shocking pollution during the ganesh

8/14/2019 Shocking Pollution During the Ganesh

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Shocking Pollution during the Ganesh Festival

Water Pollution

Yesterday was an important day. It wasAnant Chaturthi the culmination of a ten-day

long GaneshFestival, one of the most important festivals of western India. It was a day of great

joyousness and celebrationbut it has an ugly side. The environmental damage it causes.

Thousands of idols made fromharmful materials like plaster of paris and toxic metals, coated

with deadly paints containing mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon enter our water bodies. These

idols, some of them gigantic in size, are immersed in lakes, rivers and the sea.

Just Mumbais sea takes in about 1.5 lakh (1

lakh = 100,000) idols every year! Is it any

wonder then then oxygen levels in the water

bodies fallby about 50 per cent immediately

after the 10-day Ganeshutsav festival?

Not many care

Although there areorganisations working

towards creating awareness about the benefits

of using eco-friendly idols and state governments do issue guidelines about immersions, not

much is happening on the ground. Although there are specially prepared tanks for

immersions, people dont prefer to use these, and few are interested in eco-friendly idols. It

was heartening to see Harsha actually try and find out the situation on the ground. He trudged

four hours in the hot sun in Pune to find out if people were using eco-friendly idols. His

findings:

As I continued my search in the streets of Pune, I came across many idols-made of materials as

varied as PoP, Silver, Tin Foil and Thermocol, but not the green Ganesha. Thats what I was

looking for..an idol made of clay and apandalthat used eco-friendly materialsI must have

walked for at least 20 km, clicking hundreds of pix on the way. I could not find a single idol made

of clay, nor apandalwhich didnt use thepapimaterials - PoP and Thermocol.
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Well, finally he did find a greenpandal, but no idol. This then is the reality. No one cares.

And we are not just talking of the masses here. I have tried to convince several people I knowand while they agreed with me in theory, none of them actually went and bought an eco-

friendly idol. In fact one lady told me point blank: When there is a law against it well do it!

This even though they clearly see the water bodies around them getting polluted. I dont

believe this is due to religious reasons, but due to apathy and lack ofcivic sense.

What actually happens?

Here are the results of a scientific study done on a body of water in Andhra Pradesh, the

Hussainsagar Lake. After examining the water before and after immersion the scientists

found that the concentration of substances like calcium, magnesium, molybdenum and silicon

concentrations increased significantly. Also, it was

found that concentrations of heavy metals like

arsenic, lead and mercury had increased. Metals

like lead and mercury are particularly worrisome as

they are dangerous to health and can damage the

heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and centralnervous system.

Besides polluting the water, they reach humans via

the food chain, when humans consume fish and

other sea-food. If the fish survive that is! Because

hundreds of fish are found dead after the

immersions.

The picture on the right is of a beach right after an immersion and that is what the tide has

brought in. The site from where I took the photo has other very vivid picturesif you want to

see them just click on the picture.

If people dont listen, we need the laws

The problem is that politicians dont want to take tough action as they are afraid of upsetting

the public as this is a religious issue. But I think it isnt. Traditionally, we used mud idols and

natural colours. These polluting idols are a modern invention and nothing to do with religion!
http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/journalists-are-not-above-the-law-and-have-to-pick-up-their-dog-poop/http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/dec102001/1412.pdfhttp://www.ultrabrown.com/posts/the-battle-of-kurukshetrahttp://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/watch-what-you-are-eating-from/http://www.mesn.org/articles/index.php?art/id:389http://www.kalpavriksh.org/f1/f1.4/esa%20ganeshhttp://www.ultrabrown.com/posts/the-battle-of-kurukshetrahttp://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/journalists-are-not-above-the-law-and-have-to-pick-up-their-dog-poop/http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/journalists-are-not-above-the-law-and-have-to-pick-up-their-dog-poop/http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/journalists-are-not-above-the-law-and-have-to-pick-up-their-dog-poop/http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/dec102001/1412.pdfhttp://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/dec102001/1412.pdfhttp://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/dec102001/1412.pdfhttp://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/watch-what-you-are-eating-from/http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/watch-what-you-are-eating-from/http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/watch-what-you-are-eating-from/http://www.mesn.org/articles/index.php?art/id:389http://www.mesn.org/articles/index.php?art/id:389http://www.mesn.org/articles/index.php?art/id:389http://www.kalpavriksh.org/f1/f1.4/esa%20ganeshhttp://www.kalpavriksh.org/f1/f1.4/esa%20ganeshhttp://www.kalpavriksh.org/f1/f1.4/esa%20ganesh


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No one is banning immersion. Or denouncing it. To put in place laws to make it compulsory

to make idols out of an eco-friendly material should not hurt religious sentiment. All we willbe doing is going back to the way the festival was traditionally celebrated. An information

campaign to this effect will go a long way in educating those who think that using poisonous

materials are what God commanded or that this was how it was traditionally done. I am sure

that a public information campaign which enumerates the amount of life that is destroyed will

impact a lot of people as quite a few Hindus are vegetarians who are against killing of

animals even for food.

I wonder if it is a powerful lobby of businessmen and those in the trade of manufacturing and

selling these poisonous idols who are making the politicians drag their feet on this one.

Because in this case it is only the politicians who can help us - with laws.

Firecracker Concerns

Nowadays there is a significant growth in campaigns on creating awareness over the adverse

impacts of noise and air pollution. Some governments drive to keep the festival less noisy and

pollution-free. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has banned production of crackers

with noise levels of over 125 decibels.[16] In survey of UP Pollution Control Board, it was

revealed that the emission of smoke was found more in the light illuminating fire crackers.

Levels of SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) and RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter) was

found marginally higher on Diwali day. Crackers, which use large quantities of sulphur and

paper, spew out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air, also lead and other metallic

substances are suspended in the air causing respiratory problems.[17] Considering these facts,

bursting of crackers is prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts.

Major recent developments around the country

In September 2001, the Supreme Court passed orders seeking adherence to anti- noise

pollution norms and standards for fire crackers before the festival season.


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The Delhi Pollution Control Committee sent a notification to the Delhi Police informing them

about the type of fire-crackers that violate the prescribed limit of 125 decibels at a distance of4 meters from the point of bursting. It prohibits setting of crackers in the silence zones (that is

the areas within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, courts and religious places).

Firecrackers can be burst only between 6pm to 10 pm.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) amended "noise pollution" defined in the

Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 and banned the manufacture, sale and use of fire-

crackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 dB (AL) or 145 dB (C) notified in October

1999. But the amendment remains unimplemented till now.

The police authorities have been authorized to enforce the rules regarding noise pollution.

The Delhi High Court order seeking cracker manufacturers to print the noise level generated

by them on the wrapper by November 2000 remains unimplemented. We have banned 20

types of crackers that exceed 125 decibels. Any person who manufactures and stores them

will face prosecution, says Keshav Dwivedi, Deputy Commissioner Police. The police plans

to work closely with Delhi Pollution Control Committee to help police detect the noise levels.

People can complain at these control rooms, he added.

About 80 per cent of the fire-works sold in Delhi come from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu while

the rest comes from Uttar Pradesh. In Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has

taken cognizance of fire-crackers' menace and has issued orders prohibiting the crackers

violating decibel limits. The Board has also asked Fire Services and Rescue Operations Wing

to ban 'Rockets' -a firecracker responsible for accidents.

Maharashtra government strictly enforced Union Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MoEF) Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and Supreme Court's order

during Navaratri.


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Ninety Five percent of the crackers violate the noise and pollution norms, says a study by

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)-National Physical Laboratory. The four companies

that were studied are Rajaratnam Fireworks Industries, Cheeta Fireworks, Standard Fireworks

and Sri Kaliswari Fireworks. The results have been sent to State Pollution Control Boards

(SPCB) and the MoEF but are yet to be made public.

"Unless noise pollution standards are enforced at the place of manufacture, it is impossible to

regulate them", says D K Biswas, chairman, CPCB. "We have sent directions to the

Controller of Explosives to limit the number of licenses to sell fire crackers alongwith

missives to all SPCBs, Biswas said. Media has a role to play. The response from the

electronic media was totally unsatisfactory last year. Most channels aired short films on anti-

cracker awareness as and when it suited them. They were too busy generating money from

commercial ads to do their bit towards a social cause. Residents of Delhi have not adhered to

the deadlines", he added.

The Department of Explosives under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ought to

regulate the grant of licenses to manufacturers of explosives, say experts. MoEF also shifts

the responsibility of enforcing the decibel standards on Department of Explosives.

The Gujarat High Court heard a noise pollution PIL after Navratri.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board met on October 9 to minimize noise level during

Pujas in the aftermath of apex court imposed cracker curfew hour.


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On Diwali day the noise levels touch a deafening 140 decibels, says Madhu Saxena of Voice,

a non-governmental orgaisation based in Delhi.

Delhi's Chief Minister launched anti-cracker campaign " This Diwali have a cracking time

without Crackers" and its Health minister leads an anti-cracker rally seeking abolition of

child labour in the manufacture of crackers.

The Haryana Pollution Control Board is seeking measurement of noise pollution in different

districts on 12, 14 and 16 November. Panipat has made all arrangements for its measurement,

says, O. P. Dahiya, District Pollution Officer, Panipat.

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) organized a ten-day campaign

beginning from November 5 to bring awareness on the impact of noise pollution due to fire

crackers.

More than 25 NGOs and 100 schools participated to take a oath against noise pollution.

The Tamilnadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) claims that

the restriction-90 decibels (AI)- imposed by the state pollution control board on fire-crackersand other sound -polluting items was "incorrect and unscientific". The imposed ban goes

against the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules 1983, says K

Mariappan, secretary, TANFAMA.

Gitanath Ganguly, a PCB member quotes Supreme Court order dated 27th Septemeber, 2001

which said, " this order shall not imply any restriction on the union government, union


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territories or state governments in case they wish to further reduce the noise level of so

advised".

Laboratory tests:

To study the chemical composition, particularly of metallic and non-metallic components of

crackers, Toxics Link got some samples of sparklers ("phuljari" in Hindi and "mathappu" in

Tamil) and pots ("anar" in Hindi and "pusvanam" in Tamil) analysed at the Bombay Natural

History Society Laboratory, Mumbai. The following were the chief findings of the laboratory

tests.

The results showed presence of highly toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead in addition

to other metals like copper, manganese, zinc, sodium, magnesium and potassium in the fire-

crackers.

Both nitrates and nitrites of few of these metals were present. Both these radicals are

oxidising agents that are a ready source of oxygen in the process of combustion.

Oxides of sulphur in the form of sulphate and phosphorous in the form of phosphate werepresent in the samples. The mean levels of cadmium in the crackers analysed were 5.2

mg/100g. Anar and wire showed 6 and 8mg/100g, respectively.

The mean level of lead was 462 mg/100g with a maximum in green sparkle showing

850mg/100g. Magnesium was found in huge quantities when compared to other metals like

copper, manganese and zinc. The mean levels of magnesium was 2622mg/100g and of copper


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airways of the respiratory system. This stimulates a contraction at 2 to 5 parts per million

(ppm). At higher concentrations severe contraction restricts the breathing process.

Nitrogen dioxide is less soluble and so penetrates to the smaller airways and into the lungs.

They destroy the linings of the respiratory surface, thereby reducing the intake of oxygen for

the body. These cause respiratory allergies like asthma especially to the susceptible

population.

Causes throat and chest congestion, and are likely to aggravate problems for those already

suffering from coughs, colds and allergies.

High decibel level results in restlessness, anger, fidgetiness, impulsive behaviour and over-

reaction to situations. Most crackers used have more than 80 dB noise that can cause

temporary hearing loss, says K K Agarwal, chairman, Health Care Foundation, New Delhi

Scientific data to suggests that noise pollution can cause leads to hearing loss, high blood

pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbances. Normal decibel level for humans is 60 dB. An

increase by 10 decibels means double the noise volume and intensity, says Agarwal.

Children, pregnant women and those suffering from respiratory problems suffer the most due

to excessive noise. It results in making them hyperactive or withdrawn, says Dr Jitendra

Nagpal, psychiatrist, Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (VIMHAS),

Delhi.

Allergic bronchitis, acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, ephysema,

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), allergic rhinitis, laryngitis, ssinusitis,


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pneumonia and common cold increase durinf this times, reports Dr Naarendra B Rawal,

consultant chest physician and pulmonologist. The number of his patients doubles duringDiwali. The firework is one of the provoking factors for childhood bronchial asthma, he adds.

The Toxics Link study pointed out that there is threat of exposure even from the unburnt

material. These particles are very small (1 to 5 microns in size) and contain metals along with

carbon.

Harmful effects of Chemicals Used in Crackers:

Copper: Poison to humans by ingestion. Inhalation of copper dust and fume causes irritation

in the respiratory tract. Absorption of excess copper results in "Wilson's disease" in which

excess copper is deposited in the brain, skin, liver, pancreas and myocardium (middle

muscular layer in the heart).

Cadmium: Can be poisonous to humans by inhalation, ingestion, intraperitonial, sub-

cutaneous, intra-muscular and intravenous routes. Cadmium absorption can damage the

kidneys and can cause anaemia. It is a potential human carcinogen. Cadmium causes

increased blood pressure and also a disease called "Itai--Itai", which makes bones brittle

resulting in multiple fractures.

Lead: Affects the central nervous system in humans. A poison if ingested, moderately

irritating. It can cause cancer of lungs and kidneys and an experimental teratogen. When

heated it can emit highly toxic fumes. In inorganic form, it is a general metabolic poison and

an enzyme inhibitor. Young children can suffer mental retardation and semi-permanent brain

damage by exposure to lead. Incase of lead levels in blood, the disturbing feature is that the

natural levels are very close to the lowest safety limits.


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Magnesium: Poison by ingestion, inhalation of magnesium dust and fumes can cause metal

fume fever. Particles embedded in the skin can produce gaseous blebs and a gas gangrene.

Dangerous fire hazard in the form of dust or flakes when exposed to flames. Manganese in

the air has adverse effects on humans. Poisoning takes the form of progressive deterioration

in the central nervous system.

Manganese: An experimental carcinogen and mutagen. Human toxicity caused by dust or

fumes. The main symptoms of exposure are languor, sleepiness, weakness, emotional

disturbances, spastic gait and paralysis.

Potassium: Dangerous fire hazard. If there is any confinement, an explosion can occur.

Sodium: In elemental form, it is highly reactive, particularly with moisture with which it

reacts violently and therefore can attack living tissue. When heated in air, it emits toxic fumes

of sodium oxide. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat and moisture.

Zinc: Human skin irritant and effects pulmonary system. Pure zinc powder is non-toxic to

humans by inhalation but difficulty arises from oxidation (burning), as it emits zinc fumes.

Zinc is perhaps the least toxic of all heavy metals, in fact an essential element in animal and

human nutrition, still they become toxic when absorbed in excess. Zinc stimulates the

sensation of vomiting. An exposure to 150 mg of zinc can stimulate the process of vomiting

in an adult male.

Nitrate: Large amounts taken by mouth can have serious and even fatal effects. The

symptoms are dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, weakness,


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convulsions and collapse. Small repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression,

headache and mental impairment. Also there is some implication of increased cancerincidents among those exposed. Highly inflammable and on decomposition they emit highly

toxic fumes.

Nitrite: Large amounts taken by mouth may produce nausea, vomiting, cyanosis, collapse and

coma. Repeated small doses can cause a fall in blood pressure, rapid pulse, headaches and

visual disturbances. When heated, emit highly toxic fumes of NOx.

Phosphorous in PO4: Poison to humans. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or

chemical reaction. Poison by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact and subcutaneous routes.

Ingestion affects the central nervous system. Toxic quantities have an acute effect on the liver

and can cause severe eye damage.

Sulphur in SO4: Poison to humans by inhalation an eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant

and corrosive, an experimental carcinogen. It chiefly affects the upper respiratory tract and

the bronchi. It may cause edema of the lungs or glottis, and can produce respiratory paralysis.

Source: Hazardous Chemicals Desk Reference, N.Irving Sax and Richard J.Lewis

The conflict between competing interests in society - safety, health, and calm on the onehand, and tradition on the other hand, has evolved over time, and the health effects are

receiving greater attention. Roshan Lal, owner of the New Royal Fireworks set up in 1928 in

Sadar Bazar says his family has been in the trade of crackers since the days of Prthviraj

Chauhan but now the business is not profitable. A combination of political will and public

support to limit health and environmental hazards, and at the same time maintain memorable

traditions, is needed to restore Deepawali to its pristine flavour.


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