News.Life

'Hazardous Waste Testing Urgent After Gas Blast'

Unknown disasters, environmental pollution, environmentalism, fire, safety

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 PUTRAJAYA: With the aftermath of the Putra Heights gas pipeline blast beginning to stabilize, experts in the environment are voicing their worries about conducting tests in the nearby region to check for possible residual harmful substances and atmospheric contamination remaining from the blaze.
 
 
 The vice-president of the Environment Protection Society of Malaysia, Randolph Jeremiah, stated that the ash and burnt remnants remaining in the impacted regions could lead to localized air contamination.
 
 
 These currently desolate areas might be concealing large amounts of ash and other burned debris, which could result in localized air pollution similar to smog appearing suddenly, especially when the weather is dry.
 
 
 It would be prudent to test the surrounding contaminated zones for any harmful residue levels to ascertain whether decontaminating the area is necessary.
 
 
 “He stated that a waste management plan ought to be put into action promptly to methodically remove and discard the rubble, succeeded by site rehabilitation aimed at landscaping and reintroducing vegetation to rejuvenate the region.”
 
 
 The President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Meena Raman, stated that the uncertain period during which gas leaked from the pipeline prior to the explosion might have released harmful greenhouse gases such as methane into the surroundings, potentially impacting the wellbeing of local wildlife.
 
 
 Methane has the potential to decrease oxygen levels in the surroundings, leading to various health problems for both humans and animals including vision impairment, nausea, and vomiting.
 
 
 Particles measuring up to 2.5 micrometres in size or smaller, as well as inhalable dust particles with diameters of 10 micrometres or less, might have escaped into the surroundings through the pipeline. This leakage can lead to respiratory issues for both animals and humans.
 
 
 "Volatile organic compounds such as benzene that have leaked can generate ground-level smog, which may lead to adverse effects on the neurological and cardiovascular systems of local wildlife," she explained.
 
 
 Meena mentioned that the combustion of plastics and various materials in local residences might have led to an emission of fine particles and volatile substances, which could disturb both people and wildlife in the vicinity.
 
 
 She highlighted that synthetic substances like rubber, plastics, upholstery, paints, or foam might have emitted hydrogen cyanide upon being burned, potentially causing effects akin to those of methane inhalation.
 
 
 She likewise expressed worry that the asbestos in the buildings might have caught fire, leading to dangerous asbestos fibers being dispersed into the surrounding area.
 
 
 The intense heat produced by the blaze along with the powerful gusts of wind on that particular day might have carried them quite far away from the damaged zone.
 
 
 "Fortunately, provided that the remnants from the fire aren’t substantially disrupted, the chance of airborne asbestos fibre exposure to the public and nearby residents remains minimal since the concentration of these fibres in the air becomes quite low some time after the fire has been extinguished," she stated.
 
 
 She mentioned that contaminants might also have entered the environment due to the use of foams and various fire-retardant materials employed to put out the blaze, leading to potential long-lasting impacts on the ecosystem.
 
 
 “Contaminant air deposition and contaminated soils could serve as a long-term source of stormwater, surface water and groundwater contamination.
 
 
 “As such, besides monitoring air quality, the government should also monitor soil, groundwater and surface water quality and abatement measures. Clean-ups should also be taken accordingly.”

'Hazardous Waste Testing Urgent After Gas Blast'

Unknown disasters, environmental pollution, environmentalism, fire, safety

PUTRAJAYA: With the aftermath of the Putra Heights gas pipeline blast beginning to stabilize, experts in the environment are voicing their worries about conducting tests in the nearby region to c…

Pollution Through the Eyes of a Malaysian Teen

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, environmental science, environmentalism, sustainability

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 Kota Kinabalu: Every time Iris Sofea Irwin sees the ocean gradually being choked by pollution, her heart breaks.
 
 
 As he strolls along the shoreline, the youth frequently encounters cast-off objects and litter floating on the water, serving as eerie indicators of humanity’s disregard.
 
 
 Deeply troubled by what she witnessed, the girl conveyed her sorrow and reflections in an article entitled "Our Ocean in Agony," which quickly rose to the top of a local online platform.
 
 
 The sea has always been a precious bounty close to my heart. The distinct ebb and flow, the varied aquatic universe beneath the waves, with fishes gliding gracefully through the waters — it’s an unparalleled natural wonder.
 
 
 "Nonetheless, an unforeseen event occurred over the past several years — the seas, which hold my deepest affection, are dying gradually. Each time I visit the shore, it’s now routine for me to spot plastic bottles, straws, and packaging drifting on the water as though they were specters," penned the 17-year-old.
 
 
 Her entry into E-Magz, a journal published by the Indonesian Teachers Association at Pacitan Teachers Training and Education Institute, resonated strongly with the editorial team. They recognized her work as the Best Article for the February 2025 issue.
 
 
 Although her piece depicts a grim image of the ocean's suffering, Iris Sofea still holds hope.
 
 
 She thinks that through increased understanding and a change in perspective, the harm done to the ocean could potentially be undone.
 
 
 "The alterations each individual can effectuate, irrespective of their magnitude—such as consuming fewer resources, repurposing goods, or merely disseminating information—can significantly aid our efforts. It’s crucial we take action immediately, lest all seas become casualties of ecological crises from which recovery may prove impossible," she asserted.
 
 
 Iris Sofea was among six students from Keningau Vocational College (KVC) who left a notable mark on environmental advocacy by having their articles published in a local English-language magazine.
 
 
 The February issue of E-Magz focused on Waste Awareness Day.
 
 
 Students from different vocational programs like early childhood education, cosmetology, construction technology, and electrical technology utilized their platforms to highlight the detrimental impacts of waste on Earth, with a focus on oceans and natural environments.
 
 
 Their pieces promote group efforts to minimize single-use plastics, utilize recycled materials, and implement eco-friendly waste-management techniques.
 
 
 The other contributing students were 17-year-old Rosselina Senora Ungkak, Jescyleo Jesimon and Jason Robert Sopining, both 18, Nur Qamariah Hasmeddy, 19, and Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, 20.
 
 
 KVC director Lumang Lang called the students’ achievement a testament to the power of education and youth engagement in addressing global environmental challenges.
 
 
 “He mentioned that with the guidance and editorial assistance from their committed teachers, these students managed to write their articles in English and send them to E-Magz, where only six chosen pieces are showcased per issue.”

Pollution Through the Eyes of a Malaysian Teen

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, environmental science, environmentalism, sustainability

Kota Kinabalu: Every time Iris Sofea Irwin sees the ocean gradually being choked by pollution, her heart breaks. As he strolls along the shoreline, the youth frequently encounters cast-off …

Should You Ditch Gas for Electric Stoves? 'Stand Clear of Car Tailpipes' Says Expert

Unknown energy consumption, environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, gas stoves, stoves

Gas stoves might emit hazardous contaminants and tend to be costly when repairs are needed. Nevertheless, numerous people globally rely on them as their main tool for cooking.


 Currently, a new electric stove and oven have been developed that can be directly connected to a standard household electrical outlet without requiring an electrician’s services.


 These stoves have the potential to be a valuable advancement facilitating a widespread shift towards cleaner energy, moving us away from reliance on gas.

<h2>
 Dealing with gas leaks
</h2>

 For many years, Ed Yaker along with his fellow board members—who oversee approximately 1,500 apartments within a New York City co-op—have faced the ongoing issue of gas leaks.


 It comes as no surprise that Yaker’s interest was sparked upon discovering a Californian start-up that was producing an electric stove and oven capable of being connected directly to a standard electrical outlet.

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 In case of a leak, the gas supply for the whole building is cut off, rendering residents incapable of using it.
 
 stove
 
 For several months until costly repairs are undertaken on the nearby natural gas pipelines.


 Nevertheless, the modern, conventional four-burner electric induction cooker from Copper operates at 120 volts. Therefore, you won’t have to spend thousands of euros hiring an electrician to modify your wiring for a higher voltage setup as some electric stoves necessitate. The advanced design includes a built-in intelligent battery, allowing it to recharge whenever needed.
 
 electrical rates
 
 are minimal, enabling individuals to prepare meals without facing high peak-time electricity rates.


 “When it comes to whether this is the right approach, it’s obvious,” Yaker stated, showing how a quart (approximately one liter) of water came to a boil within roughly two minutes.


 Yaker was also motivated by the energy efficiency of the electric stove: his apartment is filled with numerous books about energy and climate change.

<h2>
 Preparing food using electric appliances is more health-conscious.
</h2>

 
 Gas cooking
 
 Remains the predominant technique for cooking in developed nations; however, gas stoves emit contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide, associated with asthma, along with carcinogenic substances like benzene.


 "I used a gas stove until I began this line of research," stated Rob Jackson, an environmental scientist from Stanford University and the principal author of the study.
 
 study
 
 Regarding contamination caused by gas stoves.

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 "Witnessing the rapid increase in pollutants each time I ignited a burner or turned on my oven convinced me to make the change," Jackson noted.


 “You wouldn’t stand over the tailpipe of a car breathing in the exhaust from that car. And yet nearly 50 million households [in the United States] stand over a gas stove, breathing the same pollutants in their homes.”

<h2>
 Even when not in use, gas stoves release emissions.
</h2>

 Induction stoves can likewise tackle the significant volume of greenhouse gases emitted by buildings – particularly those produced during cooking processes.
 
 heating and air-conditioning of residential areas
 
 , and hot water.


 Approximately half of the heat generated by gas stove flames dissipates into the surrounding area. In contrast, electric stoves can achieve efficiencies as high as 80 percent. Among these, induction cooktops lead the way with an efficiency rate of up to 90 percent, largely due to their design which heats only the portion of the pan that comes into direct contact with the cooking surface.


 Simply having a gas stove present in a
 
 home
 
 leads to an increase in greenhouse gases, even when it remains off.


 Jackson’s group discovered that gas stoves release
 
 methane
 
 — the primary component of natural gas — can escape when they're not in use, due to loose fittings and at the connections between the stove and the wall.

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 The climate effect of faulty stoves in American residences was calculated to be similar to the carbon emissions produced by approximately 500,000 vehicles fueled by gasoline.

<h2>
 The latest electric stoves come with a hefty price tag – and it takes some time to adapt to them.
</h2>

 The early users of Copper stoves depend on governmental incentives to offset the significant cost. When Yaker, who works as a teacher, purchased one, a federal tax incentive for eco-friendly devices reduced the price from $6,000 (€5,722) to $4,200 (€4,005).


 Buying the stoves in large quantities also results in significant cost savings. The manufacturer has a deal with them.
 
 New York City
 
 The Housing Authority plans to purchase 10,000 stoves with a maximum cost of $3,200 (£3,052) per unit, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Meanwhile, a nonprofit organization focused on developing affordable housing is also involved.
 
 California
 
 has also installed new stoves in an apartment building.


 "It's really neat; it looks great and is simple to keep clean," remarked Jolene Cardoza. When her grown-up daughter visited for baking sessions, her previous gas stove exacerbated her asthma issues. She is pleased that the new electric model does not produce
 
 pollutants
 
 .

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 Nevertheless, some other residents have experienced a bumpier adjustment period with induction cooking.


 Monica Moore expressed dissatisfaction with how her food cooks in the oven, noting that her cornbread has a different texture than usual. Although she appreciates the speed at which water comes to a boil, she laments not being able to cook over an open flame. Additionally, she found it inconvenient having to use pots and pans specifically designed for induction stovetops.


 For Jackson, however, moving away from gas is crucial:


 I believe turning off the gas supply to our residences and transitioning to electric power for our homes is among the most effective individual actions we can take to decrease our personal carbon footprint.
 
 greenhouse gas emissions
 
 I believe that when it comes to decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions, we should begin with automobiles and residences.

Should You Ditch Gas for Electric Stoves? 'Stand Clear of Car Tailpipes' Says Expert

Unknown energy consumption, environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, gas stoves, stoves

Gas stoves might emit hazardous contaminants and tend to be costly when repairs are needed. Nevertheless, numerous people globally rely on them as their main tool for cooking. Currently, a new elec…