If you are a resident of Karnataka and are experiencing health issues such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other ailments, it is crucial to understand why cloud seeding should be halted without delay, even if it is offered free of cost.
Have you ever wondered about the consequences of passing a private member bill without considering the potential health risks it may pose to the public? In recent days, there have been cases where private member bills were passed in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly without thorough consideration of their impact on environmental health. In this article, we will explore environmental health and why it is crucial to prioritize public health when passing such bills.
When a private member bill is passed in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly without proper evaluation of its potential impact on public health, it can lead to serious consequences. For example, certain chemicals or pollutants allowed by the bill may be harmful to human health when released into the environment. This could result in widespread health problems, including respiratory issues, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. It is essential for lawmakers to consider the long-term effects of such bills on public health before rushing to pass them.
CaCl-2, also known as calcium chloride, is a salt compound that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system if inhaled or ingested in large quantities. Silver dioxide, on the other hand, is a toxic compound that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems if exposure occurs. Studies have shown that the use of these chemicals in cloud seeding operations can potentially lead to environmental contamination and pose risks to human health.
https://qvive.in/world-news/the-dark-side-of-aviation-exploring-the-link-between-airplane-contrails-and-serious-health-risks
When it comes to affecting environmental health, the Supreme Court takes violations very seriously. Whether it is illegal dumping of hazardous waste, deforestation, or air pollution, the court has the authority to impose severe penalties on those found to be responsible. These penalties serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to cut corners and prioritize profits over the well-being of the environment.
The health and well-being of the population should always come first. It is important for the general public to be informed about the potential health risks associated with cloud seeding and to advocate for more transparent and responsible practices in the use of these chemicals. Public awareness and education are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities that may be affected by cloud seeding operations.
30 Sep 2023: Cloud seeding begins in Karnataka’s Belagavi
The operation was conducted in the skies of Gokak and Khanapur regions, and will be done in other parts of the district over the weekend.
To help farmers affected by drought in Belagavi district, Belagavi Sugars Private Ltd on Friday carried out cloud seeding operations. The 3-day operation was launched at Sambra airport in Belagavi under the supervision of PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who runs the sugar factory. Satish said that it took him 20 days to obtain approval from the Union Government to go ahead with cloud seeding.
On Friday, the operation was conducted in the skies of Gokak and Khanapur regions, and will be done in other parts of the district over the weekend. Cloud seeding would be held for three hours daily. Satish said it would be great if it rained in the dry areas of Belagavi district after cloud seeding.
If successful, cloud seeding would be taken up in areas in the Cauvery basin like Madkeri and Hassan by Belagavi Sugars Private Ltd if approval is given by the government, he added. MLA Prakash Koliwad said the recent cloud seeding in Haveri district resulted in 5 to 30 mm rainfall.
The aircraft is piloted by Captain Veerendra Singh and Captain Adarsh Pande. To tap the clouds at a lower height, CACL-2 iodide would be sprayed and for clouds in altitude 20,000ft and above, silver iodide would be sprayed.
Calcium Chloride Health Hazards
Calcium chloride poses some serious health and safety hazards. If ingested, calcium chloride can lead to burns in the mouth and throat, excessive thirst, vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, and other possible severe health effects.
It can also irritate skin by causing excessive dryness or desiccating moist skin. In extreme cases of exposure or ingestion, this chemical can cause skin burns, cardiac disturbances, respiration issues, and seizures. Because of the hazards posed by calcium chloride, it is important to exercise caution when handling this material, whether in the workplace or any other setting.
Westliberty Education: CAUTION! MAY CAUSE EYE, SKIN AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing airborne product. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling.
This product is a/an white powder. A nuisance dust. Dike and contain spills. Keep out of sewers and waterways. No significant immediate hazards for emergency response personnel are known.
Ref: https://westliberty.edu/health-and-safety/files/2012/08/Calcium-Chloride.pdf
Potential risk of acute toxicity induced by AgI cloud seeding on soil and freshwater biota
February 29, 2024: Private member Bill on cloud seedings gets Assembly nod
A private member Bill on cloud seedings introduced in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The Bill aims to carry out cloud seeding operations to mitigate drought conditions in the state. It was unanimously approved. Congress member Prakash Koliwad who introduced the Bill said that cloud seeding could increase rainfall by 20% and save Rs. 7,000 crore in crop damage annually. 223 taluks in Karnataka are declared drought-hit. The state has sought Rs. 18,177 crore as drought relief from the centre. T.B. Jayachandra suggested examining the Bill carefully before implementation.
Ref: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/private-member-bill-on-cloud-seedings-gets-assembly-nod/article67899080.ece
Additional Information:
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Calcium Chloride?
Side effects of Calcium Chloride include:
- Redness
- Low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
- Low blood phosphates (hypophosphatemia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
- Nausea
- Tissue necrosis at injection site
- Vasodilation
- Weakness
- Kidney stones
- Hot flashes
- Serum amylase increased
- Tingling sensations
- Injection site reactions (tingling, burning sensation, inflammation of the veins [phlebitis])
- Fainting
Side effects of calcium chloride rapid administration include:
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Slow heart rate
- Calcium taste
- Sense of heat waves
- Ventricular fibrillation
General document on common questions and answers on cloud seeding
Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement(CAIPEEX) is fully funded and supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Govt of India.
Ref: https://www.tropmet.res.in/~lip/Publication/Misc-Reports/CAIPEEX-English-RR_118_2024.pdf
Source: Newindianexpress, Starofmysore-Image, Facebook
Editor’s note: Remember, Health Is Wealth! Public health should be our top priority in all legislative decisions.
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