A seminar was organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery and GTZ-Proklima (German Technical Co-operation) today at Andheri, Mumbai. The seminar targeted factory owners, production managers, casting technicians and jewellery artisans. It highlighted the harmful effects of carbon tetrachloride (CTC), which is used in the finishing of the wax pattern before a mould is made for casting of jewellery.

CTC harms the ozone layer and the health of individuals. According to the Montreal Protocol, India has to phase out the use of CTC by December 31, 2009 and hence information needs to be disseminated on safe alternatives to CTC which can be equally effective in the jewellery industry.

The objectives of this seminar were to create awareness of the harmful effects of CTC on the environment and human health, to inform the jewellery trade of the schedule of the phase out programme according to the Montreal Protocol and to provide information about safer alternatives to carbon tetrachloride.