About the biological hazards, chemical hazards and nuclear hazards

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ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE-2017
NAME: ROHITH.A
REGNO:17MIS0298
TOPIC: ENVIROMENTAL HAZARDS CAUSES& SOLUTIONS
DIGITAL ASSIGNMENT-1
CONTENTS
1.Biological hazards -AIDS, Malaria
2.Chemical hazards -BPA, PCB, Phthalates Mercury
3.Nuclear hazards - Risks and evaluation of hazards
MY REFERNCE BOOK: (environmental studies by Benny Joseph)
ENVIROMENTAL ENGINEERING BY B. GLYN

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Biological hazards:
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Book reference (environmental studies by Benny Joseph)
AIDS is result of the HIV virus. It is not disease but a weakness in the
body (results in body unable to fight off illnesses). It results from
destruction of the infected person’s immune system. AIDS attacks and
destroy the disease fighting cells of the immune system, leaving the
body with weakened defines against infection and cancer.
PROCESS OF INFECTION:
When AIDS infects the body, it prefers to attack certain cells like T-
helper cells. The AIDS virus almost fully specializes on these white
bloods since T-cells C4-molecules on the surface to which the AIDS
binds
Naturally, the release of the new AIDS viruses significantly weakens the
host which soon dies1.This is how the immune system weakness and
AIDS starts
HIV symptoms:
 Rapid weight loss
Dry cough
 Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

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 Memory loss, depression and neurological disorders
 Pneumonia etc.
TRANSMISSON OF AIDS:
1. By having sexual intercourse with infected
2. By sharing needles or injection with AIDS-infected person
3. Some health care workers have become infected after being stuck
with needles containing AIDS
India had a sharp increase in the estimated number of AIDS
infection. In 2002 with a population of over one billion. HIV/AIDS is
one of the most challenging public health problems ever faced by
the country.
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
The Global Fund
Centre for AIDS Research, UC San Diego
The Rush Foundation
‘’NO AIDS TO THE NEXT GENERATION ‘’

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A disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused
by parasitic protozoans(a group of single-celled microorganisms) belonging to the Plasmodium type. Malaria
causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases it can
cause yellow skin, seizures, coma, or death.[1]
Symptoms usually begin ten to fifteen days after being bitten. If
not properly treated, people may have recurrences of the disease months later. In those who have recently
survived an infection, reinfection usually causes milder symptoms. This partial resistance disappears over
months to years if the person has no continuing exposure to malaria.
TRANSMISSION OF MALARIA DISEASE:
Mother to the growing foetus (Congenital malaria)
Intrauterine transmission of infection from mother to child is well documented. Placenta becomes heavily
infested with the parasites. Congenital malaria is more common in first pregnancy, among non –
immune populations.
Needle stick injury
Accidental transmission can occur among drug addicts who share syringes and needles.
MY REFERENCE BOOK: ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BY J. GLYNN)
SYMSTOMS FOR MALARIA:
 shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
 high fever
 profuse sweating
 headache
 nausea
 vomiting
 abdominal pain
 diarrhoea
 anaemia
 muscle pain
 convulsions
 coma
 bloody stools

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TREATMENT FOR MALARIA:
Affected person may an enlarged spleen because the spleen commonly swells during a malaria
infection.
To confirm the diagnosis of malaria, your doctor will take samples of blood to be smeared on glass
slides. Blood tests will be done to determine whether malaria has affected your levels of red blood
cells and platelets, the ability of your blood to clot, your blood chemistry, and your liver and kidney
function.
PREVENTION:
One way to prevent malaria is to avoid mosquito bites with the following steps:
 As much as possible, stay indoors in well-screened areas, especially at night when
mosquitoes are most active.
 Use mosquito nets and bed nets. It's best to treat the nets with the insect
repellent permethrin.
 Wear clothing that covers most of your body.
 Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin. These repellents are applied
directly to your skin, except around your mouth and eyes. If you choose a picaridin-
based repellent, you will need to reapply it every several hours.
 Apply permethrin to clothing. (permethrin means that an insecticide it can be sprayed on
clothing or mosquito net such that the insects that touch them die.)
SOME CHEMICAL TO CURE MALARIA:
 Chloroquine
 Mefloquine(Lariam)
 Doxycycline(Vibramycin)
MALARIA IN INDIA:
1. Nearly 95% of India Lives in Malaria Endemic Area
2. Total of death caused by malaria in India :562 in 2016
3. No of people in risk :10 croces
Life-threatening complications of malaria
Malaria can cause a number of life-threatening complications. The following may occur:
 swelling of the blood vessels of the brain, or cerebral malaria
 an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes breathing problems,
or pulmonary edema
 organ failure of the kidneys, liver, or spleen
 anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells

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 low blood sugar
CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
A chemical hazard is a type of occupational hazard caused by exposure to chemicals in the
workplace. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause acute or long-term detrimental
health effects.
BPA:
Bisphenol A is an organic synthetic compound with the chemical formula (CH₃) ₂C(C₆H₄OH) ₂ belonging to the
group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols, with two hydroxyphenyl groups.
FORMULA:
C15H16O2
Uses of BPA:
BPA is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate, a hard, clear plastic, which is used in many
consumer products. BPA is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of
some metal-based food and beverage cans.
Common products in BPA:
For example, common products that take advantage of these attributes include:
 Protective and corrective eyewear (e.g., eyeglass lenses and police/military visors)
 Sports safety equipment (e.g., helmets and protective eye/face visors
 Automobiles (e.g., window glazing, sunroofs, impact-resistant bumpers
 Compact discs and DVDs
 Life-saving medical devices (e.g., incubators, critical components of many medical devices that require clarity
and can withstand sterilization)
 Food storage containers (e.g., reusable containers for food and beverages)
 Electronic equipment (e.g., casings for cell phones, computers, game consoles

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IMPORTANT USE OF BPA IN THE DAY TO TODAY LIFE:
 Wind energy (e.g., wind turbine rotor blades)
 Electronics and electrical equipment (e.g., printed circuit boards, electrical equipment)
 Paints and coatings (e.g., water-based paints, protective coatings for metal cans and containers, powder coats
for appliances, steel pipes, and primer coatings for automotive and marine applications, high-performance and
decorative flooring)
 Aerospace (e.g., high-strength composites)
 Marine (e.g., manufacture and repair of boats)
WHY SHOULD AVIOD THE BPA CHEMICAL:
 Long-term chronic exposure to EDCs is implicated in weight gain, obesity, diabetes, infertility, cancer,
and neurological disease, and can adversely impact mood, cardiovascular function and
metabolism. There are hundreds of animal studies linking BPA to health problems and a growing
number of human studies now. For example, BPA used to line canned foods was shown in one recent
randomized study to increase blood pressure
 Structural damage to your brain Changes in gender-specific
behaviour, and abnormal
sexual behaviour
Increased fat formation and risk of obesity Stimulation of prostate cancer
cells
Altered immune function
MY SEREVAL MEASURE TO REDUCE THE BPA:
1. Look for BPA-free (non-toxic) on the
products you purchase.
2. Kick the aluminium can and plastic habit!
Eat fresh produce. Enjoy your farmers
market and pick up some nice fresh foods.
You can even freeze it for later use.
3. Consider buying foods in glass jars. They
are slightly more expensive, but you can
reuse the jar for storage. Bonus!
4. Buy frozen fruit and veggies if you can’t get
it fresh
Increased prostate size and
decreased sperm production

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5. Use dried beans instead of canned. It might
be a little more work, but the taste makes
up for it and it is also the healthier option.

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Conclusion:
Despite research claims that BPA is safe at the current guidelines, there is
debate over the potential bias of industry sponsored research. because of
consumer pressure at least $30 million has recently been set aside to fund ten,
two-year studies on the safety of BPA
BOOK REFERENCE:( ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE: BENNY JOSEPH)
PCB:
A polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is an organic chlorine compound with the formula
C12H10−xClx.Polychlorinated biphenyls were once widely deployed as dielectric and coolant fluids in
electrical apparatus, carbonless copy paper and in heat transfer fluids.
PCB HAZARDS:
PCB Hazard Summaries can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. They may
be teratogens and may damage the adult reproductive system. Exposure can cause an acne like skin
rash called chloracne.
PCB HARMFUL AFFECTS:
PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical
equipment because they don't burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped
in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health
effects.
What happens to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) when they
enter the environment?
 PCBs entered the air, water, and soil during their manufacture, use,
and disposal; from accidental spills and leaks during their transport;
and from leaks or fires in products containing PCBs.
 PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous waste
sites; illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer
products; leaks from old electrical transformers containing PCBs; and
burning of some wastes in incinerators.
 PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and thus may
remain there for very long periods of time. PCBs can travel long
distances in the air and be deposited in areas far away from where
they were released. In water, a small amount of PCBs may remain
dissolved, but most stick to organic particles and bottom sediments.
PCBs also bind strongly to soil.

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PCBs are taken up by small organisms and fish in water. They are also
taken up by other animals that eat these aquatic animals as food. PCBs
accumulate in fish and marine mammals, reaching levels that may be
many thousands of times higher than in water.
How can polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) affect my health?
The most commonly observed health effects in people exposed
to large amounts of PCBs are skin conditions such as acne and
rashes. Studies in exposed workers have shown changes in
blood and urine that may indicate liver damage. PCB exposures
in the general population are not likely to result in skin and liver
effects. Most of the studies of health effects of PCBs in the
general population examined children of mothers who were
exposed to PCBs.
Animals that ate food containing large amounts of PCBs for
short periods of time had mild liver damage and some died.
Animals that ate smaller amounts of PCBs in food over several
weeks or months developed various kinds of health effects,
including anaemia. acne-like skin conditions; and liver, stomach,
and thyroid gland injuries. Other effects of PCBs in animals
include changes in the immune system, behavioural alterations,
and impaired reproduction. PCBs are not known to cause birth
defects.
(MY Reference book: environmental science 4 edition (B.GYLN))
Why should I be concerned?
About PCBs:
 PCBs can have profound effects on intellectual development. Children with
greater exposure to PCBs have lower birth weights, slowed growth, and poorer
performance on tests of brain development.
 PCBs cause tumours in laboratory animals. EPA lists PCBs as probable human
carcinogens.
 Studies suggest that PCBs are also toxic to the immune system, reproductive
organs, and thyroid.

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Phthalates Mercury AND TO AVOID :
Phthalates, a chemical used in the production of plastics, was recently found in all 15 brands of
infant formulas tested by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food(1) (MAFF) in Great
Britain. Nine of the brands tested contained levels approaching those high enough to result in
reduced sperm counts in rats.
Used in the production of plastics since 1930, phthalates are also found in inks used to print on
plastic, board, and foil-packed products; in vinyl flooring and emulsion paints. Because they are
fat soluble, they concentrate in the fatty component of foods such as butter, cheese and
margarine, and are now banned or phased out in several countries including Japan, Sweden,
Denmark and Germany. Their ubiquitous presence in infant formulas in some brands, at high
levels is raising legitimate and substantial apprehension, not only in Great Britain, but in Canada
as well. Concerns centre on the oestrogenic effects of the phthalate contaminants and the
potentially harmful effects on the development of growing infants. Phthalates are considered to
be part of a growing group of environmental toxins that are thought to mimic female hormones.
Oestrogenic effects have been implicated in reduced sperm counts in the west and occurrences
such as the feminization of male fish.
The question of how much phthalate do infants consume and what is the impact of phthalates on
the growth and development of infants needs to be asked. When infant formulas are fed
according to manufacturer’s recommendation, it is estimated that the total level of phthalates
consumed by a new-born infant will be, on average, 0.13 mg/kg of body weight/per day. In the
UK study, the most contaminated infant formulas had levels of the two phthalates considered to
be the most oestrogenic, BBP and DBP, so high as to give a combined estimated intake of 0.023
mg/kg of body weight/day. This estimated intake is only 4 times lower than the dose of BBP fed
to rats, resulting in lowered sperm counts.
The accumulating evidence that artificial baby milks are hazardous products and should not be
mass marketed, confirms time and again that breastfeeding is the only safe and nutritionally
secure way to feed infants and young children.
Infant formulas marketed in Canada have not been tested for the presence of phthalates,
according to Health Canada spokesperson, Dr. Bev Huston. At this time Health Canada is
investigating the methodology to test infant formulas for its presence. It should be noted that
some infant formulas marketed in Canada are imported from Ireland. Infant formulas tested in
Britain included formulas produced in Ireland. Also, ingredients to produce infant formulas are
purchased on global markets. Hence, it would be anticipated that formulas sold in Canada also
contain phthalates.
-borns and infants. It should also be noted that the UK study was done on dry formulas, the
levels reported does not include the impact of reconstitution nor the feeding in a plastic bottle.
When infants are fed infant formula as their sole source of food for the first four to six months
of life, this poses unique concerns regarding the quality and

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Tips to minimize exposure to BPA and Phthalates:
 Use refillable glass, porcelain and stainless-steel containers for food
and beverages, particularly for hot foods and liquids.
 When you have something plastic, look at the little triangle on the
bottom of the container. Avoiding plastic containers marked with a 1 or
a 7 pc and instead choosing those marked with a 2, 4, or 5 will reduce
the likelihood of exposure to BPA and phthalates.
 Glass baby bottles are recommended for babies who don't yet feed
themselves.
 For bottle feeding, since latex rubber nipples may contain phthalates,
use of silicone nipples may reduce phthalate exposure.
 Do not use plastic containers in microwaves.
 To minimize exposure to phthalates, avoid vinyl toys, perfumed
shampoo and lotion. Choose fragrance-free products whenever
possible.
 Companies are now making baby bottles, food containers, teethers,
shampoo, lotions, and other children’s items that are "BPA-free" and/or
"phthalate-free.” Always read the package label or check with the
manufacturer to know what you are bringing into your home.
Nuclear hazards - Risks and evaluation of hazards
 Nuclear hazard can be defined as the Risk or danger to human
health or the environment posed by radiation emanating from
the atomic nuclei of a given substance, or the possibility of an
uncontrolled explosion originating from a fusion or fission
reaction of atomic nuclei.
HIGH RISKS IN NUCLEAR HAZARDS:
Meltdown

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Now, what can happen in a nuclear reactor is something called a
meltdown. A meltdown is an accident in which severe
overheating of the nuclear reactor results in the melting of the
reactor's core. A meltdown could occur if there was a defect in
the cooling system of the reactor that allowed one or more of the
nuclear fuel elements to exceed its melting point. If a meltdown
occurred, a nuclear power plant could release radiation into the
environment.
RADIO ACTIVE WASTE:
The spent nuclear fuel from uranium-235 and plutonium-239 nuclear fission contains
a wide variety of carcinogenic radionuclide isotopes such as strontium-90, iodine-
131 and caesium-137, and includes some of the most long-lived transuranic
elements such as americium-241 and isotopes of plutonium.[6]
The most long-lived
radioactive wastes, including spent nuclear fuel, are usually managed to be
contained and isolated from the environment for a long period of time. Spent nuclear
fuel storage is mostly a problem in the United States, following a 1977
President Jimmy Carter prohibition to nuclear fuel recycling. France, Great Britain
and Japan, are some of the countries which rejected the repository solution. Spent
nuclear fuel is a valuable asset, not simply waste.[7]
Disposal of these wastes in
engineered facilities, or repositories, located deep underground in suitable geologic
formations is seen as the reference solution.[8]
The International Panel on Fissile
Materials has said:
It is widely accepted that spent nuclear fuel and high-level reprocessing and
plutonium wastes require well-designed storage for long periods of time, to minimize
releases of the contained radioactivity into the environment. Safeguards are also
required to ensure that neither plutonium nor highly enriched uranium is diverted to
weapon use. There is general agreement that placing spent nuclear fuel in
repositories hundreds of meters
Various Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Although the advantages of nuclear energy and plenty including low cost, sustainable,
provision of a stable base load of energy and low pollution, it has it’s a fair share of
disadvantages. Here is a comprehensive view of the disadvantages of nuclear energy:
1. Nuclear radiation accidents

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The radioactive waste coming from nuclear power plants is a great threat to Mother Nature
and humans. The devastating effects of Chernobyl disaster still linger in our minds, where
the grave effects on humans can be seen even today. According to records, about 30, 000
people died in the Chernobyl disaster, and over 2.5 million Ukrainians are still dealing with
the health tribulations associated with the nuclear waste.
Only a few years back, a huge nuclear crisis occurred in Japan on March 8. Although the
casualty rate was significantly lower than the Chernobyl disaster, the environmental
impacts were disastrous. People who work at nuclear power plants and live near those
areas are at high risk of facing nuclear radiations, if it happens. According to these
historical happenings, it’s evident that we cannot insulate ourselves 100% from these
disasters.
2. Radioactive waste
Radioactive waste is any material, whether solid, liquid or gas that consists of a radioactive
nuclear substance and the operators of the nuclear plant have determined that it’s a waste.
Radioactive material is considered waste after it has spent more than 3 years in the reactor
producing heat and electricity. This waste comes from nuclear reactors and needs to be
disposed of or stored safely and conveniently considering they are highly dangerous and
can let off radiations if disposed of incorrectly.
The reason it has to be disposed of safely and appropriately is that it is able to emit
radiations even after thousands of years. The storage or disposal of radioactive waste is the
main reason slowing down expansion of nuclear energy. Handling and safe storage can
happen as long as it’s cooled and workers insulated from the radiation it emits by thick
material such as steel, concrete or a few meters of water.
Water is able to offer remarkable cooling and shielding, which means a typical reactor can
have its fuel removed under water and safely transferred into a storage pool. After more
than 5 years, the waste can be transferred into dry ventilated concrete containers. However,
the radioactive waste can stay safely in the pool for over 50 years.
3. Requires high initial capital costs

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Another practical disadvantage of using nuclear energy is that it needs a lot of investment
to set up a nuclear power station. Constructing a nuclear power plantrequires massive
capital outlay. For example, between the year 2002 to 2008, the cost of constructing a new
power plant increased from between $2 billion to $4 billion per unit to a staggering $9
billion per unit. The new constructions occurring in Europe today are estimated to surpass
the $10 billion mark each, not to mention it takes 5-10 years to be fully operational, plus
construction requires completion of a multitude of legal formalities.
4. Eutrophication leading to death of aquatic life
Eutrophication is extensive enrichment of the lake and other water bodies by nutrients,
mostly due to runoff from land. This process causes dense growth of plant life eventually
leading to death of aquatic life as a result of lack of oxygen. Radioactive waste can cause
this problem. Many seminars take place across the world to find a solid solution to this
potential problem, but a solution is not yet in sight. According to scientists, radioactive
wastes take about 10, 000 years to neutralize.
5. Impact on humans
The impacts of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombs during the Second World War
are still rife in our memories. Today, the effects of these bombs are still occurring. Children
in Japan are being born with defects. This makes a nuclear power plant more dangerous,
especially in this day and age of high threat of terrorism. Terrorists can take advantage and
deliberately cause nuclear meltdown. This is why stringent safeguards including permission
to construct a nuclear power plant and maximum security are put in place to mitigate this
potential catastrophe from happening.
6. It’s not a renewable energy source
The raw material for generation of nuclear energy is uranium. Uranium is mined, which
means it’s not available in many countries. It’s also a scarce resource. Most countries export
this mineral for nuclear energy production. Once uranium is completely extracted, there
will be no nuclear energy production. Because of its dangerous effects and limited in
supply, it doesn’t qualify as a renewable resource.

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7. National Risk
Nuclear energy has given us the power to produce more weapons than to produce things
that can make the world a better place to live in. We have to become more careful and
responsible while using nuclear energy to avoid any sort of major accidents. They are hot
targets for militants and terrorist organizations. Security is a major concern here. A little lax
in security can prove to be lethal and brutal for humans and even for this planet.
8. Fuel Availability
Unlike fossil fuels which are available to most of the countries, uranium is very scarce
resource and exist in only few of the countries. Permissions of several international
authorities are required before someone can even thought of building a nuclear power
plant.
We all need an energy supply that is reliable, but it also has to be safe. Across the world,
numerous questions are asked each day about nuclear energy. Some countries are looking
to scale down on its development, while others to entirely abandon it. However, there are
vital lessons to be learned about nuclear energy from the events at Fukushima.
To mitigate further disasters, a body called The World Association of Nuclear Operators
(WANO) was set up that is geared towards safe and reliable operation of nuclear power
plants by conducting independent peer reviews for every new nuclear power plant
operating across the world. If nuclear power plants are managed effectively and waste
disposed of appropriately, nuclear energy can provide the most reliable, stable and clean
source of energy to the world population.

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By ROHITH.A
REG NO:17MIS0298