Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 04/06/2007
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:
- Fiduciary guide to toxic chemical risk
- Scientists track remarkable "breathing" in nanoporous materials
- Case Report: Potential Arsenic Toxicosis Secondary to Herbal Kelp Supplement
- Greaseball Challenge 2007
- PLA film coatings replacing thermoplastics
- The Green Screen for Safer Chemicals: evaluating flame retardants for TV enclosures
- Buildings can play a key role in combating climate change
- Comparison of environmental impacts of two residential heating systems
- The use of Six Sigma principles for successful RoHS implementation
- Soy-based solvents and strippers yield aMAIZEing results
1. Fiduciary guide to toxic chemical risk
Authors: Ambachtsheer, Jane; Kron, Jonas; Liroff, Richard A.; Little, Tim; Massey, Rachel
Source: The Investor Environmental Health Network and Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, January 2007
Abstract: In the wake of costly litigation, product sales bans, and reputational damage arising from asbestos, toxic materials in cosmetics and toys, and Teflon-related chemicals, U.S. investors are becoming increasingly wary of toxic chemical risks – in products, in supply chains, and in their own portfolios. The number of companies facing resolutions dealing with toxic product risks jumped from three in 2004-2005 to 17 in 2006-2007, including 13 resolutions introduced for the ‘07 proxy season at such leading U.S. corporations as Apple, CVS, Dow, DuPont, Sears, and ServiceMaster.
In response, the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN), which represents 20 investment organizations with $22 billion in assets under management, today released the 52-page “Fiduciary Guide to Toxic Chemical Risk.” The guide for institutional investors examines the financial dimensions of toxic chemical risk, including how to quantify such risk, the theory behind the danger posed by toxic chemicals to the wealth of shareholders, and a comprehensive set of action steps that can be taken by investors to translate the long-term threats and opportunities associated with toxic chemical issues into prudent portfolio stewardship.
Link: http://www.iehn.org/filesalt/Fiduciary.pdf
2. Scientists track remarkable "breathing" in nanoporous materials
Source: European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, April 3, 2007
Abstract: Scientists all over the world are participating in the quest for new materials with properties suitable for the environmentally friendly and economically feasible separation, recovery, and reuse of vapours and greenhouse gases. A team of scientists from France, UK and the ESRF have recently discovered an unprecedented giant and reversible swelling of nanoporous materials with exceptional properties: huge flexibility and profound selectivity. Porous hybrid solids are the new materials that could make the world more environmentally friendly. The team from Institut Lavoisier at University of Versailles have developed metal-organic three-dimensional structures with cages and channels (known as MIL, for Material Institut Lavoisier). These compounds contain metal ions (in this case chromium and iron), with organic linkers and are very flexible, and hence, can change shape very easily. They can open up or close down in response to external factors such as pressure, temperature, light or influence of gases and solvents.
The French researchers, in collaboration with the staff of the Swiss-Norwegian experimental station (called beamline) at the ESRF, have tracked, for the first time, a reversible giant increase in volume of these solids. It ranges from 85% of their size to up the unprecedented 230%. Such a large expansion in crystalline materials has not been observed before. This reversible “breathing” action is similar to the lungs’ function in humans: they grow in size when inhaling and go back to their original size when exhaling. The lungs expand, however, by only around 40%. The huge swelling effect has been achieved in a simple way: MIL materials were immersed into solvents, and their cavities were filled and thus opened by entering solvent molecules. This made the structures grow, without breaking bonds and retaining the crystallinity of the materials. This process was monitored at the ESRF, using high-quality synchrotron radiation and the experimental results were combined with computer chemistry simulations.
The swelling process can reversed by heating the solvated form and the dry form is then recovered. In this form, the material exhibited closed pores with almost no accessible porosity. Surprisingly, the same team published a paper last autumn where they showed that some gas molecules can close, but not open, the pores upon absorption. Moreover, the closed hydrated form demonstrates a remarkable selectivity in absorption of polar and nonpolar gases.
The next step for the team is to investigate how hydrogen or green-house gases can be stored in these kinds of materials. This may open a door to ecological applications such as hydrogen-fueled cars or the capture of carbon dioxide in the near future.
Link: http://www.esrf.eu/news/pressreleases/nanoporous
3. Case Report: Potential Arsenic Toxicosis Secondary to Herbal Kelp Supplement
Authors: Amster, Eric; Tiwarry, Asheesh; Schenker, Marc B.
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, April 2007, pp606-608
Abstract: Medicinal use of dietary herbal supplements can cause inadvertent arsenic toxicosis. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman was referred to the University of California, Davis, Occupational Medicine Clinic with a 2-year history of worsening alopecia and memory loss. She also reported having a rash, increasing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, disabling her to the point where she could no longer work full-time. A thorough exposure history revealed that she took daily kelp supplements. A urine sample showed an arsenic level of 83.6 µg/g creatinine (normal < 50 µg/g creatinine) . A sample from her kelp supplements contained 8.5 mg/kg (ppm) arsenic. Within weeks of discontinuing the supplements, her symptoms resolved and arsenic blood and urine levels were undetectable.
To evaluate the extent of arsenic contamination in commercially available kelp, we analyzed nine samples randomly obtained from local health food stores. Eight of the nine samples showed detectable levels of arsenic higher than the Food and Drug Administration tolerance level of 0.5 to 2 ppm for certain food products. None of the supplements contained information regarding the possibility of contamination with arsenic or other heavy metals. The 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) has changed the way dietary herbal therapies are marketed and regulated in the United States. Less regulation of dietary herbal therapies will make inadvertent toxicities a more frequent occurrence.
Clinicians should be aware of the potential for heavy metal toxicity due to chronic use of dietary herbal supplements. Inquiring about use of dietary supplements is an important element of the medical history.
Link: http://www.ehponline.org/members/2007/9495/9495.pdf
4. Greaseball Challenge 2007
Date: 2007
Abstract: The Greaseball Challenge is a charity biofuel car rally from the USA to Central America. Inspired by the tradition of the classic car race, Greaseball is a cross-continental adventure promoting sustainability on a shoestring using renewable fuels.
The inaugural Greaseball Challenge departs on April 1, 2007. Armed with nothing but a sense of adventure and some cheesecloth, five teams will drive 4,500 miles on grease power from the USA to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.. There are a few simple rules:
1) Teams must find a vehicle on a shoestring budget.
2) Teams are on their own – unsupported for the duration of the rally!
3) Vehicles are powered using alternative fuels – biodiesel, vegetable oil, waste grease, or any renewable fuel source.
4) All vehicles are donated in the destination countries to benefit local environmental projects.
5) Greaseballers will source their fuel from a number of greasestops on the road: biodiesel producers, diners, fast-food outlets, supermarkets, factories, and farms. The possibilities are endless, and rather daunting. It’s a challenge.
Link: http://www.greaseballchallenge.com/index.htm
5. PLA film coatings replacing thermoplastics
Author: Goldsberry, Clare
Source: Modern Plastics, February 2007, pp54-56
Abstract: After years of “paper or plastic,” these two old rivals are now working together to create “paper and plastic” in innovative new drinking cups being processed at MeadWestvaco’s Low Moor Converting Plant. Innovation in more environmentally friendly packaging is driving MeadWestvaco to push the envelop of processing technology. The plant, located in Low Moor, VA, produces 14,000 tons of finished goods a month with 200 employees, and equipment that includes two extrusion coating lines, three sheeting lines, and three custom winders. The primary products from this facility use paper from five different mills and coat it with polymer film to produce coated packaging products for the food processing, pharmaceutical, tobacco, and liquid packaging industries. One of the company’s newest products involves coating paperboard with a polylactic acid (PLA) compound supplied by Cereplast Inc. (Hawthorne, CA) in a project for Solo Cup. Cereplast produces proprietary biobased resins that incorporate starch and other degradable materials including PLA from supplier NatureWorks LLC (Minnetonka, MN). While PLA film is more expensive than the PE used for coating paperboard, and is more difficult to process, A.E. (Al) Mildenberger, plant manager for the Packaging Resources Group at the converter, believes the ecological aspects of using PLA will prove a big value-add for everyone involved. Additionally, he says, “Trials of regular extrusion films were far worse than the PLA,” noting that the plant will soon get beyond the learning curve and integrate PLA into its standard processing lineup.
Link: http://www.modplas.com/inc/
mparticle.php?section=cvrStory&thefilename=cvrStory02012007_01
6. The Green Screen for Safer Chemicals: evaluating flame retardants for TV enclosures
Authors: Rossi, Mark; Heine, Lauren
Source: Clean Production Action, March 2007
Abstract: The Green Screen for Safer Chemicals defines four benchmarks on the path to safer chemicals:
* Benchmark 1: Avoid—Chemical of high concern
* Benchmark 2: Use but search for safer substitutes
* Benchmark 3: Use but still opportunity for improvement
* Benchmark 4: Prefer—Safer chemical
The criteria for each benchmark become progressively more demanding for environmental and human health and safety, with the hazard criteria of Benchmark 4 representing the most preferred chemicals.
To test the Green Screen we evaluated three flame retardants that currently meet performance criteria for use in the external plastic housing of televisions (TVs):
* decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE),
* resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP), and
* bisphenol A diphosphate (BAPP or BPADP).
Of the three flame retardants, RDP was the only flame retardant to pass all criteria under Benchmark 1 of the Green Screen. Thus RDP, at Benchmark 2, is the most preferred of the three flame retardants.
Link: http://www.cleanproduction.org/Green.Greenscreen.php
7. Buildings can play a key role in combating climate change
Source: United Nations Environment Programme, March 29, 2007
Abstract: Significant gains can be made in efforts to combat global warming by reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency in buildings.
The right mix of appropriate government regulation, greater use of energy saving technologies and behavioural change can substantially reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the building sector which accounts for 30-40 % of global energy use, says a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Construction and Building Initiative (SBCI).
The new report, Buildings and Climate Change: Status, Challenges and Opportunities, says many opportunities exist for governments, industry and consumers to take appropriate actions during the life span of buildings that will help mitigate the impacts of global warming.
Citing the example of Europe, the report says more than one-fifth of present energy consumption and up to 45 million tonnes of CO2 per year could be saved by 2010 by applying more ambitious standards to new and existing buildings.
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, said:" Energy efficiency, along with cleaner and renewable forms of energy generation, is one of the pillars upon which a de-carbonized world will stand or fall. The savings that can be made right now are potentially huge and the costs to implement them relatively low if sufficient numbers of governments, industries, businesses and consumers act".
"This report focuses on the building sector. By some conservative estimates, the building sector world-wide could deliver emission reductions of 1.8 billion tonnes of C02. A more aggressive energy efficiency policy might deliver over two billion tonnes or close to three times the amount scheduled to be reduced under the Kyoto Protocol," he added.
"There is more low hanging fruit to be harvested. Several countries, including Australia, Cuba and the European Union are looking to phase out or ban the traditional incandescent light bulb that has been around for well over a century in various forms. The International Energy Agency estimates that a total global switch to compact fluorescent bulbs would, in 2010 deliver C02 savings of 470 million tonnes or slightly over half of the Kyoto reductions. We have to ask what the hurdles are-- if any--to achieving such positive low cost change and set about decisively and swiftly to overcome them, if they exist at all," said Mr. Steiner.
Link: http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/
Default.asp?DocumentID=502&ArticleID=5545&l=en
8. Comparison of environmental impacts of two residential heating systems
Authors: Yang, Lijun; Zmeureanu, Radu; Rivard, Hugues
Source: Building and Environment, Article-in-Press, online April 2, 2007
Abstract: This paper presents a comparison of environmental impacts of two residential heating systems, a hot water heating (HWH) system with mechanical ventilation and a forced air heating (FAH) system. These two systems are designed for a house recently built near Montreal, Canada. The comparison is made with respect to the life-cycle energy use, the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the expanded cumulative exergy consumption (ECExC), the energy and exergy efficiencies, and the life-cycle cost. The results indicate that the heating systems cause marginal impacts compared with the entire house in the pre-operating phase. In the operating phase, on the other hand, they cause significant environmental impacts. The HWH systems with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) using either electricity or natural gas have the lowest life-cycle energy use and lowest ECExC. The HWH and FAH systems using electricity as energy source have the lowest GHG emissions. Finally, the FAH systems have, on the average, a lower life-cycle cost than the HWH systems.
9. The use of Six Sigma principles for successful RoHS implementation
Author: Shina, Sammy
Source: Printed Circuit Design & Manufacture, April 2007
Abstract: The conversion of electronics manufacturing processes to comply with RoHS regulations provides a great opportunity for process improvement in order to provide efficient, as well as environmentally friendly, design and manufacturing processes. Six Sigma techniques for process measurement, analysis and improvement can be used to select optimum RoHS-compliant processes that will increase quality and reduce cost. The methodologies outlined here were used by the New England Lead-Free Consortium created by the author, and jointly supported by funding and support from member companies, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) and EPA.
The goals of Six Sigma are to create a design and manufacturing environment for products that are virtually defect free in manufacturing, beginning with incoming materials through every step in the process. Though Six Sigma today has morphed more into a qualitative methodology incorporating lean manufacturing methods to reduce inventory, work in process and throughput times, its original intent was to focus on improving quality through analyzing design quality as well as manufacturing defects. A strong component of Six Sigma is the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology, which allows for a quick and comprehensive evaluation of alternatives in materials and processes. Combined with the opportunity of new materials mandated by RoHS, the Six Sigma and DoE techniques can be used for successfully selecting material alternatives for products and developing optimum new processes to manufacture them, thus providing a unique opportunity to improve quality and reduce cost.
The RoHS directive bans several key elements and materials that were widely used in the electronics industry, with some exemptions for certain industries such as military and medical products. However, as the component manufacturers began their compliance process by eliminating banned substances such as lead in the component finishes, the exempted industries found that they could not easily obtain their traditional leaded components and are being forced to make necessary changes to their components and processes to be RoHS compliant. Therefore, it appears that the impact of the RoHS regulation is a universal switch away from the banned substances for all industries, giving every company the opportunity to make optimum material and process improvements.
10. Soy-based solvents and strippers yield aMAIZEing results
Source: Biobased Solutions, March 2007
Abstract: Many industrial tasks, like paint stripping or cleaning concrete, require work with chemicals that can be hazardous. In many cases this is unavoidable, but some soy-based products are making these industrial tasks safer for both the environment and the people who use them. Green Products recently introduced aMAIZEing Biobased Stripper and Solvent, which is 100 percent derived from a proprietary blend of U.S.-grown soybean and corn esters. The strippers and solvents are designed to strip, lift and remove mastics, adhesives, paint and more from concrete, masonry, wood, metal and a host of other surfaces. The aMAIZEing line is 100 percent biobased per ASTM D 6866-04 and complies with the Federal Biobased Product Procurement Preference Program in Section 9002 of the U.S. Federal Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The stripper and solvent contains no environmentally hazardous ingredients, ozone depleting chemicals or hazardous air pollutants. The biobased stripper and solvent can be used for paint stripping, mastic removal, adhesive removal, asphalt removal, degreaser, parts cleaner, concrete cleaner and lead paint removal. AMAIZEing contains 53 percent solids, with a boiling point of 280 degrees Celsius. The stripper and solvent has a health rating of 1, a flammability rating of 1 and a reactivity rating of 0. The aMAIZEing line has a storage stability of two years in unopened containers.
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.
This page updated Friday April 13 2007