Biomedical and environmental aspects of some coconut-derived products and their production processes in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The coconut palm is said to have been introduced to Sri Lanka over 2300 years ago. Several industries have grown up to process products from this tree. Many of these production units have traditionally been located in rural areas and any adverse environmental impacts have in the past been considered negligible or not very serious. However, with the development of these industries and the increasing density of population more concern is being taken to identify and mitigate any adverse environmental effects and biomedical effects on workers in these industries as well as the general public. The industries examined in this article relate to the production of 1) coconut oil 2). desiccated coconut 3.) charcoal and activated carbon and 4) husk fibre and coir pith. Biomedical aspects of some of these products are also noted as well as articles which can serve as guides to the literature in each area.