Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 08/03/2007
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:
- Nanotechnology: a report of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Nanotechnology Task Force
- Study reveals the dangers of printer pollution
- Soy products guide
- Risk communication in the internet age: the rise of disorganized skepticism
- Mattel recall of Chinese toys will cost $30 million
- UMass Lowell helps tech firms get the lead out
- Enviro-Health Links -- Keeping the artist safe: hazards of arts and crafts materials
1. Nanotechnology: a report of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Nanotechnology Task Force
Source: United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2007
Abstract: As other emerging technologies have in the past, nanotechnology poses questions regarding the adequacy and application of regulatory authorities. The then Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated the Nanotechnology Task Force (Task Force) in 2006 to help assess these questions with respect to FDA's regulatory authorities, in light of the current state of the science for nanotechnology. This report offers the Task Force's initial findings and recommendations to the Commissioner. The report includes:
A synopsis of the state of the science for biological interactions of nanoscale materials; Analysis and recommendations for science issues; and Analysis and recommendations for regulatory policy issues. The report addresses scientific issues as distinct from regulatory policy issues in recognition of the important role of the science in developing regulatory policies in this area, rapid growth of the field of nanotechnology, and the evolving state of scientific knowledge relating to this field. Rapid developments in the field mean that attention to the emerging science is needed to enable the agency to predict and prepare for the types of products FDA may see in the near future. A general finding of the report is that nanoscale materials present regulatory challenges similar to those posed by products using other emerging technologies. However, these challenges may be magnified both because nanotechnology can be used in, or to make, any FDA-regulated product, and because, at this scale, properties of a material relevant to the safety and (as applicable) effectiveness of FDA-regulated products might change repeatedly as size enters into or varies within the nanoscale range. In addition, the emerging and uncertain nature of the science and potential for rapid development of applications for FDA regulated products highlights the need for timely development of a transparent, consistent, and predictable regulatory pathway.
Link: http://www.fda.gov/nanotechnology/taskforce/report2007.pdf
2. Study reveals the dangers of printer pollution
Source: Queensland University of Technology, August 2, 2007
Abstract: The tiny particles emitted from some home or office laser printer are as dangerous to human health as inhaling cigarette smoke, according to a new study by Queensland University of Technology. The study, which was conducted by Professor Lidia Morawska from QUT's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, found that out of 62 laser printers tested, 17 were "high particle emitters".
Professor Morawska said these 17 printers were releasing potentially dangerous levels of tiny toner-like material into the air. "Most of the particles detected in the study were ultrafine particles," Professor Morawska said. "Ultrafine particles are of most concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can pose a significant health threat. "The health effects from inhaling ultrafine particles depend on particle composition, but the results can range from respiratory irritation to more severe illness such as cardiovascular problems or cancer."
Professor Morawska said the study, conducted in a large open-plan office building, found indoor particle levels in the office air increased fivefold during work hours due to printer use. "Printers are a common device in both the home and office environment," she said. "However, they are a potential source of indoor pollutants producing volatile organic compounds and ozone, as well as particle emissions. "This study showed that printers were the most significant source of particle number concentrations in the office building."
Professor Morawska said in general the study found that printers emitted more particles when the toner cartridge was new, and when printing graphics and images as they require greater quantities of toner. "It appears that there are large differences in the emission levels between different types of printers," she said. "Many factors, such as printer model, printer age, cartridge model and cartridge age may affect the particle emission process."
Link: http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa/
wa/goNewsPage?newsEventID=13495
3. Soy products guide
Source: United Soybean Board (USB), 2007
Abstract: Perhaps the first well-recognized new soy product was an automobile panel made from soy plastic by Henry Ford in 1933. Although soy had been used in products such as paints and lubricants in the past, petrochemicals were lower in cost and more readily available after World War II. Since then, new technologies have been discovered to include soy in many industrial products. Relatively little research on soybean oil and protein as industrial ingredients were conducted until formation of the United Soybean Board (USB) in 1991. USB, comprising 64 volunteer farmer-directors, oversees investments of the soybean checkoff, a research and promotion program funded by U.S. soybean farmers.
With demand for fuels and chemicals growing worldwide, finite supplies of petrochemicals and natural gas will grow more expensive. Renewable alternatives such as soy have begun to play an increasingly important role as basic resources for the production of energy and chemicals. Using soy-based products not only helps conserve fossil fuels, but often enhances human and environmental safety.
This online catalog is produced year-to-year to help consumers and businesses identify commercially available industrial soy products and ingredients. The listed products contain soy in some form, though some may also contain petrochemical-based or natural-gas-based ingredients.
Link: http://www.soynewuses.org/ProductsGuide/Default.aspx
4. Risk communication in the internet age: the rise of disorganized skepticism
Author: Krimsky, Sheldon
Source: Environmental Hazards, Article-in-press, available online July 27, 2007
Abstract: Communicating risks has become a core ingredient in the regulatory functions of government, interest group advocacy, public health, and corporate relations. The channels of risk communication have grown in complexity along with the development and expansion of the Internet and the birth of personalized blogging. This paper discusses three stages in the development of risk communication as an area of study and research. It examines the way risk is framed in three channels of communication, newsprint, the Expanded Academic Index, and Google using the example of the controversial chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The paper concludes that the Internet, as illustrated by the Google search engine, has created more opportunities for citizen learning and expanded the breadth and channels of risk communication, while also providing new opportunities for stakeholders to influence the message. Democratization of information does not necessarily create greater concordance between the cultural and technical assessment of risk.
5. Mattel recall of Chinese toys will cost $30 million
Author: Burke, Heather
Source: Bloomberg.com, August 2, 2007
Abstract: Mattel Inc., the world's largest toymaker, said a recall of 1.5 million Chinese-made products will reduce second-quarter operating income by almost 50 percent and that it will review the production methods of all its contractors in China.
Withdrawing the toys that may contain excessive lead levels, including Sesame Street dolls, will cut $30 million from Mattel's previously reported operating income of $63.5 million. The company didn't say what the impact on net income would be.
The discovery of lead might force Mattel to find new sources of low-cost goods and may further damage China's reputation as an exporter, following a recall of ``Thomas & Friends'' wooden railroad toys, a U.S. ban on Chinese toothpaste and scandals involving tainted pet food and diseased pork.
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/
news?pid=20601080&sid=aS2NWxBlHNUw&refer=asia
6. UMass Lowell helps tech firms get the lead out
Author: Lynch, Brendan
Source: Mass High Tech, July 27, 2007
Abstract: A group based at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is pointing the way for area electronics companies to eliminate lead from their products, a process engineers described as difficult and costly, but necessary.
"There has been a lot of grumbling over the years," said Greg Morose, project manager of the New England Lead-Free Consortium at the UMass Lowell's Toxics Use Reduction Institute. "But it's gotten to a point where it needs to be done -- stop grumbling and just do it."
Market forces have picked up where a June 2006 European Union deadline to remove lead from commercial electronics left off, according to Dick Anderson, senior principal engineer for materials engineering and strategic research and development at Lowell-based microwave and radio-frequency technology supplier M/A-COM Inc.
"The rule of thumb is: If you don't do it, your competition is going to do it for you," he said.
The consortium composed of academic, corporate and government representatives is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with member companies including Raytheon Co., circuit board maker Benchmark Electronics Inc., and M/A-COM donating components and time at testing facilities.
Link: http://masshightech.bizjournals.com/masshightech/
stories/2007/07/30/story12.html
7. Enviro-Health Links -- Keeping the artist safe: hazards of arts and crafts materials
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2007
Abstract: The objective of Enviro-Health Links is to give users a comprehensive review of topics in environmental health and toxicology. Much of its information comes from National Library of Medicine (NLM) resources.
This site focuses on the potential hazards of materials used in arts and crafts. Topics include: an overview of art safety; schools and art materials; specific art materials; artist health hazard bibliographies; standards for art materials; regulations and policy; searches from the National Library of Medicine; and information in Spanish.
Link: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/arthazards.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://slk060.liberty3.net/turi/ for greater topic coverage.
This page updated Friday August 10 2007