A large amount of Kolkata's population still swears by its chulas…
Smokescreen
By Joshua Abraham
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COAL: A BURNING PROBLEM On burning coal greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are produced. Combustion of coal, like any other fossil fuel, occurs due to an exothermic reaction between the components of the fuel source and the components of the air surrounding it. Coal is made primarily of carbon, but also contains sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. The reaction between coal and the air surrounding it produces oxides of carbon, usually carbon dioxide (CO2 - an important greenhouse gas) in a complete combustion, along with oxides of sulfur, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2), and various oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Because of the hydrogen and nitrogen components of air, hydrides and nitrides of carbon and sulfur are also produced during the combustion of coal in air. These could include hydrogen cyanide (HCN), sulfur nitrate (SNO3) and many other toxic substances. Further, acid rain may occur when the sulfur dioxide produced in the combustion of coal, reacts with oxygen to form sulfur trioxide (SO3), which then reacts with water molecules in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (see Acid anhydride for more information). The sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is returned to the Earth as acid rain. Flue gas desulfurization scrubbing systems, which use lime to remove the sulfur dioxide can reduce or eliminate the likelihood of acid rain. However, another form of acid rain is due to the carbon dioxide emissions of a coal plant. When released into the atmosphere, the carbon dioxide molecules react with water molecules, to produce carbonic acid (H2CO3). This, in turn, returns to the earth as a corrosive substance. Coal and coal waste products, including fly ash, bottom ash, and boiler slag, contain many heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, vanadium, beryllium, cadmium, barium, chromium, copper, molybdenum, zinc, selenium and radium, which are dangerous if released into the environment. Coal also contains low levels of uranium, thorium, and other naturally-occurring radioactive isotopes whose release into the environment may lead to radioactive contamination.[8][9] While these substances are trace impurities, enough coal is burned that significant amounts of these substances are released.
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|  © 2009 EarthSmiles.net . All rights reserved. Made from 100% recycled pixels. A Bedford Lane Dhobi (Laundry) shop:
Coal chulas are used to heat the clothes irons,
as well as cook the family's meals. Bedford Lane is a narrow winding alley in Centeral Kolkata, India. While a lot of the sprawling metropolis is modern, especially the new areas on the fringes such as Rajerhat, the older part of the city is not much different than it was a century ago. Bedford Lane belong to this part, and while the squalor would make most non-Kolkatans cring, the greater problem may just be the thing that prevents you from seeing more. The smokescreen. A sudden attack on your eyes and lungs by the smoke suspended the air. You look around disoriented covering your nose and eyes trying to locate the source of your discomfort - and then you see it. The chula. Chulas are coal stoves, silmilar to tandoors, and the preferrd means of cooking and heating for the poor. They are made of steel barrells, buckets, etc; depending on size, and covered with earth as a sort of cement and heat retardent. Coal is cheaper than other available fuels, including Kerosene, and is therefore much favoured by the residents of this poor area. Even partially burned coal from a doused fire can be reused. A few twigs to help the coal catch fire - or dung cakes - and here's a machine to rival the best foggers of a stage production.People here, like in so many poorer parts of the city, do not realise the health problems this same fuel brings to their families. They are oblivious to the pollution - they have hardly heard of such a thing, let alone its ill effects... much less Global Warming, which does not affect them directly. Yes, their eyes do water from exposure, but they're use to it. The menace of coal pollution exists even in the heart of Business Kolkata, and threathens to disfigure heritage as it disables people. A Reuters article notes that, "Poisonous fumes, dust and smog are staining the white-marbled Queen Victoria Memorial, one of India's best-known landmarks," The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had sent a report to the Kolkata High Court recommending measures, to save it from further destruction. Notices have also been issued to restaraunts and other establishments using coal fires (including tandoors) with a certain radius from the structure. They will have to use others meens, such as electricity, henceforth. But the fact remains that this is one type of pollution that won't go away overnight. Banning So, what is the solution? Our social planners will have to give serious thought to coal/chula pollution in this age of spirialling atmospheric carbon and enviromental damage. The health of the people and planet both depend on it. pollution autos was one thing, taking away a daily necessity, without providing an alternative is something else entirely. EarthSmiles: Are you aware that chulas may have a harmful effect on your health?
Ans: No because inspite of using it for so many years I havenot got any kind of lung ailment. I worship the chula as it helps in my work and fill my family’s stomach. EarthSmiles: Are you aware of the rising temperatures over the years? Are you aware that chulas are also responsible for this?
Ans: Yes, I have noticed this but I don’t know how they are related. How can a burning chula make the sun hotter and my house cools as soon as the chula is put out. EarthSmiles: In the future would you switch to alternatives?
Ans: Yes, maybe if there is some thing cheaper and more effective... Dhobi, Bedford Lane, Kolkata EarthSmiles: How many types of coal are there?
Ans: Just one type... EarthSmiles: Where do you get coal from?
Ans: We get coal from Asansol, Dhanbad (Jharia) EarthSmiles: How much of coal do you sell per day?
Ans: About 25 tons EarthSmiles: What kind of people come to buy coal?
Ans: All types of people - but mostly those that run eateries Coal Shop owner, Kolkata Coal-kata! EarthSmiles: What are the health hazards of using a chula?
Ans: The chula produces the gas carbon monoxide which is harmful to health. EarthSmiles: which fuel is the best to use with respect to health and pollution?
Ans: L.P.G. is the best (cooking) fuel to use in terms of health and least pollution. EarthSmiles: Can you give an estimate of how many people in the area come to you with lung related problems? Ans: Per day at least 2-3 people from the slums who live in congested areas without proper ventilation. Dr. Shakhilur Rahman
Gold medalist physio of
Md. Sporting Football Club, Kolkata
GOT AN IDEA to get people out of their
coal fire use?
What incentive, legislation, invention or product can lead to a cleaner
environment for these people?
Let us know at green @earthsmiles.net |
