Hello
Panditji...
Namaskar Panditji,
I am subscriber of both Down To Earth and Gobar Times. I want to keep in regular touch
with you by asking questions about the environment. Please don’t mind and help. 1)
Please give an alternative to washing powders and detergents for use in dishwashers. 2)
Please give me details about ham radio.
R Shankar
Via Email
Dear Shankarji,
1. The Delhi based, Voluntary Organisation in the Interest of Consumers Education (VOICE)
conducted tests for 14 brands of detergents in 2001 and found Tata Shudh and Henko Stain
Champion detergents havingthe lowest phosphate content. But still, they contain enough
phosphates, chlorines and other chemicals that damage kitchenware and pollute the
environment. So it’s better to get rid of your dishwasher altogether (it can use up
to 90 litres per wash compared to about 18 litres for hand washing).
An alternative to polluting detergents could be eco-friendly Reetha, which has
traditionally been used in India for all washing purposes. It is so fine a washing agent
that women have used it as a herbal shampoo too! Reetha, the soapnut tree, grows all over
the country, particularly South India.
 2. A ham is nothing but licensed amateur
radio operator. For more information, check the following websites: www.howstuffworks.
com/ham-radio.htm, www.irony. com/ham-howto.html and www. eham.net/
Dear Panditji,
I want to know the latest statistics regarding air pollution in Delhi.
Rajat Bhatia
New Delhi
Dear Rajatji,
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) system of grading, Delhi falls in
the "critical" air pollution category in its SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter)
and RSPM (Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter) levels and in a "high"
pollution range due to NOx (nitrous oxides) levels. After a recent dip, air pollution is
showing a rising trend again.
|
| PARTICULATES |
AT PRESENT |
STANDARD |
| SPM |
521microgms/m3 |
140 |
| RSPM |
265microgms/m3 |
60 |
| NOx |
74microgs/m3 |
60 |
| SO2 |
10microgms/m3 |
60 |
The RSPM levels are 265 micrograms/cubic metres (way above the standard 60), SPM levels
are 521 micrograms/m3 (the standard is 140), SO2 (sulphur dioxide) levels 10 micrograms/m3
(thankfully well below the standard 60) and NOx levels are 74 microgms/m3 (just above the
standard 60). All the above figures are an average of pollutant levels recorded in 2002.
So despite the introduction of so many CNG vehicles, Delhi still has a long way to go in
controlling its air pollution.
Dear Panditji,
I am a M.Sc. Environmental Sciences student and as part of my dissertation work, I am
working on a project on Hospital Waste Management.I am curious to know the ways to dispose
the infectious gloves after it has been treated chemically or sterilised by using
autoclave or hydroclave.
Savita
Via Email
Dear Savitaji,
The gloves after being treated chemically or in autoclaves are sold to the kabariwalas by
the hospitals. If the gloves are treated chemically they are first cut into pieces before
being disposed to eliminate the chances of reuse. After an autoclave treatment the gloves
are directly given to the kabariwalas. The hospitals on their part need to ensure that any
waste being handed out is disinfected.
Toxic Links , a Delhi-based NGO has published the following on hospital waste
management:
1. Compilation of 14 factsheets that cover the priority areas in the feild of medical
waste.
2. Manual on hospital waste management.
For more information, please visit the following websites:www.toxicslink.org
(please go on the medical waste section) http://noharm.org |
