Name: OCHAPA, Sunday Onazi

Matric No: 17/30Gm047

CHE544

Answer To Question one

Fatal 2020 Explosion at Optima Belle Facility in Belle, West Virgina

The explosion occurred at roughly 10 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2020, while Optima Belle was drying out a
chlorinated isocyanurate compound on behalf of Clearon. The blast killed John Gillenwater, 42, of
Hurricane. Two other Optima Belle employees were evaluated for respiratory irritation and one
Kanawha County resident reported a minor leg injury, according to the CSB.

The compound underwent an unanticipated decomposition reaction, emitting gases that increased the
dryer internal pressure above its design pressure before the dryer exploded.

Clearon’s and Optima Belle’s failure to follow industry guidance included not evaluating the technology
change from an atmospheric fluidized bed dryer to a pressure-rated rotary dryer and insufficient mutual
involvement in the process hazard analysis, the report found.

Neither sodium dichloroisocyanurate nor sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate are covered under the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Rule, which provides a list of regulated substances
under the Clean Air Act. Neither substance is covered under the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration’s Process Safety Management standard containing requirements for managing hazards
linked to processes using highly hazardous chemicals.

Answer To Question Two

2A. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases found in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to
the natural greenhouse effect which maintains the planet's temperature and supports life. However,
human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain industrial processes have
significantly increased the levels of these gases, intensifying the greenhouse effect and causing global
warming.

The primary greenhouse gases are as follows:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, primarily released through activities
such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), deforestation, and specific industrial processes.
Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transportation of coal, oil, and natural
gas. It also comes from sources like livestock and other agricultural practices, as well as the
decomposition of organic waste in landfills.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is produced through agricultural and industrial activities, as well as
the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.

Fluorinated Gases: This category includes synthetic gases used in industrial processes, like
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). They find
applications in refrigeration, air conditioning, and electrical equipment.

These greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, forming a layer that acts like a blanket, trapping
heat from the Sun and preventing it from escaping back into space. Consequently, global temperatures
gradually rise, resulting in climate change and its various impacts such as rising sea levels, altered
weather patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems.

To address these challenges, global efforts are underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
mitigate the effects of climate change. These include transitioning to renewable energy sources,
improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting the conservation
of forests

2B. Effects
Greenhouse Gases' Environmental Impact

Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in shaping Earth's climate. While some greenhouse gases occur
naturally, human activities have significantly increased their concentrations in the atmosphere, leading
to several environmental effects. Here are the key impacts of greenhouse gases on the environment:

Global Warming: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
and fluorinated gases, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse
effect, is essential for maintaining a habitable temperature on our planet. However, the excessive
release of greenhouse gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has enhanced the
greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming. This rise in average global temperatures has far-reaching
consequences.

Climate Change: The increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are a leading cause of climate
change. Rising temperatures disrupt weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves,
droughts, floods, and storms. Climate change also affects ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and
human health. It poses significant risks to vulnerable communities, biodiversity, and the overall stability
of our planet's ecosystems.
Sea Level Rise: As global temperatures increase, glaciers and ice caps melt, contributing to rising sea
levels. Thermal expansion, caused by the warming of ocean waters, also plays a role. Rising sea levels
pose a threat to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. It increases the risk of coastal
erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, impacting both human and natural
systems.

Ocean Acidification: Excess carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans leads to ocean acidification. When
CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the water. This change in the
ocean's chemistry has detrimental effects on marine life, especially shell-forming organisms like coral
reefs, oysters, and certain planktonic species. Ocean acidification can disrupt the food chain, impact
biodiversity, and damage marine ecosystems.

Extreme Weather Events: The alteration of climate patterns due to greenhouse gas emissions
contributes to an increase in extreme weather events. Heatwaves, hurricanes, cyclones, and heavy
rainfall events become more frequent and intense, leading to significant socio-economic impacts. These
events can result in property damage, loss of life, displacement of communities, and disruptions to
agriculture, infrastructure, and economies.

Ecosystem Disruption: Climate change caused by greenhouse gases affects ecosystems globally. Shifts in
temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt habitats, alter species' ranges, and affect the timing
of biological events such as migration, flowering, and breeding. These changes can lead to imbalances in
ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and potential extinction risks for vulnerable species.

2C.

Two sources of greenhouse gases are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Burning of Fossil Fuels:

The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and transportation is a
significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2). To mitigate these
emissions, several measures can be taken:

Transition to Renewable Energy: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind,
hydro, and geothermal power can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in clean energy
infrastructure and promoting renewable energy technologies is crucial.

Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation can
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through measures such as better
insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Implementing CCS technologies can capture CO2 emissions from
power plants and industrial facilities. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground or used for
other purposes, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.

Deforestation:

Deforestation, particularly in tropical regions, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through the
release of carbon stored in trees and the disruption of natural carbon sinks. To mitigate deforestation-
related emissions, the following actions can be taken:

Forest Conservation and Restoration: Protecting existing forests and restoring degraded areas can help
mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts, such as establishing protected areas and
implementing sustainable land management practices, are crucial to preserving forest ecosystems.

Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees on deforested or degraded lands, as well as establishing
new forests on previously unforested areas, can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Large-scale reforestation and afforestation initiatives are essential for mitigating emissions and restoring
carbon sinks.

Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and

It's important to note that these are just a few examples of mitigation measures for these sources of
greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing climate change requires a combination of strategies across
various sectors, including energy, transportation, land use, and policy development, to achieve
significant and lasting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer To Question Three

1. Transition to Clean Energy:

One of the most effective ways to reduce environmental pollution is to transition from fossil fuels to
clean and renewable energy sources. This includes investing in solar, wind, hydroelectric, and
geothermal power. Clean energy technologies produce little to no air or water pollution and significantly
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change. Governments and individuals can support
this transition by providing incentives for renewable energy adoption and promoting energy-efficient
practices.
2. Promote Sustainable Transportation:

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, particularly air

Encouraging public transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems, including
buses, trains, and trams, can reduce the number of cars on the road, thus lowering air pollution and
congestion.

Supporting electric vehicles (EVs): Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce
tailpipe emissions. Governments can provide incentives such as tax credits, subsidies, and the
development of charging infrastructure to make EVs more accessible and attractive to consumers.

Encouraging active transportation: Encouraging walking, cycling, and other forms of active
transportation can reduce reliance on motorized vehicles for short-distance travel, reducing pollution
and improving public health.

3. Implement Sustainable Waste Management:

Improper waste management contributes to pollution of land, water, and air. To address this issue, it is
crucial to implement sustainable waste management practices, such as:

Recycling and composting: Promoting recycling programs and composting organic waste can significantly
reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators. Recycling reduces the need for raw material
extraction, saving energy and reducing pollution associated with resource extraction and manufacturing.

Waste reduction and reuse: Encouraging the use of reusable products and reducing packaging waste can
help minimize the overall volume of waste generated. This approach reduces the energy and resources
required for manufacturing new products.

Proper disposal and treatment: Ensuring that hazardous waste, electronic waste, and other harmful
materials are properly disposed of and treated prevents their release into the environment.

4. Foster Sustainable Consumption and Production:

Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns can help minimize environmental
pollution. Some strategies include:

Sustainable agriculture: Encouraging sustainable farming practices that minimize the use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides reduces water and air pollution. Supporting organic farming and regenerative
agriculture techniques can also enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Circular economy: Transitioning from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy can
minimize waste generation. This involves designing products for durability, repairability, and
recyclability, as well as promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.

Eco-friendly manufacturing: Encouraging industries to adopt cleaner production processes, such as using
energy-efficient technologies and reducing emissions and waste, can significantly reduce pollution.

These strategies, along with policies and individual actions, can contribute to the reduction of
environmental pollution and create a more sustainable future.