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In day-to-day living, individuals are exposed to various environmentally hazardous substances that have been associated with diverse diseases. Exposure to air pollutants can occur during breathing, posing a considerable risk to those with environmental health vulnerabilities. Among vulnerable individuals, maternal exposure can negatively impact the mother and child in utero. The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmentally hazardous substances, with potentially greater implications. Among air pollutants, toluene is neurotoxic, and its effects have been widely explored. However, the impact of low-level toluene exposure in daily life remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated 194 mothers and infants from the Growing children's health and Evaluation of Environment (GREEN) cohort to determine the possible effects of early-life toluene exposure on the nervous system. Using Omics experiments, the effects of toluene were confirmed based on epigenetic changes and altered mRNA expression. Various epigenetic changes were identified, with upregulated expression potentially contributing to diseases such as glioblastoma and Alzheimer's, and downregulated expression being associated with structural neuronal abnormalities. These findings were detected in both maternal and infant groups, suggesting that maternal exposure to environmental hazardous substances can negatively impact the fetus. Our findings will facilitate the establishment of environmental health policies, including the management of environmentally hazardous substances for vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a health service facility, the hospital is a gathering place for sick and healthy people, can be a place for disease transmission, and allows environmental pollution and health problems. Today's management of the hospital environment is no longer a consumptive partial part but is a series of cycles and management strategies for homes. This type of research uses normative juridical and normative juridical to examine or analyze secondary data in the form of legal materials, especially primary and secondary legal materials, by understanding law as a set of regulations or positive norms in the legal system that regulates human life. Hospital waste can contain a variety of microorganisms, depending on the type of hospital, the level of treatment carried out before disposal, and the type of facility present. Based on research on B3 waste in the field of environment and its impact on health, it can be concluded that clinical waste from hospital-supporting activities produces non-medical waste, including from offices/administration, service units (cartons, cans, bottles), patient rooms, food waste, and kitchen waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been assessed by the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. The report highlights the negative impacts of shipping on coastal communities, the environment, and seafarers, including oil spills, air emissions, hazardous working conditions, and the transport of hazardous cargo. The report emphasizes the need for IMO to adopt a human rights-based approach to its work and address gaps in substantive coverage and implementation of conventions. The text also discusses challenges related to enforcement of regulations, transparency within the IMO, marine pollution, maritime safety, and forced labor in the fisheries sector. The IMO should prioritize human rights, increase transparency and stakeholder participation, and consider human rights in decision-making processes. Member states should also take action to address forced labor, ratify relevant protocols and agreements, and fully implement IMO conventions. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Nachrichten aus der Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Environmental sustainability (ES) is an increasing tendency in the healthcare industry as it seeks to enhance the environmental friendliness and reduces waste in operations to save money. The objective of research article is to identify the factors that contribute to improving the performance of ES in hospitals. Understanding the factors that contribute to the improvement of healthcare services may be helpful for practitioners, who need to address and implement an effective framework to enable an environment-friendly practice in hospitals. Design/methodology/approach: The current study utilised the technique called total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) to identify the factors and understand the interconnection between the identified factors. A literature review revealed 12 factors, which were then refined with the input of hospital experts. Based on a questionnaire survey, a planned interview is conducted in chosen Indian hospitals. The matrix impact cross multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) study employs dependency and driving power to identify the hierarchical relationship between the detected factors. Findings: Green building initiatives, water consumption, resource usage, and renewable energy were identified as key factors in the study. Other factors such as staff behaviour, procurement of goods and management of hazardous substance would be influenced by these fundamental components. With the implementation of green initiatives in the hospital, ES is primarily used to reduce the excessive use of scarce resources. Practical implications: The ES programme begins at the hospital grounds, with awareness and specific training provided to all personnel, including doctors, nurses, and managers at all levels. The training programme is intended to raise awareness; sessions are divided into targeted groups; a new organisational structure is created; and a consultant agent is hired to commence ES. Originality/value: Existing literature has focussed mostly on ES factors such as carbon emissions, water conservation, and effective waste disposal, while ignoring organisational viewpoints and their interrelationships. As a result, the current study used TISM to show the relationship between various organisational and environmental perspective components in order to comprehend the reasoning behind improving performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of improper electronic waste management is an environmental and epidemiological catastrophe; therefore, its management has become crucial given the increase in e-waste generation. Global e-waste output eclipsed 52 million metric tonnes in 2020, growing at 3% per annum. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 12 highlights that only 20% of the generated e-waste was properly recycled, with the remainder indiscriminately disposed of. There has been considerable growth in publications on e-waste and the environment over the past few decades. This study provides an overview of the research landscape on the impact of e-waste on the environment using bibliometric analysis. VOSviewer software is used to visualise the current trends and the recent hotspots. It is observed that the research hotspots in the field are: soil, health, environmental impact, recovery, electronic equipment, and waste electrical and electronic equipment. By tracing the evolutionary research pathway, it is clear that the research hotspots have shifted focus to e-waste generation, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and circular economy. A total of 141 articles on e-waste and the environment published between 2003 and 2021 were selected for the study. The publication and citation analysis showed a steady increase in publications and citations. China dominates with a third of articles published by authors, followed by India and the United States. Developing countries contributed about 17% of total publications. The articles retrieved were cited 5290 times and had an h-index of 39. Finally, using network analysis techniques, four key themes are identified. The first theme relates to the strategies employed in recovering minerals from e-waste. The second theme focuses on the concentration levels of the heavy minerals found in e-waste. The third theme visualises the impact of e-waste on health, and finally, the fourth theme highlights the effects of e-waste on the environment. The study adds valuable insights to the body of literature in hazardous and toxic substances management. No studies were found chronicling the environmental effects of e-waste using bibliometric analysis. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals, further research needs to be undertaken, and these findings serve as a baseline for policymakers and scholars as more management strategies and policies are enacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable improvement is related to several key variables that count as solid and secure positions. Currently, the group of hazardous substances and inappropriate soils has created one of the most important issues of insecurity against masculinity. Consequently, unsafe substances and hazardous products have been unusually monitored by various countries. Although the safe evacuation of hazardous wastes has consistently remained an issue, the increase in collections and overall estimates of the oppressive situation created in inapplicable periods and the progress of our data and thinking about the contrasting effects of dangerously bad backgrounds on anthropological well-being and conditions has predetermined that the unsafe overflow group will continue during the period of the highest protection programs at the present time. In order to conduct this research, the management of hazardous substances and unsafe goods that are considered as wasteful waste will be properly portrayed in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel quantitative methodology to perform a multi-risk assessment of technological scenarios triggered by natural hazards (Natech events) is presented. The framework is based on a multi-hazard approach and is proposed to assess the risk associated to the different natural events to which an industrial site where relevant quantities of hazardous substances are present is exposed to. The quantitative methodology allows the calculation of failure frequencies, consequences of the scenarios and risk indexes which are compared and benchmarked. Finally, a case study is defined taking into account the impact of earthquakes, floods and lightning strikes. The application leads to the quantification of the contribution of each reference natural event considered to the overall risk figures. Moreover, the methodology proposed enables the evaluation of the relative weight of the risk related to each natural hazard for the selected facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of production waste storage in open areas of an enterprise with a galvanic shop for the production of chips and microchips has been investigated. The composition of the sludge obtained after sewage treatment of the production of the copper line was investigated. The aim of the article is to develop a mathematical model for predicting the distribution of compounds with heavy metals in the soil during long-term storage of galvanic sludge in open areas. Modeling the process of movement of salts from the earth's surface into the lower layers of the aeration zone occurs according to the laws of molecular diffusion. The method is developed on the basis of a mathematical model that makes it possible to estimate the spread over the depth of the ground and level of soil salinity over time using initial information about soil structure and its characteristics (molecular diffusion coefficient, volume humidity), annual volumes and conditions of sludge storage in the enterprise. Restrictions are set: the presence of harmful substances on the soil surface with a concentration that exceeds the permissible level; inadmissibility of harmful substances to aquifers. The practical use of the method made it possible to identify the main dangers during long-term storage of galvanic waste in open areas. The dynamics of soil salinity levels and the depth of penetration of heavy metals increase over twenty years of conservation has been determined, as well as the possibility of hazardous compounds entering groundwater has been assessed. Polyvinyl chloride packaging has a maximum life span of 15 years. Waste should not be stored in packages and in closed areas for more than 10 years. According to the prediction results, it can be stated that storage in landfills of galvanic waste for more than 15 years leads to significant salinization of the soil and creates conditions for an emergency situation, which is caused by harmful substances entering the water horizons. Recommendations for improving storage conditions are given and the need for recycling of industrial waste is substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays – particularly in systems dealing with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) – in addition to minimising the cost of operations in facility location and routing problems, the risk of these operations is considered an important objective. In this paper, a new mathematical model for the location and routing in facilities and disposal sites is proposed. Also, the risk and cost of transporting goods from facilities to customers is considered. The model minimises weighted sum of the cost and risk by answering these questions: (1) where to open the facilities which produce HAZMAT; (2) where to open disposal sites; (3) to which facilities every customer should be assigned; (4) to which disposal site each facility should be assigned; (5) which route a facility should choose to serve the customers; and (6) which route a facility should choose to reach a disposal site. A novel GA is applied to solve the mathematical model. The results show the robustness of GA in terms of finding high-quality non-dominated solutions and running time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Engineer Military Bulletin / Muszaki Katonai Közlöny is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

If a non-EU country has been found "adequate", transfers of personal data from the EU to the respective non-EU country can take place without being subject to any further conditions. The European Commission is empowered by the EU Treaty to borrow on the international capital markets, on behalf of the European Union. Its borrowings are direct and unconditional obligations of the EU, guaranteed by the EU Member States through the EU budget. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the regulation of 'substances of concern' in the circular economy (CE) in the European Union (EU). It analyses the tensions and obstacles that the present sectoral separation of waste, product and chemicals legislation sets for the development of the CE. We argue that in a longer term perspective the aim should be to erase the border between waste and chemicals regulation and create a single regime for the regulation of materials and their flow. However, the eventual aim of such non-toxic material circulation can be achieved only via precautious transitional measures that outweigh the costs and benefits of each material flow and set restrictions for the particular substances of concern. Regulatory actions addressing the risks posed by the substances of concern in the waste-based material flows are urgently needed. New measures are necessary to protect human health and the environment and to support the development of the markets for the secondary materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note examines the practice of toxic waste dumping on indigenous lands and how it fits within the broader concept of environmental racism. It further evaluates the international human rights framework and how the United Nations and other international bodies interact with this concept and provide means for protection against this illicit practice. Further, it examines the role of the Special Rapporteur on the Implications for Human Rights of the Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of Hazardous Substances and Wastes and how he, in his role as Special Rapporteur, can provide relief to indigenous communities suffering the effects of this governmental practice. It delves into such occurrences in specific countries, as well as evaluates the universal human rights of the Right to Information and the Right to Life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing mankind today, and has attracted widespread attention worldwide. The burgeoning class of crystalline porous organic framework materials, metal–organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks present promising application potential in areas related to pollution control due to their interesting surface properties. In this review, the literature of the past five years on the adsorptive removal of various hazardous materials, mainly including heavy metal ions, harmful gases, organic dyes, pharmaceutical and personal care products, and radionuclides from the environment by using COFs and MOFs, is summarized. The adsorption mechanisms are also discussed to help understand their adsorption performance and selectivity. Additionally, some insightful suggestions are given to enhance the performance of MOFs and COFs in the adsorptive removal of various hazardous materials. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, environmental changes have made people focus their attention on the quality of their surrounding areas and work environment. However, there are some dangerous substances in areas suitable for human survival and work. People often ignore harmful substances in the air (e.g., substances determined by temperature and humidity, carbon dioxide, and other harmful gases), resulting in physical problems. These substances are often too small to be observed and will severely jeopardize a human body that has been long fixed in the same place. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assist humans in detecting the presence of hazardous substances in their living and work environments, and to improve such environments through sampling and inspection. Through this effort, humans can survive in a living and working space, and live and work in a comfortable environment. On the basis of the Arduino development edition, in this study, we transfer data to a cloud database through WiFi and combine the cloud database with the heart rate from an electrocardiogram to detect the human heart rate in the work environment to achieve 24 h real-time monitoring at home or in the workplace. By improving the flow field of the interior space, we can further reduce the indoor harmful substance level and optimize human life and work quality. For life and industrial hygiene safety consciousness awakening, in this study, we can promote human safety in the living and work environments by using a sensor to prevent potentially dangerous genetic lesions or derivatives of a disease. In addition, the scope of this study is not limited to the living space of people but extends to factories or other places with harmful substances. In a high-risk work environment, the equipment can be used to conduct risk preanalysis and detection in place of a human to achieve full assessment or environmental improvement, which eliminates the safety concerns of people in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main and new surface modification methods of activated carbon (AC) and their influence on application (adsorption capacity) were reviewed. Adsorption capacity is an important issue, contributing to hazardous substances environment management. According to literature, it is true that surface chemistry strongly affects adsorption capacity. Surface chemistry can be modified by several methods that lead to different activated carbon properties. Furthermore, adsorbate properties, and their relationships with surface structure, can impact adsorption properties. Surface modifications can be conducted by adding some atoms to the surface structure, making the surface more acidic or basic. Introduction of oxygen and ammonia atoms (chemical modification) are the main processes to make the surface more acidic and basic, respectively, although may bring chemical wastes to environment. Surface modification is done by chemical and physical modifications that lead activated carbons to present different properties. The main and new methods of chemical and physical modifications are compared and presented in this paper. Some new physical methods, like corona treatment, plasma discharge and microwave radiation, can be applied to cause surface modifications. Corona treatment can be a practical and new way to cause surface modification on an activated carbon surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the event of an incident involving the release of a hazardous chemical, first responders may decide to initiate emergency decontamination in order to remove any contaminant from affected casualties. Recent initiatives such as the UK Home Office-led Initial Operational Response Programme have introduced new evidence-based decontamination protocols that reduce the time taken to initiate the decontamination process, including an increased emphasis on rapidly removing contaminated clothing (disrobe), and the use of improvised dry decontamination methods. The current study used a series of focus groups to examine public perceptions of different decontamination interventions and responder management strategies. Results revealed that a decontamination shower was perceived to be more effective than dry decontamination methods and that a management strategy that included effective responder communication resulted in increased willingness to comply with the need for decontamination. This study demonstrates that public understanding and acceptance of novel decontamination methods such as dry decontamination may present additional challenges for first responders. Increased emphasis on effective communication during decontamination is needed. Furthermore, provision of information during the focus group study resulted in an increase in participants’ knowledge and confidence in taking recommended decontamination actions, which was maintained three months after the study. The longitudinal nature of these effects suggest that it may be possible to increase public awareness about actions to take during chemical incidents by developing pre-incident public education; however, further research is needed to examine this more fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dismantling end-of-life ships in an environmentally sound and safe manner is of great concern as well as being a major challenge nowadays. When dismantling the vessel, on-board hazardous materials such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), glass fibre, solid foam and waste oil can incur severe negative implications on the environment and human health. The characteristics and harm of on-board hazardous materials are profiled in this paper. Current removal and disposal methods of hazardous materials are analysed. Further practical measures and suggestions to deal with the hazardous materials in the ship breaking yards are proposed. Two case studies about green disposal of the main hazardous materials during shipbreaking are presented. Both of the two companies are following Hong Kong Convention and verified by DNV-GL classification, which makes the recycling procedures of hazardous materials are quite similar to each other. In essence, more attention should be paid to the disposal of hazardous materials as integral to safe and environmentally sound practices when breaking the ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers suggestions for preventing the industrial cyberattack. Topics discussed include aftermaths of cyberattack including loss of product, damage to equipment, and environmental disasters; taking over the handling of hazardous chemicals, changing setpoints and disabling interlocks through industrial control system (ICS); and incorporating industrial cybersecurity into an existing process safety management (PSM) program.

OSHA PSM standard has been established with 14 elements that define the management principles to control process hazards and protect the workplace. One of the key factors to the success of Process Safety Management (PSM) implementation is that each element comes as a component in an integrated PSM program. Although various kind of integrated safety management systems have been introduced, direct integration system between PSM elements was not extensively studied due to vague concept on interrelation between PSM elements. This also hampers efforts in designing and developing integrated system for PSM. In this study, the interrelation of critical PSM elements was analyzed based on objectives and information functional of the elements stipulated in OSHA PSM regulations. From the conducted analysis, all the critical elements are interrelated at least with other seven PSM elements. Among the elements, Process Hazard Analysis and Mechanical Integrity were identified to have the highest interrelations comprising of 12 interrelated PSM elements. The developed PSM matrix has systematically showed the interrelation of critical PSM elements that useful for the development of Integrated PSM system. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 74-80, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review is given of the impact that HF radars are having on the management of coastal hazards. Maps of surface currents can be produced every 10–20 minutes which, in real time, improve navigation safety in restricted areas commonly found near ports and harbours. The time sequence of surface current maps enables Lagrangian tracking of small parcels of surface water, which enables hazard mitigation in managing suspended sediments in dredging, in emergency situations where flotsam and other drifting items need to be found, and in pollution control. The surface current measurement capability is used to assist tsunami warnings as shown by the phased-array data from Chile following the Great Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. The newly launched Tsunami Warning Center in Oman includes a network of phased-array HF radars to provide real-time tsunami monitoring. Wind direction maps can be used to locate the position of cold fronts in the open ocean and to monitor the timing and strength of sea-breeze fronts in key locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research developed a single-score system to simplify and clarify decision-making in chemical alternatives assessment, accounting for uncertainty. Today, assessing alternatives to hazardous constituent chemicals is a difficult task—rather than comparing alternatives by a single definitive score, many independent toxicological variables must be considered at once, and data gaps are rampant. Thus, most hazard assessments are only comprehensible to toxicologists, but business leaders and politicians need simple scores to make decisions. In addition, they must balance hazard against other considerations, such as product functionality, and they must be aware of the high degrees of uncertainty in chemical hazard data. This research proposes a transparent, reproducible method to translate eighteen hazard endpoints into a simple numeric score with quantified uncertainty, alongside a similar product functionality score, to aid decisions between alternative products. The scoring method uses Clean Production Action's GreenScreen as a guide, but with a different method of score aggregation. It provides finer differentiation between scores than GreenScreen's four-point scale, and it displays uncertainty quantitatively in the final score. Displaying uncertainty also illustrates which alternatives are early in product development versus well-defined commercial products. This paper tested the proposed assessment method through a case study in the building industry, assessing alternatives to spray polyurethane foam insulation containing methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). The new hazard scoring method successfully identified trade-offs between different alternatives, showing finer resolution than GreenScreen Benchmarking. Sensitivity analysis showed that different weighting schemes in hazard scores had almost no effect on alternatives ranking, compared to uncertainty from data gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manure containing antibiotics is considered a hazardous substance that poses a serious health risk to the environment and to human health. Anaerobic digestion (AD) could not only treatment animal waste but also generate valuable biogas. However, the interaction between antibiotics in manure and the AD process has not been clearly understood. In this study, experiments on biochemical methane potential (BMP) were conducted to determine the inhibition of the AD process from antibiotics and the threshold of complete antibiotic removal. The thresholds of the complete antibiotic removal were 60 and 40 mg/kg·TS for CTC and OTC, respectively. CTC and OTC with concentrations below thresholds could increase the BMP of manure. When the CTC and OTC concentrations exceeded the thresholds, they inhibited manure fermentation, and the CTC removal rate declined exponentially with concentration (60–500 mg/kg·TS). The relationship between OTC antibiotic concentration and its removal rate in AD treatment was described with exponential (40–100 mg/kg·TS) and linear equations (100–500 mg/kg·TS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes a bi-level bi-objective model to regulate the usage of rail intermodal terminals for hazardous materials (hazmat) shipments, where government imposes tolls to deter carriers from using certain terminals. The complexity of the resulting mathematical program motivates the development of a hybrid speed-constrained multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, which is then integrated with CPLEX, to solve the model. Through a real problem instance based on the intermodal service chain of Norfolk Southern in US, the toll-setting model is examined and further compared with a regular network design approach, in which certain terminals are closed to hazmat containers. The computational results show that the toll-setting policy is more practical and efficient, and the two models can be combined as a two-stage strategy in long-term hazmat transportation regulations. Additional managerial insights are derived for different stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, the Department of Environment (DOE) implemented the Environmentally Hazardous Substances (EHS) Notification and Registration Scheme aimed at strengthening upstream chemicals management by first collecting data on chemicals that are either imported to or manufactured in Malaysia. However, we noticed that this voluntary scheme was developed merely to collect data on chemicals and there is no clear roadmap on how the scheme can promote the regulatory framework for upstream chemicals management. As responsible academics concerned about chemicals management, we took the initiative to analyse the EHS Notification and Registration Scheme, and identified the critical features in the regulatory framework that need to be enhanced. In this paper, we elaborate on the EHS definition, and propose the term Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals (EHC) to replace EHS in the context of chemicals management. The intrinsic properties of the EHC that are in line with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) have been identified in this paper. We also propose a systematic approach to regulating chemicals which will also be capable of meeting the demands of chemical related conventions such as the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful implementation of a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergency response plan aimed at risk reduction varies by jurisdiction. Rural communities often face challenges in HAZMAT planning and training due to lower economic vitality that is often a result of fewer economic resources, a lack of knowledge of HAZMAT risk/response training, and data collection limitations. In order to identify opportunities and constraints in HAZMAT planning in rural communities, this paper presents a case study of HAZMAT transportation in North Central in Idaho. Researchers collected and analyzed HAZMAT transportation data to provide a basis for planning and implementation of mitigation measures that help reduce the risks of HAZMAT in rural areas. An interview with the Director of the board of Regional Emergency Managers was conducted to determine the utility of the study for local HAZMAT planning. This study also informs responders about the types of HAZMAT that are transported throughout the region. This information can be used to develop hazard-specific preparedness activities particular to the region, such as training, equipment selection and future grant opportunities. This study also contributes to the limited body of literature that examines challenges rural communities face in HAZMAT risk assessments and risk reduction response planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In school environments, children are constantly exposed to mixtures of airborne substances, derived from a variety of sources, both in the classroom and in the school surroundings. It is important to evaluate the hazardous properties of these mixtures, in order to conduct risk assessments of their impact on children's health. Within this context, through the application of a maximum cumulative ratio approach, this study aimed to explore whether health risks due to indoor air mixtures are driven by a single substance or are due to cumulative exposure to various substances. This methodology requires knowledge of the concentration of substances in the air mixture, together with a health-related weighting factor (i.e. reference concentration or lowest concentration of interest), which is necessary to calculate the hazard index. Maximum cumulative ratio and hazard index values were then used to categorise the mixtures into four groups, based on their hazard potential and therefore appropriate risk management strategies. Air samples were collected from classrooms in 25 primary schools in Brisbane, Australia. Analysis was conducted based on the measured concentration of these substances in about 300 air samples. The results showed that in 92 % of the schools, indoor air mixtures belonged to the 'low concern' group, and therefore, they did not require any further assessment. In the remaining schools, toxicity was mainly governed by a single substance, with a very small number of schools having a multiple substance mix which required a combined risk assessment. The proposed approach enables the identification of such schools and thus aids in the efficient health risk management of pollution emissions and air quality in the school environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the combined transport of dangerous goods, in the territory of combiterminals, transport takes place from one type of transport to another means of transport. During the trans-shipment and the temporary storage o f hazardous materials accidents resulting in smaller or larger consequences may occur (and in recent times have occurred as well). Experience has shown that reducing the consequences of such accidents requires the use of some special tools. In our article we present these tools in order to reduce such consequences as well as the technical foundations of their applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronics packaging type and its size have an effect on product wastes in stamping, molding and plating operations. Waste streams from these operations like copper, polymerized thermoset plastic, caustic and acidic effluents have non-recyclable hazardous content that are detrimental to cause of environment. Eco-efficiency that stands for reducing the environmental impact added, while increasing value of output produced, assumes great importance in this context. There are a number of barriers that affect eco-efficiency in electronics packaging industries. Existing models have focused on diagnosing these barriers independently and thus lack a holistic view in understanding those hindering eco-efficiency. The ten barriers under consideration in this study have been identified from literature review and opinion of experts, both from electronics packaging industry and academia. Through a nation wide questionnaire survey on Indian electronic packaging industries, the influences of these barriers on eco-efficiency has been identified using interpretive structural modeling. By use of this model, crucial barriers affecting implementation of eco-efficiency programs in an organization can be identified. Through the survey and its results, it is found that barriers like lack of awareness about environmental and sustainability issues, lack of commitment by top management and short-term decision making perspectives are strategic level attributes affecting implementation of eco-efficiency programs. Policy decision makers in a company need to take more concerns about these barriers as they possess high driver power. One of the main managerial implications of this model is that top management of companies must take effective steps on developing strategies to create awareness about eco-efficiency and its related benefits such that desired objectives in eco-efficiency could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical leasing is a new and innovative approach of selling chemicals. It aims at reducing the risks emanating from hazardous substances and ensuring long-term economic success within a global system of producing and using chemicals. This paper explores how, through chemical leasing, the consumption of chemicals, energy, resources and the generation of related wastes can be reduced. It also analyses the substitution of hazardous chemicals as a tool to protect environmental, health and safety and hence ensure compliance with sustainability criteria. For this, we are proposing an evaluation methodology that seeks to provide an answer to the following research questions: (1) Does the application of chemical leasing promote sustainability in comparison to an existing chemicals production and management system? 2. If various chemical leasing project types are envisaged, which is the most promising in terms of sustainability? The proposed methodology includes a number of basic goals and sub-goals to assess the sustainability for eight different chemical leasing case studies that have been implemented both at the local and the national levels. The assessment is limited to the relative assessment of specific case studies and allows the comparisons of different projects in terms of their relative contribution to sustainable chemistry. The findings of our assessment demonstrate that chemical leasing can be regarded as promoting sustainable chemistry in five case studies with certainty. However, on the grounds of our assessment, we cannot conclude with certainty that chemical leasing has equivalent contribution to sustainable chemistry in respect of three further case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Approximately 2000 phase-in substances are subject to registration according to the Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (KREACH), and the expected testing cost is 2.06 trillion Korean won assuming all the test data required for registration are acquired. The extent to which these enormous test costs can be reduced depends on the availability of existing data that can be used to meet the requirements of the K-REACH we examined the current availability of test data that can be used for chemical substance registration. Methods We analyzed the possibility of utilizing the existing test data obtained from 16 reference databases for 369 of 518 kinds of phase-in substances subject to registration that were reported in last October 2014. Results The physical and chemical properties were available for 57.1% of substances, whereas data regarding human hazards and environmental hazards were available at considerably lower rates, 8.5% and 11.8%, respectively. Conclusions Physical and chemical properties were available for a fairly high proportion, whereas human hazards and environmental hazards were reported for considerably fewer substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the high risks of chemical exposures to human health particularly in child-specific characteristics such as the mouthing behavior. It cites the restrictions of the exposure of children to hazardous chemicals from consumer products through ingestion and systemic uptake via gastrointestinal absorption. It mentions the importance of technological feasibility in setting limit values for hazardous chemicals in toys to protect children's health.

This study analyses whether science–policy interactions linked to the management of hazardous chemicals in the European marine environment have developed in accordance with general theories on public involvement in policymaking in general and post-normal science (PNS) in particular. Special attention is given to a comparison between key EU policy frameworks, namely the “polluter-oriented” registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) and the “environment-oriented” Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), based on in-depth analysis of key policy-related documents and interviews with scientists and policy actors. The results outline that in spite of a substantial amount of rhetoric in EU sources about recommending wide and ambitious public involvement, current participation and deliberation practices are rather undeveloped in the studied EU policy frameworks. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the introduction of more radical approaches to knowledge co-production and participation (like PNS) would require epistemological, institutional and constitutional changes that are not feasible in the foreseeable future, at least not in respect to chemicals management. This study generates empirical data with regard to the management of chemicals in the European marine environment, specifically data on participation, the role of science, and uncertainty treatment at the science–policy interface. These data provide empirical information that can be used by environmental managers involved in the development of EU marine policy. At the same time, the results can be used theoretically to reflect on and problematise the current state of wider public participation in EU environmental policies and PNS development in particular cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of reports on biological terrorist threats identified at international level raised serious challenges not only for the scientists but also for people responsible of population health. This paper investigates the importance of standardizing and implementing regulations regarding the activity of biological hazards analysis. Medical analysis laboratories and public health units have responsibilities in this field and consequently the need and means to implement quality standards ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 is also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1980s, the international legal framework governing the management of chemicals and wastes has developed in an ad hoc and piecemeal fashion. As the international community became aware of a problem, the response was to negotiate a treaty to address it. The 2013 Minamata Convention is the latest example. The result is an international legal framework that addresses some substances and some aspects of their management, leaving others unregulated. In today's globalized world, there is a need for a coherent and comprehensive legal framework that reflects the 'life cycle' or 'circular economy' approach to materials management. Taking into account previous efforts, including the 2006 Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management and the synergies process of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, and considering the approach adopted by the Minamata Convention to regulate the upstream as well as the downstream aspects of the substances it addresses, this article explores ways to achieve a comprehensive and coherent global legal framework on the management of potentially hazardous materials, concluding that the current chemicals and waste regime can serve as a basis for such a framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It sometimes is necessary at trial to introduce a dangerous exhibit--such as a bomb, gun, or knife--to bolster a client's story, discredit an opposing witness, or give the jury a clearer picture of the underlying events. Doing so, however, requires care and planning. Not only do many courts have specific rules regarding how such exhibits are to be noticed, handled, and displayed, but there are also numerous practical and tactical considerations that must be weighed. In this Article, the author presents the first comprehensive discussion regarding dangerous trial exhibits and offers suggestions for their successful use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents a methodology for the assessment of the performance of industrial hazardous materials emergency plans. This approach is based on a structuro-functional model of the emergency plan, which highlights the plan's functions, resources, support services and interactions. A resource taxonomy is used to manage the complexity of the emergency response system. The model can be used both as a planning guide and for the analysis of the performance of the emergency response system, based on the risk assessment of the system. The failure probability is estimated through the plan's functions and resources fault trees. The failure severity of each function is determined by using the facility's hazard study. The failure criticality of each function is hence obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes toxic chemical substance management in three U.S. manufacturing sectors from 1991 to 2008. Decomposition analysis applying the logarithmic mean Divisia index is used to analyze changes in toxic chemical substance emissions by the following five factors: cleaner production, end-of-pipe treatment, transfer for further management, mixing of intermediate materials, and production scale. Based on our results, the chemical manufacturing sector reduced toxic chemical substance emissions mainly via end-of-pipe treatment. In the meantime, transfer for further management contributed to the reduction of toxic chemical substance emissions in the metal fabrication industry. This occurred because the environmental business market expanded in the 1990s, and the infrastructure for the recycling of metal and other wastes became more efficient. Cleaner production is the main contributor to toxic chemical reduction in the electrical product industry. This implies that the electrical product industry is successful in developing a more environmentally friendly product design and production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two fundamental issues with disaster survival are the degree of preparedness by the public and the location and limitations of people who are at increased risk, whether physical, economic or social. Both of these issues were highlighted by Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti and many other incidents. This paper examines a quantitative method of evaluating the threat to a community from facilities that store reportable quantities of hazardous materials. This uses a rating of the chemical but also includes a spatial component using initial isolation distances to estimate area at risk. The methodology is used to gauge the threat of individual facilities or the threat to a section of the community. This information serves several functions; it will provide a basis targeting for disaster mitigation and public education, informs emergency planners on areas that may require additional response assets in the event of an incident and provides an initial set of data to pre/post evaluate training methods, demographic shifts and use Greene County as a proof in concept of the method for application in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohazards are non-conventional threats that are very difficult to manage. This is due to difficulties in the identification of biological agents that are responsible for the onset of a disease, which can be bacteria, viruses, fungus or toxins. In Italy, the first response system to biohazards is provided by the National Fire Brigade (NFB) (Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco - CNVVF). The aim of this work is to evaluate the procedures adopted by the NFB for the management of biohazards. This is done by comparing the statistics of NFB interventions in 2000-2010 for potential biohazard events, and chemical and radioactive risks. A series of solutions is then proposed to improve the NFB's national response system for biohazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami damaged or destroyed many industrial facilities housing or processing hazardous substances, such as refineries, petrochemical facilities and other types of chemical industry. This showed that also generally well prepared countries are at risk of suffering natural hazard triggered technological (Natech) accidents. An analysis of data collected from open sources and through interviews with authorities was performed to understand the main reasons for the industrial damage and downtime as well as the extent of hazardous-materials releases and the associated impact on society. The analysis of the data set confirmed the findings from other studies with respect to main damage and failure modes, as well as hazardous-materials release paths. In addition, gaps in Natech risk management were identified. Based on the data analysis and interviews lessons learned in support of a more far-reaching Natech risk management are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The innovative multicomponent matrix for immobilising cadmium and caesium introduced in this paper consists of belite cement, gismondine type NaP zeolite and nanoadditions. With this innovative design, the solid blend was able to absorb a high proportion of simulated radioactive liquid waste. Matrix integrity and effect of the high waste/solid ratio were assessed by X-ray diffraction analysis, while BET-N2 surface area, pore size distribution and nanoporosity were determined with nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Matrices whose sole component was fly ash belite cement were used as a reference. This innovative material affords substantial social and environmental benefits, inasmuch as the cement used has a low CO2 content and low heat of hydration. Moreover, both the cement and the zeolite can be synthesised ecoefficiently from an industrial byproduct, thereby eliminating the need to stockpile waste while preserving natural resources and placing valorised byproducts on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-fired power plants emit mercury trough the air and the water pathway into surface water. Often the occurring depositions from the air and air-soil pathway are higher then the direct depositions through the water pathway. The following article explores the question whether these depositions are in line with the Industry Emission Directive and the Water Framework directive. Whilst the IED does not contain emission limits, there are limitations via the phase-out requirement of the WFD and via the environmental quality standards for mercury contami-nation of biota in the daughter directive on priority hazardous substances. The phase-out requirement demands the cessation of mercury depositions by 23.12.2006. And based on the biota requirements any new deposition of mercury by coal power plants is inadmissible. These requirements do not only apply to the permission of new power plants, but also to existing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze findings found in environmental management systems implemented in nine certified bottling companies in the Republic of Serbia. During initial, surveillance and certificate renewal audits, a total of 158 nonconformities were issued. The results indicated that the majority of nonconformities found during initial audits were grouped in environmental elements (51.3%), in which legal requirements prevail. During surveillance audits, the majority of nonconformities were related to various environmental impacts (59.5%), such as management of hazardous materials, waste management, control of subcontractors and persons working for and on behalf of the companies. After three years of implementing requirements of ISO 14001, certificate renewal audits revealed nonconformities mainly related to environmental impacts (50%) in which hazardous materials and waste management prevail. Results obtained in this survey showed that as the environmental management system matures in the three years period, the distribution of nonconformities changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper expands on a simple concept shared with us over three decades ago by Trevor Kletz: what you don't have can't leak. Despite many efforts at eliminating hazards through inherently safer process methodologies, as encouraged by Kletz and others, the reality is that the use of hazardous materials and processes is still quite common. Therefore, we consider those processes that still handle hazardous materials -- the cases where what you do not manage will leak and may cause a fire, explosion or toxic release. Our intended audience is quite broad. As Kletz has noted over the years, it is not just the people running a process who are responsible for its safety, but also those who make decisions on its design, operation, maintenance, staffing, etc. We hope that this paper contributes to an understanding of why we continue to have hazardous materials leak, potentially leading to accidents that cause fatalities, serious injuries, property damage, and environmental harm. We expand on the fundamental equation for risk, a function of both the frequency and the consequence of a possible event, by considering the effects of poor operational discipline on risk, and ultimately, on the possible leak or release of the hazardous material. Continued safe operation involving hazardous materials depends on and is sustained by the operational discipline of everyone involved in the design of processes and their continuing operation and maintenance. What we do not manage will leak and therein lays the fundamental challenge that Kletz continues to emphasize today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste prevention is a policy priority in many countries. For example, European Union member states are currently required to prepare a national Waste Prevention Programme. This article reports on a major international review of the evidence base for business waste prevention to underpin such policy-making. A strict definition of waste prevention is used, including waste avoidance, waste reduction at source or in process, and product reuse—recycling is outside the scope of this article. The review was organised with two key dimensions. Eight types of policy intervention were identified: standards, labelling, procurement, commitments and voluntary agreements, communication, incentives, waste minimisation clubs and other business support. Six illustrative sectors were selected: construction and demolition, food and drink, hospitality, retail, automotive and office-based services. Four broad approaches to business waste prevention have been distinguished and used as part of the analytical framework, classified into a two by two matrix, using supply- and demand-side drivers as one axis, and incremental versus radical change as the other. A fundamental focus was on attitudes and behaviours. A conceptual framework is presented to navigate the various behavioural influences on businesses, and to discuss those motivations and barriers for which the evidence is relatively robust. The results suggest that the (financial) benefits to business of waste prevention are potentially huge, and that some progress is being made, but measurement is a challenge. A taster of some of the learnings on the effectiveness of the different policy interventions to promote waste prevention is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]