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CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE 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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Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)
May 2012
A 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 imag-
ine living without them. This is why
home appliances industry is a popular,
billion-dollar business. A microwave,
a washing machine, a blender, a televi-
sion, 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
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
CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE 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.
To access CEIS website
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
continued on page 2/
ECO ART: Field of beams. Image source: www.inhabitat.com
page 2 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012
C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )
continued on page 3/
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 electri-
cal 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 electromag-
netic radiation in low frequency and
some also in high frequency (cordless
phones, Wi-Fi router, laptop, micro-
wave 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).
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 cur-
rent 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-
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 electro-
magnetic radiation in the frequency of
the electric network (50Hz or 60Hz).
Therefore the location of the home
appliances in the house is very impor-
tant. 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.
A few Appliances that increases the
risk of electromagnetic radiation
C o m p u t e r s / C R T M o n i t o r s /
Television Screens - Intending to save
office space, many businesses and
Table 1 - Types of Radiation
SOURCE: http://www.emwatch.com)
Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 3
C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )
The Trade off - More Electrical Appliances, More Radiation...continued from page 2/
Electromagnetic Radiation Frequency Range. Image source: www.osha.gov/SLT
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 electri-
cal 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).
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.
Think on these things
As we go about our daily lives there
are things we could consider in an ef-
fort to reduce the impact the electro-
magnetic 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.
Do you leave the power switched on
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
close range of your body e.g. hand-
bag or clipped onto your belt? (Cell
phones transmit frequencies peri-
odically unless turned off.)
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 elec-
tric 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 pe-
riods of time to high radiation frequen-
cies from our electrical possessions.
page 4 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012
C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )
CC A R I BA R I B PP E T R O L E U ME T R O L E U M NN E W SE W S & H& H A P P E N I N G SA P P E N I N G S
BAHAMAS
Oil drilling company expects to start work in Baha-
mas by end of next year >> 29/05/2012
Bahamas government suspends oil drilling licence
>> 04/05/2012
Bahamas government rejects oil drilling licences
>> 03/05/2012
GRAND CAYMAN
Robbers hit GT gas station >> 31/05/2012
CUBA
Exploratory oil well off Cuba comes up dry >>
20/05/2012
JAMAICA
JPS Opens Homework Centre in Western Jamaica
>> 31/05/2012
Impact of New GCT Policy on Electricity Services >>
31/05/2012
GCT on electricity will cause business failure >>
30/05/2012
No one benefits from high energy costs, says JPS
head >> 23/05/2012
Still no buyer for Petcom >> 18/05/2012
PETROJAM projects slight dip in petrol prices >>
15/05/2012
'Ecodriving saves fuel >> 04/05/2012
ST LUCIA
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
Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 5
C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )
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 coun-
tries showed increases raging between 0.7% and 6.4% more per litre when prices in May 2012 were compared to the previ-
ous month.. Although for the month of May Crude Prices had declined, retail prices were not indicative of the declines seen.
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.
CHART:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline Average Retail Price (US$/Litre) 2012
COUNTRIES J A N F E B M A R 5 Mths AVG APR MAY
ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23
BAHAMAS [91 OCT] 1.33 1.35 1.44 1.41 1.46 1.47
BARBADOS 1.55 1.59 1.66 1.66 1.72 1.77
BELIZE [87 OCT] 1.41 1.45 1.51 1.49 1.54 1.55
B.V.I [87 OCT] 1.26 1.27 1.29 1.28 1.29 1.29
DOMINICA 1.12 1.14 1.19 1.20 1.25 1.30
GRENADA (95 OCT) 1.23 1.28 1.36 1.34 1.42 1.42
GUYANA 1.11 1.08 1.09 1.11 1.09 1.16
JAMAICA 87 Octane[E10] 1.23 1.30 1.32 1.31 1.37 1.32
MONTSERRAT 1.19 1.21 1.29 1.30 1.39 1.41
ST. KITTS/ NEVIS 1.20 1.19 1.32 1.26 1.29 1.28
ST. LUCIA 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25
ST. VINCENT/ GRENADINES 1.19 1.16 1.13 1.17 1.17 1.21
SURINAME [95 OCT] 1.40 1.43 1.49 1.48 1.52 1.54
TRINIDAD/ TOBAGO [92 OCT] 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42
TURKS/ CAICOS 1.58 1.58 1.61 1.65 1.70 1.78
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
US$
/Litr
e
16 Caribbean Countries
Comparative Retail Pump PricesRegular Unleaded Gasoline
MAY Avg vs5 Mths Avg (Jan - May 2012)
MAY
AVG
page 6 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : May 2012
C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )
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$100/BBL mark.
Featured Offers:Featured Offers:Featured Offers:
Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)
primary report of historical annual petroleum energy
statistics provided for 18 Caribbean Countries.
Included are data on total energy production,
consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum,
natural gas, electricity, as well as financial and
environmental indicators for over twenty years.
US$/B
BL
76.19
88.14
109.61
38
48
58
68
78
88
98
108
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Avg
US$
/BBL
Period
Average Monthly World Crude Oil Prices (2009 - 2011)
2009 2010 2011
Subscriptions If you wish to subscribe (free of charge) or cancel your
subscription to the CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE, send us an email at:
ceis@src-jamaica.org
See CEIS FOR MORE: www.ceis-caribenergy.org
Join us through CIPORE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
and Subscribe to our RSS Feed!
107.5
103.897.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4 Mth Avg
US$
/BBL
Period
Average Weekly & MonthlyCrude Oil Prices
(March May 2012)
Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12
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