THE HIDDEN FEATURES OF SAND IN MUTTOM

Field Project Report on “THE HIDDEN FEATURES OF SAND IN

MUTTOM” submitted to Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil
affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
Bachelor of Chemistry
Submitted by

Name of the students Register number

V.Aslin - 23083041801812016
M.Bershiya - 23083041801812017
R.Beulah - 23083041801812018
G.Darrel Gera - 23083041801812019
S.Devi - 23083041801812020

Under the guidance of

Dr.R.GLADIS LATHA
(M.Sc,M.Phil,B.Ed,Phd)

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), NAGERCOIL
Accredited with A+ Grade(CGPA 3.35 - IV Cycle) by NAAC
Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli

January, 2024
Dr.R.Gladis Latha,
M.Sc,M.Phil,B.Ed,Phd,
Department of Chemistry, Holy
Cross College (Autonomous),
Nagercoil - 629 004.

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the field project work entitled “THE HIDDEN
FEATURES OF SAND IN MUTTOM” submitted by V.Aslin, M.Bershiya,
R.Beulah, G.Darrel Gera, S.Devi, I B.Sc.Chemistry, Holy Cross College
(Autonomous) in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
Degree of Bachelor of Chemistry is a bonafide record of the work done by them
under my supervision and guidance.

Place: Nagercoil
Date: 29/01/2024

Head of the Department Supervisor

 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the field project work entitled “THE HIDDEN
FEATURES OF SAND IN MUTTOM” submitted by us for the degree of
Bachelor of Chemistry done under the guidance of Dr.R.Gladis Latha

(M.Sc,M.Phil,B.Ed,Phd), Department of Chemistry, Holy Cross College

(Autonomous), was entirely carried out by us and it has not been submitted for

the award of any other degree, diploma, associate-ship or fellowship of any

other University or Institution.

Place: Nagercoil Name and Signature of the Students

Date: 29/01/2024

V.Aslin
M. Bershiya
R. Beulah
S. Devi
G. Darrel Gera
 AKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I thank the almighty God for this wonderful grace for the
successful completion of the project work.

I sincerely acknowledge the untired endeavours of the secretary in-

charge Dr. Sr. M. Mary Gilda principal in-charge Dr. Sr. S. sahayaselvi in
providing required facilities in our college.

I deem it an honour to express my sicere gratidude to the head of the

department prof. Dr. M. Anitha Malbi for her timely advice and for her
valuable guidence.

I wish to express my sincere thanks and deep sense of gratidude to

Dr. R. Gladis Latha for her valuable help and good guidance throughout the
completion of this project.

Finally, I very much gracefullto my family members who helped me

directly for the successful complition of this project work.

Place: Nagercoil Name of the Students:

Date: 29/01/2024 V. Aslin
M. Bershiya
R. Beulah
S. Devi
G. Darrel Gera
 Introduction

Sand, a fundamental component of Earth ‘s landscape, has long been regarded

as a symbol of relaxation And leisure. However, recent attention has been
directed towards the potential health risks associated With prolonged exposure
to certain types of sand. While the granular nature of sand may seem Innocuous,
concerns arise when considering the presence of substances like silica or
asbestos in specific Sands . This report delves into the nuanced realm of health
risks linked to sand exposure, exploring Instances of associated health
problems, potential dangers posed by specific substances, and the Importance of
precautions and awareness. By examining these factors , we aim to provide
valuable Insights into safeguarding public health in environments where sand
may Harbor elements with the Potential to impact well – being .
Scope :
The scope of this report encompasses an in-depth analysis of health risks arising
from sand Exposure, with a focus on substances like silica or asbestos. It
extends to instances where sand -related Health problems have been reported,
predominantly in occupational settings , and explores the potential Dangers
posed by specific substances found in sand composition, including naturally
occurring radioactive Elements, adds a dimension to the scope, addressing
concern about radiation levels in certain Sandy Areas.
Objectives :
Identify Health Risks :
Examine the nature of health risks associated with sand exposure, emphasizing
the role Of substances like silica or asbestos in contributing to potential health
issues.
Consider Radiation levels :
Explore the presence of naturally occurring radioactive elements in sand,
assessing the Associated risks and variations in different geographical locations.
Promote Awareness : Advocate for increased public awareness regarding
potential hazards related to specific Types of sand, fostering a proactive
approach to health protection.
 About Muttom

Muttom is a village in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu India. It is well

known Beach with rocks and caves. The major occupation of people in Muttom
is fishing. Muttom Beach is famous for sunset point in the district. Muttom
beach sand along the coastal villages near Muttom could fetch foreign exchange
for India but contributes definitely to a little known fact that people in this
region are affected by deadly diseases such as cancer and mental retardation.
This beach boasts a distinctive combination of fine black and white sand. The
white sand is typical and the black sand is notable for its mineral-rich
composition. Beach sand contains all kind of microorganisms including those
that can harm human health. Before choosing a place to throw down the beach
towel or set up game it’s worth many bacteria hidden in the sand. Sand even
when dry can provide sufficient moisture just a few millimeters below the
surface. While ionization radiation it comes cancer problems experts have so far
failed to report unusually high rate of genetic aberrations among residents of the
area. Most sand is derived from quarried quartz rocks and contains crystalline
silica, a carcinogen. In addition to the cancer risk, the filmy substances that you
have noticed is finely powdered quartz, known as silica dust, which is a
dangerous toxin when inhaled. It has long been known that prolonged exposure
to silica dust can lead to cancer. Exposure of workers to respirable crystalline
silica is associated with elevated rates of lung cancer. Lung cancer in a cohort
mortality study of workers in the industrial sand industry
 Questions & answers

1. What percentage of potential health risks do you believe are associated with
prolonged exposure to certain types of sand?

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50% ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

2. Estimate the percentage of health hazard linked to the presence of silica in sand

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50 ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

3. What percentage of individuals do you think should take protective measures to

minimize potential health risks when exposed to sand?

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. C) 51-75% ✓ D) 76-100%

4. In what percentage of occupational settings do you believe people might be more

prone to health issues related to sand exposure?

A) 0-25%. ✓ B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

5. What percentage of the population do you think is aware that certain sands may
contain naturally occurring radioactive elements?

A) 0-25%. ✓ B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

6. Estimate the percentage of individuals who take precautions when spending time at
the beach to minimize potential health risks.

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

7. What percentage of people do you believe hold misconceptions regarding the

relationship between ordinary sand and health issues?
A) 0-25%. ✓ B)26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

8. Estimate the percentage of people who have researched or sought advice on how to
minimize potential health risks associated with sand exposure.

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

9. In your opinion, what percentage of the population believes there should be more
public awareness about the possible health hazards linked to certain types of sand?

✓ A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

10. What percentage of individuals do you think consider the composition of sand and
its potential impact on health when visiting beaches or sandy environments?

A) 0-25%. ✓ B) 26-50%. C) 51-75% D) 76-100%

11. Estimate the percentage of people who have encountered information or warnings
about the health hazards of inhaling sand particles.

A) 0-25%. ✓ B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

12. What percentage of the population is aware of studies or scientific information

discussing the correlation between sand exposure and health issues?

✓ A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

13. Estimate the percentage of people who believe that safety measures should be in
place to protect individuals from harmful substances present in sand.

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

14. What percentage of the population believes that governments or health
organizations should provide more information about the potential health hazards of
certain types of sand to the public?

A) 0-25%. ✓ B) 26-50%. C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

15. What percentage of confidence would you assign to your knowledge about
potential health hazards associated with sand exposure based on the information
provided in the previous questions?

A) 0-25%. B) 26-50%. ✓ C) 51-75%. D) 76-100%

Suggestion :

Beach sands accumulate contaminants and people can get exposed to these
Contaminants.so,precautions such as wearing shoes,using mask in dusty
Environments and good hygiene protect individual from such
contaminants.Sand aggregates should be done only after scientific assessment
and adopting Best practices to limit the impact on the environment.Practicing
good hygiene can Minimize potential health due to sand exposure.Reliable sand
collection methods that take in consideration that pathogen Contamination at
sandy beaches tends to be patchy.Safety measure like wearing Protective
mask,using proper ventilation in workplaces and conducting risk Assessments
are essential to protect individuals from harmful substances in sand.

Conclusion :

While sand itself may not be a direct health risk,the presence of substances like
Silica or asbestos in specific sands posses potential health hazards,especially in
Occupational settings.Taking preventive measures and raising awarness about
these Risks are crucial to minimize health related complications associated with
sand Exposur.
 Work Diary for Field Project

Name of the student & Register number: V. Aslin- 23083041801812016

M. Bershiya- 23083041801812017
R. Beulah- 23083041801812018
S. Devi- 230883041801812019
G. Darrel Gera- 23083041801812020
Class : I B.Sc.Chemistry
Semester : II

Title of the Field Project : The Hidden Features Of Sand In Muttom

Name of the Guide : Dr.R.Gladis Latha

S. No. Date Work Carried out Signature of
the student

1. 27-12-2023 Village visit

2. 28-12-2023 Village visit

3. 29-12-2023 Village visit

4. 30-12-2023 Report

5. 31-12-2023 Report

Seal & Signature of the HoD Signature of the Guide

Place: Nagercoil
Date: 29/01/2024