Toxin Benzene in Hookah boost risk for leukemia

Hookah which is an ancient form of smoking is quickly gaining popularity amidst adolescents, as per recent studies as they consider hookahs to be safe, however the recent study has found toxic Benzene in the fumes that come from the water pipes. This toxic Benzene has led to an increase in risk of leukemia which is a group of cancers that by and large commences in the bone marrow and results in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells.

As per the reports, the use of burning charcoal is involved in hookah smoking which is needed to heat the hookah tobacco in order to generate the smoke that the smoker inhales. In addition to it carcinogens and toxicants that are inhaled are found in hookah tobacco smoke and moreover large quantities of charcoal carcinogenic emissions and combustion-generated toxic are also inhaled by hookah smokers and nonsmokers who socialize with hookah smokers.

Furthermore, Moassel which is the sweetened and flavored tobacco is noted as one of the most popular kind of hookah tobacco that consist of around 30% tobacco fermented with fruits mixed with glycerin and chemical flavors and molasses.

In the year 2013 in US few researchers found that at some point in time around 23.2% of female and 26.6% of male college students have used hookah. According to few researchers, as the practice of hookah smokings is often seen in social settings and have examined an uptake of Benzene in both hookah smokers and non-smokers who have been presented at hookah social events.

Moreover, S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) which is a metabolite of Benzene have been found in both hookah smokers and non-smokers and the uptake of SPMA in smokers have augmented to 4.2-fold after smoking hookah tobacco at a hookah lounge, whereas on the other hand for non-smokers it has increased to 2.6-fold after attending an event at a hookah lounge.

However, research analysts call for intercessions to diminish or thwart the use of hookah tobacco, regulatory actions to limit hookah-related exposure to toxicants including Benzene, and comprise of hookah smoking in clean indoor air legislation, as they believe that there is no safe level of exposure to Benzene.

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Is Mineral Oil really safe for you?

Mineral oil, a by-product of petroleum and an odorless, colorless substance, has become a much used ingredient of engine oils, wood preservative, facial creams, pesticides, hair care products, cosmetics and baby oil. Mineral oil is believed to relieve constipation, however recent studies show that constant use or exposure can prove detrimental.

Pregnant women who use mineral oil (orally) often can induce hypoprothrombinemia and hemorrhagic disease, which can lead to excessive bleeding in their new born babies. While, inhaling mineral oil by pregnant women can cause testicular cancer in the foetus.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported about a patient who had mineral oil injected into his lungs, leading to loss of vision, headaches, convulsions and brief coma.

Studies have shown that low quality or poorly refined mineral oil can lead to the development of skin and scrotal cancers after heavy exposure. Mineral oil has been classified as a carcinogen and tumorigenic by the U.S. Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical

Mineral oil is often used to treat constipation and its side-effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Continual use of mineral oil can cause the oil to enter the anal sphincter and the pruritus ani or affect the skin outside the rectum. It can also slow down healing of postoperative wounds in the anorectal region and disrupt normal defecatory

Those working in the petroleum industry are exposed to mineral oil mist in the air, which can induce coughing, wheezing, respiratory tract irritations, shortness of breath or tachypnea. Mineral oil is considered to even cause lipid pneumonitis. The oil may even move to the lower lobes of the lungs leading to cyst formations and fibrosis.

Mineral oil users can develop vitamin deficiencies. The oil covers the mucosa of the small intestine and decreases absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Lack of vitamin K can inhibit the ability of blood thinners to function properly, which may result in PT/INR levels in the blood to go beyond safe ranges.

Avoid using baby products with mineral oil as it can cause your child’s skin to become dry and irritated. Maybe it is time to switch to healthier and natural alternatives to mineral oil.

Replacing mineral oil with natural oils that are derived from foods is a safe alternative. Natural oils that can acts as great substitutes for mineral oil in hair and skin products include olive oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, rose hip seed oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and coconut oil.

The makers often forget their responsibility of manufacturing products that are not detrimental to their clients’ health. However customers should never forget to read the ingredients label before making a purchase.

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Weight loss supplements- a deadly dose of chemicals

Trying to shed those extra kilos by swallowing diet supplements? At the risk of sounding dramatic- these pills may not give you the figure you spent days wishing for, but it may kill you.

Several dietary supplements available in the US have been reported to contain a possibly dangerous synthetic stimulant that has never been tested on human beings. The presence of this stimulant known as DMBA has caused a furore among researchers and experts, who have turned to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This stimulant has been listed on dietary supplement ingredient labels under different names.  The research group scoured the internet for supplements that marketed ingredients with names similar to the chemical name of DMBA, 2-amino-4-methylpentane or 2-amino-4-methylpentanamine. “All the FDA would need to do is look at the labels of the products that we studied and they could immediately see . . . that this is not an ingredient that was previously in supplements,” said the study's lead author Pieter Cohen.

The team even search for terms like AMP Citrate, 4-amino-2-pentanamine, 4-amino-2-methylpentane citrate, Pentergy and 4-AMP. The 14 products that matched their search were sent to the lab for further examination.

Out of the, 12 supplements included DMBA or 1, 3-dimethylbutylamine. This synthetic stimulant is similar to DMAA, a compound that according to the FDA can lead to heart attacks. FDA issued a directive to agencies and asked them to stop selling DMAA-laced supplements in 2012.

However, experts suggest that this is most likely just a fraction of supplements in the US that include this artificial stimulant. Manufacturers use DMBA because it has the potential to function like DMAA at higher doses. DMAA was advertised as a body-building and weight loss supplement. The FDA got numerous death and illness reports connected to DMAA-laced supplements.

The products that the research team sent to lab for analysis were promoted as sports or weight loss supplements. Council for Responsible Nutrition has requested the FDA to ban the marketing of AMP Citrate as a DMAA alternative. CRN is worried that the consumers relying on these supplements are likely unaware about the effects of AMP Citrate. FDA has not received the complete paperwork for this potentially dangerous substance.

FDA will possibly take action against agencies selling supplements with DMBA and AMP Citrate. Manufacturers are responsible for the health and safety of their consumers and they should submit a new dietary ingredient notification before advertising.

GNC is a global supplier of health products and is said to have removed products containing DMBA from its website.

Consumers who use supplements should return products that have the name AMP on their product labels. People should avoid these weight-loss supplements like the plague. Users should also avoid taking supplements that claim to include elements that will soon be banned.

All weight loss and body-building supplements may not contain these compounds, however being cautious costs nothing.  

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Monetary growth is possible with the development of chemistry

Invention is not alone enough but it is an intoxicating combination of invention and innovation that can jointly make life better. Into the 17th century the development of chemistry gradually became the basis after a medieval chemical science and a speculative philosophy aspired on achieving a universal cure for disease and life solutions. However in the second half of 19th century, perceivable brunt of chemistry on humanity in the course of its smaller incremental novelty was being experienced. Nevertheless through application science, chemistry has been the force behind making miracles on a daily basis.

According to the researched report, in order to support new innovation most of chemical industries globally in the year 2013 had invested USD 56 billion in research and development, however around 1-2% total turnover on research and development (R&D) was spend by the Indian chemical sector. On the other hand, chemical industry has spent around 5-10% on research and development (R&D) in the developed countries.

Moreover by the year 2021, the market size of chemical is expected to rise globally at 4-5% per annum in order to reach USD 5.8 trillion and the absolute size of this industry hindmost by the fact that to almost all the other industries chemicals provides raw materials. Additionally around the end-consumer the processes are designed, however the focus on customer-centricity above just customer satisfaction is what set apart the chemical industry.

In spite of all types of challenges, the commercialization process of lesser incremental novelty in chemistry has begun to get noticed in India and the industries which are carrying out today is primarily linked with customer-centric and innovation encroachments like sustainability, affordability and efficiency.

As per the industry experts, marketing approaches which are not specific to brand needs to be adopted by the chemical industry, also from its antiquated approach to segmentation it needs to back off more dynamic type which is helpful to the customer and similar industry.

However chemistry became pervasive in a multi-disciplinary world and this science has been blending in with cutting-edge technology for decades and to continue improving our quality of life, chemistry has been providing the groundwork and driving innovation. Nevertheless, in the midst of consolidation phase and restructuring the chemical industry stands firm these days, besides rising tie-ups of industry and academia is also needed.

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Global crop yields may slowdown

Over the next two decades we may witness a slowdown in the growth of crop yields around the globe, thanks to climate change. In the next 20 years climate change will make it extremely difficult for crop yield to meet the ever-increasing demand.

New research indicates that the possibility of a major slowdown in the production of wheat and corn, despite the warming climate, is highly unlikely. However, the risk to crop yields is about 20 times higher and this would require environmental organizations as well as establishments affected by international food availability and price to formulate strategic plans.

Researchers used computer models of global climate and information about weather and crops to estimate the chances that climatic change would impact crop yields in the coming years. They stated that climatic trends would have a negative effect of 10 per cent on yields. This would have a significant impact on food supply. Growth in crop yields would continue but the slowdown would bring down the rate of growth by half as demand increases sharply.

Researchers found that the odds of natural shifts in climate causing slowdown over the next 20 years are 1 only in 200. However, when human-induced global warming was taken into account, the chances rose to 1 in 10 for corn and 1 in 20 for wheat.

Yield of crops like wheat and corn have risen by 1-2 per cent in the past few years and the global production of major crops is expected to hit 13 per cent per decade through 2030. The rise in global crop production during the next two decades can be attributed to population growth, increased per-capita food consumption and growing use of biofuels.

Researchers relied on simulation from an NCAR-based climate model as well as other models to figure out changes in temperature and precipitation over the next two decades for crop-intensive areas in the context of increasing carbon dioxide. They also made use of the same model simulations without human-induced increases in carbon dioxide to estimate trends in a natural climate.

They also performed statistical analysis to assess the effects if change in temperature and precipitation on yields of wheat and corn in different parts of the world and during specific times of the year.

The researchers affirmed that warming climate would lead to reduced yields. We can try and reduce the impact of changing climate by growing wheat and corn in cooler regions, however the researchers didn’t find sufficient evidence which could prove that adaptation strategies (changes in growing practices or crop varieties) would balance the impact of warming climate.

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Declining oil prices benefits the West

The fall in oil prices in the midst of violent clashes in Iraq, hightened tensions between the West and Russia and sanctions against Iran has brought about drastic changes.

However, the rising supplies of crude in North America and the slowing demand have led to a decline in prices, a move indicative of how the shale oil boom has benefitted Washington and its Western allies both politically and economically.

Russia and Iran are dependent on oil sales and are currently experiencing budget shortages, which has affected their position in negotiations concerning Ukrainian sovereignty or the Iranian nuclear deal.

Increasing oil production from the US and Canada have helped provide a buffer against threats of supply disruptions from Russia or the Middle East.

Russian currency has declined drastically against the dollar as its economy is restrained by sanctions from US and EU. These sanctions have forced Russia to shell more money for imports.

Oil production in the United States has increased tremendously. US continues to ban export of crude and has forced barrels from West Africa and the Middle East to look for new markets.

Lower oil prices will benefit US energy firms, while the consumers will gain from spending less the pump.

On the other hand lower oil prices will affect Iran's economy as well as its crude sales. Analysts have also stated that despite having captured oil fields in Syria and Iraq, Iran will be affected by lower oil rates as they will have to discount the black market sales that provide funds for the militant group.

As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, lower oil prices may lead to short-term budget shortages.

Experts suggested that a price drop may not spur action from OPEC members unless crude falls below $85 per barrel.

For the time being, the surge in US oil production combined with poor demand has forced traders to store additional barrels as they wait for prices to improve.

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Indian agrochemical market to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2018-19

After Japan, United States and China, India is noted as the fourth largest producer of agrochemical globally and for the Indian economy it is also a significant industry. According to the researched report, in the year 2013 the domestic crop shield industry stood at USD 2.1 billion which has in turn over the five years has grown at around 8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In addition, the exports of Indian agrochemical have boost around 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to USD 2 billion, in compare to last five years and had reported for nearly 50% of the total production.

In the fiscal year of 2013-14 the Indian agrochemical market has been estimated at USD 4.25 billion amid exports consisting 50% of the market and in order to reach USD 7.5 billion by the fiscal year 2018-19 it is projected to boost by 12-13% per annum, according to the report released by the Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ananth Kumar.

In the Indian economy the agrochemical industry plays an important role and is also noted as one of the key component of the speciality chemicals industry. Moreover in India, with the rising demand of dilapidated farmlands and food grains, have increased demands on farm yield enhancement and diminution in crop losses due to pest attacks.

According to one of the researched report by the fiscal year 2017 the crop protection market is expected to boost at around 12% per annum to reach USD 6.8 billion as in the past the crop protection market has experienced a sturdy growth and the demand of export will be largely driven as it is anticipated to grow at 15-16% per annum and at the same time as it also expected to boost its domestic demand by 8-9% per annum.

Moreover in India at present bio-pesticides is the only pesticide market with overall 4.2% and in the near future, it has been projected to reveal an annual growth rate of about 10%. According to the Chemicals & Fertilizers Minster few pesticides which has been banned in the US, could be ban in India also and by increasing the usage of bio-pesticide these have several advantages over conformist pesticides. As they are by and large intrinsically less toxic than conformist pesticide and target pest are normally affected by these chemicals, which are closely related organisms.

In terms of low awareness among farmers where approximately 25-30% of farmers are aware of agro products, Indian agrochemicals industry faces challenges in spite of strong growth drivers and for the industry players, large number of end users reach across the managing inventory, geography & distribution costs is also a challenge.

In past few years the growth in local demand have been outpaced due to exports of agrochemical from India and is now reckoned as one of the leading suppliers  of quality technical agrochemicals at attractive pricing, like Indian pharmaceuticals industry. However, few long term trends in the Indian industries will be posed by new challenged.

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Saudi crude production to remain high in 2014-2015

Saudi crude production, according to a recent report, will remain high in 2014 as well as 2015.

This report is based on OPEC outages, geopolitical crisis (Libya, Ukraine and Iraq), rising domestic use from the power and transport sectors, growing demand from the refining sector as well as the improving global economy.

The report suggested that the outlook for gas looks bleak, in spite of efforts and plans to tap unconventional resources. The increasing consumption and tight supply may force Saudi to consider imports.

Saudi oil reserves are expected to increase as much as 273 billion bbls by 2017, but may decline to 265 billion by the end of 2023.

 In 2013, Saudi had planned to add 160 billion bbls in additional reserves in the coming years.

The Kingdom has succeeded in maintaining high oil production levels and exports in the first half of 2014.

Experts suggested that crude oil and lease condensates production will stay at current levels throughout the current year.

2014 will see production of nearly 9.78 billion bpd, an increase of 1 per cent from 2013 production levels, but lower than output in 2012.

2015 will likely see a decline in oil production, at 9.8 million bpd.

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Hurdles in the path to sustainable growth

The chemical industry of China faces innumerable challenges, including sustainability, feedstock change and human resource management. Despite the opportunities available to the chemical companies these challenges can prove to be major hurdles in the path to establish a sustainable economy.

China has been trying to reduce its dependence on non-renewable resources and its entry into the alternative feedstock sector can give rise to a new set of challenges. Changing the energy mix will have a direct impact on the chemical companies. The US petrochemical and energy sectors have reduced their reliance on heavy feedstock to lighter feedstock, a change brought about by the shale gas revolution. Thus, increasing number of crackers are replacing existing naphtha capacities. This transition, however, may not be so smooth for China. China has and continues to invest in naphtha-based ethylene capacities. Its crackers are dependent on the refining sector and naphtha accounts for 75 per cent of the feedstock use.

However, the increasing use of naphtha has pushed the government to make use of the country’s shale gas reserves to promote coal-to-gas technology. But this sector is still being explored and the plan of using coal as feedstock has not materialized. There isn’t a single coal-to-gas plant that has started commercial production. However, these projects would require huge investments and are likely to consume enormous amounts of resources. For instance, a plant producing 4 billion cubic meters of gas per year will consume nearly 16 million tonnes of fresh water annually.

Despite government and industry initiatives to establish a sustainable sector, sustainability continues to be a major issue for the chemical industry. Many chemical companies are yet to understand that sustainability will not only lead to reduced environmental impacts and carbon footprints, but also help reduce costs.

Chemical companies in China continue to focus on scale of operations and capturing new markets. However, forming joint ventures with firms in Europe and America will encourage Chinese companies to embrace sustainability. The Chinese government has formulated a plan which focuses on reducing carbon emissions and encouraging use of clean energy. The government has introduced scientific means to record carbon emissions of various firms in major industries.

The government should also encourage heavy industries to focus on returns as well as environmental protection. However, sustainability is not the sole prerogative of the government and industry players should also work toward establishing a sustainable economy.

Certain chemical companies have started investing in new products, using alternative feedstock and encouraging stakeholders as well as supply chain participants to be environmentally conscious. But there continue to be a large number of firms that fail to link their business strategies to sustainability goals. Sustainability should be made a priority, a vital business practice, in order to help China make hassle-free transition to a clean economy.

The industry continues to be plagued by poor management of human resources. Several enterprises are over-staffed with overlapping management levels and reduced efficiency. Chemical companies need to bring about changes in the organization structure and employ talented workforce to promote diversification and greater flexibility. The need of the hour is to reform company management and staff training programmes. 

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