A study done in three industrial areas of the city has found that volatile organic compounds are to be blamed for foul chemical odours prevalent in the area.
The study, conducted before and after monsoon last year by Telangana Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) and Environment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), found high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the industrial areas of Bollarum, Kazipally and Jeedimetla. The study report was recently submitted to the government for communicating corrective measures to the industry.
“The levels were high and lapses identified in the industry include leaks, storage places with uncovered solvents that cause these volatile chemicals to evaporate. Use of older, less-efficient treatment technology was also found to be a factor for high levels of VOC,” an official informed.
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Besides affecting numerous organs of the body including liver, kidney and the nervous system, when a person inhales the compounds present in concentrations beyond tolerance levels, VOCs are known to cause formation of surface level ozone.
Unlike the ozone layer in Earth’s stratosphere, ground-level ozone is considered a hazard.
Exposure to it shows mainly in the form of respiratory distress and impaired lung function. As of now, ozone levels in the city remains below hazardous levels, the PCB maintains.
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They, however, say that concerns of ozone levels rising to dangerous levels in the future directed the VOC study. “Industries have been told about the findings and a slew of measures have been suggested. Though we measure some volatile compounds like benzene and toluene on regular basis, a detailed study of VOC will be taken up again in the next two months,” he added.
However, PCB is enforcing the measures suggested in last year’s study report as it feels compliance levels would improve if the suggestions are made voluntary.
It was learnt that around 20 industries have come on board to conduct leak detection studies and submit reports after taking a corrective course.
A detailed volatile organic compounds study that will be taken up later this year, may change the voluntarily basis for implementation.