CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE May 2012

Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) May 2012

ECO ART: Field of beams. Image source: www.inhabitat.com

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cellular phone in today’s society is like a vital organ in our body that if taken away would disrupt the normal operation of our daily lives.

This can be said about many other home electrical appliances that have become unavoidable appendages to our lives. If one of these appendages were to be taken away it would seem like you are paralysed, handicapped and inefficient.

The present day hustle and bustle world and hectic lifestyles have made time the most precious thing, and as such, these gadgets or appliances help us immensely to cut down on the time we spend on daily chores. Living without many of these appliances would lessen our physical energy, productivity and the

time spent enjoying our lives ("more electricity less work to do").

People have gotten so accustomed to the convenience of the appliances they use everyday that most couldn't imagine living without them. This is why home appliances industry is a popular, billion-dollar business. A microwave, a washing machine, a blender, a television, a radio, etc. cannot be separated from many people living in a civilized society. However, how much do we know about the health implications of using these appliances or gadgets? Are we creating more harm than good to our bodies

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with the radiation that is emitted from these necessary appliances? Is our dependence to our detriment? In this issue of the CEIS Petroleum Update we will seek to shed some light on radiation from household appliances.

What is Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)?

In any given day, there are very few moments when our bodies are not exposed to the frequencies emitted continued on page 2/ CONTACT US

Caribbean Energy Information System Scientific Research Council Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica 1-876-927-1779 (Telephone) 1-876-977-1840 (Fax) ceis@src-jamaica.org www.ceis-caribenergy.org

is a monthly Bulletin which highlights petroleum issues affecting or relevant to the Caribbean, international developments that may affect the region’s way of life and movements in oil prices and retail prices for fuel regionally.

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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

The Trade off - More Electrical Appliances, More Radiation...continued from page 1 from our electrical appliances. We often leave our appliances plugged in and still turned on even when they are not in use. Although the television or microwave may not be on, the electrical current is still flowing as the clock is still flashing the time and the on/off button is still glowing red or blue. All electric appliances emit electromagnetic radiation in low frequency and some also in high frequency (cordless phones, Wi-Fi router, laptop, microwave ovens). The electrical frequency or current which is emitted from your electrical appliances carries either a high level of radiation or low level of radiation, these are often called an EMF’s - Electromagnetic Field (emit a lower frequency radiation) OR EMR’s Electromagnetic Radiation (emit a high frequency radiation).

EMR is energy in waves travelling at the speed of light emitted from a source. This energy is both electrical and magnetic- the reason it is referred to as electromagnetic. Usually the Electromagnetic radiation from a source penetrates the surrounding area, creating an electromagnetic field (EMF). This EMF is strongest at the

source, and weakens with increasing distance until it becomes too small to measure.

Is it Harmful?

Penetration is a key issue when it comes to EMR health effects. It is important for us to know why these appliances emit electromagnetic radiation and we need to keep safe distance and to find ways to limit and to avoid unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Some important properties of electromagnetic radiation are Frequency (tells us how fast the wave oscillates in cycles per second), Wavelength (the distance between two successive wave crests the higher the frequency the shorter the wave length) and Intensity (the amount of electrical and magnetic energy radiating from its source, the distance from that source and the extent to which the radiation has been absorbed or blocked/shielded).

magnetic radiation in low frequencies drops as you move away from the source. In electric appliances, there are many wires, electronic components, electronic board and power converters.

When a device is turned on, and in some cases even when turned off, those components and wires emit electromagnetic radiation in the frequency of the electric network (50Hz or 60Hz).

Therefore the location of the home appliances in the house is very important. If located wrongly people living in the house can be exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation which can be harmful. Table 1 below shows the types of radiation and the frequency range in which they fall.

Table 1 - Types of Radiation

Excessive or intense exposure to any type of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful - for example, visible light is not harmful, but if intense enough can blind you (if exposed to your eyes) or can even burn your skin.

Why do electric appliances emit EMR? Electromagnetic field is created around every electric conductor (a metallic wire for example) when an electric current is running through it. The higher the current the higher the EMR will be.

It is important to remember that low frequency radiation passes easily through walls. The levels of electro-

SOURCE: http://www.emwatch.com)

A few Appliances that increases the risk of electromagnetic radiation Computers/CRT Monitors/ Television Screens - Intending to save office space, many businesses and continued on page 3/

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Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779

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The Trade off - More Electrical Appliances, More Radiation...continued from page 2/ offices place computer tables against each other, back to back, which means the computer screens are also placed back to back. This situation exposes users of the computer to a high level of electromagnetic radiation from the rear and sides of the screen and more so if the screen is a Cathode Ray Tube CRT. Safety distance from a 29" CRT TVs is at least 2 meters from all sides. A safety distance from a 19" CRT/LED// LCD/PLASMA screen should be at least half a meter in any direction..

Microwave Oven – This can be found in almost every kitchen in the modern world and like most electrical appliances, emits low frequency electromagnetic radiation in the electrical network’s frequency. When a microwave oven is on, part of the radiation goes through the protection shield-filter in the microwave oven door, and spread into the room.

Although the radiation that escapes from the oven is relatively small, it is definitely not recommended to look into the oven for several seconds as this could cause possible damage to the eye protein. Staying in the kitchen when the microwave oven is on increases the risk of harm from

radiation. It is recommended to unplug microwaves when not in use and take into account the microwave oven, low and high frequency and EMR emission when deciding on placement in the house (should not be placed near people).

 Do you leave the power switched on

Research has shown that the highest radiation readings are taken from microwaves when plugged into the wall but not in use. Fluorescent and halogen lighting, power boxes, older style radio clocks, over head fans and dimmer switches also have high EMR readings.

close range of your body e.g. handbag or clipped onto your belt? (Cell phones transmit frequencies periodically unless turned off.)

Think on these things As we go about our daily lives there are things we could consider in an effort to reduce the impact the electromagnetic radiation from appliances has on our bodies. Some of these include:  How often do you sit, sleep or stand

near electrical items for lengthy periods of time?  How many electrical items are in the

room where you sleep?  Walls do not stop electromagnetic

frequencies.

even though you are not using the electrical item?  Do you have a Television in your

bedroom and does it have a CRT monitor?  Is your mobile phone always within

 What is on the other side of the wall

where your head is positioned when sleeping?

While we may not have a choice with the radiation frequencies we are exposed to outside our home, we certainly can make a difference in our own home. If your bed is sharing the wall that connects to your outside power box, move it; turn off all switches when the electrical item is not being used; reduce the amount of electric appliances in your bedroom; keep cellular phones off your body and reduce use as much as possible; use laptop with batteries and if you can do without a microwave get rid of it.

In conclusion, the reality is, appliances are a necessary part of lives and will continue to be a part of our future.

Any excessive or intense exposure to any type of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful. Although a visible light is not harmful, if intense enough can blind you if exposed to your eyes or can even burn your skin. Either way, radiation is radiation and we can greatly aid the health of our families by limiting close exposure for lengthy periods of time to high radiation frequencies from our electrical possessions.

Electromagnetic Radiation Frequency Range. Image source: www.osha.gov/SLT

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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

CARIB PETROLEUM NEWS & HAPPENINGS BAHAMAS

JAMAICA

Oil drilling company expects to start work in Bahamas by end of next year >> 29/05/2012

JPS Opens Homework Centre in Western Jamaica >> 31/05/2012

Bahamas government suspends oil drilling licence >> 04/05/2012

Impact of New GCT Policy on Electricity Services >> 31/05/2012

Bahamas government rejects oil drilling licences

GCT on electricity will cause business failure >> 30/05/2012

>> 03/05/2012

No one benefits from high energy costs, says JPS head >> 23/05/2012 Still no buyer for Petcom >> 18/05/2012

GRAND CAYMAN

PETROJAM projects slight dip in petrol prices >> 15/05/2012

Robbers hit GT gas station >> 31/05/2012

'Ecodriving saves fuel >> 04/05/2012

CUBA ST LUCIA

Exploratory oil well off Cuba comes up dry >> 20/05/2012

US oil company taking St Lucia to arbitration >> 02/05/2012

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BP to explore in T&T >> 16/05/2012

INTERNATIONAL Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership Releases 20th Anniversary Activity Report >> 31/05/2012 Golden age for natural gas >> 30/05/2011 Nigeria loses 180,000 barrels of oil daily to theft >>25/05/2012 Oil prices hold at lows >> 23/05/2012 Oil hits lowest level in 2012 >> 15/05/2012 ď‚Ą

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Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779

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REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE AVERAGE PRICES AT THE PUMP May 2012 Retail prices for Regular Unleaded Gasoline in the sixteen Caribbean countries reviewed at the end of May 2012 remained relatively stable in four countries. Decreases were seen in Jamaica (3.7%) and St Kitts/Nevis (0.8%) while all other countries showed increases raging between 0.7% and 6.4% more per litre when prices in May 2012 were compared to the previous month.. Although for the month of May Crude Prices had declined, retail prices were not indicative of the declines seen. ď‚Ą

Regular Unleaded Gasoline Average Retail Price (US$/Litre) 2012 JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

5 Mths AVG 1.23

BAHAMAS [91 OCT] BARBADOS BELIZE [87 OCT] B.V.I [87 OCT] DOMINICA GRENADA (95 OCT) GUYANA JAMAICA 87 Octane[E10] MONTSERRAT ST. KITTS/ NEVIS ST. LUCIA ST. VINCENT/ GRENADINES SURINAME [95 OCT] TRINIDAD/ TOBAGO [92 OCT] TURKS/ CAICOS

1.33 1.55 1.41 1.26 1.12 1.23 1.11 1.23 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.19 1.40 0.42 1.58

1.35 1.59 1.45 1.27 1.14 1.28 1.08 1.30 1.21 1.19 1.22 1.16 1.43 0.42 1.58

1.44 1.66 1.51 1.29 1.19 1.36 1.09 1.32 1.29 1.32 1.22 1.13 1.49 0.42 1.61

1.46 1.72 1.54 1.29 1.25 1.42 1.09 1.37 1.39 1.29 1.24 1.17 1.52 0.42 1.70

1.47 1.77 1.55 1.29 1.30 1.42 1.16 1.32 1.41 1.28 1.25 1.21 1.54 0.42 1.78

1.41 1.66 1.49 1.28 1.20 1.34 1.11 1.31 1.30 1.26 1.23 1.17 1.48 0.42 1.65

COUNTRIES

NOTE: *US Gallon = 3.785 L *Imperial Gallon = 4.546 L *As at November 1, 2009 MTBE was phased out from all gasoline blends in Jamaica and replaced with 10% Ethanol.

Comparative Retail Pump Prices Regular Unleaded Gasoline

CHART:

MAY Avg vs 5 Mths Avg (Jan - May 2012)

US$/Litre

2.00 1.80

MAY

1.60

AVG

1.40

1.20 1.00

0.80 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.00

16 Caribbean Countries

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Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012

Average Weekly & Monthly Crude Oil Prices (March May 2012)

120.0

107.5

US$/BBL US$/BBL

110.0

103.8

100.0

97.0

90.0

80.0 70.0 60.0

Mar-12

Apr-12

May-12

50.0

WK 1 Over the period March to May 2012 there was a marked reduction in the price for International Crude Oil. Starting out at US$107.5/BBL in the first week of March it was pleasing to Caribbean consumers to see prices at US$87.10/BBL during the fourth week of May 2012. This reflected a 23.5% reduction in prices over the three months. Mar—May. The highest price seen during the month of May was during the first week when prices were seen at US$97/BBL. Throughout the month of May prices remained below the US$100/BBL mark. 

WK 2

WK 3 Period

WK 4

Mth Avg

Average Monthly World Crude Oil Prices (2009 - 2011) 109.61

108

US$/BBL

98

88.14

88 78

76.19

68

58 48

2009

2010

2011

38

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Jan

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Period

Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) primary report of historical annual petroleum energy statistics provided for 18 Caribbean Countries.

Included are data on total energy production, consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, electricity, as well as financial and environmental indicators for over twenty years.

Yr Avg

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