Several industrial units using cancer-causing fuel: DPCC

Several industrial units in Delhi are using 'Carbon Black Feed Stock', a highly toxic and cancer-causing chemical, a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) investigation has found.
The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has submitted the findings to the Supreme Court, where it has also mentioned the rampant use of Furnace Oil (FO) and Pet Coke, banned since 1996, in Delhi.
The DPCC, which inspected 19 industrial units in March, found that Furnace Oil was being used in seven units. During the inspections, it also found that even CBFS - Carbon Black Feed Stock - was being used.
"It was noted that this fuel, which has a very high black carbon content, is highly polluting and also toxic as it contains high levels of Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons. This is clearly very dangerous and toxic and carcinogenic and its use must be stopped," the EPCA report said.

The EPCA, an SC-appointed body, has recommended that the ban on distribution, sale and use of furnace oil and pet coke be extended across the National Capital Region along with all other industrial fuels, which do not have specifications laid down by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).
In a separate investigation, undertaken by EPCA chairman Bhure Lal and member Sunita Narain, it was found that furnace oil was openly available in authorised industrial estates of Delhi.

"Tankers are freely roaming around in the industrial areas with large sales of FO and tire oil. On enquiry EPCA was told that these contained furnace oil that was sold by dealers in Punjabi Bagh.

"EPCA was also told by another dealer that any amount of FO could be made available from either Mathura or Panipat refinery or Jamnagar refinery," the report said, adding that one truck, bearing a sticker of Indian Oil, was also caught transporting tire oil.
"It was told by Indian Oil that action is being taken against the private oil tanker for using its logo while selling FO in Delhi. It has also issued a public notice to warn tanker owners that using its trademark or logo could invite criminal prosecution," it said.