Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 11/09/2007
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:
1. The future of fabric: health care
2. Natural mosquito and tick repellent
3. Exposure of the U.S. population to bispenol A and 4-tertiary-octylphenol: 2003-2004
4. Self-decontaminating filters, clothing, and disposable wipes
5. Target to phase out products with PVC from stores
6. Life cycle costing for innovations in product chains
7. The Sustainable Sites Initiative
8. Ship emissions seen causing 60,000 deaths a year
9. Take chemical product stewardship to a higher level
10. Nanotechnology finishing techniques emerging in aircraft, naval applications
1. The future of fabric: health care
Author: Silas, Julie; Hansen, Jean; Lent, Tom
Source: Healthy Building Network and Health Care Without Harm, October 2007
Abstract: Contemporary health care settings overflow with chemicals. They exist in medical devices and equipment, computers and copiers, building materials and the finishes that cover floors, walls, ceilings and the furniture upon which we are examined, sit and sleep. Emerging science links many of these chemicals to environmental contamination and negative human health effects. Concerned that health care settings may be inadvertent sources of exposure to many of these chemicals, the Healthy Building Network (HBN) and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) work with health care institutions to move the market to develop and produce greener and healthier building materials. Many sectors of the market, including the fabric industry, have responded by removing or substituting some of the worst-in-class chemicals from their products and investing research dollars into bio-based materials and safer alternatives.
HBN and HCWH have prepared this report to focus on the fabric industry’s efforts to improve the components of fabric for the health of our communities. With more than a million yards of fabric sourced annually by hospitals and other health care institutions, significant opportunities exist to reduce the risk of environmental exposures for hospital staff, patients, and the larger global community, to improve indoor air quality, and to increase the use of recycled fabric rather than create virgin products from our dwindling natural resources.
Link: http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?type=document&ID=1712
2. Natural mosquito and tick repellent
Source: FLC NewsLink, September 2007
Abstract: Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have isolated a natural compound, callicarpenal, from the American beautyberry that has been shown to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fire ants. Callicarpenal, an all-natural insect repellent, is an alternative to commercially available synthetic repellents and more effective than currently available natural repellents on the market. Callicarpenal is as effective as DEET, and more effective than picaridin (Bayrepel) in the bioassays used against mosquitoes, and is also as effective as DEET and picardin against the deer tick. It could be a good alternative to synthetic repellents such as DEET and picaridin, and could be marketed as an allnatural repellent. Natural pesticides (repellents) are typically less harmful to the environment, more specific to particular insects, and public perception is typically better. Certainly DEET and picaridin are excellent repellents; however, the industry is searching for "natural" alternatives that are better accepted than DEET. Callicarpenal is potentially a safer and perhaps more effective insect repellent. The market potential is huge because 38 percent of Americans use a DEET-based product every year. Using aerosols creams, it could be applied topically.
The compound would have to be registered with the EPA, and methods for obtaining this compound cheaply need to be developed.
Link: http://www.federallabs.org/news/classifieds/articles/?pt=classifieds/articles/0607-11.jsp
3. Exposure of the U.S. population to bispenol A and 4-tertiary-octylphenol: 2003-2004
Author: Calafat, Antonia M.; Ye, Xiaoyun; Wong, Lee-Yang; Reidy, John A.; Needham, Larry L.
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, Article-in-Press, Online October 24, 2007
Abstract: Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-tertiary-octylphenol (tOP) are industrial chemicals used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (BPA) and nonionic surfactants (tOP). These products are in widespread use in the United States. Objectives: To assess exposure to BPA and tOP in the U.S. general population. Methods: We measured the total (free plus conjugated) urinary concentrations of BPA and tOP in 2517 participants >=6 years old in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: BPA and tOP were detected in 92.6% and 57.4% of the persons, respectively. Least square geometric mean (LSGM) concentrations of BPA were significantly lower in Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic blacks (P=0.006) and non-Hispanic whites (P=0.007); LSGM concentrations for non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites were not statistically different (P=0.21). Females had statistically higher BPA LSGM concentrations than males (P=0.043). Children had higher concentrations than adolescents (P < 0.001), who in turn had higher concentrations than adults (P = 0.003). LSGM concentrations were lowest for participants in the high household income category (> $45,000/year).
Conclusions: Urine concentrations of total BPA differed by race/ethnicity, age, sex, and household income. These first U.S. population representative concentration data for urinary BPA and tOP should help guide public health research priorities, including studies of exposure pathways, potential health effects, and risk assessment.
Link: http://www.ehponline.org/members/2007/10753/10753.pdf
4. Self-decontaminating filters, clothing, and disposable wipes
Source: Naval Research Laboratory, 2007
Abstract: The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a new self-decontaminating coating for use in filters, protective clothing, and disposable wipes that is capable of actively destroying pesticides and related chemical agents on contact. The coating comprises a thin, layered, composite film containing enzymes, which actively degrade chemical toxins, and a polyelectrolyte binder. It is readily applied to substrates such as beads, fabrics, or paper by inexpensive methods such as dip coating, spin coating or spraying. Our non-covalent method for incorporating enzymes within the polyelectrolyte film maintains enzyme activity, while stabilizing and protecting the enzyme from denaturation due to mechanical, chemical, and environmental stress. For example, filters prepared using beads coated with films containing organophosphorous hydrolase enzyme completely hydrolyzed methyl parathion (MPT) pesticide in an aqueous-alcohol solution under continuous flow conditions at room temperature for at least 8 months.
Link: http://www.nrl.navy.mil/techtransfer/fs.php?fs_id=85
5. Target to phase out products with PVC from stores
Author: Ricks, Delthia
Source: Newsday, November 9, 2007
Abstract: Target Corp., the fifth largest retailer in the United States, is reducing the number of products containing polyvinyl chloride -- PVC -- on its shelves in a gradual switch to products that do not contain the controversial compound, a spokeswoman said Thursday.
The nationwide chain joins other major companies such as Wal-Mart, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike and Apple, which have decided to remove products that contain PVC from their shelves.
PVC is widely used in household items sold around the world. It is composed of a compound called phthalates, which make the plastics flexible. Advocacy groups have cited adverse health effects caused by the chemical.
Link: http://www.newsday.com/news/health/science/
ny-hstarg1109,0,730192.story?coll=ny_home_rail_headlines
6. Life cycle costing for innovations in product chains
Author: Krozer, Yoram
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production, February 2008, pp310-321
Abstract: The paper indicates how a few innovative actions of companies to reduce emission in the chain of products save costs of pollution control and even provide net benefits for companies in some cases. Costs and savings in the chains of products are assessed with a decision support model by comparing compliance and preventative corporate strategies regarding the far-reaching emission reduction. Ten cases are presented: tomatoes, an animal fat, a vegetable spread, a washing powder, a men’s shirt, an office armchair, a kitchen block, a television set, a copier, and a car. The costs of pollution control can in several cases be avoided or reduced through focused actions in the life cycle, including changes in suppliers, adaptation of the manufacturing process and in consumers’ behaviour. A distinction is made between consumption of the short-cycle and durable products. For consumption of the short-cycle products, the high compliance costs and the cost-saving innovations are usually found in the primary steps of supply (e.g. agriculture in food and mining of minerals) and in disposal (e.g. packaging). For consumption of the durable products, the high compliance costs and cost-saving innovations are mainly found in manufacturing of some components, during use of products because of electricity and fuel use and disposal of voluminous products.
7. The Sustainable Sites Initiative
Source: Sustainable Sites Initiative, 2007
Abstract: The Sustainable Sites Initiative is an interdisciplinary partnership between the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the United States Botanic Garden and a diverse group of stakeholder organizations to develop guidelines and standards for landscape sustainability. The motivation behind this initiative stems from the desire to protect and enhance the ability of landscapes to provide services such as climate regulation, clean air and water, and improved quality of life. Sustainable Sites™ is a cooperative effort with the intention of supplementing existing green building and landscape guidelines as well as becoming a stand-alone tool for site sustainability.
Link: http://www.sustainablesites.org/index.html
8. Ship emissions seen causing 60,000 deaths a year
Author: Beck, Lindsay
Source: Reuters, November 7, 2007
Abstract: Emissions from ocean-going ships are responsible for about 60,000 deaths a year from heart and lung-related cancers, according to research published on Wednesday that calls for tougher fuel standards.
"For a long time there's been this perception that ship emissions are out there in the ocean and they don't really affect anyone on land and I think this study shows that this is clearly false," said David Marshall, senior counsel at the Boston-based Clean Air Task Force, which co-commissioned the study.
"They do matter and they do need to be controlled."
Scientists said the fact that shipping takes place on the high seas -- away from populations who can readily see impacts of emissions -- was part of the reason the industry's fuel standards lagged those of the auto industry.
But sulfur emissions from international shipping represent about 8 percent of sulfur emissions from all fossil fuels, said James Corbett, one of the authors of the study.
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSPEK34163320071107
9. Take chemical product stewardship to a higher level
Author: Graham, David
Source: American Chemistry, October 2007, pp34-38
Abstract: The companies within the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) are embarking on a dynamic new approach to product stewardship. Through the Global Product Strategy (GPS) and the Responsible Care(r) Global Charter (RCGC), ICCA’s member associations and their companies have made a commitment to provide a higher level of product information for stakeholders and the public, and to offer even greater leadership and cooperation in the safe management of chemicals throughout the chain of commerce. Product stewardship—the industry’s management of the health, safety, and environmental aspects of a chemical product throughout its life cycle—has long been an important pillar of Responsible Care. Globally, many chemical companies are already well-immersed in a culture of product stewardship, with strong programs and a proven track record.
Link: http://www.kenilworth.com/publications/Chemistry/archive_pdfs/acc_07_09.pdf
10. Nanotechnology finishing techniques emerging in aircraft, naval applications
Source: Metal Finishing, July 27, 2007
Abstract: More end-use sectors, including airline/aerospace and naval operations, are adopting finishing methods based nanotechnology. These applications range from vessels to parts and even office buildings and facilities.
Case in point: PPG Aerospace—the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries—and Altair Nanotechnologies recently announced agreements for the development and commercialization of environmentally friendly nanoparticle technology to replace chromate in aircraft primer that affords superior corrosion resistance in high-solids and waterborne formulas. Specifically, PPG and Altairnano will develop nanometal oxide dispersion technology under a three-year research agreement, with an added five-year contract for commercialization and supply that begins in 2008.
The development combines Altairnano’s proprietary nanometal oxide dispersion technology and PPG’s proprietary resin to create a primer that will replace today’s chromate-based coatings, according to Paul Bowman, PPG Aerospace global business platform manager for coatings. Under the agreements, Altairnano will make the nanometal oxide chemical dispersion using PPG’s proprietary resin technology to meet the final paint requirements.
"The technology will be developed for primer in both interior structural and exterior fuselage applications, giving customers a safe, sound solution to eliminate chromate from the production stream," Bowman explained. "It represents the first time we will be able to have a primer that works similarly to chromate-containing materials without the environmental issues involved in the use of chromates."
Regarding nanotechnology in Naval applications, Industrial Nanotech, Inc. recently announced its nanotechnology-based coatings will be used on U.S. Navy buildings. Specifically, Nansulate LDX, a patented lead encapsulation coating, is being applied at a Pacific U.S. Navy facility by a military contractor for encapsulation of the existing lead-based paint.
Link: http://www.metalfinishing.com/news/articles/070727_Nanotechnology.htm
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 November 09 2007