Latest news with #Classification
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Could household cleaning products end up dirtying indoor air?
Analysis: When we clean, the goal is to remove dirt and germs, but in the process, we often introduce harmful chemicals into the air Household cleaning products are among the most widely used consumer goods, found in nearly every home. Their use, along with disinfectants, saw a marked rise during the pandemic. As early as 3000 BCE, ancient Egyptians used soda as a detergent, and Romans employed urine (which contains ammonia) for textile cleaning. While using chemicals for cleaning is not new, today's widespread use of these products, containing of a wide range of synthetic compounds has introduced new risks. Regulations like the 2008 Classification, Labelling, and Packaging regulation in the EU have aimed to improve safety. However, more awareness and action are needed to protect public health. When we clean, the goal is to remove dirt and germs. But in the process, we often introduce harmful chemicals into the air. Cleaning products, including disinfectants, frequently contain surfactants, acids, bases, and synthetic fragrances. Historically, some formulations included concerning substances like chloroform and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and cyclosiloxanes, though EU regulations have significantly restricted these substances in consumer products to concentrations below 0.1%. Awareness however is warranted since there may be risks associated with cumulative accumulation of some of these chemical. When applied to surfaces, these products gradually emit volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs, SVOCs). These emissions can also trigger the formation of fine particulate matter by reacting with other chemicals in indoor air. The result is a mix of pollutants that lingers in the air, long after cleaning is done. For example, spraying cleaning products can release fine particles and gases directly into the air. While larger particles settle quickly on to surfaces, contributing to emissions from surfaces, the smaller particles remain suspended and can be inhaled. Regular use of spray based cleaning products is considered a greater risk than other types of cleaning products, leading to higher frequency of respiratory symptoms. Even "green" or "natural" products, often marketed as safer alternatives, can emit harmful chemicals. Essential-oil-based cleaners, for instance, contain terpenes, like limonene. Limonene is a common fragrance ingredient and one of the most abundant indoor pollutants. We associate it with that fresh lime or lemon smell. Limonene use must comply with allergen labelling requirements in the EU. Limonene reacts with ozone in the air to form formaldehyde and other secondary pollutants. The concentrations of the pollutants thus reached may reduce at a very slow pace, depending on the ventilation in homes. These reactions can also lead to the creation of particulate matter and photochemical smog indoors, further degrading air quality. Studies have found that cleaning in the afternoon, when outdoor ozone levels are higher, can worsen this effect, with pollutant concentrations remaining elevated for hours. The health implications of exposure to cleaning products are well-documented. Professional cleaners endure a lot higher exposure due to their occupation. This has been linked to increased risks of asthma, rhinitis, and respiratory symptoms. At home, even though the exposure is lesser, regular use of cleaning products have been associated with asthma onset and asthma-like symptoms. Skin contact with cleaning agents can cause irritation, especially when protective clothing is not used. For home scenarios, a 90-minute cleaning session, once a week, may not raise a concern about chronic exposure. During the cleaning, there can be risks related to acute exposures, even to some trace elements in the products or due to secondary formation of chemicals. The first symptoms are often irritation of the respiratory tract (nose and throat) and eyes. From RTÉ Radio 1's The Ray D'Arcy Show, Laura de Barra's guide to deep cleaning your kitchen Children are particularly vulnerable. Exposure to cleaning products has been known to affect lung function, cause airway obstruction, and trigger inflammation in children. Spray cleaners, in particular, can be especially harmful due to their ability to disperse fine particles and chemicals in a form that can be breathed deep into the respiratory system. While "green" cleaning products are often marketed as safer, research shows that they are not always free from harmful emissions. However, fragrance-free products tend to emit fewer VOCs compared to conventional cleaning products. Improving indoor air quality requires not only better product formulations but also increased public awareness. Clear labeling, education on safe cleaning practices, and stricter regulations on hazardous substances can all help. By making informed choices and adopting safer cleaning habits, we can reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and create healthier indoor environments for ourselves and our families. Here are some specific, practical steps to follow: Read Labels: Look for products with clear ingredient lists and avoid those containing essential oils, phthalates and formaldehyde. Choose: Prefer fragrance-free or low-VOC cleaning products and not just "natural" products. At home, you can also choose ready-to-use products instead of ones that need to be diluted before every use. Avoid Sprays: Use liquid or wipe-based cleaners instead of sprays to minimise inhalation risks. Protection: Wear gloves while cleaning and use appropriate respiratory protection. The latter is especially important for professionals. Ventilate: Open windows and/or doors, use exhaust fans during and after cleaning to dilute the indoor pollutants. Timing Matters: Where possible, clean when the space is not occupied and finish several hours beforehand to allow the pollutants to dissipate. For schools and offices, this could mean cleaning after hours. At home, clean in the morning when outdoor ozone levels are lower to reduce the formation of secondary pollutants.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Wall collapse: government suspends Executive Officer of Simhachalam temple
The Government of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday placed K. Subba Rao, Deputy Collector, working as Executive Officer of the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam at Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam, under suspension on the basis of the inquiry commission's preliminary report, holding him accountable for the wall collapse during Chandanotsavam in the early hours of April 30. A G.O. (RT No. 406) to that effect was issued by G. Jayalakshmi, Special Chief Secretary (Revenue - Vigilance). It was stated that the inquiry commission informed the government that as Executive Officer, Mr. Subba Rao was responsible for all arrangements in the temple and that the temporary wall had been constructed as per his directions. Mr. Subba Rao failed to ensure that the work was supervised by the engineers properly and as per the designs, and if all safety measures were taken or not. He was, therefore, liable for disciplinary action for gross negligence and dereliction of duty, the G.O. said. Accordingly, the government ordered Mr. Subba Rao's suspension in exercise of the powers conferred by Rule 8 of the A.P. Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules of 1991. Seven persons had been killed as the wall caved in on the unsuspecting devotees when they were waiting to have darshan on the auspicious occasion of Chandanotsavam due to incessant rains that lashed overnight in the area.
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Suspends Changes to Academic Qualifications and Job Titles for Expat Workers
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: In a significant policy move aimed at streamlining labor market operations and enhancing transparency in employment practices, Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has announced a temporary suspension on modifying academic qualifications and professional titles for expatriate workers. This moratorium applies specifically to those who have entered the country on work permits or have been transferred from other sectors to the private sector. This decision is part of a broader effort to regulate employment procedures, prevent abuse of job classification systems, and ensure fair and accurate alignment between a worker's educational background and occupational role. The announcement follows the issuance of Ministerial Circular No. (1) of 2025, signed by the Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior, which outlines new directives to promote specialization and prevent mismatches between qualifications and job functions. Key Provisions of the Circular: 1. Suspension on Qualification and Profession Changes: The circular specifically halts the processing of requests to modify academic degrees or change job titles for expatriate workers in the following cases: When such changes involve upgrading to a higher academic qualification that does not correspond to the profession under which the worker originally entered the country.n When the new qualification or title is inconsistent with the nature of the existing job role, especially in cases where the worker has been transferred from another employment sector (such as government or domestic labor) into the private sector.n This means that foreign workers cannot upgrade their declared qualifications or request a change in their job titles if the proposed changes imply a significant shift in professional category that contradicts the basis of their initial work permit or visa. 2. Creation of a Unified Job Classification Guide: To improve clarity and ensure uniformity in job roles across sectors, the circular tasks the Public Authority for Manpower with the development of a Unified Kuwaiti Guide for Job Descriptions and Classifications. This guide will serve as an official reference for: Defining professional categoriesn Setting qualification standardsn Supporting regulatory enforcement in hiring and visa issuancen Implementing this guide aims to prevent fraud, protect workers' rights, and assist employers in adhering to legally defined job roles and titles. 3. Immediate Enforcement: The circular stipulates that the new provisions are to be enforced immediately from the date of issuance. All relevant government departments, labor offices, and employers are instructed to comply fully with the new regulations and cease processing any conflicting requests related to qualification or job title changes until further notice. Implications for Expatriate Workers and Employers: This suspension may impact expatriate professionals seeking to regularize or enhance their employment status through updated educational credentials or revised job titles. Workers and employers are advised to: Ensure that work permits are aligned with actual job duties and qualifications from the startn Avoid submitting qualification upgrade requests until the moratorium is liftedn The decision underscores Kuwait's commitment to maintaining a disciplined and transparent labor market that prioritizes qualifications-based job placements and legal consistency.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Promotions of NMC Engineers Stalled
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is yet to promote 10 deputy engineers and 35 junior engineers, more than four months after receiving approval from the state government. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The prolonged delay has triggered widespread resentment among the affected staff and further exposed the civic body's administrative inefficiency. On December 16, 2024, the state government issued a resolution endorsing NMC commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari's proposal to promote engineers under the unified cadre structure comprising 17,981 posts, approved by the urban development department in May 2023. The promotions were sanctioned in accordance with the Nagpur City Municipal Corporation Service (Entry and Classification of Services) Rules, 2023. The civic administration completed all required formalities, and the promotion scrutiny committee, chaired by the commissioner, shortlisted eligible candidates on September 24, 2024. Administrative resolutions were issued on October 7, approving temporary promotions—subject to final orders—for various key positions, including executive engineers, deputy engineers, deputy commissioner, and secondary education officer. However, the actual promotion orders remain unsigned. This prolonged inaction has left the selected employees demoralised, with many pointing out that hundreds of civic workers retired without receiving a single promotion during their entire careers. The delay is not only affecting staff morale but also hampering civic operations. The positions of executive and deputy engineers are critical in any municipal setup. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Executive engineers propose new civic works, while deputy engineers oversee their execution. With key posts lying vacant, existing officials are overloaded, making it difficult to maintain accountability for delays or substandard work. Sources within the civic body attribute the delay to internal procedural bottlenecks. However, a senior official from the General Administration Department claimed that efforts are underway to clear the backlog and issue promotion orders soon. With no clear timeline in sight, frustration among the staff is mounting. Several affected employees have indicated that they may launch protests or escalate the matter to the state government if the civic body continues to delay action.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
DEO suspended for absence from public hearings
Indore: Indore district education officer (DEO) was suspended on Tuesday for being absent from public hearings without prior intimation. Collector Asheesh Singh said he had explicitly directed all the officials to compulsorily mark their presence at the public hearings. "Adminsitrative officials must listen to grievances of applicants with seriousness and ensure their swift resolution in the public hearings," he said. Despite the instructions, DEO Sushma Vaishya , was absent in the public hearing without authorisation, the collector said. Taking serious note of this, he wrote to divisional commissioner Deepak Singh, recommending the suspension of the official. Acting swiftly on the proposal, the divisional commissioner released the suspension order for Vaishya. "As per the Indore collector's report, the DEO was absent from the public hearing on Tuesday. Despite instructing her in the past, she was also absent from many meetings and public hearings, which was creating unrest among people appearing in the public hearing with their complaints. The same is spoiling the image of the govt and administration," the order reads. Thus DEO was suspended under section 9 of the MP Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules 1966. Following the suspension of Vaishya, Indore zila panchayat CEO Siddhartha Jain assigned additional charge of DEO to joint collector (SDM) Vijay Mandloi. In less than one year, it is the third official to be removed from the DEO post for different reasons. Earlier, DEO Manglesh Vyas was suspended due to a departmental inquiry into a case of financial fraud, while Pooja Saxena was replaced by Vaishya over a court order.
