Table of Contents
In 2017, country lost some of its most well-known scientists, including Dr. P.M.
Bhargava, Dr. U.R. Rao, Prof. Yashpal and Dr. Lalji Singh.
And the year 2018 too began on a sad note for Indian science as it lost another
of its stalwart scientists and administrators. Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, National
Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru, passed away in Pune on 7
January 2018 at the age of 71 after a massive heart attack.
Born on 9 April 1947, Dr. Baldev Raj was earlier the Director of the Indira
Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. As someone who
deeply espoused the cause of indigenization, Dr. Baldev Raj’s efforts helped
India’s master the fast breeder technology which had been abandoned by
most countries. A prototype of the fast breeder reactor is already functional
and India is on course to start a state-of-the-art 500 MW commercial fast
breeder reactor.
When USA and other countries imposed sanctions on India following the
nuclear test explosion of 1998 at Pokhran, Dr. Baldev Raj led his team of
researchers at the IGCAR to develop some of the critical components required
by nuclear reactors such as the special steel with which the fast Breeder
Reactor was built. His studies on sodium fast reactors with closed fuel cycles
helped evolve technology that could reduce high level radioactive waste by
almost two hundred times. This was one of the major factors that helped boost
public acceptance of nuclear power generation in India. In an interview given to
Science Reporter (May 2011), Dr. Baldev Raj emphasized that it is beyond
argument that “nuclear is the most preferred option in near future for most
of the countries and for the immediate future for the South Asian countries.
Continuous enhancement of the safety levels is the philosophy that will never
be given up, irrespective of the maturity levels of the nuclear power
technology.”
Since India has to import uranium at a high cost but has abundant reserves of
thorium, Dr. Baldev Raj worked on designing reactors that could utilise lower
amounts of uranium and more of thorium.
He also worked closely with the government to find solutions to challenges in
energy, water, healthcare, manufacturing and other national strategic goals.
He headed a major task force set up by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on
making the country self-reliant in strategic materials needed for defence
applications. He also headed another task force on rare earths, which have
applications in military and non-military areas. He worked closely with the NITI
Aayog to develop science action plans for the future. In 2017, he was also
appointed chairperson of the board of governors of the Academy of Scientific
and Innovative Research for a period of five years.
Author of around 1000 academic papers in peer reviewed journals and more
than 70 books, Dr. Baldev Raj was honoured with prestigious awards like the
Homi Bhabha Gold Medal, HK Firodia Award, Om Prakash Bhasin Award,
Vasvik Award, National Metallurgist Award, Lifetime Achievement Award of
Indian Nuclear Society, Distinguished Material Scientist Award, and Padma
Shri among many others. He was also a fellow of the Indian National Science
Academy and the World Academy of Sciences, chairman of the Board of
governors of IIT Gandhinagar, and a member of the Court of Jawaharlal Nehru
University, Delhi.
➢ No where Safe!
Pollution knows no borders. It destroys our health even inside the safe
confines of our homes. It is imperative, therefore, that every individual
contribute to safeguarding the present as well as the generations to come
from the perils of atmospheric pollution.
According to a WHO survey, 13 out of 25 most polluted cities in the world are
in India. Nearly 1.5 million people succumb (illness) to air pollution annually in India.
WHO report, indoor air pollution is the second largest cause of
mortality in developing countries like India.
Sources of Dirty Air
Some air pollutants arise due to natural factors like forest fires and volcanic
eruptions. When aided by strong winds, the suspended particles get carried
across distances causing pollution.
Vehicular and industrial emissions:
Vehicular exhaust contributes to massive levels of air contaminants: oxides of
nitrogen, sulphur and carbon along with volatile organic compounds, react
with heat, sunlight and moisture to form toxic vapours. In 2015, the Times of
India reported that 53,700 private vehicles are registered daily across India. A
team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
researched the deforestation levels in our country. In the past 30 years, India
has lost nearly 30,000 sq km of forest areas to industrial projects,
encroachment and non-forest produce activities.
Indoor particulate pollutants:
The visible indoor air contaminants are biological components that include
animal dander, fur, mites, pollen, moulds, fungus and animal faeces along
with dust, grime and fumes. These elements contribute to suspended
particulate matter (PM) in indoor atmospheres. A common sight in rural areas
is the burning of solid fuels like wood, coal and livestock dung, used for cooking
and heating purpose.
The price of conveniences:
Lifestyle conveniences are one of the primary contributors of indoor chemical
pollution in urban spaces. Volatile organic compounds lurk behind our everyday
items of use. Home improvement products, textiles, dry-cleaned clothes,
building material, all come with health risks. Formaldehyde volatilizes from
glue-bonded particle board, plywood and MDF decorative panels. Xylene,
toluene, benzene are some toxic gases released from stationary products and
photocopiers. Deodorisers, disinfectants, and room fresheners not only add
aerosols to the atmosphere but also release formaldehyde which persists in
the indoor air. Pesticides and insecticides get carried indoors, adding to further
contamination. Some of them are not just poisonous but carcinogenic too.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases).
Here the damage caused to the lungs give rise to symptoms of breathlessness,
wheezing, tightness in the chest and cough leading to condition like chronic
bronchitis and non-reversible asthma. Early stages of COPD often go unnoticed
until the breathlessness escalates. As the disease progress, one begins to notice
the shortness of breath.
(SBS) Sick Building Syndrome
When the pollutants persist for extended periods of time, or if there is
inadequate maintenance of the building, long-term problems cause Sick
Building Syndrome (SBS). The common complaints of SBS are headaches eye,
nose or throat irritation, cough, dry and itchy skin, sensitivity to odours,
fatigue and irritation. Anti-inflammatory properties of Curcuma longa and
Ocimum sanctum-two common herbs we know as turmeric and tulsi. They act
as inhibitors and provide relief to aggravated mucosal layers. Chemical toxins
cause nerve, digestive and muscular disorders. Nausea, dizziness and persistent
headaches call for an immediate investigation.
Air Cleaners and Purifiers
Indoor air cleaners are devices used to clean particular type of air pollutants.
Different types provide different functions:
• HEPA filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters use mechanical filter
material to trap the particulate matter. These are the commonly
available filters in the affordable range.
• Electronic Air Cleaners: These filters use electrostatic attraction to trap
charged ions of particles in the air. An ion generator disperses ions into
the indoor spaces. These ions attach to the particulate matter, in turn,
charging them. These charged particles accumulate in a collector
provided or on furniture, walls and other solid surfaces to be cleaned.
• Gaseous Air Filters: These remove fumes and odours from the air, by
using absorbent material like activated carbon. The limitation of these
filters is that they are useful in removing only a specific type of gaseous
element and do not work on a broad range of contaminants.
• UVGI cleaners: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation cleaners use UV
radiation to destroy germs and airborne allergens. They are useful in
specific regions and cannot replace filters.
• PCO cleaners: Photo Catalytic Oxidation cleaners use a UV source
along with a catalyst. This combination reacts with gaseous elements
and neutralizes them. However, these are ineffective on PM.
• Ozone generators: These too use UV radiation; however, the device
produces ozone to remove pollutants. Ozone is a lung irritant, and if
the safe levels exceed, this type of cleaner will, in turn, cause more
harm. These types of filters are not always reliable.
• PECO Filters: Considered to be an innovative solution for home air
purification, this patented, new type of air filter uses Nanotechnology
and Photo Electrochemical Oxidation to not just trap particulate
matter, gaseous elements and VOC in the indoor air, but also destroy
the bacteria and neutralize the gases.
➢ The silent killers
Sources of contamination Hazardous elements Health risks Suggested alternatives/green
options Fuels fresheners, ndeodorizers, disinfectants Carbon particulate matter Breathlessness,
congested air passages Efficient fuels like biogas, LPG solar and electric stoves Air fresheners,
deodorizers, disinfectants Formaldehyde, phenols, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite Toxic/carcinoge nic. Corrosive to skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure causes nervous,
respiratory and digestive disorders. Proper ventilation; Choose organic substitutes.
Aromatic spices and potpourri of dried fragrant flowers make excellent air fresheners and
deodorizers. Drain cleaners, oven cleaners or de-greasers Sodium potassium hydroxide (iye)
Highly corrosive, cause damage to nervous, respiratory, and urinary systems Combine baking
soda and vinegar to de-grease Furniture polish Petroleum distillates Toxic and corrosive in
nature Oil and vinegar Toilet bowl cleaners Hypochloric acid, chlorinated phenols Highly toxic and corrosive Vinegar and baking soda Chlorinated water with potential contaminants
Vocalization of chlorine and radon carcinogenic Ensure proper ventilation or exhaust
➢ Natural Air purifiers
Botanical Name Common Names What they filter Nephrolepis
exaltata Boston, fern, Sword fern or Fishbone fern These tropical ferns are
incredibly adept at synthesizing VOCs, especially formaldehyde, benzene and
xylene.
Phoenix roebelenii Pygmy date palm or Robellini Native to South-eastern Asia,
parts of China and Vietnam, this variety of palm is capable of removing
formaldehyde Chamaedorea seifrizii Bamboo palm, cane palm or reed palm.
Readily available in nurseries and used in landscaping.
These palms from the tropical regions of the Americas filter benzene and
trichloroethylene Syngonium podophyllum Syngonium. Decorative
plant available in a variety of colours These expert air purifiers
remove VOC, improve humidity and kill airborne microbes.
Spathiphyllum Peace lilies Remove benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
Sansevieria trifasciata Snake plant. The popular name ‘motherin-law’s tongue.’
An ideal bedroom plant as this not only removes VOCs but also replenishes oxygen
at night times too.
➢ CSIR-NCL Develops Artificial Leaf
Scientists from the CSIR-National chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) have
developed an artificial leaf that absorbs sunlight to generate hydrogen
fuel from water.
➢ Himalayan yew Exciting
Conifer with Uncertain Future
In the Indian Himalayan, Taxus wallichiana occurs in the northernwestern
states of Jammu, and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand,
Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh at altitudes between 1800 to 3300 m
(amsl) and in the hills of Meghalaya and Manipur at an altitude of 1500 m
(amsl).
Traditionally, it has found use in medicine as an anti-cancer, antiinflammatory,
anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic, analgesic, anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial. The extracts of T. wallichiana are known to be a source of a
drug, called.
Zarnab, which is very frequently prescribed in the Unani system of Indian
Medicine as sedative, and for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, snake
bites, epilepsy, scorpion stings, diarrhoea, severe biliousness, giddiness,
coldness of extremities, feeble and falling pulse, besides applications as
an aphrodisiac (Mulliken). The tincture prepared from its young shoots is
used in Ayurveda as a plaster on bone fractures and is applied externally
on the forehead to provide relief from headache. It is a prime source of
an anti-cancer drug, known as Taxol, which is extracted from its bark
and leaves, and has demonstrated broad anti-tumor activity against
breast, liver, lung, blood, prostrate, head and neck, gynecological
cancers and Karposi’s Sarcoma.
Bilobetin a biflavone obtained from the needles of the species has also
been reported to possess antifungal activity. Taxus wood is the hardest
of all coniferous woods. It is also highly resistant to rot and insect attack
and can be worked, polished and stained excellently. The plant is rare,
endangered and listed in Appendix II of Convention on International
Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
➢ METALS IN MEDICINES
According to a survey by WHO, nearly 7 lakh Indians die due to cancer
every year. Breast cancer is emerging as the deadliest among Indian
women; while for men, it is cancer of the lip and oral cavity.
Important Metals in the Human Body Metal Chief food source
Main role Deficiency Overload Ca Plain yogurt, milk, fish Maintains
structural integrity of bones, acid/alkaline balance, muscle and nerve
functioning Osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance High blood pressure, high
cholesterol Mg Pumpkin seeds, green Signaling enzyme Muscular
cramps, fatigue, Heart disease, hypertension.
vegetable activation loss of appetite
Na ➢ Table salt, bread items Generation of nerve impulses, maintenance of
electrolyte fluid balance Heart, liver and kidney failure, pneumonia Weakness,
seizures and and coma K Kiwi fruit, banana, dry fruits potatoes Maintains fluid
and electrolyte balance Hypertension, constipation Palpitations and muscle
weakness Fe Soybeans, spinach, seafood Enhances oxygen transport and
supports energy production Fatigue, muscle weakness, anemia Heamochroma
tosis-Liver cirrhosis, diabetes and arthritis Cu Cashews, soybeans, sesame
seeds, mushrooms Improves antioxidant activity, maintains bone and tissue
integrity, cholesterol balance Menkes disease, anemia Wilson’s disease,
fatigue Mn Cloves oats, brown rice In bone production, skin integrity,
protection against free radical damage Skeletal deformation, skin problems
and asthma Psychiatric and motor changes Zn Beef, lamb sesame seeds
In the proper functioning of immune system and sensory organs Diarrhea, oral
ulceration, acne, psychological disorders Nausea vomiting and cramps Cr Broccoli,
barley oats Suggested role in blood sugar control Impaired glucose tolerance and
weight loss suggest Hemolysis, allergy
METALS TOXIC TO HUMAN BODY
Metal Contamination Sources Diseases caused Antidote Sb(Antimony)
Fruit juices in enamel containers, paints, toys, Possibly cancer Dimercaprol
batteries As Drinking water, insecticide Black foot disease Dimercaprol
Al Antacids Shaver’s disease Deferoxamine Cd Plastics, batteries, dyes,
occupational exposure, tobacco, rice Itai-Itai disease Supportive therapy
Pb Paint-chips, gasoline, water, occupational exposure Lead encephalopathy,
Lead line CaNa₂, EDTA, Dimercaprol, Succimer Hg Fungicide, industrial
discharge Minamata disease, HunterRussel syndrome Succimer, DMSA,
Dimercaprol.
APPROVED METAL-BASED DRUGS
Metal Uses Trade names Pt (Platinum) Anticancer Platinol; Paraplatin; Eloxatine; Satraplatin,
BBR2464, AMD-473 Au Rheumatoid arthritis Ridaura Bi Antiulcer; antacid Pepto-Bismol;Ranitidine Bismutrex Mn Anticancer agents Mn SOD mimics V (Vanadium)
Type II diabetes BEOV Li Manic Depression Camcolit; Cibalith-S; Lithane
Fe Vasodilation Nipride Ag Disinfectant, Antibacteria Flamazine; Silvadene
Sb (Antimony) Antiparasitic Tartar Emetic, Stibophen Hg Antiseptic, antifungal Thiomersal
Ru (Ruthenium) Anticancer agent NAMI-A Ln (Lanthanide)
Hyperphosphatemia Forsenol Cu Rheumatoid Arthritis Copper aspirinate
Zn Antitching Calamine Ga (Gallium) Hypercalcemia of malignancy Ganite
As (Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) Anticancer agent Trisenox.
➢ Antarctica’s Blood Falls
Located in Antarctica’s McMurdo dry Valleys at the northern end of Taylor glacier, the enigma behind the bloody falls has finally been solved by the geo-scientists. This natural phenomenon owns its gory-look neither to the blood nor red `algae, but to the iron oxidized in brine
saltwater. The iron oxide which is responsible for the scary fleshy look of this glacier is produced by the same process that gives iron a dark red colour when it rusts.
➢ Envigreen’s Edible Bags
India generates more than 5.6 billion toxic plastic waste every year.
Envigreen Biotech India Private Ltd produces India’s first 100%
biodegradable substitute to plastics.
WhatsApp