Cancer-Causing Ethanol Emissions Cause Stir in Kakinada District

In the representation, they said that most of the proposed ethanol plants, meant for ethanol-blended petrol in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are grain-based and environmental clearance letters for these projects do not show any process emissions from these plants. The letters were showing only air emissions from boilers burning coal or biomass, but these plants release many chemicals in different stages.

They said the major pollutants generated in the process are acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrolein and hexane, among others. “Acetaldehyde might cause cancer in humans. Though there is no direct evidence from human studies, there is strong evidence from animal studies showing it could cause cancer. Formaldehyde and acrolein are known to be cancer-causing substances in humans. Acrolein is produced during the ethanol fermentation process and can lead to symptoms like weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, shortness of breath, bronchitis, fluid in the lungs and even unconsciousness if accidentally exposed. Long-term exposure can cause ongoing respiratory problems and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat,” they explained.

Babu Rao said an ethanol plant located in Krishna district brought down the yield substantially and farmers in the surrounding areas of the plant have been struggling to continue their agriculture. In another instance in Nandyala district, the farmers gave up cultivation as the factory released emissions in the fields. The factory management is giving a very small amount as crop-loss compensation. The scientist also found fault with the technical committee, formed by the district collector to assess the pollution contents from the ethanol unit in Gokavaram mandal. He said that one of the members of the committee was working with an ethanol factory and there was a great chance of bias in the report to be prepared by this committee.

Meanwhile, in Gummalladoddi village, the police set up a picket and not letting the people launch agitation against the Assago Ethanol plant. The people said that the factory continued to release stench. S.Muralikrishna, husband of the sarpanch of Gummalladoddi, said that the people of Gummalladoddi, Achutapuram, Bhavojipeta and Vedurupaka villages are having sleepless nights due to the air and sound pollution caused by the factory. He requested Deputy Chief Minister and environment minister Pawan Kalyan to intervene in the matter and save the people from pollution.