BACKGROUND: "University of Florida researchers have led the development of a new type of wound dressing that could keep dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria from spreading in hospitals"
How It Works: The new wound dressing features a microbial coating that can be chemically bonded to gauze bandages, socks and even hospital bedding and gowns. This makes the material super-absorbent and pulls excess moisture away from the wound. The microbial coating blocks bacteria from reaching a wound and recolonizing there. It also kills the most common and harmful types of resistant bacteria that cause 70 percent of infections in hospitals, such as staph infections. The fabric can be made into clothing, such as antifungal socks and underwear that could help U.S. soldiers in the field who often don't have time to change or shower. Furthermore, the structure of the coating, and the complexity of the process, makes it nearly impossible for bacteria to become resistant to it.
=================================================
I love this. Often people just use a normal bandage...no 'kill-bacteria 'properties..to me it is like of not much use. i been always imagine how good it wil be if it can have the kill bacteria properties..and now it existed. Wee!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006-03-04/
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
DE-BUGGING YOUR FOOD
"5 million pounds of pesticides a year are used to zap bugs and insects that burrow down on fruits and veggies. But these colorless, odorless gasses pose a threat to the environment and to you. "
"Known as metabolic stress disinfection and disinfestation (MSDD), the new pest control system is more reliable and cost-effective, and is also non-toxic to humans and safe for the environment." =D
"MSDD kills pests using carbon dioxide, a vacuum pump, and a little alcohol. Insects need oxygen, like all living creatures. MSDD eliminates their oxygen supply. The produce is put into a chamber, and a vacuum is then applied, reducing the interior air pressure by about 90 percent. After a few minutes, the chamber is filled with pure carbon dioxide for several more minutes. The process repeats several times, periodically augmented with ethanol vapor to make sure the bugs are dead."
==========================================
COOL! I love it! I hate buggies! but i also don't like those harmful chemical! This is awesome. Hope all the fruits that come to singapore all treated in these ways? Oh yes. Yummy fruits! Just wondering if it can really kill all the bugs inside the fruits..hmm.
Reference from : http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007-01-05/
"Known as metabolic stress disinfection and disinfestation (MSDD), the new pest control system is more reliable and cost-effective, and is also non-toxic to humans and safe for the environment." =D
"MSDD kills pests using carbon dioxide, a vacuum pump, and a little alcohol. Insects need oxygen, like all living creatures. MSDD eliminates their oxygen supply. The produce is put into a chamber, and a vacuum is then applied, reducing the interior air pressure by about 90 percent. After a few minutes, the chamber is filled with pure carbon dioxide for several more minutes. The process repeats several times, periodically augmented with ethanol vapor to make sure the bugs are dead."
==========================================
COOL! I love it! I hate buggies! but i also don't like those harmful chemical! This is awesome. Hope all the fruits that come to singapore all treated in these ways? Oh yes. Yummy fruits! Just wondering if it can really kill all the bugs inside the fruits..hmm.
Reference from : http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007-01-05/
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Part 2(b): 'Can the Earth BE Saved?'
After viewing what are the many problems earth are facing, let us think... ...
In fact, the earth can regenerates itself, for example, the ozone layer can repair itself over time, the plant taking in carbon dioxides, reducing the greenhouse gases. As long as we don't go over the limit, Earth can slowly heal itself. For this to be possible, everyone of us has plays a part. We may probably need go give up on all the industrialisation, developments and technology. (Except those that can help improve the condition in the environment). Therefore, we need to have a balance. Just like what the religion Taoism is all about. BALANCE. Things in this world have to be in balance.
Earth can be saved. It can only be saved with the help of mankind, who are the one causing the problems on the earth. We cannot possibly ask the some cows, or chicken to help us save the earth. Isn't it? So this mission of Saving the Earth lies in the hands of us mankind.Firstly, we have to stop damaging the earth with all kinds of technology. Stop all pollutions! Secondly, we have to do the 'cleaning ' of our environment.Repair damages done whenever possible. No one cares about earning, everything we do is for the environment sake. The health of environment as the NUMBER 1 priority.
For this possible, as i had mention, we had to sacrifice what we have, other than the environment. We may end up having to lead the simplest life. For example, people hunting and growing for food by ourselves, there is no technologies, no such things as economy and business, no more buildings. The pastime is where people gather together,singing and dancing to music. All we do is to satisfy our basic need to survive. Water, oxygen and food. Just like reversing time back to olden times.
The greatest difficulty that we face to let saving the environment, the earth possible is whereby we are already used to having all kinds of technology around us. Our mindset of doing things are for development. We couldn't be downgrading ourselves all of a sudden.
That explain the reason why people had been mentioning about saving the environment, saving the earth since even i was even born. Still, people are neglecting the environment and continues with development.
Yes, we do have quite a number of actions to reduce the damages, such as not using plastic bags, recycling materials, and government promoting sustainable development in environmental terms. However, this are not sufficient! Not sufficient compared to the pollutions, greenhouses gases we release into the environment.
Everyone of us on earth, have to know the importance of Saving The Earth Now. We had to learn to be selfless for the sake of our Mother Earth.We have to work hand in hand, and together play a part in protecting our environment, saving our 'Mother'.
IS THE EARTH WORTH SAVING?
The Earth definitely need to be saved, and is worth saving.For now, it is the only planet in this galaxy that is able to support live! We have to save the earth, to save all living organisms on earth, not just for the sake of our own life. Mankind have been living on earth for many centuries, and we have developed to the modern world now. We mankind are blessed with the intelligence to develop many kind of technology and has occupied much area on earth. It should be time when we should make use of the intelligence that we have to think how we should save the earth, and to do help the environment ,that suffers due to our activities.
The Earth definitely need to be saved, and is worth saving.For now, it is the only planet in this galaxy that is able to support live! We have to save the earth, to save all living organisms on earth, not just for the sake of our own life. Mankind have been living on earth for many centuries, and we have developed to the modern world now. We mankind are blessed with the intelligence to develop many kind of technology and has occupied much area on earth. It should be time when we should make use of the intelligence that we have to think how we should save the earth, and to do help the environment ,that suffers due to our activities.
BENEFITS OF SAVING THE EARTH.
We save the earth not only to save mankind, so that we can continue to live in this planet. We must save the earth also for the sake of all other living things that belongs on earth. We have to save the earth, to let the earth get back its beauty. Earth is the only planet in this galaxy that supports live, we must let it live on, unless the universe is going to destroy itself. Mother earth allow us to live on her, and it is our responsibility to keep her healthy, we must be grateful to her, and not giving her all sorts of problem.
BIGGEST THREATS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
- Of all the living things on this planet, MANKIND is the only species that poses deadly threat to the well-being of the environment. If i were to list the threats to the the environment, it would be a list of activities that we humans do, resulting in pollutions, affecting the life cycle on earth. A vicious cycle of unregulated consumption is the biggest threat caused by man kind.
SO, CAN THE EARTH BE SAVED?
YES! THE EARTH CAN BE SAVED.We are humans! We are born with the intelligence and the ability to carry out many activities. It is just a matter if we are willing to sacrifice our all the material comfort. We should no longer do things for the sake of profits. If we have the ability to cause so much damage, I strongly believe we should also have the ability to repair the damages done. If not, to live on without causing more damages to the environment, to the earth.
In fact, the earth can regenerates itself, for example, the ozone layer can repair itself over time, the plant taking in carbon dioxides, reducing the greenhouse gases. As long as we don't go over the limit, Earth can slowly heal itself. For this to be possible, everyone of us has plays a part. We may probably need go give up on all the industrialisation, developments and technology. (Except those that can help improve the condition in the environment). Therefore, we need to have a balance. Just like what the religion Taoism is all about. BALANCE. Things in this world have to be in balance.Earth can be saved. It can only be saved with the help of mankind, who are the one causing the problems on the earth. We cannot possibly ask the some cows, or chicken to help us save the earth. Isn't it? So this mission of Saving the Earth lies in the hands of us mankind.Firstly, we have to stop damaging the earth with all kinds of technology. Stop all pollutions! Secondly, we have to do the 'cleaning ' of our environment.Repair damages done whenever possible. No one cares about earning, everything we do is for the environment sake. The health of environment as the NUMBER 1 priority.
For this possible, as i had mention, we had to sacrifice what we have, other than the environment. We may end up having to lead the simplest life. For example, people hunting and growing for food by ourselves, there is no technologies, no such things as economy and business, no more buildings. The pastime is where people gather together,singing and dancing to music. All we do is to satisfy our basic need to survive. Water, oxygen and food. Just like reversing time back to olden times.
The greatest difficulty that we face to let saving the environment, the earth possible is whereby we are already used to having all kinds of technology around us. Our mindset of doing things are for development. We couldn't be downgrading ourselves all of a sudden.
That explain the reason why people had been mentioning about saving the environment, saving the earth since even i was even born. Still, people are neglecting the environment and continues with development.
Yes, we do have quite a number of actions to reduce the damages, such as not using plastic bags, recycling materials, and government promoting sustainable development in environmental terms. However, this are not sufficient! Not sufficient compared to the pollutions, greenhouses gases we release into the environment.
Everyone of us on earth, have to know the importance of Saving The Earth Now. We had to learn to be selfless for the sake of our Mother Earth.We have to work hand in hand, and together play a part in protecting our environment, saving our 'Mother'.
To work towards these, the government had to slowly guide the country to get used to living less dependent on the material comfort, and get rid if unnecessary things around us. Government have to constantly educate citizens the importance of protecting the environment, and the little things that can help in saving our environment. Of course, they have to start all the actions themselves, for us to follow. The younger generations are the one who will really need to understand and get used to leading a life, that helps in the environment.
For now, the industries can play their part by just focusing on how they can change everything in the part of their industries to one that is all about the environment. Reduce usage of items, Recycling, Reuse is the most basic part they can do.
"I think now Australia is the country which we can really follow. Their country is very particular about conservation, and they don't use plastic bags unnecessarily. Their citizens know the importance of protecting their environment. Since they face problems like water shortages."
------------------------
Earth can really be saved! We must start saving it immediately! There is still hope.
If we don't save the earth, in future even if we survive, we will be living in a damage earth. With little natural resources, and life would be hard. So why not save the earth?At least we can get back a healthy earth, we living in the healthy earth will so be able to survive happily.
Want to be Superman? Play your biggest part in Saving The Earth. Together, we become Supermen!
Part 2(a): ' Can the Earth Be Saved?'
Before i give my answer to whether the earth an be saved, I think you should know what is the problem earth is facing. Lets take a look at what is happening to our planet EARTH
Part 2: 'Can the Earth Be Saved'
You ask me how to save the earth? I would say, push everything to SUPERMAN \(^.^)/. YEAH! In my world of imagination, the earth can be saved, provided there is no devil polluting the earth with kryptonite.
==========================================================
Alright seriously.
-Can the earth be saved? Is the Earth worth saving? Why or why not?
-Benefits of saving the Earth? for the environment? For human health?
-Biggest threats to the environment ( list in rank order)
-Can the earth be saved?
These are the tough questionS i have to answer. With support from the topics i done previously. Headache.
Mr Moo, can i be saved? Save me from the trouble of answering all these question.
==========================================================
Alright seriously.
-Can the earth be saved? Is the Earth worth saving? Why or why not?
-Benefits of saving the Earth? for the environment? For human health?
-Biggest threats to the environment ( list in rank order)
-Can the earth be saved?
These are the tough questionS i have to answer. With support from the topics i done previously. Headache.
Mr Moo, can i be saved? Save me from the trouble of answering all these question.
Topic 15: Greenhouse effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect
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So what is greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the earth experiences because certain gas in the atmosphere trap the heat (radiation) from the sun. The gases that trap these heat is known as greenhouse gases. Example of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane,fluorocarbon, nitrous oxide.
The atmosphere is just like the glass window of a greenhouse, trapping heat.
If without this greenhouse effect, earth will not be warm enough for humans to live, but if this effect become stronger, earth will be warmer than usual and may cause problems for the living organisms on earth.
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Situation:
Because of many human activities, much greenhouse gases were produced and therefore more heat is trapped withing the earth surface. Therefore resulting in global warming at a faster rate.
Factories, cars, and deforestation are some examples of human activities that cause more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. So the temperature on earth would become hotter and hotter, resulting in environmental problems. For example, many living things cannot withstand the heat and may die, while the ice at the arctics with melt, causing flooding on lowland.So this is brings us to a question if the earth can be saved.
=============================================================
Conclusion:
Yes, almost everything we do are producing greenhouse gases. We are producing emitting more greenhouse gases into our atmosphere every second. So the earth temperature will get warmer and warmer, as days goes by. Global warming is a natural process that happen to earth, alternating with ice age, which will take many many years. However, due to our human activities, we are increasing the rate of global warming. It is something that we have to face.
We can only help if we reduce the production of greenhouse gases whenever possible, and stop much of the damages we cause to the environment, with pollutions and everything.
OH YES! DONE WITH THE LAST TOPIC, BUT STILL HAVE THAT ' HOW TO SAVE THE EARTH' . SO IRRITATING. YES IRRITATING
Topic 14: Bhopal Gas Tragedy
http://www.hu.mtu.edu/hu_dept/tc@mtu/papers/bhopal.htm
(Sorry, but this is really so long and wordy. I don't like it either)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
" HOW MANY TIMES DO WE ANIMALS HAVE TO TELL YOU HUMANS? PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! SEE, I AM ALSO A VICTIM OF THIS TRAGEDY, AND THAT IS WHY I HAVE SUCH SHORT LIMBS! UNLIKE HOW A NORMAL COW SHOULD BE!"
(Sorry, but this is really so long and wordy. I don't like it either)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
This is a man made disaster whereby more than 27 tonnes of deadly Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) burst from a pesticide plant, Union Carbide. It affects a very large area. It results in approximately 2000 immediate death, 300 000 injured, 7000 animal injured, and 1000 animals die. Survivors life was no better. They suffered from all kinds of illness, like cancer, tuberculosis, birth defects. The water sources were also seriously polluted with mercury, nickel and other toxins. In fact a series of prior warnings MIC-related accidents had been ignores.
========================================================
Conclusion:
This is indeed a man made tragedy, and could have been prevented. It has resulted long term extensive damage to the environment, and to the life of the people around. It will take a long time for that much of toxic vapour to completely disappear from the environment. Many generations of humans will be affected too. From this, we should learnt how important it is to keep safety and never overlook small problems, which could become big problems. We should be very careful and particular when dealing with such dangerous chemicals. Cause it the effect is really extensive. Innocent people are also harmed in such accidents.
" HOW MANY TIMES DO WE ANIMALS HAVE TO TELL YOU HUMANS? PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! SEE, I AM ALSO A VICTIM OF THIS TRAGEDY, AND THAT IS WHY I HAVE SUCH SHORT LIMBS! UNLIKE HOW A NORMAL COW SHOULD BE!"
Topic 13: Cadmium in fertilizers/ peanut Oz
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/factsheets/factsheets1999/cadmiuminpeanuts.cfm
http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/article1346/article1346.htm
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The situation:
Cadmium is a naturally occurring mineral found in vegetables, seafood, and also meat. IT CAN CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE WHEN EATEN! in large amount. So you can still eat them. Cadmium are used in pesticides and fertilizers. So the more usage of these pesticides and fertilisers,the more harmful.
=============================================================
Conclusion:
Cadmium is is helpful for use as pesticides and fertilizers, but they can cause much harm too. They should be very careful in using them making sure that t does not exceed the level at which we can consume.
((this is getting more and more boring )) :(
http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/article1346/article1346.htm
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The situation:
Cadmium is a naturally occurring mineral found in vegetables, seafood, and also meat. IT CAN CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE WHEN EATEN! in large amount. So you can still eat them. Cadmium are used in pesticides and fertilizers. So the more usage of these pesticides and fertilisers,the more harmful.
=============================================================
Conclusion:
Cadmium is is helpful for use as pesticides and fertilizers, but they can cause much harm too. They should be very careful in using them making sure that t does not exceed the level at which we can consume.
((this is getting more and more boring )) :(
Topic 12 :Mercury Poisoning ---Siberia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2062595.stm
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Situation: More than 1500 tonne if metallic mercury from a plant seeped into soil and river. Clean up effort progress too slowly. The problem will become worst when the mercury evaporates into the air. The animals in the river will absorb the mercury, and when people go and eat the,, they may suffer from mercury poisoning. Mercury pollution will cause nervous system problems, headaches, respiratory and intestinal disease, and hand tremors. They may even die from mercury poisoning.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Mercury can be very dangerous when gets into the river. It will affect many marine animals, and when human consume the seafood, they are consuming the mercury. Mercury can affects ones health very badly. If they don't clean up quickly, i think the mercury will also spread to other countries, affecting more and more people. They should treat the problem seriously. They should have strict and regular checks to prevent leaks, they should not treat such problems likely. Prevention are very important, same goes to other leaks happening around the world. if they have done their work, they would have save the trouble of doing all the cleaning up, and best not damaging the environment with all those chemicals!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Situation: More than 1500 tonne if metallic mercury from a plant seeped into soil and river. Clean up effort progress too slowly. The problem will become worst when the mercury evaporates into the air. The animals in the river will absorb the mercury, and when people go and eat the,, they may suffer from mercury poisoning. Mercury pollution will cause nervous system problems, headaches, respiratory and intestinal disease, and hand tremors. They may even die from mercury poisoning.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Mercury can be very dangerous when gets into the river. It will affect many marine animals, and when human consume the seafood, they are consuming the mercury. Mercury can affects ones health very badly. If they don't clean up quickly, i think the mercury will also spread to other countries, affecting more and more people. They should treat the problem seriously. They should have strict and regular checks to prevent leaks, they should not treat such problems likely. Prevention are very important, same goes to other leaks happening around the world. if they have done their work, they would have save the trouble of doing all the cleaning up, and best not damaging the environment with all those chemicals!
Topic 11: Pollution in the Baltic
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3007228.stm
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The situation:
The Baltic Sea in Russia is seriously polluted, by dumping of waste, metals. This has cause environmental and economic problems. The water is polluted with growth of algae and plankton growth and lack of oxygen. Therefore, also affecting the marine organism. The country is dependent on fishing for the economy, if their water is polluted, the fish will die, or the fish cannot be eaten. They want to build a treatment plant but they lack the funds, to do so. So the dumping continues, and again the problems become worst.
========================================================
Conclusion:
I think it is kind of ironic. They know that their country is dependent on fishing for the economy, then they should know that they have to protect their environment especially the water system. Yet they are giving themselves more problem by polluting the waters. They should not delay the work of the water treatment plant. If they don't settle it, things will become worst. The environment by then been seriously damaged. I think that maybe countries around should try and help them, as we all share the environment. We should protect the environment, every country should try and help one another.
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The situation:
The Baltic Sea in Russia is seriously polluted, by dumping of waste, metals. This has cause environmental and economic problems. The water is polluted with growth of algae and plankton growth and lack of oxygen. Therefore, also affecting the marine organism. The country is dependent on fishing for the economy, if their water is polluted, the fish will die, or the fish cannot be eaten. They want to build a treatment plant but they lack the funds, to do so. So the dumping continues, and again the problems become worst.
========================================================
Conclusion:
I think it is kind of ironic. They know that their country is dependent on fishing for the economy, then they should know that they have to protect their environment especially the water system. Yet they are giving themselves more problem by polluting the waters. They should not delay the work of the water treatment plant. If they don't settle it, things will become worst. The environment by then been seriously damaged. I think that maybe countries around should try and help them, as we all share the environment. We should protect the environment, every country should try and help one another.
" Oh My God, quickly go and save the water from pollution!"," I want it to be become as clean as the water behind me!"
" I forgot to introduce myself, i am mr Lala, the minister of water environment.Want my signature?"
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Sorry, but this mr Lala is a crazy koala bear who suffer some mental problem due to pollution. He just escaped from the Mental health of animal hospital. Ignore him .(-_-")
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Topic 10 : Effect of mining activites on the environment and human health
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6103382.stm
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This passage is so difficult to understand! (>.< !)
(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)
The situation:
Mining and smelting at that place( i don't know which one, cause i don't understand ) as there is many minerals and metals. Attracting more big companies there as it is a very lucrative industry. However that place is actually habitat for many organisms such as the reindeer and their habitat is wiped out because of all these mining and smelting. The river water around will also be affected, affecting marine organism in the river, such as the salmon. All these work can cause much pollution. When they mine, they cause much dust particles, and it also affect the health of those working there with respiratory problem.
========================================================
Conclusion:
This is again another case, whereby they care more about the lucrative business than the environment. They polluted both the land, air, and water. Also the natural beauty is destroyed due to mining. Problem become worst when more company joins in, causing much more damage to the area.
"I Hate You humans!", " Just so selfish, why can't you humans don't just live like us (grazing is all we do) ? At least repair the damage done, rather than leaving all the damages to us animals, to suffer!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This passage is so difficult to understand! (>.< !)
(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)(T_T)
The situation:
Mining and smelting at that place( i don't know which one, cause i don't understand ) as there is many minerals and metals. Attracting more big companies there as it is a very lucrative industry. However that place is actually habitat for many organisms such as the reindeer and their habitat is wiped out because of all these mining and smelting. The river water around will also be affected, affecting marine organism in the river, such as the salmon. All these work can cause much pollution. When they mine, they cause much dust particles, and it also affect the health of those working there with respiratory problem.
========================================================
Conclusion:
This is again another case, whereby they care more about the lucrative business than the environment. They polluted both the land, air, and water. Also the natural beauty is destroyed due to mining. Problem become worst when more company joins in, causing much more damage to the area.
"I Hate You humans!", " Just so selfish, why can't you humans don't just live like us (grazing is all we do) ? At least repair the damage done, rather than leaving all the damages to us animals, to suffer!"
Topic 9: e-waste recycling india
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3307815.stm
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e-waste is referring to Electronic waste.
The situation:
Many computers are thrown away every year. And many are dumped in India or China. These waste contain much heavy metals. Extraction and reconditioning these computers will release those heavy metals and can harm the environment.
Recycling is done, and this can make quite a sum of money. Parts which can be used again are extracted . The rest is burned or dumped and both causes damage to the environment. Process of extraction uses all kind of chemicals like acid, and burning of parts like the PVC covered copper wire will produce dioxin, which get released into the environment. All these can be environment hazards. Can also cause health problems to do the work.
To reduce such recycling problems, some company attempted to reduce the usage of cadmium and mercury. Also, taking back and recycling the computers themselves.
========================================================
Conclusion:
Only after reading this did i think of where the spoilt computers has all went to. All i could think of is Garang Guni collecting them. I have never thought that computer an cause so much pollution with the metals. All along pollutants to me is those chemicals and dirty stuffs coming out from factories. This is also the first time i think Recycling can be bad. In this high-technology world, many things we do uses computer. I think it is a good way for them to try reducing the usage of the metal. I think the workers are so great, they just do for the sake of earning basic income. When their health will be affected.
Mr Moo ask,'' Is there anyway the pollutant can be made used of to become something good, rather than does damage to the environment?"," Somebody come out with a solution please!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
e-waste is referring to Electronic waste.
The situation:
Many computers are thrown away every year. And many are dumped in India or China. These waste contain much heavy metals. Extraction and reconditioning these computers will release those heavy metals and can harm the environment.
Recycling is done, and this can make quite a sum of money. Parts which can be used again are extracted . The rest is burned or dumped and both causes damage to the environment. Process of extraction uses all kind of chemicals like acid, and burning of parts like the PVC covered copper wire will produce dioxin, which get released into the environment. All these can be environment hazards. Can also cause health problems to do the work.
To reduce such recycling problems, some company attempted to reduce the usage of cadmium and mercury. Also, taking back and recycling the computers themselves.
========================================================
Conclusion:
Only after reading this did i think of where the spoilt computers has all went to. All i could think of is Garang Guni collecting them. I have never thought that computer an cause so much pollution with the metals. All along pollutants to me is those chemicals and dirty stuffs coming out from factories. This is also the first time i think Recycling can be bad. In this high-technology world, many things we do uses computer. I think it is a good way for them to try reducing the usage of the metal. I think the workers are so great, they just do for the sake of earning basic income. When their health will be affected.
Mr Moo ask,'' Is there anyway the pollutant can be made used of to become something good, rather than does damage to the environment?"," Somebody come out with a solution please!"
Topic 8: Mothballs. Not just for humans
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/76115.stm
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Mothballs, not just for humans? what else then?
The situation:
Termites is the answer to the above question. They don't use mothballs, but they use naphthalene the active ingredient in mothball. They don't use them to prevent moths or beetle like we do from our clothes, instead they use it for its underground nest, to keep away their enemies ants, and nematode worms. Not sure where they got the ingredient from and why they were not affected by it themselves. Maybe, it is just NATURE. NATURE.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Humans are not just the only living thing knowing how to play with chemistry to produce things like naphthalene used in mothballs! termites do know have knowledge on chemistry too. (^.^)
High Exposure to these kind of volatile solid, may have some kind of health effect, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, confusion etc. So it its definitely not advisable to use a lot of mothballs together. Anyway it don't smell good. Does it? People would thought u got a mothball brand perfume. Other products to repel insects and moths are also available, for example the cedar blocks and also many other aromatic and non-toxic air freshening products can be used as substitute.
Mr Moo used to be an addicted to the smell of mothball. He managed to quit.
Mr Moo " Air fresheners produce much more fragrant smell, don't you agree? "
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Mothballs, not just for humans? what else then?
The situation:
Termites is the answer to the above question. They don't use mothballs, but they use naphthalene the active ingredient in mothball. They don't use them to prevent moths or beetle like we do from our clothes, instead they use it for its underground nest, to keep away their enemies ants, and nematode worms. Not sure where they got the ingredient from and why they were not affected by it themselves. Maybe, it is just NATURE. NATURE.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Humans are not just the only living thing knowing how to play with chemistry to produce things like naphthalene used in mothballs! termites do know have knowledge on chemistry too. (^.^)
High Exposure to these kind of volatile solid, may have some kind of health effect, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, confusion etc. So it its definitely not advisable to use a lot of mothballs together. Anyway it don't smell good. Does it? People would thought u got a mothball brand perfume. Other products to repel insects and moths are also available, for example the cedar blocks and also many other aromatic and non-toxic air freshening products can be used as substitute.
Mr Moo used to be an addicted to the smell of mothball. He managed to quit.
Mr Moo " Air fresheners produce much more fragrant smell, don't you agree? "
Topic 7: Pesticides--Good or Bad
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/politics_show/3873761.stm
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Situation:
People living in the countryside, their home surrounded by field thinks that their health are affected by spraying of pesticides on crops. One lady, mrs wadey, whose first child was born partially sighted and asthmatic, believes that it has got some relation to the spraying of pesticides on the crops, affecting their health. Government recommended farmers to notify the people around before spraying the crops with pesticide. There is no obligation to it. One woman and her dog suffered from cancer and she suspect that there is some kind of link to the spraying of pesticides. Environmentalist and campaigners want the government to impose a buffer zone so that they their health would not be affected, however this was rejected.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Pesticides. Angel or Devil? Both.
Pesticides are essential to help farmer to protect the crop from nasty bugs, weeds, fungi and molds.
However, pesticides can also be a devil. It can cause pollution as it seeps into the ground and eventually get into the water system.
Abuse usaga of pesticide can cause the food to be dangerous if consume.
And it may even be health hazrdous when people breathe in ( not proven yet, but just what the people believes) Precaution should be taken when handling spraying them, and i think they rally should notify the people before spraying. Prevention is better than cure. Strict regulation has to be made so that pesticides would not be abused and causing more harm than benefit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Situation:
People living in the countryside, their home surrounded by field thinks that their health are affected by spraying of pesticides on crops. One lady, mrs wadey, whose first child was born partially sighted and asthmatic, believes that it has got some relation to the spraying of pesticides on the crops, affecting their health. Government recommended farmers to notify the people around before spraying the crops with pesticide. There is no obligation to it. One woman and her dog suffered from cancer and she suspect that there is some kind of link to the spraying of pesticides. Environmentalist and campaigners want the government to impose a buffer zone so that they their health would not be affected, however this was rejected.
=======================================================
Conclusion:
Pesticides. Angel or Devil? Both.
Pesticides are essential to help farmer to protect the crop from nasty bugs, weeds, fungi and molds.
However, pesticides can also be a devil. It can cause pollution as it seeps into the ground and eventually get into the water system.
Abuse usaga of pesticide can cause the food to be dangerous if consume.
And it may even be health hazrdous when people breathe in ( not proven yet, but just what the people believes) Precaution should be taken when handling spraying them, and i think they rally should notify the people before spraying. Prevention is better than cure. Strict regulation has to be made so that pesticides would not be abused and causing more harm than benefit.
Mr moo says,'' I hate pesticides to be used on the grass i eat! But i would love to have grass that take in fertiliser from fertilisers i produce" \(^o^)/
Topic 6 : Pesticides in a third of our food.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5384138.stm
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Are you shock by the title that 1/3 of the food which we consume everyday contains pesticides? Not sure if this apply to food in Singapore. But from the link above, it only mention about UK. So not to worry so much.
The Situation:
Pesticides were found in many of the food. However mostly below the maximum permitted level. Yes, pesticides were also found on the fruits and vegetables that they eat. So they were promoting the benefits of eating 5 portion of fruits and vegetables a day, when the food contain some pesticides. So they were arguing if the pesticides would really cause some kind of health problems.
======================================================
Conclusion:
I think there would be more or less some pesticides in the food we eat, especially in fruits and vegetables, since we would not want to find any worms sharing the food we eat. But these pesticides are used at a limited permitted amount, so it should not cause that much health problem. They are safe to eat. I think if you really think you prefer food that is free of pesticide, then get organic food! If not wash them thoroughly before preparing to eat them, reducing the amount of pesticides at the outer layer of the food.
No Way! My blog assistant is not for sale as Organic beef. Don't think of killing it to eat. It has been recognized as protected animal under Chai Kee Cow Authority.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you shock by the title that 1/3 of the food which we consume everyday contains pesticides? Not sure if this apply to food in Singapore. But from the link above, it only mention about UK. So not to worry so much.
The Situation:
Pesticides were found in many of the food. However mostly below the maximum permitted level. Yes, pesticides were also found on the fruits and vegetables that they eat. So they were promoting the benefits of eating 5 portion of fruits and vegetables a day, when the food contain some pesticides. So they were arguing if the pesticides would really cause some kind of health problems.
======================================================
Conclusion:
I think there would be more or less some pesticides in the food we eat, especially in fruits and vegetables, since we would not want to find any worms sharing the food we eat. But these pesticides are used at a limited permitted amount, so it should not cause that much health problem. They are safe to eat. I think if you really think you prefer food that is free of pesticide, then get organic food! If not wash them thoroughly before preparing to eat them, reducing the amount of pesticides at the outer layer of the food.
No Way! My blog assistant is not for sale as Organic beef. Don't think of killing it to eat. It has been recognized as protected animal under Chai Kee Cow Authority.
Topic 5: How healthy are barbecue food?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/4585353.stm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! at last a topic not about pollution. But i don't understand what has it got to do with ECA? The environment? Or just related in terms of chemistry, health.
I think barbecue food can be healthy. Definitely more healthy than fried food. Provided that it is handled properly and is cooked just right.
From preparation, to cooking the food, to consuming them, all have to be hygienic, not to undercooked or overcook the food. As bacteria could still remain on food that are not cooked, and over cooking may produce harmful chemical.
Oh yes, barbecue food can cause air pollution, as you all know, it can produce a lot of smoke. Maybe my teacher just want us to understand how simple things in our life is can also cause pollution. Or is she encouraging us not to have barbecue?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! at last a topic not about pollution. But i don't understand what has it got to do with ECA? The environment? Or just related in terms of chemistry, health.
I think barbecue food can be healthy. Definitely more healthy than fried food. Provided that it is handled properly and is cooked just right.
From preparation, to cooking the food, to consuming them, all have to be hygienic, not to undercooked or overcook the food. As bacteria could still remain on food that are not cooked, and over cooking may produce harmful chemical.
Oh yes, barbecue food can cause air pollution, as you all know, it can produce a lot of smoke. Maybe my teacher just want us to understand how simple things in our life is can also cause pollution. Or is she encouraging us not to have barbecue?
Topic 4: Pearl river delta and Yellow river
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4642090.stm
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Background:
More than 100 chemical plants were located along China's river More than half of the plants were located along two of China's most important river, the Yangtze and Yellow river. China's environment chief acknowledge has valued economic growth over environmental degradation in the past.
=====================================================
Conclusion:
China should have all along be very careful about the many plants located along their rivers. Frequent checks should be done, to prevent any explosion and spilling of chemical in to rivers, especially when they are located in the important rivers, which are important water supply for the countries. They would be badly affected if it were to be polluted. I was shocked that economic growth was valued over the environment. How much problems they had contributed to the environment. I understand that their country is developing, but they should always be mindful with their environment. Not regret only when they the environment is seriously damaged.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
More than 100 chemical plants were located along China's river More than half of the plants were located along two of China's most important river, the Yangtze and Yellow river. China's environment chief acknowledge has valued economic growth over environmental degradation in the past.
=====================================================
Conclusion:
China should have all along be very careful about the many plants located along their rivers. Frequent checks should be done, to prevent any explosion and spilling of chemical in to rivers, especially when they are located in the important rivers, which are important water supply for the countries. They would be badly affected if it were to be polluted. I was shocked that economic growth was valued over the environment. How much problems they had contributed to the environment. I understand that their country is developing, but they should always be mindful with their environment. Not regret only when they the environment is seriously damaged.
Topic 3: Harbin leak---China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4474284.stm
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
Toxia leak happened in Harbin, China. and may enter Russia within two weeks at the time of the leak. Water supply had to be cut off. High level of benzene was spilled into the river. While Russia plan to limit the damage from the aproaching spill.
==========================================================
Conclusion:
Pollution does not just stay within its own area. It can spread to other countries too. May result in political issues. Pollution could also result could cause econmically(tourism,restaurant close, water supply stopped) ecologically (Marine organisms affected)Both countries should work together to prevent further damage cause by the spill, for the sake of the environment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Background:
Toxia leak happened in Harbin, China. and may enter Russia within two weeks at the time of the leak. Water supply had to be cut off. High level of benzene was spilled into the river. While Russia plan to limit the damage from the aproaching spill.
==========================================================
Conclusion:
Pollution does not just stay within its own area. It can spread to other countries too. May result in political issues. Pollution could also result could cause econmically(tourism,restaurant close, water supply stopped) ecologically (Marine organisms affected)Both countries should work together to prevent further damage cause by the spill, for the sake of the environment.
Topic 2: Moses and 10 plagues. Caused by water pollution?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/history/moses_4.shtml
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Oh well, i don't really understand this passage with all those bible stuffs. But no choice, still have to post my reflection.
Situation:
The story about moses and 10 plagues. Have you heard of it before? You don't? Its alright. Even i myself didn't heard of it. All i know about was the 10 plagues. They are just a series of bad events that happened, one after another.
First plague: River water turned to blood
Second plague: Frogs
Third plague: Gnats
Fourth plague: Flies
Fifth plague: Death of livestock
Sixth plague: Boils
Seventh plague: Hails
Eighth plague: Locusts
Ninth plague: Darkness
Tenth plague: Death of the first born
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
Effects of an environmental catastrophe could explain the story behind the 10 plagues. Using the pfisteria theory. The catastrophe happened in the town on New Born, North Carolina. Whereby the residents woke up to realise that the water in the river Neuse has become red. More than a billion of fish died and people working near the river were covered with sores.
The cause was found to be water pollution. With the pig farm which was located further up the river, as the source of pollution. Pig waste was released into the river, causing a genetic mutation in marine microorganism called pfisteria.This caused them to become lethal.
Therefore, the first 6 plague can be explained with the theory of pollution. Whereby, the water became red as the fish dies, followed by frogs which avoided the river died on the shore, and then attracting flies and lice, and they transmit disease to the livestock, and result in death.
There were two other theories as well, the volcano theory and santorini. (visit the link for details)
==========================================================
Conclusion:
I don't believe in the volcano theory, but whichever the cause of the 10 plagues, be it the pfiteria theory, the santorini or volcano theory, as we can see, pollution can cause a series of death of species due to their relation. They are affected in one way or another. So we should protect our environment and not let it be polluted! In order not to let the story of these 10 plagues to happen in this world again.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh well, i don't really understand this passage with all those bible stuffs. But no choice, still have to post my reflection.
Situation:
The story about moses and 10 plagues. Have you heard of it before? You don't? Its alright. Even i myself didn't heard of it. All i know about was the 10 plagues. They are just a series of bad events that happened, one after another.
First plague: River water turned to blood
Second plague: Frogs
Third plague: Gnats
Fourth plague: Flies
Fifth plague: Death of livestock
Sixth plague: Boils
Seventh plague: Hails
Eighth plague: Locusts
Ninth plague: Darkness
Tenth plague: Death of the first born
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
Effects of an environmental catastrophe could explain the story behind the 10 plagues. Using the pfisteria theory. The catastrophe happened in the town on New Born, North Carolina. Whereby the residents woke up to realise that the water in the river Neuse has become red. More than a billion of fish died and people working near the river were covered with sores.
The cause was found to be water pollution. With the pig farm which was located further up the river, as the source of pollution. Pig waste was released into the river, causing a genetic mutation in marine microorganism called pfisteria.This caused them to become lethal.
Therefore, the first 6 plague can be explained with the theory of pollution. Whereby, the water became red as the fish dies, followed by frogs which avoided the river died on the shore, and then attracting flies and lice, and they transmit disease to the livestock, and result in death.
There were two other theories as well, the volcano theory and santorini. (visit the link for details)
==========================================================
Conclusion:
I don't believe in the volcano theory, but whichever the cause of the 10 plagues, be it the pfiteria theory, the santorini or volcano theory, as we can see, pollution can cause a series of death of species due to their relation. They are affected in one way or another. So we should protect our environment and not let it be polluted! In order not to let the story of these 10 plagues to happen in this world again.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Topic 1 : Intensive Agriculture : Pig farming in Poland
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4035081.stm
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The situation :
Great demand of pork to meet basic nutritional need and also to meet demand for westerners meat rich diet. The US pork giant Smithfield food setting intensive pig agriculture to meet these needs
Smithfield slaughter about 1.2 million hogs, 35-40 % for export.
''Don't eat me! please!"
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
From the company's point of view, the believe that the setting up of this large pig farm will boost economy in Poland, and also create jobs.
The farm has brought about many problems:
Keeping many pigs in one place may be cost effective, however it will mean large amount of waste. I am sure that you people can imagine how smelly it will be, and how it could even affect the neighbourhood. For example, the neighbours cannot sell their homes, due to the smell. No one like to leave in and environment, with polluted air.
It makes me wonder, if a disease were to ever break out in there, how the whole pig farm can suffer great loss, and the unhygienic condition may promote the growth of the viruses.
Pig slurry can be dangerous pollutant. Toxic gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide are emitted, which can cause headache, eye irritation, mood alteration & fatigue. How happy can the farmer working there be? Although they may be earning quite a sum of $ money $.
Nitrates from the manure can seep through the soil into water system,causing eutrophication and serious water pollution. If drunk, it could result in risk of human health. Pig reared in the farm is also kept alive using big doses of anitbiotic which can harm pigs and humans.
==================================================
Conclusion: This has shown how environment can be often neglected for the sake of meeting the needs for development and demands. In this case, the area around the farm being polluted, and may cause some health problems. The problem not only stay within the farm, but can affect everything around it. How the environment was affected is indeed a hidden cost. I think that the farm should be set up away from residential. Having farms at different area , and less packed with pig would be easier to manage in terms f pollution. If the pollution was not under control, Poland even the last few thousands of white stork would disappear in time, and the clean air, water and rich biodiversity would all be gone. Though it may gain benefit in terms of being a global marketplace. Which i think is not worth it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The situation :
Great demand of pork to meet basic nutritional need and also to meet demand for westerners meat rich diet. The US pork giant Smithfield food setting intensive pig agriculture to meet these needs
Smithfield slaughter about 1.2 million hogs, 35-40 % for export.
''Don't eat me! please!"
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
From the company's point of view, the believe that the setting up of this large pig farm will boost economy in Poland, and also create jobs.
The farm has brought about many problems:
Keeping many pigs in one place may be cost effective, however it will mean large amount of waste. I am sure that you people can imagine how smelly it will be, and how it could even affect the neighbourhood. For example, the neighbours cannot sell their homes, due to the smell. No one like to leave in and environment, with polluted air.
It makes me wonder, if a disease were to ever break out in there, how the whole pig farm can suffer great loss, and the unhygienic condition may promote the growth of the viruses.
Pig slurry can be dangerous pollutant. Toxic gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide are emitted, which can cause headache, eye irritation, mood alteration & fatigue. How happy can the farmer working there be? Although they may be earning quite a sum of $ money $.
Nitrates from the manure can seep through the soil into water system,causing eutrophication and serious water pollution. If drunk, it could result in risk of human health. Pig reared in the farm is also kept alive using big doses of anitbiotic which can harm pigs and humans.
==================================================
Conclusion: This has shown how environment can be often neglected for the sake of meeting the needs for development and demands. In this case, the area around the farm being polluted, and may cause some health problems. The problem not only stay within the farm, but can affect everything around it. How the environment was affected is indeed a hidden cost. I think that the farm should be set up away from residential. Having farms at different area , and less packed with pig would be easier to manage in terms f pollution. If the pollution was not under control, Poland even the last few thousands of white stork would disappear in time, and the clean air, water and rich biodiversity would all be gone. Though it may gain benefit in terms of being a global marketplace. Which i think is not worth it.
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