COMMENT
Industry Indicts Itself
A Comment on Air Quality Analyses Conducted by SIPCOT Industries of Ambient Air in SIPCOT
By
SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitoring
June 2005
Introduction
Between 25 and 28 November, 2004, Shiva Analyticals (India) Ltd carried out 8-hour high-volume sampling of ambient air at 10 locations in and around SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Cuddalore. The exercise was carried on behalf of and at the cost of the Cuddalore SIPCOT Industries Association (CSIA). Shiva Analyticals findings contained in “A Report on Ambient Air Quality in and around SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore” corroborates findings by the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitoring that the ambient air in SIPCOT is dangerously polluted.
In September 2004, SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitoring released Cuddalores first ambient air quality report titled “Gas Trouble” — documenting toxic gases in the air breathed by residents of SIPCOT. The report, which was based on five grab samples, found 22 toxic chemicals of which 13 were raw materials used in one or more SIPCOT industries. SACEMs report too detected high levels of chloroform, among other chemicals, in the ambient air. At least 14 out of 22 chemicals found in SIPCOT air by SACEM violated US EPA Region 6 effects screening levels.
India has no standards for toxic VOC and sulphur-based gases. In the absence of such standards, communities living alongside industries continue to be gassed by industries. In September 2004, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee instructed the Central Pollution Control Board to develop such standards, and to use US EPA norms until the standards are developed. Also, responding to the report, the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee directed the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board to bring ambient air quality in line with USEPA norms by December 31, 2004.
The TNPCB sought and obtained an extension till 30 June, 2005. As of July 15, 2005, SACEM has no knowledge of any effort made by TNPCB to assess the air quality in SIPCOT for the presence and characterisation of toxic gases. However, in its press release of May 11, the TNPCB maintains that the air in SIPCOT is safe without providing any basis to counter SACEMs findings.
As recently as July 6, CSIA has said that SIPCOT air is safe and breathable. Interestingly, the Association does not refer to the findings of the above study that was commissioned by it.
The Shiva Study The following parameters were analysed:
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The sampling locations were selected by Cuddalore SIPCOT Industries Association (CSIA).
- Top of Tagros Security room-West gate
- Vanavil factory premises Top of fire hydrant pump house room
- Top of Kudikadu Panchayat School
- Shasun Chemicals SW corner
- SIPCOT borewell no:7
- Selvam house Echankadu (sic) Village
- Top of SIPCOT Office
- CUSECS pump house-2, Opp. to EB sub station
- Sonanchavadi village
- Top of Tamilnadu Hotel, Opp. to Bus Terminal Cuddalore
Highlights:
CSIAs report finds that “all routine parameters are with in the limits as per CPCB Limits. However the comparison indicates that the levels of VOCs are well with in the limits as per Indian and International OSHA and EPA standards in most of the component and locations. CSIA may study for the reasons for the deviations in few cases.”
However, even going by the standards used by Shiva for comparing the SIPCOT air findings, the levels of VOCs and sulphur compounds found in the Shiva study are more than mere “deviations in few cases.” Shiva has compared the findings with the US EPA Reference Concentration (RfC) levels. The Bangalore-based laboratory analysed for 21 chemicals, including 20 VOCs and Hydrogen Sulphide. Some additional parameters were also analysed, but this report is restricted to detection of toxic gases — VOCs and sulphur-based. The CSIA report does not test for 11 chemicals that were detected in the 9 samples taken by SACEM using the bucket technique.
Comparison with RfC as per Shiva Analyticals report
The following is a summary of findings of the CSIA study of SIPCOT air as per Shivas own reference standard:
- 13 out of 20 VOCs tested were found in the air. Eight of the chemicals detected by Shiva were also detected by SACEM.
- The levels of 8 VOCs exceed the US EPA Reference Concentration levels
- Acetonitrile exceeded safe levels in 8 out of 10 samples.
- Chloroform exceeded safe levels in 6 out of 10 samples. The sample from “Top of Tagros Security-West room” exceeded the screening level by a factor of 22.
- Acrylonitrile found in the sample from Top of Tagros Security-West room exceeded the screening levels by a factor of 70.
- Triethylamine found in the sample from atop the SIPCOT Borewell No 7 exceeded the screening levels by a factor of 91.
Chloroform and Acrylonitrile are known or suspected human or animal carcinogens
- 11 out of 13 chemicals found are also used raw materials in one or more SIPCOT industries.
- At least 6 of the chemicals found are known to cause cancer in animals and are potential human carcinogens.
- Out of the 13 chemicals found – 11 target eyes, 10 target the skin, 9 target the respiratory system and the Central Nervous System, 8 target the kidneys, 7 target the liver, 6 target Cardio Vascular System and 1 targets the reproductive system and the gastrointestinal system (Refer Annexure 1).
Comparison with US EPA Region 6 effects screening levels as per SACEM procedures
- The levels of 9 VOCs exceed US EPA Region 6 Screening Levels.
- Chloroform exceeded safe levels as prescribed by US EPA in 6 out of 10 samples. The levels were between 3346 and 19,429 times higher than safe levels. The sample from “Top of Tagros Security-West room” exceeded the screening level by a factor of 19429.
- Acrylonitrile found in the sample from Top of Tagros Security-West room exceeded the screening levels by a factor of 6008.
- 1, 2-Dichloroethane found in the sample from Shasun Chemicals SW corner exceeded the screening levels by a factor of 194.
- Trichloroethylene found in the sample from Sonanchavadi village exceeded the screening levels by a factor of 1237.
All the above chemicals are known or suspected human or animal carcinogens.
Conclusion:
CSIAs report confirms that the VOCs in SIPCOT air are clearly above dangerous limits rendering the air unsafe for the residents. Vulnerable populations, including women, children and the elderly, are particularly at threat. The Government has a duty to protect its citizens from known dangers. The very presence, leave alone the high levels, of VOCs and sulphur gases in the air breathed by residents are unacceptable. Chloroform, a carcinogen, was detected in excess of 19000 times above safe levels.
CSIAs report also confirms SACEMs bucket findings that SIPCOT air is grossly polluted and unfit to breathe. Under the circumstances, any plan to increase the toxic load in the region is tantamount to intentional poisoning of communities by the state.
SACEM demands that:
- The TNPCB take steps to eliminate air pollution, particularly due to toxic gases such as VOCs and sulphur compounds, with the involvement of the Cuddalore Local Area Environmental Committee, and local communities.
- The Tamilnadu Government should withdraw all proposals for polluting industries in SIPCOT Cuddalore, and should allow only non-polluting industries in the region.
Analysis of the chemicals found in the air samples, comparisons to the USEPA Reference Concentration levels and the USEPA Region 6 Health based screening levels.
NOTE: The units of the chemicals have been converted from mg/m3 to ppb for comparisons with the USEPA Region 6 levels. The units are converted using this formula
ppb = mg/m3 x 24.45
Molecular weight X 1000
of the chemical
Sample 1:
Location: Top of Tagros Security room-West gate
Date of Sampling: 26.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 4:30 pm to 12:30 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Results mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Acetone | 1.82016 | 370 | — | 768 | 308 | 2.5 |
2. | Toluene | 0.06786 | 0.4 | — | 18 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.01412 | 0.2 | — | 4 | — | |
4. | Chloroform | 6.6057 | 0.3 | 22 | 1362 | 0.0701 | 19429 |
5. | Methylene Chloride | 0.03123 | 0.004 | 7.8 | 9 | 3.42 | 2.6 |
6. | Acetonitrile* | 0.0664 | 0.06 | 1.1 | 40 | — | |
7. | Triethylamine | 0.42642 | 0.007 | 60.9 | 103 | 6.09 | 17 |
8. | Isobutylene | 5.496 | NA | — | 2400 | — | |
9. | Acrylonitrile | 0.14 | 0.002 | 70 | 140 | 0.0233 | 6008 |
*Violates Texas Long Term Screening Levels
Sample 2:
Location: Vanavil factory premises Top of fire hydrant pump house room
Date of Sampling: 27.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Trichloroethylene | 0.06444 | 0.06 | 1 | 12 | 0.918 | 13 |
2. | Toluene | 0.0377 | 0.4 | — | 10 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.00706 | 0.2 | — | 2 | — | |
4. | Acetonitrile | 1.4442 | 0.06 | 24 | 87 | 51.7 | 1.6 |
5. | Isobutylene | 0.1832 | NA | — | 80 | — |
Sample 3:
Location: Top of Kudikadu Panchayat School
Date of Sampling: 26.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 9:30 pm to 5:30 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No.
|
Parameter
|
Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb)
|
EPA Region 6 Screening Level
(ppb) |
No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx)
|
1. | Toluene | 0.06786 | 0.4 | — | 18 | — | |
2. | n-Hexane | 0.00353 | 0.2 | — | 1 | — | |
3. | Isobutylene | 0.5496 | NA | — | 240 | — |
Sample 4:
Location: Shasun Chemicals SW corner
Date of Sampling: 27.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 5:00 pm to 6:30 am (In between 5 hrs. 30 minutes equipment is stopped)
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Acetone | 0.34839 | 370 | — | 147 | — | |
2. | Toluene | 0.03393 | 0.4 | — | 9 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.00353 | 0.2 | — | 1 | — | |
4. | Chloroform | 1.9885 | 0.3 | 6.6 | 410 | 0.0701 | 5848 |
5. | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 0.0486 | 0.4 | ` | 12 | 0.0617 | 194 |
6. | Acetonitrile | 0.08798 | 0.06 | 1.4 | 53 | 51.7 | 1.02 |
7. | Triethylamine* | 0.01656 | 0.007 | 2.3 | 4 | — | |
8. | Isobutylene | 0.1603 | NA | — | 70 | — |
*Violates Texas Long Term Screening Levels
Sample 5:
Location: SIPCOT borewell no: 7
Date of Sampling: 28.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 2:15 pm to 10:15 pm
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Acetone | 0.29625 | 370 | — | 125 | — | |
2. | Toluene | 0.29783 | 0.4 | — | 79 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.01059 | 0.2 | — | 3 | — | |
4. | Chloroform | 1.32405 | 0.3 | 4.4 | 273 | 0.0701 | 3894 |
5. | Methylene chloride | 0.02082 | 0.004 | 5.2 | 6 | 3.42 | 1.75 |
6. | Acetonitrile* | 0.0747 | 0.06 | 1.2 | 45 | — | |
7. | Triethylamine | 0.6417 | 0.007 | 91.6 | 155 | 6.09 | 25 |
8. | Isobutylene | 1.145 | NA | — | 500 | — |
*Violates Texas Long Term Screening Levels
Sample 6:
Location: Selvam house Echankadu Village
Date of Sampling: 27.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 3:50 pm to 11:50 pm
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Toluene | 0.04901 | 0.4 | — | 13 | — | |
2. | 1,2 Dichloroethane | 0.04455 | 0.4 | — | 11 | 0.0617 | 178 |
3. | Isobutylene | 0.2977 | NA | — | 130 | — |
Sample 7:
Location: Top of SIPCOT Office
Date of Sampling: 26.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 6:00 pm to 2:00 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Toluene | 0.04901 | 0.4 | — | 13 | — | |
2. | Acetone | 0.62094 | 370 | — | 262 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.00353 | 0.2 | — | 1 | — | |
4. | Chloroform | 2.25525 | 0.3 | 7.5 | 465 | 0.0701 | 6633 |
5. | Acetonitrile | 0.10126 | 0.06 | 1.6 | 61 | 51.7 | 1.17 |
6. | Triethylamine | 0.00828 | 0.007 | 1.1 | 2 | — | |
7. | Isobutylene | 1.8091 | NA | — | 790 | — |
Sample 8:
Location: CUSECS pump house-2, Opp. to EB sub station
Date of Sampling: 28.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Toluene | 0.01131 | 0.4 | — | 3 | — | |
2. | Trichloroethylene | 0.0537 | 0.06 | — | 10 | 0.918 | 10.8 |
3. | Acetone | 9.954 | 370 | — | 4200 | 308 | 14 |
4. | n-Hexane | 0.00706 | 0.2 | — | 2 | — | |
5. | Chloroform | 1.53745 | 0.3 | 5.1 | 317 | 0.0701 | 4522 |
6. | Acetonitrile | 0.13778 | 0.06 | 2.2 | 83 | 51.7 | 1.60 |
7. | Isobutylene | 0.229 | NA | — | 100 | — |
Sample 9:
Location: Sonanchavadi village
Date of Sampling: 27.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 7:30 pm to 3:30 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Toluene | 0.05655 | 0.4 | — | 15 | — | |
2. | Acetone | 0.17064 | 370 | — | 72 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.00706 | 0.2 | — | 2 | — | |
4. | Chloroform | 1.1446 | 0.3 | 3.8 | 236 | 0.0701 | 3366 |
5. | Acetonitrile | 0.09628 | 0.06 | 1.6 | 580 | 51.7 | 11 |
6. | Isobutylene | 0.3435 | NA | — | 150 | — | |
7. | Trichloroethylene | 0.19332 | 0.06 | 3.2 | 36 | 0.918 | 1237 |
Sample 10:
Location: Top of Tamilnadu Hotel, Opp. to Bus Terminal Cuddalore
Date of Sampling: 28.11.2004
Time of Sampling: 4:40 pm to 12:40 am
Duration of Sampling: 8 hours
S No. | Parameter | Result mg/m3 | RfC as per US EPA (mg/m3) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) | Result (ppb) | US EPA Region 6 Screening Level (ppb) | No. of times it exceeds the screening levels (approx) |
1. | Toluene | 0.0754 | 0.4 | — | 20 | — | |
2. | Acetone | 0.01659 | 370 | — | 7 | — | |
3. | n-Hexane | 0.01059 | 0.2 | — | 3 | — | |
4. | Methanol | 0.1179 | 10 | — | 90 | — | |
5. | Acetaldehyde | 6.3 | 0.009 | 700 | 3500 | 0.726 | 4820 |
6. | 1,2 Dichloroethane | 0.01215 | 0.4 | — | 3 | 0.0617 | 49 |
7. | Trichloroethylene | 1.36935 | 0.06 | 22.8 | 255 | 0.918 | 278 |
8. | Acetonitrile | 0.2324 | 0.06 | 3.8 | 140 | 51.7 | 2.7 |
Results of the 8 hour analysis compared with the grab samples
Chemicals found in 8 hour sampling at different locations | Chemicals found in grab sampling at different locations | Carcinogen |
Acetone | Acetone | No |
Toluene | Toluene | No |
n-Hexane | n-Hexane | No |
Chloroform | Chloroform | Yes |
Methylene Chloride | Methylene Chloride | Yes |
Acetonitrile | Acetonitrile | No |
Triethylamine | Not tested for | No |
Isobutylene | Not tested for | — |
Acrylonitrile | Not found | Yes |
Trichloroethylene | Trichloroethene | Yes |
1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | Yes |
Methanol | Not tested for | No |
Acetaldehyde | Not tested for | Yes |
Not found | Hydrogen sulphide | No |
Not tested for | Methyl mercaptan | No |
Not tested for | Dimethyl disulphide | No |
Not tested for | Ethanol | No |
Not found | Isopropyl alcohol | No |
Not found | Carbon tetrachloride | Yes |
Not tested for | n Butyl acetate | No |
Not tested for | Carbon disulphide | No |
Not tested for | Vinyl chloride | Yes |
Not tested for | Bromomethane | Yes |
Not tested for | Benzene | Yes |
Not found | Acrolein | No |
Not tested for | Vinyl acetate | Yes |
Not found | 2-Butanone (MEK) | No |
Not tested for | 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone | No |
Not tested for | m, p-Xylenes | No |
Annexure 1
FACT SHEET ON CHEMICALS FOUND IN THE SAMPLES
S No | Chemical found | Odour | Health Effects | Target Organs | Carcinogen |
1. | Acetone | A fragrant, mint-like odour | Irritation eyes, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, Central Nervous System depression; skin diseases | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system | No |
2. | Toluene | Sweet pungent benzene like odour | Irritation of eyes, nose, weakness and exhaustion, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, tears to eyes, anxiety, muscle fatigue, liver injury, kidney damage | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, Central nervous system, liver and kidney | No |
3. | n-Hexane | Gasoline like odour | Irritation of eyes, nose, nausea, headache, numbness, extremities, muscle weakness, dermatitis, dizziness, chemical pneumonia | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, Central Nervous System | No |
4. | Chloroform | Pleasant odour | Irritation of eyes, skin; dizziness, mental dullness, nausea, confusion; headache, weakness, exhaustion; enlarged liver [potential carcinogen] | Liver, kidneys, heart, eyes, skin, Central nervous system
Cancer Site: [in animals: liver and kidney cancer] |
Yes |
5. | Methylene Chloride | Faint sweet odour | Irritation eyes, skin; weakness, exhaustion, drowsiness, dizziness; numbness, tingle limbs; nausea; [potential occupational carcinogen] | Eyes, respiratory system
Cancer Site: [in animals: lung, liver, salivary & mammary gland tumours] |
Yes |
6. | Acetonitrile | Aromatic odour | Irritation nose, throat; nausea, vomiting; chest pain; weakness, exhaustion; convulsions; in animals: liver, kidney damage | Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys | No |
7. | Triethylamine | A strong, ammonia-like odour | Irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; in animals: kidney, liver damage | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys | No |
8. | Isobutylene | NA | NA | NA | NA |
9. | Acrylonitrile | An unpleasant odour | Irritation eyes, skin; headache; sneezing; nausea, vomiting; weakness, exhaustion, dizziness; [potential occupational carcinogen] | Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system
Cancer Site [brain tumours, lung & bowel cancer] |
Yes |
10. | Trichloroethylene | Chloroform like odour | Irritation of eyes and skin; headache, visual disturbances, weakness and exhaustion, dizziness, tremor, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, liver injury, carcinogen | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, heart, liver, kidneys
Cancer Site: [in animals: liver and kidney cancer] |
Yes |
11. | 1,2-Dichloroethane | Chloroform like odour | Irritation eyes; central nervous system depression; nausea, vomiting; dermatitis; liver, kidney, cardiovascular system damage; [potential occupational carcinogen] | Eyes, skin, kidneys, liver, central nervous system, cardiovascular system
Cancer Site [in animals: fore-stomach, mammary gland & circulatory system cancer] |
Yes |
12. | Methanol | Characteristic pungent odour | Irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, blindness; dermatitis | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract | No |
13. | Acetaldehyde | A pungent, fruity odour | Irritation eyes, nose, throat; eye, skin burns; conjunctivitis; cough; central nervous system depression; in animals: kidney, reproductive effects; [potential occupational carcinogen] | Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive system
Cancer Site [in animals: nasal cancer] |
Yes |