While initiatives are taken across the globe to
lessen ozone depletion, Indian textile industry is attempting to be on the ball
by becoming CTC free by the end of 2009.
Carbon tetrachloride (CTC) is a substance which is mainly
used in textile industries for its high solvency power, low cost, and non
inflammable nature. CTC is popular for cleaning applications, and is mainly
used in textile industries for stain removing functions.
All solvents apart from water are toxic in nature, with
variations in the degree of toxicity. CTC has serious and adverse effects both
to humans and the environment. Impacts of CTC occur in human beings by
inhaling, and absorption of the material by skin. Inhaling the toxic substance
can account for 60% of health hazard, while ingestion causes 10% damage, and
skin and eye affliction can cause 30% harm. Most of the people involved into
using these substances are not even aware of its perils. Unfavorable
consequences might be kidney and liver disorders, and other cancerous ailments.
CTC is a green house gas having significant contribution to
global warming. It not only disturbs the human immune system, but also affects the
fauna and flora as well. Besides this, it impedes the growth of agricultural
crops, and other vegetation. This toxic chemical can also disturb the
activities in the upper ocean layer which play a crucial role in maintaining
the equilibrium of the marine ecosystem.
The best alternative is to switch over to water based
detergents, and other alternatives which do not harm the ozone layer. Adequate
distance should be kept between the worker, and the work done with such
chemicals. Appropriate ventilation should be provided to remove harmful vapors.
Health protective equipments such as masks, goggles, and hard net gloves should
be provided to the workers. Workers should be given proper training to handle
these toxic substances, and proper awareness should be created among them
regarding the risk factors.
Averting the use of CTC:
It is estimated that every year, the Indian Textile Industry
consumes more than 1500 tons of CTC for cleaning, removing stains from
apparels, degreasing of metal parts, and machinery, and for servicing garment
making machinery.
India is one among the 193 countries that are signatory to the Montreal
Protocol on Substances, a treaty for phasing out production of ozone depleting
substances. Training programmes are launched to phase out the usage of carbon tetra
chloride from the textile industry. Its main initiative is to disseminate the
hazards of using CTC, its impact in the ozone layer causing irreversible damage
to both mankind and the environment. Efforts are taken to stop the usage of
CTC completely, by the end of 2009.
The Ozone Cell in the Union Ministry of Environment and
Forests co-ordinates for phasing out the use of CTC. Regulatory frameworks and
plans are formulated at the national level to ensure avoiding the usage of the
chemical.
Phasing out the usage of CTC would tremendously help in the
recovery of the ozone layer with a positive effect on the health hazards posed
by the chemical.
References:
- 'CTC to be phased out by yearend', The New Indian
Express, June 19, 2009, http://www.ctc-phaseout.org
- http://www.thehindu.com
