The growth of industrial. agricultural and other human activities has pumped a lot of chemicals into the environment leading to pollution problems.

With the increase in public awareness. agencies are carrying out quantitative measurements on pollutants. As pollutants are never present in their pure form. but form a complex matrix with their surroundings. several tests have to be performed to obtain accurate and precise results on quantitative analysis. like the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer or the Gas Chromatograph tests. The instruments used in these tests require standard chemicals to enable experts to judge the level of pollution.

India lacks an agency which can inform laboratories on these reference standards and how to procure them. Keeping this in mind. the First National Workshop on Development and Use of Environmental Reference Materials was held in New Delhi recently under the auspices of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Establishing of a Reference Material (RM) Forum was recommended in the workshop to serve as a primary source of information for the country. The CPCB was also urged to support projects for developing RMs.

It was felt by experts that a questionnaire should be sent to all analytical agencies relating to questions on the type. quality and quantity of standards required. and how they procure the same.

Several participants recommended a Nodal Agency which would associate the private sector to assure enough fund inflow.