Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 03/21/2008
This is the weekly bulletin of the TURI Library, reporting a selection of recently published titles we have acquired. Our pledge is to keep the bulletin relevant to your work and brief -- no more than 10 titles. You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of the articles listed here.
Titles here, abstracts below:
- Dental offices contribute to methylmercury burden
- The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review: Guidelines for Identifying Business Risks & Opportunities Arising from Ecosystem Change
- Eco-friendly pyrotechnics
- EPA needs to ensure that best practices and procedures are followed when making further changes to its library network
- Health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans higher due to chemical exposure
- Nanoparticles assemble themselves
- The EnvironMinute
- Does providing technical assistance for toxics use reduction really work? A program evaluation utilizing toxics use reduction act data to measure pollution prevention performance
1. Dental offices contribute to methylmercury burden
Author: Lubick, Naomi
Source: ES&T Online News, March 12, 2008
Abstract: Among the array of chemicals that escape down the drain in dental offices, mercury from amalgam fillings has probably received the most attention. Researchers have suspected that formation of methylmercury, the neurotoxic form of mercury, can occur in dental wastewater. Now, in a study published in ES&T, researchers find a strong correlation between high levels of methylmercury and the presence of methylating bacteria in dental wastewater.
Mercury from dental fillings can amount to almost 15% of the total mercury that a wastewater treatment plant receives, according to previous research by the American Dental Association (ADA). Past estimates have put such releases from the average dental office at up to 35 milligrams a day, from amalgam. Various devices that catch mercury before it heads off to the local water treatment plant have become more efficient, capturing 40–80% of the mercury released from amalgams—depending on their configuration, the office plumbing, and other characteristics. New amalgam separators can grab 99% of the mercury washed out of a patient's mouth.
But the wastewater also may serve as home to sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfovibrionaceae species, both known to methylate mercury at high rates, according to Karl Rockne of the University of Illinois Chicago and co-workers. The team gathered samples from collection tanks serving more than a dozen chairs in two dental offices in the Chicago area. They measured total mercury and methylmercury in both settled and mixed water samples. They then used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to identify the methylating bacteria.
The team concluded that sulfate-reducing bacteria were responsible for the methylmercury in the dental wastewater. But they could not pinpoint whether the methylation occurred in people's mouths or further down the line. For future work, the team plans to study other metals in amalgams, including silver, which may be toxic to the bacteria.
Many devices are successful at trapping mercury, but they are not built to gather methylmercury, the authors stress. Controversy associated with human-health effects from mercury-containing dental fillings has resulted in decreased use of such amalgams, says Rockne, but they are still common.
WWW: http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/mar/science/nl_dental.html
2. The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review: Guidelines for Identifying Business Risks & Opportunities Arising from Ecosystem Change
Author: Hanson, Craig
Co-authors: Finisdore, John; Ranganathan, Janet; Iceland, Charles
Source: World Resources Institute, 2008
Abstract: Ecosystems provide businesses with numerous benefits or “ecosystem services.” Forests supply timber and wood fiber, purify water, regulate climate, and yield genetic resources. River systems provide freshwater, power, and recreation. Coastal wetlands filter waste, mitigate floods, and serve as nurseries for commercial fisheries.
However, human activities are rapidly degrading these and other ecosystems. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment— the largest audit ever conducted of the condition and trends in the world’s ecosystems—found that ecosystems have declined more rapidly and extensively over the past 50 years than at any other comparable time in human history. In fact, 15 of the 24 ecosystem services evaluated have degraded over the past half century. The Assessment projected further declines over coming decades, particularly in light of population growth, economic expansion, and global climate change. Left unchecked, this degradation could jeopardize future economic well-being, creating new winners and losers within the business community.
Ecosystem degradation is highly relevant to business because companies not only impact ecosystems and the services they provide but also depend on them. Ecosystem degradation, therefore, can pose a number of risks to corporate performance as well as create new business opportunities.
Unfortunately, companies often fail to make the connection between the health of ecosystems and the business bottom line. Many companies are not fully aware of the extent of their dependence and impact on ecosystems and the possible ramifications. Likewise, environmental management systems and environmental due diligence tools are often not fully attuned to the risks and opportunities arising from the degradation and use of ecosystem services. For instance, many tools are more suited to handle “traditional” issues of pollution and natural resource consumption. Most focus on environmental impacts, not dependence. Furthermore, they typically focus on risks, not business opportunities. As a result, companies may be caught unprepared or miss new sources of revenue associated with ecosystem change.
The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) is designed to address these gaps. It consists of a structured methodology that helps managers proactively develop strategies to manage business risks and opportunities arising from their company’s dependence and impact on ecosystems. It is a tool for strategy development, not just for environmental assessment. Businesses can either conduct an Ecosystem Services Review as a stand-alone process or integrate it into their existing environmental management systems. In both cases, the methodology can complement and augment the environmental due diligence tools companies already use.
WWW: http://www.wri.org/publication/corporate-ecosystem-services-review
3. Eco-friendly pyrotechnics
Source: TerraDaily, March 18, 2008
Abstract: You know it is chemistry when it stinks and goes boom -- and entrances us. "No other application in the field of chemistry has such a positive association for the general population as fireworks," says Thomas Klapotke (University of Munich, Germany). "However, pyrotechnical applications are significant polluters of the environment."
In addition to fireworks, the field of pyrotechnics includes applications like airbags, signal flares, propellants and charges for civil and military purposes, and the production of nanoporous metal foams for catalysis, hydrogen storage, and insulation.
Pyrotechnical materials contain an oxidizer and a reducing agent; depending on the application, binding material, propellant charges, coloring agents and smoke- and sound-producing agents can be added. When a firework or other pyrotechnic is set off, it releases a whole cocktail of poisons damaging to humans and the environment: heavy metals like lead, barium and chromium, chlorates, dioxins, smoke and particulates, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
"Modern developments in pyrotechnics are aimed at the use of nitrogen-rich compounds," according to Klapotke. In contrast to conventional energetic substances, these do not draw their energy from the oxidation of the carbon backbone, but from their high heats of formation, which are released upon their decomposition.
Interesting candidates include derivatives of tetrazoles, five-membered rings made of four nitrogen and one carbon atom, as well as tetrazines, six-membered rings made of four nitrogen and two carbon atoms. Aminotetrazole salts with the nontoxic metals lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium result in red, orange, violet, purple, and pink colored flames. The trouble is with the color green. Intensive research is being carried out in search of barium-free green-burning salts based on copper compounds.
The class of nitrogen-rich pyrotechnics does not offer only environmentally friendly combustion products; they often offer better color quality and intensity than conventional mixtures. Nitrogen-rich propellants demonstrate improved performance and burn smoke free.
WWW: http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Eco_Friendly_Pyrotechnics_999.html
4. EPA needs to ensure that best practices and procedures are followed when making further changes to its library network
Source: United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), 2008
Abstract: Since 2006, EPA has implemented its reorganization plan to close physical access to 4 libraries. In the same period, 6 other libraries in the network decided to change their operations, while 16 have not changed. Some of these libraries have also digitized, dispersed, or disposed of their materials. Since the reorganization, EPA has begun drafting a common set of agencywide library procedures and has hired a program manager for the network. While these procedures are under development, however, EPA has imposed a moratorium on further changes to the network in response to congressional and other expressions of concern.
EPA’s primary rationale for the library network reorganization was to generate cost savings by creating a more coordinated library network and increasing the electronic delivery of services. However, EPA did not fully follow procedures recommended in a 2004 EPA study of steps that should be taken to prepare for a reorganization. In particular, EPA did not fully evaluate alternative models, and associated costs and benefits, of library services. EPA officials stated that they needed to act quickly to reorganize the library network in response to a proposed fiscal year 2007 funding reduction.
EPA did not develop procedures to inform staff and the public on the final configuration of the library network, and EPA libraries varied considerably and were limited in the extent to which they communicated with and solicited views from stakeholders before and during the reorganization effort. In particular, EPA’s plan did not include information that the Chemical Library was to close, and EPA did not inform staff or the public until after the fact.
EPA’s communication procedures were limited or inconsistent because EPA acted quickly to make changes in response to a proposed fiscal year 2007 funding reduction, and because of the decentralized nature of the library network. EPA is currently increasing its communication efforts.
EPA does not have a post-reorganization strategy to ensure the continuity of library services and has not yet determined the full effect of the reorganization on library services. Moreover, EPA has recently made several changes that could have impaired user access to library materials and services. For example, EPA did not determine whether federal property management regulations applied to the dispersal and disposal of library materials before it closed the libraries. Furthermore, EPA lacked oversight of the reorganization process and does not have procedures that would allow the agency to measure performance and monitor user needs.
Several different EPA offices are responsible for the libraries in the network. Each office generally decides how much funding to allocate to the libraries for which it is responsible and how to fund their reorganization. However, when faced with a proposed budget reduction of $2 million in fiscal year 2007, EPA specifically directed that these offices reduce funding for their libraries and did not specify how to achieve the reduction. Additional funds were not allocated to assist offices in closing their libraries.
WWW: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08304.pdf
5. Health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans higher due to chemical exposure
Author: Edwards, Kim
Source: UC San Diego News Center, March 10, 2008
Abstract: A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine shows there is increasing evidence that high rates of illness in Persian Gulf War Veterans can be explained, in part, by exposure to certain chemicals, including pesticides and nerve agents. Veterans from the 1990-91 conflict have a higher rate of chronic, multi-symptom health problems than either non-deployed personnel or those deployed elsewhere. Symptoms routinely reported by these veterans include fatigue, muscle or joint pain, memory problems, trouble sleeping, rash and breathing problems.
“This evidence suggests that exposure to this certain class of chemical may be linked to elevated risk of health problems,” said Beatrice Golomb, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, whose study will be published in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) the week of March 10.
“Health issues among Gulf War veterans have been a concern for nearly two decades. Now, enough studies have been conducted, and results shared, to be able to say with considerable confidence that there is a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems,” said Golomb. “Furthermore, the same chemicals affecting Gulf War veterans may be involved in similar cases of unexplained, multi-symptom health problems in the general population.”
The study synthesized evidence regarding a class of chemicals known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEis) -- including so-called “organophosphates” and “carbamates.” These include nerve gas chemicals such as sarin; some military personnel were exposed when demolishing Iraqi munitions. They include common classes of pesticides which were aggressively used in the Gulf to control sand flies and other insects. And they include the nerve gas protection pill “pyridostigmine bromide” or PB. (Note: As a result of an earlier RAND Corporation report by Golomb detailing concerns about using such pills preventatively, military policy has been changed in the US and elsewhere.)
The study linked exposure to each of these chemicals with the chronic, multi-symptom health problems in 25 to 33 percent of returning Gulf War veterans.
“There is evidence that genetics have something to do with how a body handles exposure to these chemicals,” said Golomb. “Some people are genetically less able to withstand these toxins and evidence shows that these individuals have higher chance of suffering the effects of exposure.” Specifically, illness is linked to lower activity of enzymes that detoxify AChEis, due to genetic variants The enzymes known to be involved are paraoxonase (PON) for OPs, including sarin, and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) for PB.
Among those service members given PB pills as a preventive measure, those with the mutations that reduced their ability to detoxify the pills were at significantly higher risk of illness, according to Golomb.
Previous studies have shown genetic variants of these enzymes are also associated with increased rates of some neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Golomb says this may explain the elevated levels of ALS seen in Gulf War veterans.
Some of the chemicals linked to these multi-symptom illnesses continue to be used in agriculture, and at homes and offices for pest control in the United States and around the globe. Studies not related to the Gulf War showed that agricultural workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides had 10 times the number of health symptoms as those not exposed.
“Again, genetic variants that hamper defense against these chemicals were linked to higher risk of health problems. These findings carry important implications for current members of the armed forces as well as the general public, suggesting that exposure to these pesticides in any setting may increase risk for impaired neuropsychological function and poor health” said Golomb.
WWW: http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/health/03-08GulfWarVeteransHealth.asp
6. Nanoparticles assemble themselves
Source: RedOrbit News, March 11, 2008
Abstract: As chief executive of Cima NanoTech Inc., Jon Brodd keeps an active global itinerary. The St. Paul, Minn.-based start- up operates a research-and-development center in Israel, and manufacturing and marketing operations out of Japan.
Early this year, Brodd embarked on perhaps his most high-profile trip: Davos, Switzerland, the site of the World Economic Forum, where top political and business leaders including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Microsoft founder Bill Gates discussed everything from poverty to global warming.
The forum recently named Cima a "Technology Pioneer," a distinction given to 39 companies around the world this year whose innovative technologies contain the "potential to have a substantial long-term impact on business and society in the future." Past winners include Google, Mozilla and Napster.
Founded in 2002 using Israeli technology, Cima manufactures materials that are used to make plasma television screens, solar cells and radio frequency identification tags in a way that's cheaper and greener. Cima has raised $24 million, mostly from investors in South Korea and Japan, home to major electronic manufacturers such as Panasonic and Sony. The venture-capital backed company is in the "pre-revenue stage."
Cima's "self-assembling" nanoparticles will help electronics manufacturers save money and reduce waste, according to Brodd, a former 3M Co. executive.
Normally, manufacturers make plasma screens by covering entire pieces of plastic with copper, then using acids to wash away 90 percent of the copper, forming a fine grid pattern that conducts electricity, transmits light and shields consumers from electromagnetic radiation. But the process is expensive, time- consuming and produces waste that can't be recycled, Brodd said.
Cima's process involves spraying or coating special silver nanoparticles onto glass or plastic. Once the film is air-dried and heated, the silver nanoparticles automatically form patterns and shapes that accomplish the same tasks as copper grids, but without the waste.
WWW: http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1289989/
nanoparticles_assemble_themselves/index.html
7. The EnvironMinute
Source: Finger Lakes Productions, Inc., 2008
Abstract: On air since 1991, The EnvironMinute brings you news every week day about the environment and your health. Our 60-second features highlight new scientific discoveries about ways the environment can affect your health, and steps you can take to make our planet more sustainable. Hear it on stations around the globe, or right here on the EnvironMinute podcast! The EnvironMinute is a collaborative effort of Finger Lakes Productions International, Environmental Health Sciences, The Science Communication Network, the Virginia Organizing Project, the Heinz Family Philanthropies and the Heinz Endowments.
WWW: http://www.environminute.com/index.htm
8. Does providing technical assistance for toxics use reduction really work? A program evaluation utilizing toxics use reduction act data to measure pollution prevention performance
Author: Reibstein, Rick
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production, Article in Press, Online February 20, 2008
Abstract: The 1989 Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) instituted a preventive approach to chemical pollution and wastes: reducing toxic chemicals at the source through prevention planning, public reporting of chemical input, and fees for chemical use. The act also created the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance for Toxics Use Reduction (OTA), a voluntary program, to make onsite visits to companies that request assistance. OTA staff review the use of toxic chemicals at the facility, and make recommendations for either using substitutes, or using the chemicals more efficiently. Because TURA requires covered companies (large quantity toxics users) to report chemical input (what they use), output (resulting chemical waste), and a production index, it is possible to measure trends in toxics use relative to production, and waste byproduct per pound of chemical use input. These are uniquely precise measurements of a company's ability to accomplish the form of pollution prevention known as toxics use reduction.
From 1993 to 2002, companies used approximately 500 million pounds (227 million kg) less toxic chemicals than they were expected to use, based on past performance. Those companies that received onsite technical assistance visits from OTA made substantially greater improvements in TUR performance than those not visited, and as compared to their own performance after being visited. They reduced an average of 9.4% more toxics use after being visited than before, and the difference was statistically significant. More companies in the visited group made progress than companies not visited, and had greater reductions than those not visited by nearly all measures.
The results of two additional studies supported these findings of program effectiveness. One study examined companies that dropped out of the system, and found that those that were visited employed toxics use reduction to achieve below-threshold use amounts more frequently than those that were not visited. The other study, an independent research project using econometric methods to determine the causative relevance of provided assistance, found OTA's service to be an explanatory factor associated with significant toxics use and byproduct reductions.
You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of these resources. Also, please tell us what topics you are particularly interested in monitoring, and who else should see Greenlist. An online search of the TURI Library catalog can be done at http://library.turi.org for greater topic coverage.
This page updated Friday March 21 2008