Volcanic Emission Hazards

  • Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii, USA : It has been erupting since January 5, 2023 and is located in a closed area of ​​Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Volcanic gases, consisting of a mixture of water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, are the main danger to the population. “We measured a sulfur dioxide emission rate of approximately 4,000 tons per day on January 8, 2023,” the USGS (United States Geological Survey) said. The instability of the crater, which could shake the world, has caused the region to be closed to the public since 2008.
  • Cotopaxi volcano in central Ecuador : considered the most dangerous volcano in the world. It has been active since 2015 and woke up in October 2022. It is closely monitored today because it produces fumaroles up to 2 km above the crater. Volcanologists also saw ashfall in several areas around the volcano.

Different types of volcanoes

By tracking geographic location and the chemistry behind molten activity, we can distinguish several types of volcanic eruptions. Not all of them have the same consequences on the population and the environment.

  • explosive eruptions : gas is captured in the rock of the volcano in fusion. This causes pressure to build until it is violently released, creating lava eruptions and various volcanic emissions (e.g., Mount Pinatubo in 1991).
  • Effusive eruptions : As the magma becomes less viscous, it releases gas and the magma flows down the slopes of the volcano (i.e. Kilauea volcano in Hawaii in 2018)
  • Fractured eruptions (may be included in extreme eruptions): large fissures located throughout the volcano open, causing large amounts of liquid lava to erupt several kilometers long (e.g. Grindavik volcano in Iceland in August 2022)

Word

For those who are less knowledgeable, we found it interesting to point out some definitions to better understand the subject of volcanoes.

Smoke : Gases contained in magma emerging from the surface of an active volcano.

Magma : molten rock found several kilometers deep within the Earth, which we call “magma chambers.” It consists of dissolved gases, liquids, and solid elements such as crystals. As long as it remains underground, it is known as "plutonic rock".

Caldera : Large, nearly circular volcanic crater with a flat bottom, bounded by cliffs, and greater than 2 km in diameter. The origin of calderas is different from that of craters.

Pyroclastic flow or flow : Flow at the base of a glowing cloud that rises slightly above the ground. They range in size from volcanic ash to rocks larger than a house. It is a dense aerosol composed of volcanic gases and particles.

Dross : Solid residue formed when lava cools and disintegrates.

Halides : Formed by the combination of metals with chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine are poisonous acids.

CAMS (Copernicus Atmospheric Services Monitoring): A monitoring service that provides information on air pollution, solar energy, greenhouse gases, and climate worldwide

Volcanic gas emissions

In 1815, Mount Tambora in Indonesia formed a caldera 6 km in diameter and 1000 m deep; boiling ashes mixed with gases rose 45 km into the sky; When it fell back, pyroclastic flows crashed into Earth, killing more than 10,000 people. Ashes and gases entering the atmosphere darkened sunlight and increased the Earth's reflectivity, resulting in no summer. The explosion itself killed more than 10,000 people, but an estimated 80,000 died in its aftermath from starvation and disease brought on by gases in the atmosphere.

Composition

Magma, volcanic eruptions It consists of dissolved gases (sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and halides), which are the driving force . As magma rises to the surface, the pressure decreases and the volcano powerfully releases gases into the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide, which volcanoes emit between 180 and 440 million tonnes per year, is colorless and odorless, so the gas is difficult to detect. Therefore, to prevent and predict the protection of people in areas with active volcanoes gas detectors can be installed. Researchers also found that when in direct contact with volcanic emissions they may wear portable gas detectors. Even if this gas dissolves to very small concentrations, CO2 When it cools, it becomes heavier than air. Therefore, it can move to low-lying areas where we can find high concentrations.

Intense SO2 emissions are harmful to humans as well as the environment because they can turn into acid rain, horribly polluting the air.

Hydrogen sulfide is the gas most recognized for its unpleasant odor. This gas specification helps anyone who comes into contact with H2S protect their mucous membranes.

Hydrogen halides consisting of fluorine, chlorine and bromine halogens They are extremely dangerous toxic acids. They dissolve rapidly in water or the atmosphere and can cause acid precipitation.

Climate and environmental issues

 

We don't realize this because volcanoes are all over the world, but they play an important role in changing the climate. When they explode, they release ash, metal, as well as large amounts of gases and particles (or aerosols) into the atmosphere, which will change the climate locally for the duration of the explosion or over a wider area after the force of the explosion. These effects vary depending on the power of the volcano and its geographical location. For this reason, volcanoes in tropical regions will spread all over the world. volcanic emissions can produce. For example, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 caused particles and gases to shoot up more than 20 km high and orbit the earth for three weeks, causing a global meteorological change.

” The impact of major volcanic eruptions on our climate […] is caused by the emission of particles that effectively scatter solar radiation, mainly fine ashes and sulphates ” explains Santiago Arellano. Thus, the sun's rays pass through a dust filter that reduces the power of the star. Thus, the more powerful the explosions, the higher the emissions and the less sunlight reaches the earth. We observed a decrease of 0.5°C due to the eruption of a volcano.

On the other hand, small eruptions cause lingering emissions at lower altitudes. For this reason, they drift more easily with precipitation and do not remain in the atmosphere. They have no impact on the climate.

Some researchers say global warming They are investigating the possibility that it could have an adverse effect and could be the source of proliferation of volcanic eruptions. As an example, we can consider the melting of glaciers beneath volcanoes that are not active today but may become active when these blocks disappear. This may also be true for volcanoes located at altitudes where the ice cover is likely to disappear and hence volcanic landslides to occur.

 

As mentioned before, sulfur dioxide emissions can turn into acid rain, which can be disastrous for the environment. Indeed, the combination of H2O (water) + O2 (oxygen) + SO2 (sulfur dioxide) = H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) results in an acid that is destructive to soil and crops. Farmers are torn between enjoying the fertile volcanic soil and having their crops destroyed by eruptions of lava, ash and gas.

Dangers to the population

It causes deterioration of air quality and therefore public health and industries such as aviation (atmospheric from volcanic gas emissions It is essential to monitor for the presence of volcanic emissions that could cause harm (first sector affected). The monitoring program called Copernicus (CAMS) therefore aims to monitor the atmosphere by observing the movement and behavior of sulfur dioxide (SO2) contained in volcanic emissions during eruptions.

 

CAMS was able to detect poor air quality in North Africa, Europe, over the Atlantic Ocean and in the Caribbean during the December 2021 eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma; This explosion created a lot of sulfate aerosol in the air. The CAMS service uses observations generated by satellites to monitor SO2 flux and combines this data with global-level information to predict the air quality composition over five days. Some sensitive individuals may experience low levels of toxicity in the air. Even if there is gas, it can be affected.

Despite erupting lava that are not explosive, internally erupting volcanoes will release many gases that are truly dangerous to humans: sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and halides. Gases will reach the population depending on the geographical location of the volcano and weather conditions.

Even a 3% CO2 gas level is a significant danger to residents and they can experience serious health problems such as headaches, dizziness, accelerated heart rate and shortness of breath. Above 15% CO2 can cause unconsciousness and death.

Sulfur dioxide is a very irritating gas to the skin, respiratory tract, eyes, nose and mouth. A researcher should therefore be equipped with a portable single gas detector dedicated to SO2, such as the Dräger Pac 6500 . It is a suitable complement to respiratory protection, at least to detect the concentration level of the gas and thus predict any contact.

 

Regardless of the gas concentration, hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic to the respiratory tract and causes severe irritation. If there is prolonged exposure to the gas, lung failure, loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest may occur.

Hydrogen halides cover the released ash particles and cause pollution of drinking water, agricultural areas or mountain pastures.

Delayed risks may arise from the spread of moving gas. Therefore, the volcano in the Canary Islands, which woke up in September 2021, brought a huge cloud of poisonous gases that caused a village to lock itself in for several hours, three months after the start of its eruption.

Collaboration of professions

Climate scientists and volcanologists work closely together to ensure conservation through their detections and analyses.

“ Volcanologists want to monitor the rate and scale of emissions of gas, lava, or ash to determine the physical state of the volcano and predict its activity. “Meteorologists are interested in monitoring volcanic eruptions to better understand the circulation patterns and interaction of volcanoes with the atmosphere,” explains one researcher. “To measure climate forcing, climate scientists want to know where, how high and in what quantities certain gases are emitted. Aviation authorities aim to detect volcanic ash eruptions to warn pilots and prevent accidents. ”

 

The tools volcanologists use are not devices designed to monitor volcanoes, but they have other goals in their design (for example, devices that monitor the ozone layer) that allow them to make analyzes and predictions. For example, at the rim of the crater of an active volcano to analyze the concentration rate of a gas They can use colorimetric tubes.

Exploring a volcano: Choose the right equipment

In an active but not erupting volcano, fumarole escapes. It consists of poisonous gases, such as when at the top of the volcano Wearing mask is essential. Fumarole consists of water vapor (the harmless and majority component), sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. You can wear a gas detector ( Ventis Pro ) to get alerted quickly and evacuate the area quickly.

Resistant to heat, gases and any visible or invisible smoke for exploring a volcano you need a protection . Hiking boots are a solid foundation for walking without worrying about all kinds of debris-filled obstacles and difficult access routes. A windbreaker, fleece, beanie or hat and scarf are essential complements to basic protection.

 

If you are going to visit an explosive volcano, make sure to visit a volcano as ash particles, no matter how small, are very harmful. You must have a dust mask. The GVS Elipse 3 mask will be a great addition to your equipment. Complete your outfit with a hard helmet to protect yourself from possible slag that may fly and hit you.

To maximize your safety, we recommend wearing large, tightly sealed goggles to fully enjoy the show while protecting your eyes from atmospheric particles. That's why you can choose the GVS Elispe Integra mask.

To protect yourself during a trip near a volcano that releases a lot of sulfur gases, it is essential to wear a full-face gas mask with an ABEK-P filter, which specifically filters out acidic gases. For asthmatics, take this type of filter no matter what volcano you explore.

Many of the gases released from volcanoes are irritating, so it is necessary to bring full-body clothing. If you don't have masks, a moistened scarf will protect your airways in case of unexpected gas emissions.

You may need to use your hands when climbing slopes. That's why it's important to have gardening gloves that are resistant to the corrosive products available.

We have seen the mutual relationship that can exist between climate change and volcanic eruptions. UNESCO observers predict that the Mediterranean will experience a tsunami within 30 years due to volcanic activity on the seabed. “From underwater exploration to preventing populations, the organization is multiplying measures to confront the danger “.

Repair of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer acts as a protective barrier between ultraviolet rays emitted by the Sun and the Earth. This is an essential element for the proper functioning of the planet's various ecosystems. However, it has been damaged by human actions over the decades, causing it to become depleted until a hole forms which becomes problematic!

Ozon layer

Also known as the “ozonosphere,” it protects the people and ecosystems of planet Earth. an important role in protecting has . It got this name because it is characterized by a much higher concentration of this gas compared to other parts of the atmosphere. It is one of the four layers that make up our atmosphere: troposphere (10 km), ozonosphere or stratosphere (20 to 50 km), mesosphere (100 km), thermosphere (600 km altitude) and exosphere.

It is an indispensable element for the proper structure of the Earth's atmosphere and for life on Earth. In fact, it is emitted by the Sun that can cause damage. absorbs most ultraviolet rays (UV-B) thing . These harmful rays can be extremely harmful on a biological level and are considered highly mutagenic (altering the DNA of plants, animals and insects).

 

In the atmosphere and stratosphere ozone concentration variability protects . Many factors such as temperature, geographical area or atmospheric and meteorological conditions must be taken into account. Some substances found in the emissions of volcanic gases and ashes are also ozone It may be responsible for certain changes in the concentration of .

These different natural factors not only cause changes in the amount of gas in the atmosphere, but also the observed level of degradation and in the protective barrier It should be noted that it is not responsible for the formation of holes.

Hole in the ozone layer

In fact, it is not natural events as mentioned before that cause a hole in the ozone layer.
In 1974, Mario Molina and Frank Sherwood Rowland, two American scientists and chemists, raised the possibility that the ozone layer might be in the process of depletion. This will turn into a hole over the years of thinning They quickly identified the source. The reason is more CFC It was identified as ChloroFluoroCarbons, known as ChloroFluoroCarbons.

CFCs were introduced in 1938 and popularized in the 1970s by a variety of equipment such as refrigerators, aerosols, air conditioners, and fire extinguishers. are artificial chemicals . These were mainly aimed at industry and consumers.

 

These substances are why the ozone layer has been closely monitored since the early 1980s. Their use not only caused minor damage to it, but also caused a huge hole to form on Antarctica. This hole is located at the South Pole and when discovered by scientists it was almost as large as North America (about 25 million km2).
Its size can be calculated through satellites equipped with special cameras that can detect ultraviolet light and therefore ultraviolet rays. These satellites were therefore able to determine its location and thus evaluate fluctuations and evolutions (positive or negative). For example, thanks to this technology, it was possible to determine that the phenomenon of ozone layer degradation increases, especially in the period from August to November.

The hole in the ozone layer is caused by man-made and today greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) It is the second largest negative impact of humans on the environment and climate, after the increase of ) .

Consequences for humans and biodiversity

People who are inevitably exposed to excessive UV rays that are not filtered by the ozone layer face new risks. Among the direct and most serious consequences, different skin cancer
There is a risk of developing types of . External mucous membranes may also be damaged, for example the eyes may be affected and risks of cataracts emerge It may come out. The immune system is also strained and tends to weaken due to exposure to UV radiation. These different health risks for humans are also the same for animals exposed to UV-B for long periods of time.

This hole is also a concern for the well-being of the environment and our planet, as our entire ecosystem can suffer from exposure to UV rays for too long and at too high a rate.
Firstly, the growth of all organisms is affected because plants no longer respond normally and have to adapt to a new environment leads to a decrease in agricultural productivity. Also, if the hole in the ozone layer is not rapidly reabsorbed the extinction of certain plant species
We must also take into account that it may lead to Moreover, plants and ecosystems are intrinsically linked, the extinction of certain species due to UV-B radiation can create a butterfly effect and lead to the extinction of other species.

 

plants oxygen Let's not forget that it is an important source of production, so if many plant species disappear, this will lead to a great risk for humanity and the environment. The aquatic ecosystem is also affected.
Finally, one of the main and inevitable ecological consequences in such conditions is is global warming .

Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed and entered into force on 16 September 1987. When signed, 24 countries and the European Economic Community agreed on what the hole in the ozone layer represents. They agreed on some measures to combat the climate emergency.

The first and fundamental decision adopted by this protocol is CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), methyl bromide and is a very strict restriction on other halons. Indeed, member states of the Montreal Protocol must comply with certain basic rules of this agreement to limit the use of these unregulated products. To achieve this, member countries of these substances or prohibit all use, manufacture, import or export of products that use them as an ingredient. Imports and exports from or to non-member states of the protocol are also prohibited.
Only basic uses of these products may be permitted.
The ban on these products has been gradually completed, starting from the most developed countries. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were officially banned worldwide in 2010, and checks are carried out annually through reports provided to the Protocol Secretariat to verify imports, exports and consumption by each member country. This protocol has had a global impact and is the first international environmental protocol established. in 2009” universal approval
It was the first treaty to reach ”. The number of countries committed to taking action to repair the ozone layer is now 197.

To monitor the presence of these substances fixed or portable freon detectors There are tools such as .

Repairing the hole in the ozone layer

Repairing this hole is not a quick and easy task. It will take many years, even decades, to reach a full conclusion.
Of course, thanks to the Montreal Protocol and recent environmental awareness, repairing the hole in the ozone layer is on the right track, but we must continue to redouble our efforts to achieve a rapid result.
According to many studies, the situation should return to normal in the northern hemisphere by 2030, in the southern hemisphere by about 2050, and in the polar regions by 2060. To do this, it is of course necessary to sustain efforts and continue to take adequate measures.

If it takes this long for the tide to change, it is because the vast majority of substances produced by human activities (CFCs, HCFCs, methyl bromide, etc.) remain in the stratosphere for many years.

The UN said in a statement that "the ozone layer in some parts of the stratosphere has improved by 1 to 3 percent per decade since 2020." When the hole was discovered in the 1970s, 10 percent of its surface had already disappeared.

 

A fragile stability

Ozone hole restoration, even if on track, still fluctuates and may stagnate or even decline .
In 2022, scientists report that the hole in the stratosphere is the largest observed since 2015 and has continued to increase over the last 3 years. Recent surveys measured 26.4 million square kilometers.
Therefore, this depletion continues to be monitored very closely, even though scientists believe it should not be considered alarming at this time.

How to Choose the Right Hazmat Suit?

hazmat suit

This personal protective equipment, It is often referred to as “Hazardous substance” by professionals as it is an abbreviation for “hazardous substances”. outfit It is called ". This class 3 PPE, protects the skin from hazardous substances. It covers the entire body (full suit) or parts of it (partial protection), depending on the user's needs.

In any form, depending on type gas tight or the product may be impermeable and have antistatic properties. Chemical resistant overalls It must be resistant to most abrasion, resistant to even minor tears, strong enough to prevent punctures, and impermeable enough to prevent the entry of hazardous substances.

Different types of protection

There are six main types of chemical coveralls; From the most powerful type 1 to the least protective type 6:

tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 1

Resistant to gaseous chemicals and vapors, liquid aerosols and solid particles. Dräger CPS 5800 (high chemical risk) suit is designed mainly for industrial operations on ships or in confined spaces as it offers high mobility.

Tip 1a

Gas tight, liquid or gaseous chemicals, liquid aerosols, solid particles, with or without external self-contained breathing apparatus with open circuit and compressed air inside the suit. Contains SCBA under clothing for best safety CPS 5900 chemical protection suit is the situation.

type 1b

Gas tight, against liquid or gaseous chemicals, liquid aerosols and solid particles. Like the Type 1a chemical resistant garment, this garment also has an open-circuited, compressed air-containing system on the outside of the garment. Available with or without self-contained breathing apparatus.

type 1c

It has a breathing air system that provides a gas-tight, airway.

tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 2

Diving suit against chemicals, liquids and aerosols, not gas-tight, for areas with high chemical risk ” olarak adlandırılan , pozitif basınç sağlayan solunum havası sistemine sahip.

 

Tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 3

Liquid proof. For example CHEM3 Suitable for workers in the petrochemical or chemical industry, such as

 

tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 4

Aerosol spray proof, activated carbon filtering suit that filters all gases ( TS series outfit like ). Suitable for laboratory coats.

 

tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 5

Solid particle impermeable. It is suitable for asbestos removal and pollination processes in agricultural environments (such as NS series chemical protective clothing).

tehlikeli madde kıyafeti tip 6

RSG's NS series As , this chemical protective clothing is resistant to light sprays or splashes. Ideal for spray painting operations, insecticide spraying, low concentration pesticide spraying, boat hull maintenance and repair or general maintenance and cleaning applications.

Penetration and permeation

For those new to the field of chemical protection, these two terms may seem similar and confusing. However, these two aspects are also necessary to choose the right equipment, which is why we mention them.

chemical penetration only through holes, cracks, or stitching defects in the garment. Therefore, penetration time will vary depending on the structure of the Chemical Protective Clothing.
chemical Hazmat Its passage through the hazmasuit will be systematic because it passes through the fabric molecules. Therefore, penetration time will depend on the tissue and sealing capacity. There are six classes of CPC according to their penetration time:

  • Class 1: 10 minute permeability
  • Class 2: 30 minute permeability
  • Class 3: 60 minutes permeability
  • Class 4: 120 minutes permeability
  • Class 5: 240 min permeability
  • Class 6: 480 min permeability

Then the CPS 7900 chemical protection suit We can assume that a type 1 garment such as will tend towards class 6 with a significant permeation time. The CHEM3 type 3 suit from RSG has mid-range performance. It belongs to classes 1 to 4. Particularly dangerous ledges and even certain to chemical warfare products is against.

European Standards for Chemical Protective Clothing

European Union, this Personal Protective Equipment It has established standards to determine the minimum requirements for its production. These vary depending on the type of clothing and the levels of protection required. 

NF EN 943-1

Type 1, 1a, 1b, 1c and 2 protection standard; defines minimum requirements for vented and unvented chemical protection; gas tight (type 1) and non gas tight (type 2). Some of these garments are available, such as the PureFlo 3000-W ventilated welding helmet which can be worn with the appropriate protective coverall. Can be combined with a powered air purifying respirator.

 

NF EN 943-2

Standard setting the minimum requirements for type 1 a ET (Emergency Team) and type 1 b ET clothing specific to emergency teams.

NF EN 14605

NF ENstandard for type 3 and 4 hazardous substances that defines minimum requirements for limited use and reusable preservation. Relates to integrated clothing with liquid-tight (type 3) and aerosol-tight (type 4) connections between different parts. Additional equipment may be subject to other European standards. 14605

NF EN ISO 13982-1:2005

Standard specifying the requirements for type 5 integral chemical clothing resistant to airborne toxic solid particles. Elements completing this set may comply with other European standards

NF EN 13034:2005

Standard setting minimum requirements for type 6 hazmat suits (or type PB 6 for partial protective suits) with limited performance, limited use and reusability. It determines the degrees of protection against liquid chemicals, liquid aerosols or low-pressure splashes that do not require the presence of a barrier against liquid permeation. This standard also applies to connection points between different elements of the hazardous material. Partial protection type PB 6 is not subject to the same technical tests as integral type 6.

NF EN ISO 6529:2003

Standard defining requirements for protective clothing dedicated to testing the resistance of its materials to the penetration of liquids and gases. It determines the classification of protective clothing according to the time of penetration, as well as the penetration of liquids and gases. 

NF EN 1149-1

Standard on minimum requirements for chemical protective clothing for tests that must have electrostatic properties.

NF EN ISO 16602:2007

Kimyasallara karşı tüm kimyasal koruyucu giysiler için sınıflandırma, işaretleme ve koruma gerekliliklerini belirleyen uluslararası standart.

radyoaktif tehlikeli madde kıyafeti standartları

International standard establishing classification, marking and protection requirements for all chemical protective clothing against chemicals.

antistatik tehlikeli madde kıyafeti standartları

This standard specifies the requirements applicable to VPCs providing protection against electrostatic charges resulting from electrical discharges in ATEX zones.

biyolojik tehlikeli maddelere karşı giysi standartları

Bulaşıcı etkenlere karşı koruyucu, tekrar kullanılabilir ve sınırlı kullanımlı giysiler için gereklilikleri tanımlayan standart.

alev önleyici tehlikeli madde kıyafeti standartları

The standard that determines the properties of protective clothing against short-term flame contact.

Chemical protective clothing: Factors to consider

protective clothing Before wearing it, it is essential to analyze and determine all the factors that will contribute to the choice:

Activity

There are several criteria to consider regarding the user's tasks:

  • Duration of operation
  • Frequency of task
  • What body parts and skin surfaces are affected?
  • Risk identification related to the projection of debris that may become trapped in seams, welds or closures. Therefore, an open-backed protection suit may be better to protect the wearer from any debris penetration
  • Risks if the worker directly handles the hazardous substance
  • Analysis of the action to choose a suit that fully suits the freedom of movement
  • One or two people are present to assist the operator in donning and doffing PPE

Identify relevant items

In order to predict which type of product the user will encounter, its nature and concentration level, it is important to know what type of product the user will encounter:

  • if the substance is liquid or gas: anti-splash or anti-gas hazardous material
  • if the body is freon: the suit must be strong enough to withstand extreme cold and not break
  • If the substance is flammable: protective clothing must be fireproof and overalls
  • If the substance is explosive: protection, Must have electrostatic and antistatic properties for use in ATEX zones
  • if the element is bacteriological or chemical
  • if the product is solid

If we cannot determine the nature or concentration level of the chemical element, we choose hazmat suits with the highest level of protection.

Here are some examples of substances and their consequences on humans. It is often difficult to realize this without encountering it.

  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) : has an unpleasant odor at low levels, fatal at 1000 ppm or more, irritates eyes, nose, throat and lungs
  • Hydrogen fluoride (HF) : has a strong odor, can cause lesions and burns on the skin and mucous membranes, conjunctivitis
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2) : strong odor, eye and respiratory irritation, may cause asthma or suffocation
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) : strong chlorine odor, high concentrations cause headache, dizziness, shortness of breath or pulmonary edema, risk of suffocation
  • Ammonia (NH3) : strong odor, very irritating in gaseous or solution form, burns eyes and skin
  • Methanol (CH3OH): Slightly irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract, risk of suffocation
  • Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) : Corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tract, risk of suffocation even with short-term exposure.
  • Nitric acid (HNO3) : Causes burns to the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive systems.

Chemical protection material

Each material has certain properties that make it more or less suitable for solvents or mixtures. A garment if its material has minimum chemical and physical properties and must be identified and labeled CE mark can take. The production level should also be regular and its quality should be checked periodically. It must comply with the ISO 9000 standard.

Here are some examples of materials:

  • D-MEX: Provides lightness and flexibility of the garment; allows high permeability time; resistant to cold substances; does not burn and is self-extinguishing; reusable.
  • Symex: Resistant to acids, welding spatter and hydrocarbons; is strong against abrasion; reusable.
  • Umex: Provides protection against chlorine and ammonia; provides flexibility of movement; does not break upon contact with frozen products; reusable.
  • Zytron® 500: comfortable, flexible and lightweight; strong protection against many hazardous substances; disposable overalls ; suitable for low mechanical stress; Ideal for industrial chemicals and war gases with long permeation times.
  • Tychem® F: Excellent for dealing with liquids and solids; disposable and lightweight; suitable for low technical stresses; Protection from organic hazardous substances and high concentrations of inorganic hazardous substances. Type 3, Dräger, Tychem® F with CVA 0700 ventilated air jacket offers the disposable SPC 3700 garment.
  • Tychem® C*: Preferred for infectious agents and acids; disposable overalls; Adapts to low mechanical stress.
  • PVC: flexible; resistant to low concentrations of acid and soda; reusable; does not tear; Resistant to strong splashes of liquids.
  • Flexothane®: light and flexible; against crude oil, machine oil, paints, dust; reusable; It is permeable to water vapor.

Workplace

Besides the operation, it is also important to determine the constraints of the work area and environment. Indeed, if the agent in a limited area or if in a tight area, will need adapted equipment to achieve sufficient freedom of movement. A work area with sharp surface manipulations requires sturdy, cut-resistant clothing. Outdoor work will offer more options due to fewer restrictions.

Chemical resistant coverall tailored to the user's needs Upstream analysis and study is essential to select . Also, we must not forget the various indispensable accessories for good protection (whether included in the VPC or not): boots, gloves, visors, respirator, cooling jacket and drinks…

 

Nowadays, manufacturers and distributors are offering more and more applications or software to help you choose the right chemical protection clothing based on all these criteria.

Green Hydrogen, Towards a New Energy

” Yes my friends. I believe that one day water will be used as fuel, and the hydrogen and oxygen that make it up, when used alone or simultaneously, will provide an inexhaustible source of heat and light at a density that coal cannot see. ” Jules Verne in his work “The Mysterious Island” in 1875.

Hydrogen comes from 95% fossil fuels income . The goal of many countries is not fossil energies, which emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, but from renewable energies or to develop green hydrogen from decarbonised (including nuclear) sources .

What is hydrogen?

6 things to know about hydrogen

  1. Dihydrogen Hydrogen (its real name is systematically composed of two hydrogen atoms, its chemical symbol is H2), is produced by hydrocarbons (or fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil) and water.
  2. Contrary to what we think, hydrogen is not an energy, but an energy carrier created from a primary source and produced by a chemical reaction. That's why it's always combined with other atoms.
  3. There are three techniques for producing low-carbon hydrogen: gasification, water electrolysis, and steam-to-natural gas conversion.
  4. Approximately 92% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen atoms. It is the main element of stars and gaseous planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
  5. Today, hydrogen is used in refining, in the production of ammonia (NH3) for nitrogenous fertilizers and explosives, in the production of methanol in plastic manufacturing, and in the steel industry for iron and steel.
  6. “Green” hydrogen represents a future lever in the transition to carbon neutrality. However, it currently represents only 1% of the world's hydrogen.

Green hydrogen, assets and constraints

Production methods

Dihydrogen Since it is usually associated with another molecule, it must be removed to isolate the atom. Also, since dihydrogen consists of two hydrogen atoms, it must be split equally so that the molecule has only one hydrogen atom. Different methods of producing hydrogen:

Methane pyrolysis
This green hydrogen production system consists of the combustion of a mixture of CO (carbon monoxide) and H2 (hydrogen) in contact with coal or other biomass. Methane is used because it is the main component of natural gas and its atoms are simple in composition (CH4), so hydrogen is more easily extracted. In fact, the reaction of this process rejects CO2 in solid form. Therefore, it becomes easier to remove H2.

electrolysis of water
The task of water electrolysis is to split the water molecule (H2O) to extract hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This solution is undoubtedly the most used because there is no CO2 emissions. The reaction rejects oxygen only in the form of water.

Electrolysis works by using electricity, which is very heavy. Also, making an electrolysis is very cute. Since this method is rentable, it requires the use of a small amount of carbon-containing electricity, which will be provided by nuclear, nuclear-fueled or a renewable energy intermediate such as solar panels. The loss of these renewable energies is a failure to build large numbers of electrolyzers that do not produce green hydrogen.

 

Conversion of natural gas to steam
Steam reforming of natural gas is the chemical reaction of methane with water to produce a mixture containing CO2. Through this process, carbon dioxide can produce decarbonized hydrogen.

Benefits

We can use hydrogen to decarbonise some industrial sectors, store electricity or power transportation.
Hydrogen has great potential to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Hydrogen, which is completely clean, does not emit CO2 and is very light. If mass produced, it participates in reducing global warming and is therefore an important player in the energy conversion.

Limitations

The storage of hydrogen poses a real obstacle to its use. It has a high mass energy density, but because it is very light, its volume is low.
One plan is to make it liquid by compressing it at a low temperature of -253°C (4l H2 = 1l oil).

Mass production of low-carbon hydrogen is necessary to create real positive changes to the climate. On the contrary, the production of small amounts of green hydrogen causes global warming.

Green hydrogen is very costly because it depends on electricity, which is very high today. It is also necessary to reduce the costs of renewable energies, electrolyzers and fuel cells, which are the mainstay of green hydrogen production.
The distribution of this green energy also requires huge infrastructures that must have production capacity powered by renewable energies, a transportation network to distribute them, and various storage areas.

What are the uses of green hydrogen?

Public transport

hydrogen engine The most suitable system for fuel cell is the use of . It's lighter and more efficient than batteries, and it's also great for the environment. Indeed, the cells work by combining the hydrogen contained in the engine with the oxygen in the air. This reaction produces electricity to power the vehicle's engine. The only waste product is clean water.

Fuel cells have been used to provide electricity in rockets since 1839. It is still used today to power rockets, as the first ones were used in the Gemini and Apollo space missions. Therefore, fuel cells are more easily selected to provide “green” engines for heavy vehicles. Indeed, to get enough power to run a truck, it would take a lot of electric batteries, making the engine very heavy.

cars and trucks

In France, transport is the leading sector emitting greenhouse gases, 30% of all GHGs. A renewable electrolysis powered hydrogen vehicle It will emit only 15 tonnes of CO2 compared to 45 tonnes for a diesel vehicle. This solution will reduce the carbon impact by 74% compared to a thermal engine vehicle.

If hydrogen is converted into methane, it has the ability to store large amounts of electricity. Therefore, it can be used in the event of failure of replacements such as wind turbines or solar panels that are subject to intermittency. These are effectively climate dependent, so they may be subject to interruptions in electricity production.

The biggest difference between electric and hydrogen vehicles is autonomy. While a hydrogen vehicle can travel up to 600 km and charge quickly, an electric vehicle charges more slowly.

trains

55% of the railway lines in France run on electricity, the rest on diesel. That's why SNCF and other French companies are more CO2 free fleet Trying to distribute it.
For example, Alstom put its first passenger-carrying hydrogen train into service in Germany in August 2022. One with hydrogen fuel cell it works .

airplanes

Airbus wants to participate in this new energy distribution and plans to launch it by 2035. hydrogen planes determined to produce. To do this, the company needs to produce certain products, lightweight fuel cells and acquire powerful electric motors.

burning hydrogen automatically generates heat, so we can consider replacing coal with hydrogen.
For example, producing iron and steel with coal emits large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. A factory in Sweden uses hydrogen to produce iron. While the production of one ton of iron causes 25 kg of CO2 emissions, the use of coal causes 1850 kg of CO2 emissions for 1 ton of iron.

Steel production, which is done today by reducing iron ore through coal, could be produced tomorrow through decarbonized hydrogen.

electricity storage

More and more companies are getting into the business of producing green hydrogen to help with the energy transition and reducing global warming. Because hydrogen is a dangerous gas, these companies must secure their facilities and protect their employees. That is why we are receiving more and more requests for hydrogen detection devices such as the OLCT100 fixed gas detector, the X-am 2500 4 gas detector, the GasBadge Pro single gas detector or the Spyglass IR3-H2 hydrogen or methanol flame detector

 Decarbonizing industries

Worldwide development projects

NortH2 project, It is Europe's largest hydrogen production project, producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity obtained from offshore wind power off the coast of the Netherlands.

German company H2Fly, has been specializing in hydrogen fuel cells for aviation for several years. The first aircraft was successfully launched in 2016.

german company Home Power Solution is a pioneer in the production of domestic solar hydrogen power plants (picea). It forces individuals to consume their energy to stop carbon dioxide emissions.

Swiss company H2 Energy, It has made it its mission to stop global warming by turning hydrogen obtained from renewable energies into an energy column.

France to make hydrogen the energy of the future for France is increasingly investing for . It follows the SNBC (National Low Carbon Strategy) roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality through decarbonised hydrogen.
France Hydrogène association, It brings together many economic actors (large industrial groups or start-ups) to realize the energy transition with hydrogen solutions. Pau in early 2021 hydrogen powered bus fleet
One of the pioneer cities that established With electricity supplied locally by a dam, this reduces the cost of production. John Cockerill company specializes in the energy transition and green hydrogen production and improving the construction of electrolyzers.

Laughing Gas

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see small stainless steel cartridges on the ground in large areas and public places. These cartridges, which originally contain nitrous oxide, are being used as a new recreational drug because they create an instant feeling of euphoria when inhaled.

nitrous oxide

Features 

Nitrogen oxide (N2O) is also known as dinitrogen monoxide, nitrogen hemioxide, but specifically “ laughing gas ” also known as . Nitrous oxide is a gas that comes from natural sources, especially soils and oceans. It is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor and is heavier than air.

To use

Nitrous oxide, originally used in medicine It is a psychotropic gas. Especially in short-term anesthesia It is used as an analgesic or anesthetic. This gas allows to reduce pain without creating a state of complete unconsciousness.

It is one of the oldest volatile substances used in medicine for anesthetic purposes, so it is subject to pharmaceutical regulation. To achieve its anesthetic qualities it must be combined with other volatile anesthetics or administered intravenously. Primary purpose of nitrous oxide to increase the potency of other anesthetics . It is mostly administered via inhalation and for better effectiveness with oxygen is mixed.

 

In this sector of activity, nitrogen oxide (N2O) comes in the form of liquefied gas contained in cylinders consisting of 90% liquid and 10% gas.

Nitrous oxide is also used in cream siphons in the food industry. propellant It is widely used. It comes in small stainless steel cartridges and can be purchased at most food stores. Therefore, it is very easy to obtain and not very expensive.

Finally, this gas, nitrogen oxide, is flammable in the automotive industry. Can also be used as . This makes it possible to increase the power of cars' engines in auto racing.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, “proto” or “bubbles”, has become widespread among young people. of this gas euphoric effects It has been known for decades and some people use it regularly. But in the last 4 years we have started to hear more about it as its use has increased and it has caused a lot of damage. Inhalation of laughing gas is mostly seen among young people and in festive environments.

Laughing gas: Function creep of nitrous oxide

nitrous oxide This function creep is achieved by breathing gas through a balloon inflated with nitrogen oxide cylinders or cartridges. This inflated balloon is then inhaled. It is consumed through a balloon because this gas is relatively cold and will cause burns if inhaled directly from the cartridge.
Nitrous gas is stored in liquid form in cylinders or metal cartridges, available for free sale in France. Inhaling it changes the tone and creates an instant feeling of euphoria and satiety. Consumers get into the habit of consuming several “bubbles” in the same time period because the effects are immediate. And is very short term (2 to 3 minutes).

In November 2021, ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety) and ANSM (National Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products Safety) gave more than alarming figures. These organizations state in a report that “134 cases were reported to poison prevention centers in 2020, against 46 in 2019, and 254 cases were reported to addiction surveillance centers in 2020, against 47 in 2019.”
According to their study, most of these gassings affect young adults between the ages of 21 and 22. The increase in consumption among minors is also important (20% of poisoning cases recorded in 2020 versus 13.6 in 2019). Abuse And excessive consumption
cases are constantly increasing. Consumers now tend to purchase nitrogen oxide cylinders directly, which is equivalent to about 100 conventional cartridges used for kitchen flushes.

Risks of laughing gas

Certain risks and accidents can occur immediately when laughing gas is consumed. We observe loss of consciousness, a type of disorientation that can lead to falls. The risk of loss of cough reflex and the risk of asphyxia due to lack of oxygen must also be taken into account. Less serious side effects such as nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.

Recreational use of laughing gas poses risks to both health and the environment.

Health risks

If risks can arise with timely inhalation, it is clear that repeated and regular consumption will be even more dangerous and risky. The risk of drowning still exists, and cardiovascular complications (e.g. heart rhythm disturbances), psychic disorders (e.g. addiction) and neurological damage, which can be serious, are added to the list of risks that arise. These can cause irreversible damage to consumers' health and even lead to death.

It should also be noted that in addition to the risks consumers take for their own health, they also pose a danger to others during “irresponsible” consumption. Many cases of driving under the influence of this psychotropic gas have been observed, with the majority of cases resulting in serious or fatal road accidents.

Environmental risks

In addition to its negative effects on health, nitrogen oxide also has a certain impact on the environment.

These gas emissions have a direct and very significant impact on the environment.
Although initially this gas came from natural sources, over more than a century the quantities produced have become extremely significant due to human activities.

Main sources of N2O emissions 

To understand the environmental effects of nitrous oxide, we first need to understand its emission sources in nature. Indeed, the agricultural sector is the main source of nitrogen oxide emissions, representing approximately 90% of emissions of this gas. Nitrogen fertilizers through the process of nitrification and denitrification of soils, leading to the emission of nitrous oxide
It is the use of nitrogenous substances such as. Processing of crop residues is also a cause of these gas emissions.

The agricultural sector is not the only activity that releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere and soil; the chemical industry is also responsible. It accounts for 5% of nitrogen oxide emissions and is therefore the second main source of emissions of this gas. In this case, nitrogen oxide reacts with certain acids ( nitric acids and adipic acids).

Direct effects on the environment

This is caused by a gradual, continuous and consistent increase in the concentration of nitrogen oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas, in the air. Indeed, it is considered the third main greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. It has a strong “warming” potential. When in air (with equivalent mass) It is 25 times higher than CH4 and 300 times higher than CO2.

In addition to the air pollution produced by the gas itself, street pollution is an additional problem. Used nitrogen oxide cartridges used for recreational purposes are often left on the ground and not disposed of in trash cans or containers.

Protection solutions

In case of regulated use of nitrous oxide (agricultural sector, chemical or automotive industry), precautions are necessary. It is possible to use gas detectors to be warned if there is an excessive amount of gas in the air. NS2 ATEX gas detector for safe areas NB3 fixed gas transmitter, B12 Devices such as the gas transmitter sensor or OLCT100 are ideal for calibration and other gas tests. If the gas is present in large amounts in the air, M20.2, Oxy SR30, Saver, SK1203 masks and air purification systems
You should immediately equip yourself with adequate respiratory protection such as:

Protection And from security Speaking of which, there is a need to improve the provision of information to young people about the abuses associated with the recreational use of this gas because it is harmful and dangerous.
On June 1, 2021, a law was adopted to prevent and warn the use of nitrogen oxide. This law prohibits the sale of this gas to minors.

Gas Mask Filter Shelf Life

One gas mask filter – like all other filters – it has a limited shelf life and breakthrough time It is called . This means that the carbon granules are now cannot absorb a pollutant (toxic gas) time occurs. As a result, the user can no longer breathe clean filtered air.

One gas mask filter, It has a microporous structure made of carbon with a very large absorption surface in a small cartridge. Thanks to this technology, filters contain less carbon (220 to 230 mL), which reduces weight and breathing effort. Tables with theoretical shelf lives are available, but they should never be taken. Indeed, the shelf life of a gas filter depends on various factors.

Factors affecting gas filter shelf life

  • gas concentration : Higher concentrations rapidly accumulate the pollutant in carbon, accelerating the elimination time.
  • Filtered air flow or respiratory rate : theoretical shelf lives are determined based on an air flow of 30 liters per minute. A higher respiratory rate will reduce excretion time.
  • Heat : If the operating temperature increases, the shelf life of the gas filter will decrease
  • Relative humidity : VOC’ler High humidity will accelerate excretion time. The opposite effect occurs for some gases such as ammonia (nh3) or hydrogen sulfide (h2s).
  • Shocks : Shocks in a breathing cartridge have harmful effects. Because they pack the granules, shocks will reduce their absorption power

Gas mask filter shelf life calculation

There is a formula for calculating the shelf life of a gas filter:

Shelf life = (1 000 000 x filter capacity*) / (respiration rate x gas concentration)

* Filter capacity depends on the manufacturer. Available on technical information pages.

Breakthrough time of gas mask filter

Gas filters for negative pressure breathing apparatus

Test preface: Gas masks (negative pressure) test gas concentrations were set at 1,000 ppm (0.1 vol%) for class 1 and 5,000 ppm (0.5 vol%) for class 2.

Spasciani DIN Rd40 filters Fits most EN 148-1 approved gas masks with 40 mm universal thread.

Filter typetest gasbreakthrough time
1st ClassClass 2
ACyclohexane (C6H12)70 dk35 min
BChlorine (Cl2)20 minutes20 minutes
BHydrogen sulfide (H2S)40 min40 min
BHydrogen cyanide (HCN)25 min25 min
ESulfur dioxide (SO2)20 minutes20 minutes
KAmmonia (NH3)50 min40 min

Gas filters for powered air-purifying respirators

Test preface: PAPR masks Test gas concentrations were set at 500 ppm (0.05 vol%) for class 1 and 1,000 ppm (0.1 vol%) for class 2.

Filter typetest gasbreakthrough time
1st ClassClass 2
ACyclohexane (C6H12)70 dk35 min
BChlorine (Cl2)20 minutes20 minutes
BHydrogen sulfide (H2S)40 min40 min
BHydrogen cyanide (HCN)25 min25 min
ESulfur dioxide (SO2)20 minutes20 minutes
KAmmonia (NH3)50 min40 min

Breakthrough times of special filters (AX and Hg-P3)

Filter typetest gasgas concentrationbreakthrough time
AXIsobutane (C4H10)2.500 ppm50 min
Hg-P3mercury vapor1.6 ml/mg100 hours

Dangers of Phytosanitary Releases

What is land spread?

widely held in France land spread is an agricultural practice consisting in the spread of chemical or organic substances of agricultural interest (fertilizers, organic substances, pesticides, etc.) on cultivated areas and agricultural lands (fields, forests, etc.).
The practice of land spreading, which has been a source of concern, is now at the center of a variety of ecological and health problems associated with microbiological and chemical hazards.

What does “phytosanitary” mean?

First of all, we think it is important to analyze the word “phytosanitary”. Phyto-, from the Ancient Greek word “φυτόν”, is a prefix used for words related to the plant world. Because of the crisis we have endured since 2020, the word “sanitary” (Latin sanitas, health) no longer carries any secrets for us: it refers to everything related to hygiene and the protection of public health. Because
“phytosanitary” refers to something related to maintaining plant health. However, this practice is not without controversy: phytosanitary products If it aims to guarantee the good health of plants, it expresses the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdangers to chemical products and therefore to the population.

Use of phytosanitary products

Phytosanitary products, of natural or chemical origin, are also known as “phytopharmaceutical products” and are used mainly to increase efficiency. in soil fertilization is used. There are various families of phytosanitary products aimed at protecting plant species, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides (against fungi), molluscicides (against slugs and snails), rodenticides (destroying rodents).

Phytosanitary substances It usually works by eliminating or controlling specific pests. Indeed, certain parasites such as “weeds”, bacteria or even animals can limit the tillability of the soil and thus affect the yield. Some of these plants may also pose a risk to humans or animals if usage precautions are not followed.

How can you protect yourself from the spread of phytosanitary products?

Whether you are a farmer or live near a cultivated field, it is essential to take necessary precautions and follow the correct procedures to protect yourself when spraying and other chemical-based treatments. Among the preventive measures KKD ( Personal Protective Equipment ) and wearing respiratory protection equipment. Filtering devices cover several product categories and their appropriate use:

  • Half masks as basic minimum protection . These only cover the lower part of the face (nose and mouth). However, there are two major restrictions on their use: the substances to be filtered must not irritate the eyes, such as chlorine, ammonia or nitric acid. Filter cartridges should not exceed 300 grams, which sometimes limits their combined gas and particle (including dust) configurations.
  • full face masks It is used as intermediate protection. They cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes). They are especially suitable for use in toxic environments that pose a potential danger to eye mucous membranes. With 5 attachment points to secure the face, they can support filter cartridges weighing more than 300 grams and are therefore more effective as they have more filtering elements.
  • Powered air purifying respirators More detailed filtering are respiratory protection devices. Their main advantage is the reduction of respiratory effort, which is reduced by a powered ventilator that delivers filtered air directly to the facepiece (full face mask or cap) through a coiled hose. For this reason, such devices are preferred for challenging, tiring and long-term work.

For effective respiratory protection, depending on the type of product used, in most cases the A2-P3 filter cartridge (against organic gases and vapors, fine particles and dust, viruses and bacteria) is preferred in combination with a half mask, full face mask or powered ventilation device.

In addition to these filtering devices, a chemical protection suit can be very useful. Whether reusable or disposable, sold individually or in lots, the combination must be the right size to ensure freedom of movement.

In addition to these filtration devices, a hazmat suit such as the NS series disposable coverall will be valuable. Whether reusable or disposable, whether sold individually or in lots, clothing must be the right size to ensure freedom of movement. The TS series microporous hazmat suit is ergonomically designed to allow the user to move comfortably. In the store or by delivery, you can choose a kit that includes gloves and goggles, providing full protection for skin and eyes. Garment is classified according to a type and class that defines its performance and permeation time. As an alternative to a respirator, you can choose a full-face helmet with visor and work with peace of mind.

The dangers of phytosanitary proliferation

The use of pesticides has undesirable effects on health and the environment. It can harm all kinds of living things (plants and animals).

Several studies have shown that certain extremely toxic elements can promote certain cancers, impair fertility, or even impair the immune or nervous system. Some findings have suggested that contamination is chronic and therefore present all year round, although periods of dissemination begin in spring and end in autumn; The same molecules are found in cities as in rural areas, and banned pesticides (herbicides or others) are always detected in the air.

Its effects on the environment are a major ecological disaster. The pesticides used get into the soil and then pollute the natural environment. In conclusion, animal biodiversity They constitute a major impact factor for (in the short term, certain organisms are poisoned).

Agricultural expansion is a controlled activity

Regulations regarding spraying pesticides near homes are becoming stricter every year. any to spray pesticide Before starting, farmers must comply with many precautions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations:

the power of the wind

Every farmer should measure wind strength before starting to spread pesticides. To avoid spraying outside the sprayed area, the average wind speed should be less than 11 km/h. Beyond this, it is strongly recommended to postpone spraying at the risk of paying a fine. A few years ago a farmer was fined 10,000 euros for spreading pesticide near children's entertainment centres.

Retreat distances for field application

 

Since 2019 the French government has implemented a land minimum retreat distance between neighboring houses and agricultural land brought . The aim is to ensure a minimum safety distance before applying the plant protection product. In other words, the farmer must respect a minimum distance between the cultivated field and residents living near the propagation areas.

Additionally, the French Ministry of Agriculture announced that measures regarding the use of phytopharmaceutical products in the vineyard may come into force next July. To be continued….

Since July 2022, restrictions have been introduced in France to prevent the possession of plant protection products near cemeteries, sports fields and narrow or hard-to-reach areas. A commission may approve extending the deadline under certain conditions.

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are actively working. The data collected will change the previous regulation, allowing us to determine the compatibility of the use of plant protection products and residues with sustainable development. Water quality monitoring is also valuable for warning of contamination.

 

According to WHO, food, of contamination and remains a major source of exposure to pesticides. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the foods richest in pesticides: apples, cherries, strawberries, clementines, etc.

On the other hand, therefore purchasing fruits and vegetables from organic farming (EU labeled) reduces the risk of contamination. This method of agricultural production excludes the use of chemicals as much as possible and respects the environment: it protects the soil, water table and atmospheric pollution.

CBRN Protection

KBRN, Chemical , Biological , radiological And Nuclear risks It is a technical term that expresses . Emerging during the Cold War, CBRN protection represents the full range of military and civil defense measures and strategies to confront new types of dangers. These risks arose during World War II: atomic bombs, chemical warfare agents, etc. With the discovery of these new weapons, the term ABC (Atomic, Biological, Chemical) became CBN, then To CBRN transformed .

CBRN protection brings together all measures implemented to protect populations and military forces potentially exposed to CBRN risk and threats. These precautions include CBRN protection, including respiratory protection and skin protection clothing. Personal Protective Equipment , developed specifically for military forces.

Chemical protective clothing

Before choosing the appropriate Chemical Protective Clothing, it is necessary to determine which substances are present in the environment and which ones require protection. Chemical substances are diverse depending on the activity and application area. Troops and individuals who may encounter a CBRN threat or come into contact with these hazardous substances must be trained on each chemical and know its health effects.

Chemicals

Chemical agents, highly toxic liquid, gaseous or solid substances, are listed in two categories: industrial products and chemical weapons. There are various types of chemical agents that pose a CBRN (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical) risk.

First of all, if they are listed according to their effect types;

  • Organophosphorus neurotoxic: It is the most dangerous chemical weapon (e.g. sarin gas, discovered in Germany in 1939 and used during World War II). It penetrates the body through the skin or respiratory tract and causes nervous and vital system dysfunction up to death within minutes.
  • Vesicant liquid: It is an oily chemical substance that burns the skin. It becomes a gas when added to a solvent. It can cause blindness and cancer. It was first synthesized in 1822 and used as a poisonous war gas in Belgium during World War I.
  • Asphyxiating or suffocating gas: A volatile liquid that attacks the oral mucous membranes. Rarely used, we can find some in the form of chlorine or phosgene.
  • Hemotoxic: It is a chemical product that causes asphyxiation by preventing the passage of oxygen in the blood.

They are then classified according to their intended use:

  • Neutralizing chemical agents render ineffective upon exposure. They can be used to disperse the attack during a terrorist threat. In this case, we are talking about chemical weapons (commonly known as CBRN) used in a military context. Among other chemical agents, there are also industrial products that act differently on the body depending on their properties (respiratory toxicity due to chlorine, systemic toxicity due to cyanide).
  • The incapacitating agents thought to be used by terrorists cause temporary mental and physical problems that persist long after exposure.
  • Lethal agents trigger the death of the exposed person. It can be applied in military and terrorist operations.

Choosing the right chemical protective clothing

To choose the right chemical protective clothing, the degree of risk, duration of exposure and the chemical encountered need to be analyzed.

Chemical Protective Clothing, They are indispensable PPE for response teams that may come into contact with chemical vapors, biological aerosols, volatile and hazardous substances. For example, they allow avoiding contact with decontamination agents, contaminated materials, chemical or organic substances.

  • Type 4 chemical suits are the first level of protection. It is impermeable to aerosols but has little resistance to liquids. It is either designed to detect “suspicious dust” or is used as a substrate.
  • Type 3 clothing, called TLD (Light Decontamination Suit), is a disposable coverall. It is made of plastic, is very resistant to liquids and is waterproof. However, you should avoid wearing it for too long. The CHEM 3 garment is splash and liquid resistant and made from an innovative material that offers undeniable comfort.
  • Protective suit for permanent wear (T3P) has several layers, including a layer made of activated carbon. It has a filtering feature and is more comfortable.
  • Permanent protective clothing (S3P) is ideal for fighters who can quickly don it during action in a risky area. Provides 24-hour protection and includes composite jacket, hood and trousers
  • Type 1 chemical protection suit is a complete suit. Among these, the Dräger CPS 7900 and CPS 7800 suits provide optimum protection in extreme conditions. Their ergonomic design allows for compressed air breathing apparatus that can be inside or outside the suit. Clothing designed with an innovative material is resistant to solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals. It also provides effective protection against biological agents, toxic substances and CBRN risks.

respiratory protection

The CBRN mask is an integral part of the respiratory protection package. Manufacturers develop the device according to the guidelines and regulations governing the US NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) CBRN standard.

CBRN Classified Cartridges

The CBRN mask features universal thread (DIN40) to connect a wide range of 40mm filter cartridges in accordance with NATO and European Union guidelines (EN 148-1). As with any filtered respiratory protective equipment, the effectiveness of a CBRN mask depends on the CBRN filter.

The CBRN cartridge has three filters: The first is a separator that separates 98 percent of coarse dust; the second is a filter made of paper that retains particles of biological matter; The third level is the active carbon filter that prevents the remaining gases from leaking.

A CBRN filter, also called a civil protection filter or NATO filter, must be NIOSH certified. It provides protection against biological, radiological and nuclear agents in the air. In addition to this protection, CBRN filters are available across the entire range of ABEK combination filters. They can fit all standard full face masks. For example, a military gas mask will receive an A2B2E2K1-P3 filter for protection against organic and inorganic gases and vapors, acids, ammonia, organic derivatives, solid and liquid particles, and CBRN agents. Therefore, CBRN filters are suitable for the most challenging environments such as civil and military defense interventions.

CBRN Mask

A CBRN mask, more commonly known as a military gas mask, is a PPE designed to withstand chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards. This respiratory protective equipment is mainly for law enforcement and military.

This PPE, specifically CBRN masks dedicated to military and national civil security applications, is often developed specifically for a country (known as the Soviet gas mask or Israeli military mask). They are not usually commercially available.

The military gas mask provides a high level of protection against nuclear, chemical, radiological and biological factors. It is a full face mask that protects the respiratory tract (nose and mouth) and eyes for maximum safety. The CBRN mask is designed to offer its wearer comfort and the best protection during civil and military security applications. It has a wide field of view, black color to prevent glare and an ergonomic design that provides high performance.

NIOSH CBRN certified, this equipment must meet a number of technical requirements to guarantee its effectiveness: durability and performance of all elements, impact and temperature resistance, filtering, insulation, soundproofing performance, etc.

Independent Breathing Apparatus

It is essential to choose the SCBA that best suits the application area and the risks involved. Therefore, we can find devices specifically designed for decontamination or removal of hazardous substances. These are sturdy, comfortable and flexible so that the user feels comfortable in their movements. SCBAs are versatile, easily configurable and low maintenance.

In addition to SCBAs, some accessories are indispensable in equipment against CBRN risks:

  • CBRN gloves are important because hands are in direct contact with liquid, solid or gaseous chemical elements. Different materials depend on the chemical risks encountered:
    • Nitrile fights against oil and hydrocarbons, but also against bacteria and viruses. Therefore, nitrile gloves are suitable for the chemical, automotive and food industries.
    • Butyl protects against toxic or corrosive chemical splashes and gases. It is very durable and suitable for oil and chemical industries.
    • Cryogenic gloves are designed to protect against cold, such as liquid nitrogen projections.
  • Shoes are generally not waterproof enough to protect against CBRN risks. Therefore, it is necessary to provide boots or over-the-boot shoes that protect the feet from contact with splashes.

An individual CBRN protection kit is available in each country. All armed forces may have protective clothing, identification and detection equipment, and respiratory protection equipment that filters or isolates.

Nitrogenous Fertilizer

Azotlu Gübre

What is nitrogenous fertilizer?

Nitrogen (N2) is a chemical element that makes up the majority of the earth's atmosphere, making it an essential element for the growth of plants and vegetation. Although it is assimilated by plants in the form of nitrate (NO3), it may still be insufficient for their growth.

In order to get better efficiency, an additional dose of nitrogen should be given to the existing nitrogen dose in the soil.

This nitrogen addition can be accomplished in two different ways:

  • through an organic additive (manure, dung, etc.)
  • through mineral additive (fertilizers containing only one main nutrient such as nitrogen, potassium sulphate or phosphate)

Nitrogenous fertilizer is a mineral made from nitrogen already present in the atmosphere and introduced into the soil.

Nitrogenous fertilizers mainly consist of ammonia (NH3), which is obtained by combining nitrogen (NH3) in the air with hydrogen (H2).

Its role in the growth of plants:

Nitrogen makes up a large part of plants' DNA. In fact, this chemical element is found in all proteins, nucleic acids and various amino acids that make up plants.

If these plants experience color changes or a sudden slowdown in growth, this may be due to nitrogen deficiency, since nitrogen is actively involved in the development of plants and vegetation, especially in their outer parts. Therefore, it is nitrogen (e.g. chlorophyll) that gives them their greenery and leaves.

Below is a list of the main nitrogen fertilizers available:

  • Ammonium nitrate base
  • Ammonium nitrate + urea
  • Ammonium nitrate + urea + ammonium sulfate
  • Urea
  • anhydrous ammonia
  • Ammonium sulfate
  • calcium cyanamide
  • Chile soda nitrate
  • nitrate of lime
  • calcium nitrate

Risks associated with the use of nitrogen fertilizer

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers inevitably brings with it certain risks and dangers. These may include risks of exposure to toxic and chemical substances or explosive materials. They can also be considered a threat to biodiversity and ecology.

Chemical risks

Ammonium nitrate, the main component of nitrogen fertilizer, can be dangerous if you are exposed to it in high concentrations (accidents are still relatively rare in the professional farming industry). Effects that may be observed following high exposure to these chemicals may include eye, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation, cough and breathing difficulties. Tears, pain, vision problems, and other corneal irritations may also occur.

Explosion and fire risks of fertilizers

The same ingredient, ammonium nitrate, is “occasionally explosive,” even though its concentration must be very high to create an explosion. This can occur if ammonium nitrate and other ammonitrates are exposed to a high-energy input (explosive projectiles or flames).

In case of fire or explosion, as nitrogenous fertilizer decomposes, toxic gases (carbon monoxide – CO, carbon dioxide – CO2, ammonia – NH3 or nitrous oxide – NxOy) and some volatile organic compounds are released.

biological risks

In addition to chemical and explosion risks, nitrogenous fertilizers pose certain threats to the environment. Nitrogen residues from nitrogenous fertilizers are believed to be partly responsible for the spread of harmful seaweeds through the process of eutrophication, which causes degradation of surface waters. Decreasing soil fertility due to acidification of the soil is also one of the side effects of using nitrogenous fertilizers. Their use also contributes to global warming due to high nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions, thus increasing the greenhouse effect. It also participates in the hole in the ozone layer.

Nitrogenous fertilizers encourage pesticide use

Excessive consumption of synthetic fertilizer (nitrogenous fertilizer) can also have negative effects on agriculture itself.

Indeed, its use in very large quantities leads farmers to use high doses of pesticides. Essentially, the more nitrogen fertilizer used on crops, the more nitrates and amino acids are stored in the leaves and tissues of the plants. But the problem is that insects are very fond of these substances and therefore they begin to multiply. Moreover, knowing that these insects can cause serious damage to crops, farmers have no choice but to use enormous amounts of pesticides to neutralize these pests.

 

How can you protect yourself when using fertilizer?

Nitrogen fertilizer and other pesticides etc. in the agricultural sector. It is necessary to provide adequate protection when using chemical products such as Therefore, the phytosanitary treatment mask is the most effective solution.

Half masks with safety goggles or full face masks designed to provide optimal respiratory and eye protection are available. These masks should be used with A2-P3 respiratory protection cartridges (based on activated carbon). It is also recommended to wear a microporous work suit or a chemical work suit.

Standards and regulations regarding synthetic fertilizers

Like the majority of chemicals, nitrogen fertilizer is subject to strict standards and regulations. The main standard to be followed when producing or using synthetic fertilizers is NFU 42001 of December 1981 for organo-mineral fertilizers. According to this standard, certain marking information must be mandatory on the product (see amendment A10: 2009).

These marking elements may include:

  • title of fertilizer
  • fertilizer type
  • The person responsible for bringing the product to market
  • Net supplied mass
  • Guaranteed contents of fertilizing elements

Phytosanitary Treatment: Risks And Dangers

Why should we wear pesticide masks?

Dangers of phytosanitary products, agricultural chemicals and plant protection agents

Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers and other substances require special care. Those with psychoactive or natural compounds are often very dangerous to health. Every year, there are many cases of poisoning with serious consequences. Pesticides also cause skin allergies and respiratory system irritation (asthma, respiratory difficulties, etc.). Finally, repeated exposure to these plant protection products can lead to chronic poisoning with possible health consequences (cancer, child health, reproductive system disorders, etc.). This substance spraying, especially class 3 PPE use of ( personal protective equipment ) requires precautions. Masks, gloves, coveralls and respirators provide protection against the harmful effects of these products.

Basic respiratory protective mask

plant protection mask wearing it is essential for protecting your health when spraying and treating pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemical-based treatments. Farmers, workers and people involved in treatments, gasmask Must wear a filtered phytosanitary mask, also known as a phytosanitary mask. Half masks are among the best known and most widely used in the agricultural sector (for example, the 3M phytosanitary half mask). However, a full face mask also protects the face and eyes from dangerous splashes.

Whether as a weed killer mask or against insects or pesticides respiratory protection be used as appropriate for the products used. with filter cartridges must be used together.

Filter cartridge for pesticide respirators

Bi or mono cartridge , a plant protection mask an activated carbon based filter requires . The respiratory protection cartridge filters polluted ambient air, protecting the user from poisoning and adverse effects associated with the use of these elements. The choice of filter for plant protection masks depends on the type of substances to which people are exposed. Depending on the product composition, it will be necessary to use a device of type A2-P3 or AX-P3.

On the one hand, the dust, on the other organic gases and vapors Combined A2-P3 cartridges, which filter (boiling point above 65°C), are the most commonly used when spraying herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. The A2-P3 filter prevents farmers and workers from inhaling various toxic substances in the sprayed products. A2-P3 combination filters are available in bayonet and RD DIN40 universal versions.

Depending on the composition of the plant protection product, we can choose an AX-P3 combination cartridge. It provides protection against particles, dust, gases, vapors and organic compounds with boiling points below 65°C. AX-P3 filters for plant protection masks are available as RD DIN 40 universal thread cartridges.

The shipment includes a mask with suitable filters for quick installation.

Choose the appropriate plant protection mask

Before choosing the right product, it is vital to determine the risks involved, know if the mask fits well, get the right size and find out how it can be shipped. Choosing the right PPE will depend on the job at hand. Some are disposable or a reusable ffp filtering mask while others prefer a ventilated full-face helmet with visor. Offering a wide range of devices to meet the needs of various applications, the devices can be sold individually or in a kit. The latter include various accessories, such as goggles to protect the eyes from volatile dust or gloves for sensitive skin.

The price of the device is referenced according to the characteristics and toxicity of the process. Very common devices are often in stock, making it easy to find them in-store or have them shipped via express delivery.

The full range of personal protective equipment offers complete safety against pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Depending on the activity, gloves, PPE clothes , you will choose gowns, coveralls, goggles, reference masks and boots that meet the protection standards for products used in various industries.

Powered air purifying respirator for agricultural chemical processes

Long working hours and demanding jobs involving plant protection products require extra precautions. The ventilated plant protection mask is the ideal solution for such situations. Combined with suitable cartridges motorized air purifying respirator, Provides a constant flow of filtered air to the equipment. Therefore, there is no need for the breathing effort required by a conventional gas mask. The safety and comfort of the user of the ventilated plant protection mask is increased. For operations involving hazardous compounds, powered air purifying masks are recommended for operations exceeding several hours.

While FFP masks are delivered in batches (stock is often available in stores and priced much lower), powered air-purifying respirators are shipped individually. The former is disposable, while the latter is reusable.