Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 12/01/2006
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 them:
- Do Environmental Management Systems Improve Performance?
- Green chemistry and the health implications of nanoparticles
- Marine Antifouling Coatings Regulatory Issues Increase
- Bioplastics are Fruitful and Multiply
- Assessment of airborne asbestos exposure during the servicing and handling of automobile asbestos-containing gaskets
- Toxic Toys: San Francisco Prepares to Ban Certain Chemicals in Products for Kids, but Enforcement Will Be Tough -- and Toymakers Question Necessity
- Environmental assessment of building properties—Where natural and social sciences meet: The case of EcoEffect
- Skin Exposure to Isocyanates: Reason for Concern
- EPA Announces It Will Regulate Silver Nanoparticle Technology
- A Zero Waste UK
1. Do Environmental Management Systems Improve Performance?
AUTHOR Briggs, Susan L.K.
SOURCE Quality Progress, v39 n9, September 2006, pp78-80
ABSTRACT There is an ongoing debate about the value environmental management systems (EMSs) provide to organizations. The debate arises from a lack of comparable, quantifiable data demonstrating companies with a formal EMS produce less environmental emissions, discharges and waste than companies without one. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) national performance track program requires member organizations to implement an EMS and report annually on quantitative environmental goals they aim to meet over their three-year membership term. Some 114 companies collectively reduced hazardous waste generation by 791 tons. Although it is not always captured in quantitative studies, many organizations give anecdotal testimony to management system improvements and benefits achieved after implementing an EMS. In preparation for the 10th anniversary of the publication of ISO 14001, International Organization for Standardization technical committee 207 will compile data on the benefits achieved by organizations implementing an ISO 14001 based EMS. The debate might continue, and studies will go on.
2. Green chemistry and the health implications of nanoparticles
AUTHOR Albrecht, Matthew A.; Evans, Cameron W.; Raston, Colin L.
SOURCE Green Chemistry, v8 n5, May 2006, pp417-432
ABSTRACT Until recently the spectacular developments in
nanotechnology have been with little regard to their potential effect on human
health and the environment. There are no specific regulations on nanoparticles
except existing regulations covering the same material in bulk form.
Difficulties abound in devising such regulations, beyond self-imposed regulations
by responsible companies, because of the likelihood of different properties
exhibited by any one type of nanoparticle, which are tuneable by changing their
size, shape and surface characteristics. Green chemistry metrics need to be
incorporated into nanotechnologies at the source. This review scopes this issue
in the context of potential health effects of nanoparticles, along with medical
applications of nanoparticles including imaging, drug delivery, disinfection,
and tissue repair. Nanoparticles can enter the human body through the lungs,
the intestinal tract, and to a lesser extent the skin, and are likely to be a
health issue, although the extent of effects on health are inconclusive.
Nanoparticles can be modified to cross the brain blood barrier for medical
applications, but this suggests other synthetic nanoparticles may
unintentionally cross this barrier.
3. Marine Antifouling Coatings Regulatory Issues Increase
SOURCE PCI Paint & Coatings Industry,v22 n11, November 2006, p13
ABSTRACT The issue of biocide marine antifouling coatings has become the top environmental regulatory issue for that segment of the industry. With the worldwide ban of tributyltin or TBT as a biocide, the industry has looked to copper as a substitute. Now this, too, is coming under pressure, with clean-water authorities in the United States and Europe pushing the industry to develop biocide-free antifouling coatings, such as biocide-free foul-release coatings to which foulants cannot adhere. The NPCA, Washington, has formed an Antifouling Coatings Work Group to address this matter domestically. Additionally, an Antifouling Work Group has been established under the Marine Coatings Product Oriented Group, which operates under the auspices of the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC). In March 2007, to further its reach in this area, IPPIC through NPCA will file for official NGO status on the U.N. International Maritime Organization (IMO). IPPIC already has NGO status with the United Nations itself. The IMO is the primary international body regulating environmental issues associated with shipping and antifouling coatings in particular. In its treaty banning the use of TBT, it also established the formal process for reviewing other antifouling coatings for restrictions. This is among the major reasons for seeking NGO status with it.
WEB LINK
http://www.pcimag.com/CDA/Articles/Industry_News/
b48bc58e3801f010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____
4. Bioplastics are Fruitful and Multiply
AUTHOR Tolinski, Michael
SOURCE Plastics Engineering, v62 n10, October 2006, pp14-15
ABSTRACT Even casual observation reveals intense interest in biopolymers; just consider the plastics engineering conference attendees in June who clustered around the booths of companies offering these materials. Or consider the International Degradable Plastics Symposium, comprising more than 60 in-depth presentations. But recent developments come after decades of fits and starts toward materials that can actually deliver promised biodegradability or environmental benefits. What’s needed? Economical materials that are degradable in realistic situations, as well as materials that are synthesized from renewable resources. The two material categories don’t always overlap and are often confused, says Steve Mojo, executive director of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). It’s incorrect to assume that “natural” means “biodegradable,” or that “synthetic” automatically means the material is not biodegradable. He adds that ASTM tests allow materials to be properly certified as to whether they will break down fairly quickly into “elements found in nature.” Another source of confusion is the claim that degradable polymers will solve the problem of excessive volumes of disposed plastics. “Biodegradable plastics are not the solution to litter or landfill issues,” says Mojo. However, increasing numbers of large-scale composting facilities around the U.S. do offer disposal routes for plastics that can be shown to degrade in the presence of water, air, and microbes. Suppliers both big and small are touting materials that are compostable—and commercializing them. People now have more opportunities to keep out of landfills anything that’s designed to be used once— like disposal bags and cafeteria utensils and plates. An increasingly familiar corn-based biopolymer is polylactic acid (PLA), marketed under the NatureWorks brand. It is used mainly for packaging, but some compounders and distributors are trying to expand PLA’s use by showing how it can better mimic the non-renewable materials it’s replacing. Thermoplastics distributor Jamplast Inc. is highlighting PLA’s potential for competing with injectionmolded materials like polypropylene or general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS), says president John Moisson. “We have one customer that has converted a homo[polymer] PP hanger over to Natureworks PLA, and it’s doing very well at Wal-Mart; another customer replaced GPPS fruit-bowl trays with PLA.” Applications like coffee mugs and travel mugs have also been successful, he says, while other molders are considering flower pots, combs, pens, and toothbrush handles.
WEB LINK
http://www.4spe.org/htmlemail/techfocus/
supportingdocs/0609_industry.pdf
5. Assessment of airborne asbestos exposure during the servicing and handling of automobile asbestos-containing gaskets
AUTHOR Blake, Charles L.; Dotson, G. Scott; Harbison, Raymond D.
SOURCE Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, v45 n2, July 2006, pp214-222
ABSTRACT Five test sessions were conducted to assess
asbestos exposure during the removal or installation of asbestos-containing
gaskets on vehicles. All testing took place within an operative automotive
repair facility involving passenger cars and a pickup truck ranging in vintage
from late 1960s through 1970s. A professional mechanic performed all shop work
including engine disassembly and reassembly, gasket manipulation and parts
cleaning. Bulk sample analysis of removed gaskets through polarized light
microscopy (PLM) revealed asbestos fiber concentrations ranging between 0 and
75%. Personal and area air samples were collected and analyzed using National
Institute of Occupational Safety Health (NIOSH) methods 7400 [phase contrast
microscopy (PCM)] and 7402 [transmission electron microscopy (TEM)]. Among all
air samples collected, approximately 21% (nD11) contained chrysotile fibers.
The mean PCM and phase contrast microscopy equivalent (PCME) 8-h time weighted
average (TWA) concentrations for these samples were 0.0031 fibers/cubic
centimeters (f/cc) and 0.0017 f/cc, respectively. Based on these findings,
automobile mechanics who worked with asbestos-containing gaskets may have been
exposed to concentrations of airborne asbestos concentrations approximately 100
times lower than the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 f/cc.
6. Toxic Toys: San Francisco Prepares to Ban Certain Chemicals in Products for Kids, but Enforcement Will Be Tough -- and Toymakers Question Necessity
AUTHOR Kay, Jane
SOURCE San Francisco Chronicle, November 19, 2006
ABSTRACT Widely used chemicals with suspected links to cancer and developmental problems in humans are present in common baby products like the yellow rubber ducky, bath books and clear plastic bottles, a Chronicle analysis confirmed. The toxic chemicals, which are used to harden or soften plastics, can leach out each time a baby sucks on a favorite doll or gnaws on a cool teething ring, scientists say. Starting Dec. 1, a first-in-the-nation ban goes into effect in San Francisco, prohibiting the sale, distribution and manufacture of baby products containing any level of bisphenol A and certain levels of phthalates. The law, modeled on a European Union ban that started this year, reflects emerging concerns by environmental health scientists over the buildup of industrial chemicals in humans, particularly young children. Especially under scrutiny are chemicals that mimic estrogen, possibly disrupting the hormonal system and altering the normal workings of genes. Yet the trouble is that no one knows for sure how many baby products contain the chemicals. Stores, many of which are still unaware of the pending ban, will be unable to decide what to take off the shelves because manufacturers aren't required to disclose what chemicals go into a product. For that reason, The Chronicle set out to test several common baby toys and found that most of them -- even ones labeled "safe, non-toxic" -- contained the chemicals. Toymakers and companies affected by the ban have sued to block enforcement of the San Francisco law, saying their products have been used safely for decades. A January hearing is scheduled. If the courts uphold the measure, most companies say they'll comply with the ban even though they believe it's unnecessary.
WEB LINK http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/
11/19/TOXICTOYS.TMP
7. Environmental assessment of building properties—Where natural and social sciences meet: The case of EcoEffect
AUTHOR Assefa, G.; Glaumann, M.; Malmqvist, T.; Kindembe, B.; Hult, M.; Myhr, U.; Eriksson, O.
SOURCE Building and Environment, v42 n3, March 2007, pp1458-1464
ABSTRACT The EcoEffect method of assessing external and
internal impacts of building properties is briefly described. The external
impacts of manufacturing and transport of the building materials, the
generation of power and heat consumed during the operation phase are assessed
using life-cycle methodology. Emissions and waste; natural resource depletion
and toxic substances in building materials are accounted for. Here
methodologies from natural sciences are employed. The internal impacts involve
the assessment of the risk for discomfort and ill-being due to features and
properties of both the indoor environment and outdoor environment within the
boundary of the building properties. This risk is calculated based on data and
information from questionnaires; measurements and inspection where
methodologies mainly from social sciences are used. Life-cycle costs covering
investment and utilities costs as well as maintenance costs summed up over the
lifetime of the building are also calculated. The result presentation offers
extensive layers of diagrams and data tables ranging from an aggregated diagram
of environmental efficiency to quantitative indicators of different aspects and
factors. Environmental efficiency provides a relative measure of the internal
quality of a building property in relation to its external impact vis-a`-vis
its performance relative to other building properties.
8. Skin Exposure to Isocyanates: Reason for Concern
AUTHOR Bello, Dhimeter; Herrick, Christina A.; Smith, Thomas J,; Woskie, Susan R.; Shreicher, Robert P.; Cullen, Mark R.; Liu, Youcheng; Redlich, Carrie A.
SOURCE Environmental Health Perspectives, EHP-in-Press, Online 28 November 2006
ABSTRACT Objective: Isocyanates (di- and poly-) are important chemicals used worldwide to produce polyurethane products and a leading cause of occupational asthma. Respiratory exposures have been reduced through improved hygiene controls and the use of less volatile isocyanates. Yet isocyanate asthma continues to occur, not uncommonly in settings with minimal inhalation exposure but opportunity for skin exposure. This article evaluates the potential role of skin exposure in the development of isocyanate asthma. Data Sources: The published animal and human literature on isocyanate skin exposure methods, workplace skin exposure, skin absorption, and the role of skin exposure in isocyanate sensitization and asthma was reviewed. Data Extraction: Relevant articles were selected from computerized searches on Medline, EPA, OSHA, NIOSH and Google databases using keywords ‘isocyanate’, ‘asthma’, ‘skin’, ’sensitization’ and other synonymous terms, and authors’ own extensive collection of isocyanate publications. Data Synthesis: Isocyanate production and usage continues to rise as the polyurethane industry expands and there is substantial opportunity for isocyanate skin exposure in many work settings, but such exposure is challenging to quantify and to-date underappreciated. Isocyanate skin exposure can occur at work, even with the use of personal protective equipment, and may also occur with consumer use of certain isocyanate products. In animals isocyanate skin exposure is an efficient route to induce sensitization, with subsequent inhalation challenge resulting in asthma-like responses. Several lines of evidence support a similar role for human isocyanate skin exposure, namely that such exposure occurs and can contribute to the development of isocyanate asthma in certain settings, presumably by inducing systemic sensitization. Conclusions: Integrated animal and human research is needed to better understand the role of skin exposure in human isocyanate asthma and to improve diagnosis and prevention. Despite substantial research needs, sufficient evidence already exists to justify greater emphasis on the potential risks of isocyanate skin exposure, and the need to prevent such exposures at work and during consumer use of certain isocyanate products.
WEB LINK
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9557/9557.pdf
9. EPA Announces It Will Regulate Silver Nanoparticle Technology
AUTHOR Kosich, Dorothy
SOURCE Mineweb, www.mineweb.net, November 24, 2006
ABSTRACT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has told members of the news media that the EPA has decided to regulate a large class of consumer items made with microscopic silver nanoparticles. Recent research has determined that silver ions destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and even cancer cells. Oligodynamic silver refers to the power of an extremely small concentration of silver ions to exert biocidal actions. A nanometer is about 10X the diameter of an atom or 10,000X smaller than the diameter of human hair. Nanotechnology makes it possible to manipulate materials at molecular or atomic levels. Silver can be absorbed from the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract, according to EPA. When an excessive amount of silver is absorbed, tissues become impregnated with silver sulfite. Large amounts of this complex under the skin will result in a bluish or grey-blue skin color, a condition called argyria. However, the effect is not harmful to health. Silver taken orally is not considered to be toxic. The Food and Drug Administration has limited authority over regulating certain categories of products include many products claiming to use antibacterial silver nanoparticles. The FDA is now considering whether it needs to revise its rules for nanoproducts. On November 22 the EPA said any company wishing to sell a product it claims will kill germs through the release of nanotech silver or related technology must provide scientific evidence that the invention is without environmental risks. The final rules will be published in the Federal Register within the next few months.
WEB LINK http://www.mineweb.net/gold_silver/462229.htm
10. A Zero Waste UK
AUTHOR Hill, Julie; Shaw, Ben; Hislop, Hannah
DATE 2006
SOURCE Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr); Green Alliance
ABSTRACT In the UK today’s product – be it a fridge, battery or drink carton – is tomorrow’s waste. But does New Zealand’s approach – that today’s waste is tomorrow’s raw material – provide a better way? While we struggle to reconcile our throwaway culture with the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive, New Zealand and many other countries and cities around the world have embraced the concept of a zero waste society. With this in mind, ippr commissioned Green Alliance to produce a report outlining what a zero waste UK might look like. It is important not to get too hung up on the word ‘zero’. It is what lies behind the concept that matters. While Britain recycles only about 42 per cent of all waste, in places such as San Francisco, Flanders and Kamikatsu, recycling levels are already around 70 per cent and rising. It is interesting to note that, in many of these places, the zero waste concept originated as a grassroots movement, driven by local activists and public authorities. Zero waste means going further than maximising recycling, to stopping things being discarded, through waste prevention. It means taking a close look at product policy to persuade consumers to buy products that have less non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle packaging. The forthcoming Local Government White Paper is an opportunity for the Government to commit to increasing recycling and reducing overall waste production by giving local authorities the power to charge for household waste. We should also seriously consider developing product levies for the most environmentally damaging products. In recent years, both waste and product policy have lacked ambition. A Zero Waste UK offers an alternative vision of a shared responsibility between government, product manufacturers, retailers and consumers to increase recycling and waste prevention. With the new government waste strategy due out later this year, this report provides a timely contribution to the policy debate.
WEB LINK
http://www.ippr.org.uk/publicationsandreports/
publication.asp?id=503
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://greenlist.turi.org/ for greater topic coverage.
Compiled by the TURI Library, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 2006
This page updated Friday December 08 2006