Unit 13: Small-Scale Industries & Community Hazards

Small-scale industries are vital to local economies, utilizing accessible raw materials and scientific principles to create valuable products.

• Soap Production: This is a chemical process called saponification. It involves heating a fat or oil (like palm oil) with a strong alkali (like sodium hydroxide). The alkali breaks down the ester linkages in the fat/oil to produce glycerol and the salt of the fatty acid, which is soap.
• Salt Making: This process relies on the physical principle of evaporation. Seawater, which is a solution of salt (NaCl) in water, is collected in shallow ponds. The sun's heat evaporates the water, leaving the solid salt crystals behind to be harvested.
• Palm Oil Production: This is a mechanical process. The fruit of the palm tree is pressed to extract the oil from the pulp. No chemical reaction is involved, just the physical separation of the oil from the fruit.

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their products for practical purposes. A key process in biotechnology is fermentation, where microorganisms like yeast or bacteria chemically convert substances like sugar into other products.

• Bread Making: Flour, water, sugar, and yeast are mixed. The yeast uses the sugar as food in anaerobic respiration (fermentation), producing ethanol and carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles of CO₂ get trapped in the dough, causing it to rise. The ethanol evaporates during baking.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Yeast is added to a source of sugar (like fruit juice or grains). The yeast ferments the sugar into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. To produce stronger spirits, this mixture is then distilled to increase the ethanol concentration.
• Yogurt Production: Specific types of bacteria (e.g., *Lactobacillus*) are added to milk. The bacteria ferment the lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid. The increase in acidity causes the milk proteins to denature and coagulate, thickening the milk to form yogurt.

Industrial environments can present numerous hazards that require careful management and safety protocols.

• Dust Particles: In mining and construction, fine dust can be inhaled, causing long-term lung damage and other respiratory illnesses. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks are essential.
• Toxic and Corrosive Chemicals: The chemical industry uses substances that can be poisonous if inhaled or ingested, or can cause severe burns on contact. Safe storage, handling procedures, clear warning labels, and PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coats) are crucial.
• Fire: The presence of flammable chemicals, high temperatures, and electrical equipment creates a significant fire risk. Fire prevention measures, proper training, and accessible fire extinguishers are necessary.
• Food Contamination: In food processing industries, strict hygiene is required to prevent contamination by microorganisms or chemicals. Production areas must be kept separate and clean.
• Radiation: Some industries use radiation for sterilization or analysis. Exposure must be strictly limited and monitored, and workers must use appropriate shielding.

Industrialization and population growth can also lead to hazards that affect the entire community.

• Traffic and Congestion: Increased industrial activity and population density lead to more vehicles on the road, causing congestion and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Pollution: Industrial emissions can pollute the air, while improper waste disposal can contaminate water and soil, posing health risks to residents.
• Waste Generation: Growing populations and industries produce large amounts of waste. Without adequate sanitation and waste management systems, this can lead to the spread of disease and environmental degradation.