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Hazardous Substances (hazardous + substance)
Selected AbstractsIndustry responses to EU WEEE and ROHS Directives: perspectives from ChinaCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 5 2006Jieqiong Yu Abstract The electrical and electronics (EE) industry has come under increasing pressure to adopt extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies through the introduction of the European Union's Directives on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (ROHS). Based on the findings of 50 questionnaires and in-depth interviews with China's EE manufacturers, this paper investigates the perception of and readiness of companies for implementation of WEEE and ROHS in China. It identifies key difficulties encountered by manufacturers in fulfilling the requirements and evaluates the effectiveness of these two directives in promoting environmental reform. The findings indicate that the extent of companies' responses largely depends on their market structure and client requirements. Supply chain management, raw material testing and cost implications appear to be key challenges in addressing issues surrounding the directives. There is little evidence to suggest that these directives have effectively driven China's EE manufacturers towards systematic eco-design. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the ArsM arsenic(III) S -adenosylmethionine methyltransferaseACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 9 2010Kavitha Marapakala Arsenic is the most ubiquitous environmental toxin and carcinogen and consequently ranks first on the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Priority List of Hazardous Substances. It is introduced primarily from geochemical sources and is acted on biologically, creating an arsenic biogeocycle. A common biotransformation is methylation to monomethylated, dimethylated and trimethylated species. Methylation is catalyzed by the ArsM (or AS3MT) arsenic(III) S -adenosylmethionine methyltransferase, an enzyme (EC 2.1.1.137) that is found in members of every kingdom from bacteria to humans. ArsM from the thermophilic alga Cyanidioschyzon sp. 5508 was expressed, purified and crystallized. Crystals were obtained by the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 84.85, b = 46.89, c = 100.35,Å, , = 114.25° and one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Diffraction data were collected at the Advanced Light Source and were processed to a resolution of 1.76,Å. [source] The challenge of hazardous waste management in a sustainable environment: insights from electronic recovery lawsCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2005J. Halluite Abstract New and pending regulations requiring product take-back by manufacturers at the time of disposal are intended to create a new era of industrial ecology and environmental sustainability. However, the intended benefits of the current legislation can be confounded by obsolescence in product design based upon advances in science and technology and also by the introduction of more environmentally benign product designs. Recent changes in legislation are identified and, based upon an extensive industry survey, their resultant likely impacts on consumer electronics are considered. This industry study illustrates that unless the impacted products simultaneously possess both stable designs and input requirements then significant secondary environmental issues related to the waste storage will be encountered. Inherently, these issues cause serious societal problems when hazardous substances are involved , which is the case with many products from the electronics industry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Responsible Care© Programs for Hazardous ChemicalsENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2001Ernest D. Weiler This article describes the development, use, and learnings of a comprehensive Responsible Care® program as applied to the management of hazardous substances at various stages during the life cycle of the product. The article offers specific examples for stewardship programs in the biocide industry, and discusses the role of the medical community. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Toxicological characterization of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, its transformation products, and two nitramine explosivesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2007Judith Neuwoehner Abstract The soil and groundwater of former ordnance plants and their dumping sites have often been highly contaminated with the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (2,4,6-TNT) leading to a potential hazard for humans and the environment. Further hazards can arise from metabolites of transformation, by-products of the manufacturing process, or incomplete combustion. This work examines the toxicity of polar nitro compounds relative to their parent compound 2,4,6-TNT using four different ecotoxicological bioassays (algae growth inhibition test, daphnids immobilization test, luminescence inhibition test, and cell growth inhibition test), three genotoxicological assays (umu test, NM2009 test, and SOS Chromotest), and the Ames fluctuation test for detection of mutagenicity. For this study, substances typical for certain steps of degradation/transformation of 2,4,6-TNT were chosen for investigation. This work determines that the parent compounds 2,4,6-TNT and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene are the most toxic substances followed by 3,5-dinitrophenol, 3,5-dinitroaniline and 4-amino-2-nitrotoluene. Less toxic are the direct degradation products of 2,4,6-TNT like 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene. A weak toxic potential was observed for 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid, 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene-5-sulfonic acid, and 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene. Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine show no hint of acute toxicity. Based on the results of this study, we recommend expanding future monitoring programs of not only the parent substances but also potential metabolites based on conditions at the contaminated sites and to use bioassays as tools for estimating the toxicological potential directly by testing environmental samples. Site-specific protocols should be developed. If hazardous substances are found in relevant concentrations, action should be taken to prevent potential risks for humans and the environment. Analyses can then be used to prioritise reliable estimates of risk. [source] Hazard Reduction in NanotechnologyJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Lucas Reijnders Summary The release of hazardous substances is a matter of concern for nanotechnology. This may include some nanoparticles, reactants, by-products, and solvents. The use of low-hazard solvents may reduce the hazards from nanoparticle production and nanomaterial processing. The hazards of inorganic nanoparticles may be reduced by modifying their chemical composition, surface characteristics, or structure. In nanomedicine, optimizing the balance between persistence and excretion and preventing the release of toxic degradation products may reduce hazard. In applications of fixed inorganic nanoparticles, the focus should be on preventing the release of such particles and of hazardous compounds during the product life cycle. When, after exhaustion of known hazard reduction options, significant hazard remains, other approaches merit consideration. [source] Using Nanotechnology for the Substitution of Hazardous Chemical SubstancesJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Challenges of Definition, Measurement Summary It is often assumed that nanotechnology (NT) holds the potential to provide a substantial contribution to the solution of various ecological problems, including high consumption of energy and materials and the generation of waste. However, problems surrounding the use and release of hazardous substances remain largely unexplored. For this reason, the Scientific Technical Option Assessment (STOA) Panel of the European Parliament initiated a study on "The Role of Nanotechnology in Chemical Substitution." The subject and aim of the study was an investigation into preexisting and potential applications of NT that could lead to a reduction in hazardous substances by providing substitutes for them. In terms of method, it was based on electronic searches of the literature, expert interviews, and an expert workshop. This article discusses the results of the project. It focuses on the methodological challenges and the principal problems resulting from a combination of the broad and ill-defined concept of NT and the specific concept of hazardous substances. The hazardous substances addressed had to be reduced to a manageable number, and the term substitution was understood according to the characteristics of NT and the way in which the latter could reduce the use of hazardous substances. Although several applications of NT were identified that could lead to a considerable reduction in the use of hazardous substances, ambiguities in both the concept of NT and the concept of substitution in relation to NT prevent a comprehensive assessment of the potential of NT in respect to substitution. [source] Hospitalization in Winnipeg, Canada due to occupational disease: A pilot studyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Allen G. Kraut MD, FRCPC Abstract Background The objectives of this study were to identify the extent of occupational exposures to hazardous substances amongst male medical inpatients and to determine the extent to which these exposures may have contributed to the development of medical conditions. Methods A random sample of 297 male who were admitted from outside the hospital to the medical wards to a large tertiary care hospital, were between age 18,75 and could communicate in English completed an occupational history questionnaire. This information was merged with an inpatient database which contained patient demographics, admission diagnoses, and co-morbidity data. A specialist in occupational medicine and internal medicine determined whether the medical conditions the participants had were related to their exposures. Results One individual had a condition causing admission that was related to his work and 12 others (4%) had a condition that was possibly related to their work which had caused symptoms. One additional individual was found to have asymptomatic asbestos related pleural fibrosis. Fourteen of 37 possible harmful occupational exposures were reported by more than 10% of the study participants. On average each participant reported 5.5 exposures. Conclusions Occupational exposures to male medical inpatients are common. For 4.4% (13/297) of male admissions to the general medical wards from the emergency room occupational factors may have played a role in the development of medical conditions which led to admission or to major co-morbidities. Detailed occupational histories will likely lead to more suspected cases of work related medical admissions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:372,379, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source] Detection of hazardous reaction products during a thermal runawayPROCESS SAFETY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2003Ronald J. A. Kersten The control of major accident hazards linked with the storage and processing of dangerous substances in chemical and petrochemical installations is regulated in the European Union by the so-called "Seveso II Directive." One of the requirements in this Directive is the declaration of not only the hazardous substances as present onsite, but also any hazardous products that could form during a loss of control situation. This study focused on the development of an experimental technique to determine the substances that might be formed during an uncontrolled chemical reaction or runaway reaction. The decomposition reaction of a diazo compound was studied with the technique to assess its applicability. The results show that, apart from its applicability in relation to the Seveso II Directive, the same technique can be used to obtain data for the design of gas treatment systems or to study the mechanism behind runway reactions. Understanding this mechanism, in turn, helps to identify conditions that might favor the occurrence of, or might temper the course of, the runaway reaction. [source] Sexual Function in F-111 Maintenance Workers: The Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance PersonnelTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009Anthony Brown MPH ABSTRACT Introduction., In Australia, four formal F-111 fuel tank deseal/reseal (DSRS) repair programs were implemented over more than two decades, each involving different processes and using a range of hazardous substances. However, health concerns were raised by a number of workers. The "Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel" was commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence to investigate potential adverse health outcomes as a result of being involved in the deseal/reseal processes. Aim., To compare measures of sexual function in F-111 aircraft fuel tank DSRS maintenance workers, against two appropriate comparison groups. Methods., Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included general questions of health and health behavior, and two specific questions on sexual functioning. They also completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore exposure status and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders. Main Outcome Measures., The three outcomes of interest for this study were the proportion of participants with erectile dysfunction (ED) according to the IIEF, the proportion with self-reported loss of interest in sex, and the proportion with self-reported problems with sexual functioning. Results., Compared with each of the comparison groups, a larger proportion of the exposed group reported sexual problems and were classified as having ED according to the IIEF. In logistic regression, the odds of all three outcomes were higher for exposed participants relative to each comparison group and after adjustment for potentially confounding variables including anxiety and depression. Conclusions., There was a consistent problem with sexual functioning in the exposed group that is not explained by anxiety and depression, and it appears related to DSRS activities. Brown A, Gibson R, Tavener M, Guest M, D'Este C, Byles J, Attia J, Horsley K, Harrex W, and Ross J. Sexual function in F-111 maintenance workers: The study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel. J Sex Med 2009;6:1569,1578. [source] Guidance on Safety/Health for Process Intensification Including MS Design.CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (CET), Issue 3 2010III: Risk Analysis Abstract The new technology of process intensification by multiscale equipment can significantly contribute to achieve a safer design by going from batch/semi-batch to continuous operation combined with a reduction of inventory of hazardous substances in critical stages. On the other hand, the shift to higher space-time-yields comprises new risks such as runaway reactions with hot spot formation, described in Part,I, and handling an explosive atmosphere in the presence of potential permanent ignition sources, described in Part,II. A tool was developed for preliminary risk assessments, called HAZOP-LIKE study, to cover the characteristic features of micro-designed equipment that are relatively unimportant when handling conventional equipment. Two generic cases concerning liquid/liquid and gas/gas reactions were studied to demonstrate the method. [source] The Origin of the Halogen Effect on the Phthalocyanine Green PigmentsCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010Uck Lee Dr. Abstract The structure and the electronic and optical properties of halogenated copper-phthalocyanine (n,,m,(Hal)-CuPc) molecules are investigated, according to the variation in the substituted halogen-atom species (Hal=Cl or Br) at the , and , positions of isoindole ring with different numbers (n and m=0, 4, 8, or 16). Our results show that the halogen effect mainly results from a structural deformation rather than caused by electronic effects. A nonplanar deformation of the phthalocyanine chromophore of the n,,m,(Hal)-CuPc molecule causes a significant change only in the HOMO and HOMO-1 levels, rather than in the LUMO levels, which leads to the appearance of a green color arising from the large red-shifts of the Soret and Q bands. The present result may serve as an important reference point for designing novel halogen-free green pigments, in accordance with the environmental regulations for the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electronic and electrical devices. [source] | ||||||||||||||||