by Ravi Agarwal | Jun 17, 2022 | Publications, Reports, 2018
In the study, 6 face wash, 3 body washes, 3 face scrubs from different brands, 1 face mask and 5 varieties of leave-on lotions were analysed for detecting the presence of microplastics (water insoluble) of more than 0.45 micron size. Large numbers of particles, especially granular material were observed with naked eye. Stereomicroscopic examination as well as filtration indicated presence of micro particles in 9 out of the 18 samples tested. The findings indicated presence of microplastics in most of the rinse off cosmetics. Interestingly, none of the leave-on products were detected with microplastics or even microparticles. Presence of insoluble micro particles in majority of the rinse off products does raise an alarm. These are designed to be disposed of with no possibility of recovery or recycling. Out of the 12 rinse off products included in the study, 5 of them were found to have microplastic. Since these are direct body to drain products, the beads from these products get directly into the water system and through the water channel reach the larger water bodies.
by Ravi Agarwal | Jun 17, 2022 | Chemicals, Publications, Reports, 2018
EDCs are widely used in the consumer products and researchers claim their human and environmental health impacts through their wide research. Some of the Indian researchers tried to show the direct relationships between these EDCs and animal, environmental impact in their experiments but were not able to produce much information on human health. But the research data from various international sources proved that these EDCs have acute health impacts on human health too. Further research in Indian context can support this. It is also observed that in some cases there are no standards or regulation in place; hence there has no control or restriction of its use in consumer products so it leads to the downstream contamination. The document has tried to bring out the current scenario in Indian context regarding some of the EDCs.
by Ravi Agarwal | Jun 17, 2022 | Chemicals, Publications, Reports, 2018
Dry-cleaning is a popular service used in most parts of India, especially urban areas. It is often used for cleaning expensive and sensitive clothing. With changing lifestyles in urban India, this service is only going to grow in the future. Though currently many solvents are being used in the dry-cleaning facilities in India, PERC is a key one. Inspite of PERC being globally considered a toxic chemical, there has been very limited research on understanding its impact on health and environment in the Indian context.This study aims to bridge some of these gaps by understanding and documenting the current usage of PERC in the dry-cleaning industry. It also looks at issues of workers’ safety and disposal practices for this chemical in the industry, as it is known to be an occupational hazard. Apart from this, the study investigates the possibility of PERC risks for consumers who use dry-cleaned clothes.
by Ravi Agarwal | Jun 17, 2022 | Publications, Reports, 2018
This study was carried out with a view to develop an understanding on BPA use in thermal papers used in India and requirement of a regulation to prevent BPA exposure in the environment.In India, BPA free thermal papers are used widely and so it is possible to shift to the alternatives for producing thermal papers considering their negative on impact human health and environment.
by Ravi Agarwal | Jun 17, 2022 | Publications, Reports, 2004
Audit of Bio-Medical Waste Management in Government HCIs and Centralised Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities in Chennai Title: Audit of Bio-Medical Waste Management in Government HCIs and Centralised Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities in ChennaiPublication...