Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 06/27/2008
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:
- Assuring the safety of nanomaterials in food packaging: the regulatory process and key issues
- Whole systems green cleaning
- Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products; Disposition of TSCA Section 21 Petition
- Phthalate-free glue
- Beyond the medicine cabinet: an anlysis of where and why medications accumulate
- Artificial turf target of legal action
- Weathercocks and signposts: the environmental movement at a crossroads
- Inks require no Prop. 65 warning label
- Most caregivers of young children lack basic knowledge of potentially toxic household products
- Lab disinfectant harms mouse fertility
1. Assuring the safety of nanomaterials in food packaging: the regulatory process and key issues
Author: Taylor, Michael R.
Source: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, 2008
Abstract: Engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs), which contain novel properties that offer potential benefits for use in food packaging, raise new safety evaluation challenges for regulators and industry, according to a report released today by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).
The food-packaging industry, food companies and consumers all share an interest in ensuring that any possible safety questions are identified and are carefully evaluated and resolved before marketing packaging materials that contain ENMs, according to the report authored by former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy official Michael R. Taylor.
The PEN-GMA report, Assuring the Safety of Nanomaterials in Food Packaging: The Regulatory Process and Key Issues, was a result of an effort by experts from government, industry and the public interest community to examine the path of a number of hypothetical nanotechnology food packaging applications through the current regulatory system. The regulatory system for food packaging is scientifically rigorous and extraordinarily complex, both legally and scientifically. This first-of-its-kind analysis provides a better understanding of the potential regulatory issues on the horizon for nanotechnology-enabled packaging – an advantage for industry, consumers and regulatory agencies such as FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
"The system is not widely understood and legitimate questions have been raised about how it would apply to nanoscale substances used in food packaging," says Taylor, who is currently a research professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. "Those companies developing ENMs for use in packaging will need to work closely with FDA and EPA to make sure the questions identified in this report concerning potential risks are answered."
Consumer acceptance of the use of nanomaterials in food packaging is very important and will be greatly dependent on the demonstrated benefits and safety of the new packaging products, according to PEN Director David Rejeski.
"The benefits of using nanomaterials in the next generation of food packaging are nothing short of amazing, but we have to make sure these materials will not pose any harm down the line," Rejeski says.
http://www.nanotechproject.org/process/assets/files/6704/
taylor_gma_pen_packaging1.pdf
2. Whole systems green cleaning
Author: Klammt, Fred
Source: McMorrowReport.com
Abstract: Most green cleaning programs focus on using less toxic cleaning chemicals. While using greener cleaning products contributes to a healthier and greener workplace environment, facilities managers can do so much more.
A whole systems green cleaning program embraces a systems view that encompasses all aspects of the building cleaning process: from the building’s initial materials’ design and use, to the disposal and reuse of the facilities’ entire custodial labor, including the entire material and equipment supply chain. It is not a quick band-aid fix, but part of a long-term continuous green cleaning improvement process.
I propose we embrace a new definition of green cleaning: ‘creating a clean, safe + healthy workplace in a sustainable manner.’ And if one needs further clarification, I’d add Bill McDonough’s phrase ‘without harm to any children’. This concept involves much more than just choosing the right cleaning chemicals.
http://mcmorrowreport.com/sfm/articles/cleaning.asp
3. Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products; Disposition of TSCA Section 21 Petition
Source: Federal Register, June 27, 2008
Abstract: On March 24, 2008, 25 organizations and approximately 5,000 individuals petitioned EPA under section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to use section 6 of TSCA to adopt a recently promulgated California State regulation concerning emissions of formaldehyde from three types of composite wood products: Hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard. They petitioned EPA to assess and reduce the risks posed by formaldehyde emitted from these products by exercising its authority under TSCA section 6 to:
Adopt and apply nationally the California formaldehyde emissions regulation for these composite wood products; and to extend the regulation to include composite wood products used in manufactured homes.
For the reasons set forth in this notice, EPA has granted in part and denied in part the petitioners' requests.
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/
main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064806432a6
4. Phthalate-free glue
Source: Henkel International
Abstract: The latest reports on the plasticizer diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), which can migrate from paper and board packages and accumulate in the packaged foods, have alerted food and packaging manufacturers. The plasticizer can come from sources such as dispersion adhesives, which are frequently used in the packaging industry. To protect the consumer from possible risks, Henkel has developed dispersion adhesives that are entirely free of plasticizer.
Dispersion adhesives are prominent in the production of paper and board packages. Of these, so-called homopolymeric polyvinyl acetate dispersions are widely used and have been established for many years in the industrial bonding of paper. So that the adhesive can form an elastic film on paper, the formulations usually contain a plasticizer such as diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). Although there are as yet no scientifically based limit values for assessing the transfer of DIBP to foods, DIBP is similar in terms of structure and action to the substance di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), which is considered to be toxic to reproduction, i.e. capable of causing harm to fetuses and impair fertility.
Measurements of board-packaged foods have revealed DIBP in concentrations of up to 5 milligrams per kilogram of food, as Germany's Federal Risk Assessment Institute (BfR) reports. This is critical in the event of contact with fat-containing foods and foods of a powdery or fine-grained consistency, such as baking mixtures and rice. The DIPB detected in foods, however, does not come directly from the package's bonds, but from the paper and board itself. This is because, when old packages are recycled, the plasticizers contained in the dispersion adhesives enter the paper cycle and can accumulate in the paper fibers. The paper mills have no way of extracting the plasticizers. Since the share of recycled fibers used in paper production is constantly rising, the share of entrained DIBP is also growing.
After announcement of the possible risks caused by the migration of DIBP from dispersion adhesives in recycled paper, Henkel acted immediately. First, the existing adhesives formulations for packages were changed over to safe plasticizers. And, in addition, Henkel has developed its Adhesin A 78 series, an entirely new generation of plasticizer-free dispersion adhesives. This is a copolymer system whose formulation largely consists of renewable raw materials. Technically, the plasticizer-free adhesives meets all the usual industrial requirements for the bonding of folding boxes, corrugated board boxes and paper packages, including large-area lamination. Product variants are available for different application systems such as rollers and nozzles.
http://www.henkel.com/cps/rde/xchg/henkel_com/hs.xsl/12169_13751_COE_HTML.htm
5. Beyond the medicine cabinet: an anlysis of where and why medications accumulate
Authors: Ruhoy, Ilene Sue; Daughton, Christian G.
Source: Environment International, Online June 20, 2008
Abstract: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from medications can enter the environment as trace contaminants, at individual concentrations generally below a part per billion (ìg/L). APIs enter the environment primarily via the discharge of raw and treated sewage. Residues of unmetabolized APIs from parenteral and enteral drugs are excreted in feces and urine, and topically applied medications are washed from skin during bathing. These trace residues may pose risks for aquatic life and cause concern with regard to subsequent human exposure. APIs also enter the environment from the disposal of unwanted medications directly to sewers and trash. The relative significance of this route compared with excretion and bathing is poorly understood and has been subject to much speculation. Two major aspects of uncertainty exist: the percentage of any particular API in the environment originating from disposal is unknown, and disposal undoubtedly occurs from a variety of dispersed sources. Sources of disposal, along with the types and quantities of APIs resulting from each source, are important to understand so that effective pollution prevention approaches can be designed and implemented.
Accumulation of leftover, unwanted drugs poses three major concerns: (i) APIs disposed to sewage or trash compose a diverse source of potential chemical stressors in the environment. (ii) Accumulated drugs represent increased potential for drug diversion, with its attendant risks of unintentional poisonings and abuse. (iii) Leftover drugs represent wasted healthcare resources and lost opportunities for medical treatment.
This paper has four major purposes: (1) Define the processes, actions, and behaviors that control and drive the consumption, accumulation, and need for disposal of pharmaceuticals. (2) Provide an overview of the diverse locations where drugs are used and accumulate. (3) Present a summary of the first cataloging of APIs disposed by a defined subpopulation. (4) Identify opportunities for pollution prevention and source reduction.
6. Artificial turf target of legal action
Author: Bohan, Suzanne
Source: Oakland Tribune, June 23, 2008
Abstract: Artificial turf joins a growing list of products under fire for harboring lead levels in excess of California state standards.
The Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health filed a legal action with the state on Monday demanding that 15 retailers and manufacturers cease selling and producing artificial turf containing lead — a potent neurotoxin. The turf is typically used on athletic playing fields and as indoor/outdoor grass carpet. The center is also demanding a recall of lead-containing turf and posted warnings where the product is sold.
The center conducted tests of more than 50 samples of artificial turf obtained from a variety of outlets, including Home Depot, Ace Hardware Corp., Orchard Supply Hardware and Lowe's Companies, as well as carpet retailers and Bay Area turf installers.
In one third of the samples, they found lead levels high enough to potentially exceed the state's upper limit of 0.5 micrograms per day of lead exposure. People ingest lead through hand-to-mouth contact, or through skin contact with the turf or dust from it.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_9677643
7. Weathercocks and signposts: the environmental movement at a crossroads
Author: Crompton, Tom
Source: WWF, 2008
Abstract: Weathercocks and Signposts critically reassesses current
approaches to motivating environmentally-friendly behaviour
change. Current behaviour-change strategies are increasingly
built upon analogy with product marketing campaigns. They
often take as given the ‘sovereignty’ of consumer choice, and
the perceived need to preserve current lifestyles intact. This
report constructs a case for a radically different approach.
It presents evidence that any adequate strategy for tackling
environmental challenges will demand engagement with the
values that underlie the decisions we make – and, indeed,
with our sense of who we are.
http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/weathercocks_report2.pdf
8. Inks require no Prop. 65 warning label
Source: Modern Plastics, February 20, 2008
Abstract: The Sapphire pad and screen printing inks from this supplier [InkCups Now Corp., Danvers MA] are said to be both Prop. 65 compliant as well as meet European EN 71 Toy Safety standards. Sapphire series are available in 21 standard color shades. Recent additions to California Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) expanded the list of chemicals that are believed to cause certain diseases or birth defects. One result is that some screen and pad printing ink brands can no longer be used on products made in or shipped to California, unless a product is clearly marked as containing chemicals that may cause certain diseases or birth defects.
To replace Poly-All, one of the inks for polypropylene that now requires the extra ’unhealthy’ label as per Prop 65, the supplier suggests users consider its Sapphire DP series. As a benefit, DP series inks adhere has excellent adhesion to untreated polypropylene, so there is no need to pre-treat surfaces.
http://www.modplas.com/inc/
mparticle.php?section=Technology%20Bulletin&thefilename=techbulletin02012008_05
9. Most caregivers of young children lack basic knowledge of potentially toxic household products
Source: Medical News Today, June 2, 2008
Abstract: According to a new study, knowledge of potentially toxic household substances among primary caregivers for young children is alarmingly poor. The results show that less than one-third of primary caregivers for children under the age of six could correctly estimate the toxicity of household poisons. The study was presented at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's 2008 Annual Meeting.
Led by Rika N. O'Malley, M.D of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, the study involved screening primary caregivers of young children who visited emergency departments, and asked participants to identify toxic items from a list of common household products.
"Young children are at risk of household chemical ingestion and their caretakers often do not have good understanding how toxic those chemicals are," says O'Malley. "Parental education needs to be focused more on younger caretakers with more children."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/109481.php
10. Lab disinfectant harms mouse fertility
Author: Maher, Brendan
Source: NatureNews, June 18, 2008
Abstract: Two chemicals widely used in cleaning agents for homes, offices and hospitals cause birth defects and fertility problems in mice whose cages have been in contact with them, according to Patricia Hunt at Washington State University in Pullman. The quaternary ammonium compounds ADBAC (n -alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride) and DDAC (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) were identified after an exhaustive search for what was causing a massive drop-off in mouse fertility after Hunt moved her research animals to Pullman from Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2005. The chemicals were in the disinfectant Virex used in the facility. It is Hunt's second accidental foray into toxicology. In 2003 she linked a rash of mysterious egg defects in her research animals to bisphenol A, a chemical that began leaching from plastic water bottles after a high-pH floor detergent was mistakenly used to clean them. Hunt, who studies mammalian egg development, announced her latest results at the Society for the Study of Reproduction meeting in Kona, Hawaii, last month.
A spokesperson for Johnson Diversey, which makes Virex, says: “The current abstract is the first we have heard of that attempts to establish a correlation between quaternary ammonium compound disinfection residues and reproductive or developmental effects in laboratory mice. The US Environmental Protection Agency review of these compounds has never indicated any concerns regarding reproductive effects. We will continue to monitor research about the safety profile of quaternary ammonium compounds.”
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080618/full/453964a.html
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 June 27 2008