Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)

May 2012

A cellular phone in today’s

society is like a vital organ

in our body that if taken

away would disrupt the

normal operation of our daily lives.

This can be said about many other

home electrical appliances that have

become unavoidable appendages to

our lives. If one of these appendages

were to be taken away it would seem

like you are paralysed, handicapped

and inefficient.

The present day hustle and bustle

world and hectic lifestyles have made

time the most precious thing, and as

such, these gadgets or appliances help

us immensely to cut down on

the time we spend on daily

chores. Living without

many of these appliances

would lessen our physical

energy, productivity and the

time spent enjoying our lives ("more

electricity less work to do").

People have gotten so accustomed to

the convenience of the appliances they

use everyday that most couldn't imag-

ine living without them. This is why

home appliances industry is a popular,

billion-dollar business. A microwave,

a washing machine, a blender, a televi-

sion, a radio, etc. cannot be separated

from many people living in a civilized

society. However, how much do we

know about the health implications of

using these appliances or

gadgets? Are we creating more

harm than good to our bodies

with the radiation that is emitted from

these necessary appliances? Is our

dependence to our detriment? In this

issue of the CEIS Petroleum Update

we will seek to shed some light on

radiation from household appliances.

What is Electromagnetic Radiation

(EMR)?

In any given day, there are very few

moments when our bodies are not

exposed to the frequencies emitted

CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE is a monthly Bulletin which highlights petroleum issues affecting or relevant to the

Caribbean, international developments that may affect the region’s way of life and movements in oil prices and retail prices for fuel regionally.

To access CEIS website

CONTACT US

Caribbean Energy Information System

Scientific Research Council

Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica

1-876-927-1779 (Telephone)

1-876-977-1840 (Fax)

ceis@src-jamaica.org

www.ceis-caribenergy.org

continued on page 2/

ECO ART: Field of beams. Image source: www.inhabitat.com

page 2 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

continued on page 3/

The Trade off - More Electrical Appliances, More Radiation...continued from page 1

from our electrical appliances. We

often leave our appliances plugged in

and still turned on even when they are

not in use. Although the television or

microwave may not be on, the electri-

cal current is still flowing as the clock

is still flashing the time and the on/off

button is still glowing red or blue. All

electric appliances emit electromag-

netic radiation in low frequency and

some also in high frequency (cordless

phones, Wi-Fi router, laptop, micro-

wave ovens). The electrical frequency

or current which is emitted from your

electrical appliances carries either a

high level of radiation or low level of

radiation, these are often called an

EMF’s - Electromagnetic Field (emit a

lower frequency radiation) OR EMR’s

Electromagnetic Radiation (emit a high

frequency radiation).

EMR is energy in waves travelling at

the speed of light emitted from a

source. This energy is both electrical

and magnetic- the reason it is referred

to as electromagnetic. Usually the

Electromagnetic radiation from a

source penetrates the surrounding area,

creating an electromagnetic field

(EMF). This EMF is strongest at the

source, and weakens with increasing

distance until it becomes too small to

measure.

Is it Harmful?

Penetration is a key issue when it

comes to EMR health effects. It is

important for us to know why these

appliances emit electromagnetic

radiation and we need to keep safe

distance and to find ways to limit and

to avoid unnecessary exposure to

electromagnetic radiation. Some

important properties of electromagnetic

radiation are Frequency (tells us how

fast the wave oscillates in cycles per

second), Wavelength (the distance

between two successive wave crests -

the higher the frequency the shorter the

wave length) and Intensity (the

amount of electrical and magnetic

energy radiating from its source, the

distance from that source and the

extent to which the radiation has been

absorbed or blocked/shielded).

Excessive or intense exposure to any

type of electromagnetic radiation can

be harmful - for example, visible light

is not harmful, but if intense enough

can blind you (if exposed to your eyes)

or can even burn your skin.

Why do electric appliances emit

EMR?

Electromagnetic field is created around

every electric conductor (a metallic

wire for example) when an electric cur-

rent is running through it. The higher

the current the higher the EMR will be.

It is important to remember that low

frequency radiation passes easily

through walls. The levels of electro-

magnetic radiation in low frequencies

drops as you move away from the

source. In electric appliances, there are

many wires, electronic components,

electronic board and power converters.

When a device is turned on, and in

some cases even when turned off, those

components and wires emit electro-

magnetic radiation in the frequency of

the electric network (50Hz or 60Hz).

Therefore the location of the home

appliances in the house is very impor-

tant. If located wrongly people living in

the house can be exposed to high levels

of electromagnetic radiation which can

be harmful. Table 1 below shows the

types of radiation and the frequency

range in which they fall.

A few Appliances that increases the

risk of electromagnetic radiation

C o m p u t e r s / C R T M o n i t o r s /

Television Screens - Intending to save

office space, many businesses and

Table 1 - Types of Radiation

SOURCE: http://www.emwatch.com)

Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 3

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

The Trade off - More Electrical Appliances, More Radiation...continued from page 2/

Electromagnetic Radiation Frequency Range. Image source: www.osha.gov/SLT

offices place computer tables against

each other, back to back, which means

the computer screens are also placed

back to back. This situation exposes

users of the computer to a high level of

electromagnetic radiation from the rear

and sides of the screen and more so if

the screen is a Cathode Ray Tube -

CRT.

Safety distance from a 29" CRT TVs

is at least 2 meters from all sides. A

safety distance from a 19" CRT/LED//

LCD/PLASMA screen should be at

least half a meter in any direction..

Microwave Oven – This can be found

in almost every kitchen in the modern

world and like most electrical

appliances, emits low frequency

electromagnetic radiation in the electri-

cal network’s frequency. When a

microwave oven is on, part of the

radiation goes through the protection

shield-filter in the microwave oven

door, and spread into the room.

Although the radiation that escapes

from the oven is relatively small, it is

definitely not recommended to look

into the oven for several seconds as

this could cause possible damage to

the eye protein. Staying in the kitchen

when the microwave oven is on

increases the risk of harm from

radiation. It is recommended to

unplug microwaves when not in use

and take into account the microwave

oven, low and high frequency and

EMR emission when deciding on

placement in the house (should not be

placed near people).

Research has shown that the highest

radiation readings are taken from

microwaves when plugged into the

wall but not in use. Fluorescent and

halogen lighting, power boxes, older

style radio clocks, over head fans and

dimmer switches also have high EMR

readings.

Think on these things

As we go about our daily lives there

are things we could consider in an ef-

fort to reduce the impact the electro-

magnetic radiation from appliances has

on our bodies. Some of these include:

How often do you sit, sleep or stand

near electrical items for lengthy

periods of time?

How many electrical items are in the

room where you sleep?

Walls do not stop electromagnetic

frequencies.

Do you leave the power switched on

even though you are not using the

electrical item?

Do you have a Television in your

bedroom and does it have a CRT

monitor?

Is your mobile phone always within

close range of your body e.g. hand-

bag or clipped onto your belt? (Cell

phones transmit frequencies peri-

odically unless turned off.)

What is on the other side of the wall

where your head is positioned when

sleeping?

While we may not have a choice with

the radiation frequencies we are

exposed to outside our home, we

certainly can make a difference in our

own home. If your bed is sharing the

wall that connects to your outside

power box, move it; turn off all

switches when the electrical item is not

being used; reduce the amount of elec-

tric appliances in your bedroom; keep

cellular phones off your body and

reduce use as much as possible; use

laptop with batteries and if you can do

without a microwave get rid of it.

In conclusion, the reality is, appliances

are a necessary part of lives and will

continue to be a part of our future.

Any excessive or intense exposure to

any type of electromagnetic radiation

can be harmful. Although a visible

light is not harmful, if intense enough

can blind you if exposed to your eyes

or can even burn your skin. Either way,

radiation is radiation and we can

greatly aid the health of our families by

limiting close exposure for lengthy pe-

riods of time to high radiation frequen-

cies from our electrical possessions.

page 4 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

CC A R I BA R I B PP E T R O L E U ME T R O L E U M NN E W SE W S & H& H A P P E N I N G SA P P E N I N G S

BAHAMAS

Oil drilling company expects to start work in Baha-

mas by end of next year >> 29/05/2012

Bahamas government suspends oil drilling licence

>> 04/05/2012

Bahamas government rejects oil drilling licences

>> 03/05/2012

GRAND CAYMAN

Robbers hit GT gas station >> 31/05/2012

CUBA

Exploratory oil well off Cuba comes up dry >>

20/05/2012

JAMAICA

JPS Opens Homework Centre in Western Jamaica

>> 31/05/2012

Impact of New GCT Policy on Electricity Services >>

31/05/2012

GCT on electricity will cause business failure >>

30/05/2012

No one benefits from high energy costs, says JPS

head >> 23/05/2012

Still no buyer for Petcom >> 18/05/2012

PETROJAM projects slight dip in petrol prices >>

15/05/2012

'Ecodriving saves fuel >> 04/05/2012

ST LUCIA

US oil company taking St Lucia to arbitration >>

02/05/2012

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

BP to explore in T&T >> 16/05/2012

INTERNATIONAL

Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership Releases

20th Anniversary Activity Report >> 31/05/2012

Golden age for natural gas >> 30/05/2011

Nigeria loses 180,000 barrels of oil daily to theft

>>25/05/2012

Oil prices hold at lows >> 23/05/2012

Oil hits lowest level in 2012 >> 15/05/2012

Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 5

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE AVERAGE PRICES AT THE PUMP

May 2012

Retail prices for Regular Unleaded Gasoline in the sixteen Caribbean countries reviewed at the end of May 2012 remained

relatively stable in four countries. Decreases were seen in Jamaica (3.7%) and St Kitts/Nevis (0.8%) while all other coun-

tries showed increases raging between 0.7% and 6.4% more per litre when prices in May 2012 were compared to the previ-

ous month.. Although for the month of May Crude Prices had declined, retail prices were not indicative of the declines seen.

NOTE:

*US Gallon =

3.785 L

*Imperial Gallon

= 4.546 L

*As at November

1, 2009 MTBE

was phased out

from all gasoline

blends in Jamaica

and replaced with

10% Ethanol.

CHART:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline Average Retail Price (US$/Litre) 2012

COUNTRIES J A N F E B M A R 5 Mths AVG APR MAY

ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23

BAHAMAS [91 OCT] 1.33 1.35 1.44 1.41 1.46 1.47

BARBADOS 1.55 1.59 1.66 1.66 1.72 1.77

BELIZE [87 OCT] 1.41 1.45 1.51 1.49 1.54 1.55

B.V.I [87 OCT] 1.26 1.27 1.29 1.28 1.29 1.29

DOMINICA 1.12 1.14 1.19 1.20 1.25 1.30

GRENADA (95 OCT) 1.23 1.28 1.36 1.34 1.42 1.42

GUYANA 1.11 1.08 1.09 1.11 1.09 1.16

JAMAICA 87 Octane[E10] 1.23 1.30 1.32 1.31 1.37 1.32

MONTSERRAT 1.19 1.21 1.29 1.30 1.39 1.41

ST. KITTS/ NEVIS 1.20 1.19 1.32 1.26 1.29 1.28

ST. LUCIA 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25

ST. VINCENT/ GRENADINES 1.19 1.16 1.13 1.17 1.17 1.21

SURINAME [95 OCT] 1.40 1.43 1.49 1.48 1.52 1.54

TRINIDAD/ TOBAGO [92 OCT] 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42

TURKS/ CAICOS 1.58 1.58 1.61 1.65 1.70 1.78

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1.20

1.40

1.60

1.80

2.00

US$

/Litr

e

16 Caribbean Countries

Comparative Retail Pump PricesRegular Unleaded Gasoline

MAY Avg vs5 Mths Avg (Jan - May 2012)

MAY

AVG

page 6 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

Over the period March to May 2012 there was a

marked reduction in the price for International Crude

Oil. Starting out at US$107.5/BBL in the first week of

March it was pleasing to Caribbean consumers to see

prices at US$87.10/BBL during the fourth week of

May 2012. This reflected a 23.5% reduction in prices

over the three months. Mar—May. The highest price

seen during the month of May was during the first

week when prices were seen at US$97/BBL.

Throughout the month of May prices remained below

the US$100/BBL mark.

Featured Offers:Featured Offers:Featured Offers:

Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)

primary report of historical annual petroleum energy

statistics provided for 18 Caribbean Countries.

Included are data on total energy production,

consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum,

natural gas, electricity, as well as financial and

environmental indicators for over twenty years.

US$/B

BL

76.19

88.14

109.61

38

48

58

68

78

88

98

108

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Avg

US$

/BBL

Period

Average Monthly World Crude Oil Prices (2009 - 2011)

2009 2010 2011

Subscriptions If you wish to subscribe (free of charge) or cancel your

subscription to the CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE, send us an email at:

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107.5

103.897.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

110.0

120.0

WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4 Mth Avg

US$

/BBL

Period

Average Weekly & MonthlyCrude Oil Prices

(March May 2012)

Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12