places a significant economic burden on Pakistan with an annual cost of 1% of GDP. Despite the mounting evidence of an association between indoor air pollution and ill health, policy makers have paid little attention to it. This review analyzes the existing information on levels of indoor air pollution in Pakistan and suggests suitable intervention methods.
METHODS: This review is focused on studies of indoor air pollution, due to biomass fuels, in Pakistan published in both scientific journals and by the Government and international organizations. In addition, the importance of environmental tobacco smoke as an indoor pollutant is highlighted.
RESULTS: Unlike many other developing countries, there are no long-term studies on the levels of indoor air pollution. The limited studies that have been undertaken indicate that indoor air pollution should be a public health concern. High levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide have been reported, and generally, women and children are subject to the maximum exposure. There have been a few interventions, with improved stoves, in some areas since 1990. However, the effectiveness of these interventions has not been fully evaluated.
CONCLUSION: Indoor air pollution has a significant impact on the health of the population in Pakistan. The use of biomass fuel as an energy source is the biggest contributor to poor indoor air quality followed by smoking. In order to arrest the increasing levels of indoor pollution, there is a dire need to recognize it as a major health hazard and formulate a national policy to combat it. An integrated effort, with involvement of all stakeholders, could yield promising results. A countrywide public awareness campaign, on the association of indoor air pollution with ill health, followed by practical intervention would be an appropriate approach. Due to the current socioeconomic conditions in the country, development and adoption of improved cooking stoves for the population at large would be the most suitable choice. However, the potential of biogas as a fuel should be explored further, and modern fuels (natural gas and LPG) need to be accessible and economical. Smoking in closed public spaces should be banned, and knowledge of the effect of smoking on indoor air quality needs to be quantified.
Mutat Res. 2010 Feb 12.
Micronucleus formation, DNA damage and repair in premenopausal women chronically exposed to high level of indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use in rural India.
Mondal NK, Mukherjee B, Das D, Ray MR. Department of Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700 026, India.
Genotoxicity of indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use has been examined in 132 biomass-users (median age 34 yr) and 85 age-matched control women from eastern India who used the cleaner fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to cook. Micronucleus (MN) frequency was evaluated in buccal (BEC) and airway epithelial cells (AEC); DNA damage was examined by comet assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL); and expressions of gamma-H2AX, Mre11 and Ku70 proteins were localized in AEC and PBL by immunocytochemistry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in leukocytes was measured by flow cytometry, and the levelS of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in blood WERE measured by spectrophotometry. Real-time aerosol monitor was used to measure particulate pollutants in indoor air.
Compared with controls, biomass-users had increased frequencies of MICRONUCLEATED cells in BEC (3.5 vs. 1.7, p <0.001) and AEC (4.54 vs. 1.86, p <0.001), and greater comet tail % DNA (18.6 vs. 11.7 %, p < 0.01), tail length (45.5 vs. 31.4mum, p < 0.01) and olive tail moment (4.0 vs. 1.4, p < 0.01) in PBL. Moreover, biomass-users had more gamma-H2AX-positive nuclei in PBL (49.5 vs. 8.5 %, p<0.01) and AEC (11.3 vs. 2.9 %, p<0.01) along with higher expression of DNA repair proteins Mre11 and Ku70 in these cells, suggesting stimulation of DNA repair mechanism. BIOMASS-USERS showed rise in ROS generation and depletion of SOD and TAS. Biomass-using households had 2 to 4-times more particulate matter with diameter less than 10 and 2.5mum in indoor air, and MN frequency and comet tail % DNA were positively associated with these pollutants after controlling potential confounders.
Thus, chronic exposure to biomass smoke causes chromosomal and DNA damage and upregulation of DNA repair mechanism.
A recent analysis of indoor industrial air pollutants could be useful for implementing REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). Implementation of REACH should be based on sound analytical methods and targeting of priority chemicals, according to the researchers.
Indoor air can be contaminated by a wide range of industrial air pollutants, from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to endocrine disrupting chemicals. People in developed countries spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors where they come into contact with many of these airborne pollutants. To add to the problem, the concentration of indoor pollutants could be increasing due to improved insulation and reduced ventilation.
The study examined the methods used to establish the levels of chemicals found in indoor air that are known to pose a risk to health. It also summarised the current knowledge of these levels. This could prove useful to those involved in evaluating substances and managing their risk for REACH. The chemicals include:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from products such as paints, cleaning supplies and building materials. They cause symptoms such as headaches and eye irritation and some are suspected of causing cancer. Their levels have been measured in a range of indoor environments and their concentration tends to increase in winter.
- Carbonyls found indoors are mainly aldehydes emitted from building materials and furniture. They are suspected of causing cancer and genetic mutations and have been detected in residential homes and workplaces.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most concerning pollutants. Major sources are industrial processes, vehicle exhausts and waste incineration. They are carcinogens and mutagens, highly persistent in the environment and have been found in residential homes.
- Polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are probable carcinogens and are longlasting in the environment. Recent findings suggest that indoor air – possibly through fluorescent lighting and plasticizers – is a major source of
PCBs.
Recently a number of additional industrial substances have emerged as indoor pollutants. Phthalate esters are used as softeners in production of PVC and are present in building materials. Brominated flame retardants are also present in
many common products, as well as organophosphate esters. Synthetic musk fragrances are added to toiletries and household products.
All these chemicals have been found in a range of indoor environments. In addition, there is increasing attention to the presence of pesticides indoors. Lastly the study summarised research on the analysis of pollutants in indoor
dust and suspended particulate matter (PM). Inhalation, skin contact and ingestion of dust have been recognised as sources of exposure, especially for crawling children. Research indicated that the majority of air pollutants
considered are present in indoor dust.
New research reveals that indoor air pollution is an important indicator of the impact of emissions from an oil refinery on nearby communities. It suggests policies based on outdoor monitoring alone are not sufficient to safeguard health, especially with regards to breast cancer.
The EU Environment and Health Action Plan has identified indoor air pollution as one of its 13 actions. It aims to understand better the link between indoor air quality and health and establish how exposure to pollutants influences various health conditions.
The research was designed on the basis of community health concerns and aimed to inform policy. It studied levels of exposure to a wide range of pollutants, particularly those that are thought to contribute to breast
cancer. Dust and air samples were taken from inside and outside 40 homes in an American community that was neighbouring an oil-refinery (fence-line community or FLC). The samples were compared with those taken from 10 homes in a non-industrial community (NIC).
80 compounds were detected outdoors in the FLC and 60 in the NIC. Concentrations in the FLC were generally higher and, compared with previous figures, the levels of nickel and vanadium were among the highest in the state (California). These are known to come from heavy oil combustion and are some of most harmful components of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter).
The study analysed the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution. The level of pollutants indoors was much higher than outdoors, indicating that environmental assessments based on outdoor air pollution may be inadequate. Although the air quality standard is not intended to be applied indoors, nearly half of the FLC homes exceeded California’s regulations for PM2.5.
Further analysis on the relationship between outdoor and indoor levels indicates that pollutants are penetrating indoors. Examples are sulphates, vanadium and selenium. However, the source of indoor endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), particularly di-n-butyl phthalate, is more likely to be from consumer products. Previous research has associated EDCs with breast cancer.
The study is limited by its small sample size and that it sampled each home only once. However, the results suggest that monitoring of both indoor and outdoor air is important and that greater consideration should be given to the impact of local pollution sources on communities. The research was community-based and involved participants in the design. Its results have supported community efforts to block permits for a nearby oil refinery.
Village life: the new stove cuts toxic emissions by 80%
A company funded by the charitable arm of Royal Dutch Shell, the oil giant, has developed a cheap and efficient stove that it says could save carbon and lives. Envirofit, a spinout from the University of Colorado, claims that its $20 (£13) stoves cut smoke and toxic emissions by 80%, and halve the amount of fuel that is needed. It aims to sell 10m in the developing world over the next five years.
This has been tried before. In India, where 400,000 people die every year from indoor air pollution, the government gave away 20m new stoves in the late 1990s. The initiative failed because the new kit was of poor quality and there was a lack of aftercare. Most people went back to cooking with their old stoves.
What is different this time, said Simon Bishop, head of policy at the Shell Foundation, is that Envirofit is approaching it as a money-making venture. “Everything we do is about applying business thinking to poverty and environmental issues. There is never going to be enough aid to go around so what you need to do is to focus our limited resources on self-financing mechanisms that can make a big impact.”
The Shell Foundation put up $10m of the $25m raised to roll out Envirofit’s stoves across India and is leading an awareness-raising campaign called Breathing Space.
The stoves are made with an alloy that survives much longer in a high-temperature caustic environment than traditional models. Its insulated chamber is better at holding in heat, cutting down on energy loss and so saving on fuel.
Envirofit is keen to avoid the mistakes of India’s first attempt at tackling the problem. Tying stove sales into micro-finance initiatives, which give credit to lowincome clients, is critical. The Shell Foundation’s work includes using vans that spread the word by travelling round villages in India putting on street theatre or employing someone to go door-to-door promoting the stoves.
For poor families it’s a big investment. Convincing the head of the household of its worth is no easy task. Harish Anchan, Envirofit India’s general manager, said: “For a man on the Indian subcontinent, giving over 20% of the monthly household budget to something his wife wants is a big decision.”
The burden of acute respiratory infections in crisis-affected populations: a systematic review
Crises due to armed conflict, forced displacement and natural disasters result in excess morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases. Historically, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) have received relatively little attention in the humanitarian sector.
We performed a systematic review to generate evidence on the burden of ARI in crises, and inform prioritisation of relief interventions. We identified 36 studies published since 1980 reporting data on the burden (incidence, prevalence, proportional morbidity or mortality, case-fatality, attributable mortality rate) of ARI, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, version 10 and as diagnosed by a clinician, in populations who at the time of the study were affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, forced displacement, and nutritional emergencies.
We described studies and stratified data by age group, but did not do pooled analyses due to heterogeneity in case definitions. The published evidence, mainly from refugee camps and surveillance or patient record review studies, suggests very high excess morbidity and mortality (20-35% proportional mortality) and case-fatality (up to 30-35%) due to ARI.
However, ARI disease burden comparisons with non-crisis settings are difficult because of non-comparability of data. Better epidemiological studies with clearer case definitions are needed to provide the evidence base for priority setting and programme impact assessments.
Humanitarian agencies should include ARI prevention and control among infants, children and adults as priority activities in crises. Improved data collection, case management and vaccine strategies will help to reduce disease burden.
Author: Anna BellosKim MulhollandKatherine O’BrienShamim QaziMichelle GayerFrancesco Checchi
Credits/Source: Conflict and Health 2010, 4:3
Atmospheric Environment 44 (2010) 735e744
Fine particles and carbon monoxide from wood burning in 17th – 19th century Danish kitchens: Measurements at two reconstructed farm houses at the Lejre HistoricaleArchaeological Experimental Center
Full-text: http://ehs.sph.berkeley.edu/krsmith/publications/2009%20pubs/Lejre%20study%20AE%2010.pdf (pdf, 891KB)
Morten Ryhl-Svendsen, Geo Clausen, Zohir Chowdhury, Kirk R. Smith
Carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured in two reconstructed Danish farmhouses (17e19th century) during two weeks of summer. During the first week intensive measurements were performed while test cooking fires were burned, during the second week the houses were monitored while occupied by guest families. A masonry hearth was located in the middle of each house for open cooking fires and with heating stoves. One house had a chimney leading to the outside over the hearth; in the other, a brickwork hood led the smoke into an attic and through holes in the roof.
During the first week the concentration of PM2.5 averaged daily between 138 and 1650 mg m-3 inside the hearths and 21e160 mg m-3 in adjacent living rooms. CO averaged daily between 0.21 and 1.9 ppm in living areas, and up to 12 ppm in the hearths. Highest concentrations were measured when two fires were lit at the same time, which would cause high personal exposure for someone working in the kitchens. 15 min averages of up to 25 400 mg m3 (PM2.5) and 260 ppm CO were recorded. WHO air quality guidelines were occasionally exceeded for CO and constantly for PM2.5. However, air exchange and air distribution measurements revealed a large draw in the chimney, which ensured a fast removal of wood smoke from the hearth area. The guest families were in average exposed to no more than 0.21 ppm CO during 48 h. Based on a hypothetical time-activity pattern, however, a woman living in this type of house during the 17e19th century would be exposed to daily averages of 1.1 ppm CO and 196 mg m-3 PM2.5, which exceeds WHO guideline for PM2.5, and is comparable to what is today observed for women in rural areas of developing countries.
Elburn company to help Haiti with solar ovens
Now more than ever, Haiti needs a better way to cook food than over charcoal fires, the leader of an Elburn company believes.
Paul Munsen, president of Sun Ovens International, is traveling there Sunday to train people how to use Sun Ovens, which operate on solar power. As displaced Haitians form tent cities, Sun Ovens can help cook food and purify water for families and large crowds.
On Jan. 28 it shipped two Villager Sun Ovens, 160 Global Sun Ovens, 200 cardboard solar cookers and 2,000 water pasteurization indicators to the country.
It is also donating more than 297 of the Global model ovens that were made in Haiti and survived the hurricane intact. The Global Sun Ovens are capable of cooking enough food to feed eight people a day. The Villager can cook 1,200 meals a day.
Munsen has worked with Haitians for 11 years, including establishing the assembly plant in northern Haiti. (New parts have also been shipped to Haiti, so production can resume.)
On this trip, Munsen is going to be training trainers. Unfortunately, he has to do it because the person who has done the job for years, an American missionary, was killed in the earthquake.
The company asked its retail customers if they would donate money for the Haitian relief project. Bright Hope, an aid group out of Hoffman Estates, is the agency distributing the ovens. Rotary International service clubs often work with Sun Ovens to place ovens in developing nations from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
The solar ovens can bake, roast, boil and steam food, and purify water, reaching a temperature of about 360 degrees. The biggest obstacle to getting people to cook with them is overcoming cultural habits, Munsen said.
“Cooking is always a very personal thing to women,” he said, noting many are reluctant at first to change from the cooking method with which they are familiar – wood, charcoal or dung. “But once they have used it for a few days, they love it,” he said, calling it “the magic box.”
In Port-au-Prince, a family might spend half of its income on charcoal for cooking, Munsen said, oftentimes spending more money on fuel than it spends on food. The charcoal is made from trees in the now mostly denuded Haitian forest. Environmental experts say Haiti went from being 60 percent forested in 1923 to 2 percent now, leading to problems with soil erosion and mudslides.
Cooking over charcoal also leads to lung and eye problems for the cook, who inhales smoke while standing over the fire for long periods.
For more information about Sun Ovens’ efforts, visit sunoven.com.
