Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 04/27/2007
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:
- Green nanotechnology: it's easier than you think
- Amendments to the air toxics standards for the halogenated solvent cleaning industry: fact sheet
- Fantastic plastic
- Not that innocent: a comparative analysis of Canadian, European Union and United States policies on industrial chemicals
- The greening of an industry: managing energy demand, lowering costs
- Tracking the chemicals in us
- OSHA leaves worker safety in the hands of industry
- Wood preservatives feel pressure
- Carpet highs and whoas: are you walking on 120 chemicals?
- An environmental management system implementation model for U.S. colleges and universities
1. Green nanotechnology: it's easier than you think
Author: Schmidt, Karen F.
Source: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, April 2007
Abstract: The ability to eliminate waste and toxins from production processes early on, to create more efficient and flexible solar panels, and to remove contaminants from water is becoming an exciting reality with nanotechnology. This “green nanotechnology” involves designing nanoproducts for the environment and with the environment in mind. Green nano is not just a niche among a few scientists or environmentalists, but is commercially viable among businesses; the investment community has recognized these green nano advances as big business and rewarded corporate innovators. Last spring, several scientists, policymakers, lawyers, and industry representatives came together to participate in a series of dialogues on green nanotechnology held at the Woodrow Wilson Center. The American Chemical Society also held a symposium on Nanotechnology and the Environment at its annual meeting. On April 26, 2007, the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies released its first report on green nanotechnology, which highlights the research breakthroughs, industry perspectives, and policy options discussed at those meetings.
Link: http://www.nanotechproject.org/
116/4262007-green-nanotechnology-its-easier-than-you-think
2. Amendments to the air toxics standards for the halogenated solvent cleaning industry: fact sheet
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Technology Transfer Network, April 2007
Abstract: On April 16, 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the air toxics standards for halogenated solvent cleaning facilities, also called degreasers. The standards amend the 1994 technology-based standards by setting more stringent emissions limits for certain facilities to provide additional health protection to people living around these plants. Halogenated solvents include methylene chloride and perchloroethylene. Halogenated solvent cleaning machines use these solvents to remove grease, oils, waxes, carbon deposits, and tars from metal, plastic, fiberglass, printed circuit boards, and other surfaces. Halogenated solvent cleaning is typically performed prior to processes such as painting, plating, inspection, repair, assembly, heat treatment, and machining. This final rule addresses the residual risk and the eight-year technology review provisions of the Clean Air Act. In the proposal, EPA determined that the residual risks from this source category were acceptable. However, EPA proposed two options to amend the existing standards. Both options would have provided cost savings to the industry in addition to providing additional health protection by reducing emissions of the solvents methylene chloride and perchloroethylene. EPA received significant comments on the proposal from four industry sectors: the aerospace manufacture and maintenance industry, the narrow tubing manufacturing industry, industries that use continuous web cleaning machines, and a major military equipment maintenance facility. These industries commented that they would face serious technological challenges and high costs if the proposal were finalized. Based on the comments received on the proposal and on information received in response to the NODA, EPA is setting industry-specific standards. For all but the four industry sectors: aerospace, narrow tubing, continuous web and military maintenance, EPA will set a facility-wide emission limit of 60,000 kilograms per year of methylene chloride equivalent emissions. EPA is providing a 3-year period for facilities to comply with the emission standards. For the three industry sectors, aerospace, narrow tubing and facilities that use continuous web cleaning machines, EPA will require no further emissions reductions beyond the 1994 air toxics rule. For military maintenance facilities, EPA is promulgating a facility-wide emission limit of 100,000 kg/yr of MC equivalent emissions.
Link: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/caaa/t3/fact_sheets/degreasfinalfs2007.html
3. Fantastic plastic
Source: Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England Technology, April 23, 2007
Abstract: If 'The Graduate' protagonist Ben Braddock were getting career advice today, it's likely he would hear not just one word, but two: 'green plastics.' That seeming oxymoron -- plastics hardly have a reputation as environmentally friendly -- is all the rage in a time of increasing environmental sensitivity, global warming and concern over foreign-oil dependence. Today the shift is on to degradable plastics made not from petrochemicals but from renewable materials such as wood, cotton, corn and milk.
Such technologies were on display April 17 and 18 when the University of Massachusetts Lowell and The Plastics Institute of America held a conference titled 'Sustainable Materials Conference: Green Plastics Manufacturing' to help companies explore the shift to making green plastics.
'”Plastics from renewable resources is really hot,” said Steve McCarthy, director of the Institute for Plastics Innovation in Lowell, who points out that green plastics represent less than 5 percent of the market 'but has a lot of potential for growth.'
Materials cost is moving in the right direction for growth to occur, McCarthy added. “One thing, recently, is that the price and properties have come down, and that's a huge step because it has to be affordable.'”
Ironically, what's new is actually old -- some of the first plastics developed in the 19th century were cellulose products derived from wood. Leading the way today are natural plastics made from plant sugars and oils. Made by companies such as Metabolix Inc. in Cambridge, such materials can be found in cups, plates, coatings, adhesives, personal-hygiene products and more.
Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/masshightech/stories/2007/04/23/focus1.html
4. Not that innocent: a comparative analysis of Canadian, European Union and United States policies on industrial chemicals
Author: Denison, Richard A.
Source: Environmental Defense and Pollution Probe, April 2007
Abstract: Environmental Defense, in cooperation with Pollution Probe in Canada, has released a major new report on industrial chemicals policies. 'Not That Innocent: A Comparative Analysis of Canadian, European Union and United States Policies on Industrial Chemicals' provides—for the first time—a comprehensive comparison of the European Union's new REACH regulation with existing policies in the United States and Canada that govern industrial chemicals.
The report identifies 'best practices' that draw on the most effective features of the three policies with respect to how well they protect human health and the environment. Best practices are offered for each of six core functions of any chemicals policy, pinpointing how an ideal policy should approach:
* identifying and prioritizing chemicals of concern;
* identifying and tracking chemicals and their production and use;
* facilitating or requiring the generation and submission of risk-relevant information;
* assessing information to determine hazard/exposure/risk;
* imposing controls to mitigate risk; and
* sharing and disclosing information and protecting confidential business information.
Taken together, these best practices offer a blueprint for chemicals policy reforms that are critical to addressing both long-standing deficiencies and newly emerging concerns with respect to how government manages the potential risks of industrial chemicals.
Link: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentid=6147
5. The Greening of an Industry: managing energy demand, lowering costs
Author: Goldsberry, Clare
Source: Modern Plastics, April 2007
Abstract: Saint-Gobain North America got a handle on its energy costs and was able to lower operational costs throughout the company. Plus, its program helps it better plan for energy costs at new facilities. Less than a decade ago, energy use was a relatively stable factor when considering overhead. “Now it is extremely expensive, highly volatile, and has a tremendous impact on profitability,” says John Marrone, vice president of purchasing for Saint-Gobain North America (Valley Forge, PA), with 200 production operations and $8 billion in sales.
In 2002 the company recognized its energy costs were out of hand, and embarked on an energy management mission for its North American facilities.
Saint-Gobain is a very diversified company—totally manufacturing oriented, but across many different industries including plastics processing, ceramics, glass, and more. “The concern we had was that because we are so decentralized we did not have a full understanding of all activities relating to energy management,” says Marrone. The company contracted Summit Energy Corp. (Louisville, KY) to help implement and maintain a centrally led energy management program. The program would manage energy demand to create operational efficiencies and include devising procurement solutions to intelligently buy energy.
“The program is working and we’re making good advances,” Marrone says. Savings per year have run from 2 to 5. “Saint-Gobain will continue to use third-party solutions to be our eyes and ears in the marketplace, but we’ll always maintain control of our strategic and tactical position,” he adds.
Link: http://www.modplas.com/inc/
mparticle.php?section=cvrStory&thefilename=cvrStory04012007_01
6. Tracking the Chemicals in Us
Author: Hileman, Bette
Source: Chemical & Engineering News, April 23, 2007, pp32-34
Abstract: Large scale measurements of chemicals in human tissues, or biomonitoring, is only about two decades old. But it has already led to a revolution in how chemical exposures are assessed in humans, to new opportunities in disease detection and prevention, and to a recognition that endocrine disrupters—compounds that mimic hormones or interfere with hormonal action—in the environment may cause a variety of adverse effects.
The benefits and challenges of biomonitoring, particularly of endocrine disrupters, were the subjects of an interdisciplinary conference hosted by the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) in late March in Philadelphia. Attendees discussed the topics from different perspectives: how to detect the adverse effects of environmental chemicals in humans and wildlife; how to remediate endocrine disrupters in the environment; and how current regulations and conventional toxicology are ill-suited to deal with biomonitoring and endocrine disrupters.
At the meeting, Larry L. Needham, chief of the organic analytical toxicology branch at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, presented an overview of what biomonitoring can and cannot do. In particular, he discussed two national biomonitoring surveys that CDC had conducted. These measured environmental chemicals or their metabolites in blood and urine from about 5,000 participants as a part of the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
The NHANES biomonitoring program aims to track the sources of chemicals found in humans and gain a broad picture of human exposures, Needham said. It establishes average exposures, tracks averages over time, and sets priorities in efforts to link exposures to disease, he said.
The survey in 1999-2000 (NHANES II) involved measurement of 116 chemicals, including metals, organochlorine pesticides, phthalate metabolites, dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and the nicotine metabolite cotinine. The survey in 2003-04 (NHANES III) included chemicals analyzed during the previous survey and a number of additional substances, such as pyrethroids, some herbicides, and more phthalate metabolites.
What biomonitoring cannot usually do is establish whether a specific substance detected in human tissue is responsible for disease, Needham observed.
7. OSHA leaves worker safety in the hands of industry
Author: Labaton, Stephen
Source: The New York Times, April 24, 2007
Abstract: Seven years ago, a Missouri doctor discovered a troubling pattern at a microwave popcorn plant in the town of Jasper. After an additive was modified to produce a more buttery taste, nine workers came down with a rare, life-threatening disease that was ravaging their lungs. Puzzled Missouri health authorities turned to two federal agencies in Washington. Scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which investigates the causes of workplace health problems, moved quickly to examine patients, inspect factories and run tests. Within months, they concluded that the workers became ill after exposure to diacetyl, a food-flavoring agent. But the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, charged with overseeing workplace safety, reacted with far less urgency. It did not step up plant inspections or mandate safety standards for businesses, even as more workers became ill.
On Tuesday, the top official at the agency told lawmakers at a Congressional hearing that it would prepare a safety bulletin and plan to inspect a few dozen of the thousands of food plants that use the additive.
That response reflects OSHA’s practices under the Bush administration, which vowed to limit new rules and roll back what it considered cumbersome regulations that imposed unnecessary costs on businesses and consumers. Across Washington, political appointees — often former officials of the industries they now oversee — have eased regulations or weakened enforcement of rules on issues like driving hours for truckers, logging in forests and corporate mergers.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/washington/25osha.html?hp
8. Wood preservatives feel pressure
Author: Blanchfield, Lindsey
Source: ICIS Chemical Business Americas, March 26 - April 1, 2007, pp27-29
Abstract: The wood preservatives market faces an array of challenges - the decline in housing construction, environmental concerns and a shift toward plastic composite material use in construction. But, despite formidable headwinds, the market still has a strong growth potential for companies willing to innovate.
Demand for wood protection coatings and preservatives is forecast to increase 2.7/year to $3bn in 2009, according to Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, Ohio-based market research company. Gains will be driven by greater emphasis on growing interior wood applications such as cabinets and flooring, and by a shift toward higher value formulations due to environmental issues.
Dozens of companies in the plastic, building product and forest product industries are battling for position in the rapidly growing market for wood replacement in residential decking, according to Principia Consulting, an Exton, Penn.-based industrial consulting firm.
In the US decking market, alternative materials such as wood-plastic composites, plastic and aluminum will continue to outpace wood and gain market share, according to Freedonia. Wood will nevertheless remain dominant, led by lower-priced pressure-treated types.
Composite growth in decking could also be due, in part, to the ban on CCA (chromated copper arsenate)-treated wood for residential use and the inherent concerns regarding arsenic. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have become a more prominent concern in the wood treatment and preservation sector. Concerns over the release of VOCs during the coating process have initiated a gradual switch to more environmentally friendly formulations, such as water-based coatings in onsite applications, and powder and radiation-cured coatings in factory applications, according to Freedonia.
9. Carpet Highs and Whoas: Are You Walking on 120 Chemicals?
Author: Marty, Diane
Source: E Magazine, March/April 2007, pp54-55
Abstract: People spend 90 percent of their time inside buildings and the majority of those hours in their homes. With indoor air often four to five times more polluted than the outdoor variety, limiting the toxins inside should be a number one priority. And one answer for improving air quality in your home rests right under your feet. “A typical carpet contains 120 different chemicals, including such carcinogens as formaldehyde, toluene, xylene and benzene,” says Linda Mason Hun-ter, author of Creating a Safe and Healthy Home. Flame retardants, stain guards, water repellants and non-stick surfaces contribute even more unheal-thy elements. “Treatments add polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorochemicals (PFCs), perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOAs), along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to the home environment,” she says. Controversy also surrounds the popular antimicrobial treatments intended to control mold and mildew. Regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agents in these applications contain about 300 different active ingredients. And, if that’s not enough to keep concerned householders breathing through face masks, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) introduces dioxin and phthalates into the mix.
The most potent carcinogen known to science, dioxin, can cause birth defects, reproductive problems and immune system damage, in addition to cancer. PVC also contains phthalates, a class of plasticizers believed to affect male reproductive health. Plastic foam and rubber padding can “offgas” harmful fumes for months. All these components make contemporary carpeting a veritable chemical stew, and a potential culprit when people with brand-new carpeting get sick unexpectedly.
Link: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3638
10. An environmental management system implementation model for U.S. colleges and universities
Authors: Savely, Susanne S.; Carson, Arch I.; Delclos, George L..
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production, v15 (2007) n7, pp660-670
Abstract: The Osnabruck model, and another under development by the South Carolina Sustainable Universities Initiative, are the only two EMS models that have been proposed specifically for colleges and universities, although several guides are now available. The Environmental Management System Implementation Model for U.S. Colleges and Universities detailed in this paper, an adaptation of the ISO 14001 standard and USEPA recommendations, has been tailored to U.S. colleges and universities for use in streamlining the implementation process. In using this three-phased implementation model created for the U.S. research and academic setting, it is hoped that these highly specialized institutions will be provided with a clearer and more cost-effective path towards the implementation of an EMS and greater compliance with local, state and federal environmental legislation.
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 Thursday April 26 2007