Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 09/21/2007
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:
- Nanotech silver stops microbes
- International survey highlights business attitudes towards sustainability
- No signs tell of arsenic in Upper Mystic Lake
- New substances [website]
- Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA)
- Application of submicron metal hydrate fillers in flame retardant cables
- Hidden hazards in air fresheners
- Insecticide treated mosquito nets: a position statement
- Can Taiwan teach China environmental lessons?
- Bird deaths key to unveiling lead contamination
1. Nanotech silver stops microbes
Author: Destefani, Jim
Source: PF Products Finishing, September 2007, pp18-21
Abstract: Hospital-related infections are a serious problem. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 2 million hospital patients a year acquire such infections. Approximately 100,000 of those afflicted die, making hospital-related infections the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
In addition to the personal toll there’s an economic price to be paid as well. Hospital-related infections cost an average of $57,000 per patient to treat. The added cost to hospitals, patients and insurance carriers for extended care and treatment is $28–30 billion annually. About half of hospital-related infections are associated with catheters and other medical devices that provide a support surface for organisms to move into deeper tissue. Medical science has discovered that such infections are caused by formation of biofilms on the device surfaces. Biofilms are formed when rapidly mutating versions of free-floating bacteria attach to a surface. They are very difficult to get rid of and can result in serious blood infections, organ failure and death. The key to preventing biofilms is to stop bacteria from colonizing on the surface of medical devices.
Enter a new type of surface treatment that combines a very old anti-microbial material—silver—with the latest in nanotechnology can combat this infection mechanism and minimize the chance of infection in some types of surgeries. Developed by AcryMed Inc. (Portland, OR), SilvaGard silver nanotechnology can render existing medical devices impervious to infection-causing bacteria without dimensionally changing the device or chemically altering the treated surfaces.
Link: http://www.pfonline.com/articles/090701.html
2. International survey highlights business attitudes towards sustainability
Source: Dow Corning, 2007
Abstract: Attitudes towards sustainability amongst companies around the world are revealed in the results of an international research study conducted for Dow Corning Corporation by the independent market research company Harris Interactive. Summary of Findings:
• Waste reduction is considered the most important environmental issue in the USA; Brazil; Italy; Germany and China. Korea and India place more importance on developing green/environmentally friendly products.
• Overall, the use of renewable/cleaner energy sources is considered less important than waste reduction or developing green/environmentally friendly products.
• Health and safety of employees, customers and suppliers is the most important driver of environmental and sustainability decisions in all countries except Korea, where the long term business sustainability was rated higher. Overall, customers and the government are the two main influencers on a company’s sustainability and environmental decisions.
• Environmental/sustainability factors have a strong influence on selection of suppliers in all geographies – this is strongest in India where half of respondents say it is a critical factor in selection.
Link: http://www.dowcorning.com/content/about/aboutcomm/SustainDoc.pdf
3. No signs tell of arsenic in Upper Mystic Lake
Author: Masis, Julie
Source: Boston Globe, September 20, 2007
Abstract: For most people who live near it or travel a distance to enjoy its deep waters and scenic beauty, Upper Mystic Lake conjures up happy thoughts. For generations, the lake has been a popular spot, especially on summer weekends, when parents bring their youngsters to frolic in the shallows off the public Sandy Beach or build sand castles, anglers wait for fish to bite, and families gather to picnic by the water.
Nobody worries about the chemicals under the lake's surface - at least none of the beachgoers interviewed on a recent Sunday. But that's probably because few people know what several scientists who have studied the lake in recent years know - that it contains as much as 10 tons of arsenic and undetermined amounts of lead and chromium. The scientists say that even though most of the contaminants are buried in the sediment on the bottom of the lake, trace levels of arsenic have been detected in the water. And while the researchers have different opinions about the risk of being in the water, all say they believe people at the lake have a right to know about the contamination.
But there are no warning signs at the beach or elsewhere around the lake.
Link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/09/20/
no_signs_tell_of_arsenic_in_upper_mystic_lake/
4. New substances [website]
Source: Environment Canada, 2006
Abstract: This website is intended to aid those individuals or companies that are required to notify new substances regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) (the Act) and to provide general information on the NS program.
The NS program is responsible for administering the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) [NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers)] and the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) [NSNR (Organisms)] of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999). Collectively known as the Regulations they are an integral part of the federal government's national pollution prevention strategy. As part of the "cradle to grave" management approach for toxic substances laid out in the Act, the Regulations were created to ensure that no new substances (chemicals, polymers or animate products of biotechnology) are introduced into the Canadian marketplace before an assessment of whether they are potentially toxic has been completed, and any appropriate or required control measures have been taken.
Link: http://www.ec.gc.ca/Substances/nsb/eng/home_e.shtml
5. Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA)
Author: Vandenberg, Laura N.; Hauser, Russ; Marcus, Michele; Olea, Nicolas; Welshons, Wade V.
Source: Reproductive Toxicology, August-September 2007, pp139-177
Abstract: The plastic monomer and plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. BPA is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in many consumer products. Here, we have outlined studies that address the levels of BPA in human tissues and fluids. We have reviewed the few epidemiological studies available that explore biological markers of BPA exposure and human health outcomes. We have examined several studies of levels of BPA released from consumer products as well as the levels measured in wastewater, drinking water, air and dust. Lastly, we have reviewed acute metabolic studies and the information available about BPA metabolism in animal models. The reported levels of BPA in human fluids are higher than the BPA concentrations reported to stimulate molecular endpoints in vitro and appear to be within an order of magnitude of the levels needed to induce effects in animal models.
6. Application of submicron metal hydrate fillers in flame retardant cables
Author: Sauerwein, Reiner
Source: Wire & Cable Technology International, July 2007, pp 48-54
Abstract: In recent years Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH) compound development focused on processability aspects during compounding and extrusion. While the most important commercial success was made by development of new polymer and filler generations, approaches to reduce the total loading by the use of organo-clays and other synergists have probably seen the highest number of publications. This paper describes a new group of products called submicron metal hydrates to be used as synergistic flame retardant additives to standard micron sized fine precipitated ATH and MDH. Results of material fire performance investigations using LOI, UL 94 and cone calorimetry are discussed. The focus of the different exemplary compound formulations is on finding the best combinations in regard to balance of fire and other compound performance as mechanical and especially melt flow properties.
Link: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/wcti/wcti0707/
7. Hidden hazards in air fresheners
Source: NRDC, 2007
Abstract: Over the past few years, air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with promises of a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. The labels do not mention, however, that many of these products also release potentially hazardous chemicals.
A recent investigation of 14 common air fresheners by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates in 12 products, including some fresheners marketed as "all-natural" and "unscented." None of the air fresheners listed phthalates on their labels.
Phthalates are known to interfere with hormone and testosterone production. Children and unborn babies are particularly vulnerable to the toxins. The State of California notes that five types of phthalates - including one detected in air fresheners - are "known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm." Still, phthalates are used in many common consumer products -- to soften plastics in children's toys, as sealants and adhesives in nail polish, and as solvents in perfumes and fragrances.
The air fresheners NRDC tested included aerosol sprays, liquids that emit a continuous scent, and a solid. From generic store brands to "100% Pure and Natural" blends to college dorm favorites like Ozium, the vast majority of air fresheners tested revealed at least trace amounts of toxic phthalates. Walgreens Scented Bouquet topped the charts with 7300 parts per million of the phthalate DEP. The only two products that tested entirely free of phthalates were Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects, both sprays.
Link: http://www.nrdc.org/health/home/airfresheners.asp
8. Insecticide treated mosquito nets: a position statement
Source: World Health Organization. Global Malaria Programme, 2007
Abstract: This Position Statement from the WHO Global Malaria Programme (WHO/GMP) describes a shift in guidance on malaria prevention through the use of insecticidetreated nets (ITNs).
The WHO/GMP calls upon national malaria control programmes and their partners involved in insecticide-treated net interventions to purchase only long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). LLINs are designed to maintain their biological fficacy against vector mosquitoes for at least three years in the field under recommended conditions of use, obviating the need for regular insecticide treatment.
In order for their full potential to be realized, LLINs should be deployed as a vector control intervention. WHO/GMP, therefore, recommends full coverage of all people at risk of malaria in areas targeted for malaria prevention with LLINs. The way in which full coverage should be achieved may vary with particular epidemiological and operational situations. Where young children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups, their protection is the immediate priority while progress is made towards achieving full coverage. In areas of low transmission, where all age-groups are vulnerable, national programmes should establish priorities on the basis of the geographical distribution of the malaria burden. In most high-burden countries, ITN coverage is still below agreed targets. The best opportunity for rapidly scaling-up malaria prevention is the free or highly subsidized distribution of LLINs through existing public health services (both routine and campaigns). LLINs should be considered a public good for populations living in malaria-endemic areas. Distribution of LLINs should be systematically accompanied by provision of information on how to hang, use and maintain them properly.
The GMP position does not exclude other approaches that have been successfully developed and implemented in specific contexts. Focusing on the role of national health services in LLIN implementation does not exclude the important roles of other partners – now and in the future – in implementing this intervention.
Neither LLINs nor indoor residual spraying (IRS), the other main method of malaria vector control, may be sufficiently effective alone to achieve and maintain interruption of transmission in holo-endemic areas of Africa. Operational research is needed to determine the extent to which combining the two interventions would maximize the public health impact of malaria vector control and offer opportunities for management of insecticide resistance.
Link: http://www.who.int/malaria/docs/itn/ITNspospaperfinal.pdf
9. Can Taiwan teach China environmental lessons?
Author: Wilk, Owen; Kovac, Matt
Source: ICIS Chemical Business Americas, August 6-19, 2007, p30
Abstract: It all started back in the 1960s, at the beginning of Taiwan's economic transformation. Heavy industry and chemical production moved onto the small island roughly 200 miles off the southern coast of China.
But mass forest clearings caused devastating landslides and a small grassroots environmental movement was born. Fast forward to the 21st Century and Taiwan has an active environmental movement that encompasses government, academics, business and citizens.
"Taiwan is already one of Asia's more stringent regulators of environmental protection, with a combination of environmental laws and campaigners' efforts to keep industry in check," says Chou Shu-wan, a director at the Department of Air Quality Protection and Noise Control, Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).
A major plank of Taiwan's 2005 Basic Environment Act forces major investment projects to filter through several layers of red tape, including the obligatory environmental impact assessment. At each stage, the proposals are either rubber-stamped and proceed to the next stage, or go back to the drawing board.
There are now requirements that force companies to recover 95% of the vapor generated when storage tanks are cleaned, and restrictions on low-frequency noise from plants.
"We are consistently stricter than other nations in Asia," says Chou.
10. Bird deaths key to unveiling lead contamination
Source: WA Business News, September 7, 2007
Abstract: If birds had not started mysteriously falling out of the sky in Western Australia's southern port of Esperance, lead contamination which spread throughout the town could still be occurring.
A parliamentary committee inquiry into the contamination released today found a mining company, the local port authority and two government departments failed to properly exercise their responsibilities in relation to the lead pollution. The committee's acting chairman Kim Hames said the bird deaths had acted like canaries of old whose death alerted miners to deadly gasses.
"Thank God for the birds, if the birds hadn't died in Esperance, I believe the pollution of Esperance would still be occurring to this very day," Dr Hames said.
"Secondly, thank God for the vigilance of the people of Esperance."
Esperance residents began reporting that native birds were actually falling out of the sky in December last year, while scores of others were being found dead scattered around the town. By the end of March 2007, a total of 9,500 birds in the area had died.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) had by then identified lead as the most likely cause of the birds' death. Isotope testing matched the lead in the birds, and in soil and water samples, to lead being transported to the Esperance Port by rail from a mine owned by Magellan Metals.
Link: http://www.trangonews.com/n/
Bird_deaths_key_to_unveiling_lead_contamination/1531.aspx
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 September 21 2007