Environment Report 17 Jul 2000 to 23 Jul 2000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S/N	Title	Synopsis
I. Subject Area: Environmental Technology
1	Process packs depleted uranium in plastic	Scientists at the United States Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory found a new process that converts depleted uranium to a form that is stable and safe for long-term disposal or reuse.
2	Biodegradable wax paper, an alternative to petroleum-based wax paper	Scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service have developed an inexpensive way to make biodegradable coating, replacing petroleum-based wax on paper.
II. Subject Area: Environmental Policy
3	Pennsylvania mandates big cut in smog causing emissions	The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved new clean air regulations which require a 75 percent reduction in ozone-causing nitrogen oxides coming from power plants and other large industrial boilers.
4	Europe to ban powerful insecticide on crops	The European Commission is expected to approve recommendations by the European Union's Standing Committee on Plant Health to ban lindane, a powerful insecticide, on crops.
5	New target levels for benzene and CO	The European Parliament is in the process of enacting the first European Union legislation requiring states to act on health hazards posed by ambient levels of benzene and carbon monoxide.
III. Subject Area: General Environmental News
6	Guide provides energy efficiency options for commercial buildings	The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a new guidebook that contains recommendations on how to reduce energy consumption and improve the performance of building systems.
7	Panel concerned over plasticiser in some medical devices	A panel set up by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program is concerned about the use of a particular plasticiser in some medical devices.

SUMMARY REPORT

Period Covered : 17 Jul 2000 to 23 Jul 2000

Item 1	Process packs depleted uranium in plastic
Summary	Scientists at the United States Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory found a new process that encapsulates depleted uranium oxides in thermoplastic polymers. The new process converts depleted uranium into a stable and safe form that is suitable for long term disposal or reuse. The process for encapsulation requires simultaneous heating and mixing of depleted uranium powders and non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The encapsulated uranium has low emission level of radioactivity and is also a good insulator for gamma or neutron radiation. The encapsulated uranium could be used in the production of radiation shielding and counter weights for airplanes, helicopters and ships.
Reference	http://ens.lycos.com/

Item 2

Biodegradable wax paper, an alternative to petroleum-based wax paper

Summary

Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have developed an inexpensive method to use zein, a type of corn protein, to produce a biodegradable coating.

This coating, made from a renewable source, has comparable grease and water resistance properties with petroleum-based wax. It is a good alternative to petroleum-based wax and is expected to be widely used in the food industry, which is a major user of wax packaging material.

Reference

http://www.greenbiz.com/news

Item 3

Pennsylvania mandates big cut in smog causing emissions

Summary

The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved new clean air regulations which require a 75 percent reduction in ozone-causing nitrogen oxides coming from power plants and other large industrial boilers.

The new regulations set a cap on the total emissions allowed by Pennsylvania's power plants and industrial boilers at no more than 50,000 tons per year, a 75 percent reduction from 1990 levels. Power plants would have to meet this cap by 2003. The regulation provides incentives for facilities that reduce emissions earlier than required and those that use innovative technology or creative solutions to achieve reductions not only of nitrogen oxide, but also mercury, heavy metals and sulphur dioxide.

Reference

http://ens.lycos.com/

Item 4

Europe to ban powerful insecticide on crops

Summary

The European Commission is expected to approve the recommendation of the EU's Standing Committee on Plant Health to impose a ban on the use of lindane, a powerful insecticide, on agricultural crops. The ban would not affect the use of lindane in domestic products such as ant killer.

Once approved, EU member states would have six months to withdraw approval for lindane products designed to be used on plants. Thereafter, they would be given a one-year grace period to deplete existing stocks. Currently, Sweden, Denmark and France already ban the application of lindane on agricultural crops.

Previous studies by the Austrian government concluded that lindane is a carcinogenic substance with no safe exposure limit and it could also damage immune and nervous systems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer also reported that the chemical was linked to breast cancer and birth defects.

Reference

http://www.ens.lycos.com

Item 5	New target levels for benzene and CO
Summary	The European Parliament is in the process of enacting the first EU legislation requiring states to act on health hazards presented by ambient levels of benzene and carbon monoxide. For benzene pollution, due mainly to evaporation of fuel and emissions from refineries and chemical plants, a target level to be achieved by the year 2010 will be set at 5 micrograms per cubic metre of air. For carbon monoxide, the target level to be achieved by the year 2005 will be set at 10 milligrams per cubic metre of air. The initial permitted margins of tolerance will be progressively reduced each year to zero as states work toward the target levels. Enactment of the Directive may be delayed for a few months because the Parliament is seeking one final amendment, requiring that when the Directive is reviewed in 2004, consideration is being given to the problem of benzene and carbon monoxide pollution in enclosed spaces.
Reference	Environment Business News Briefing, 13 July 2000, Page 4

Item 6

Guide provides energy efficiency options for commercial buildings

Summary

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a new guidebook entitled "The guide to energy-efficient commercial equipment".

The guidebook give consumers information on factors of consideration when purchasing building equipment, focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and motors which are the largest sources of energy use in a building. Information on distribution transformers, office equipment and refrigeration products are also included in the guidebook. For each area, the Guide indicates energy efficiency and other key performance as well as installation and maintenance tips to maximise overall performance. ACEEE pointed out that for almost all of the products covered, energy-efficient options were readily available and optimum energy performance could be achieved without compromising other attributes. Case studies are included in the Guide to illustrate practical examples of energy and cost savings, and other performance benefits of more efficient equipment.

The Guide is targeted at building owners and operators, facility managers, government and corporate energy managers, and procurement officials. Utility energy services and marketing personnel, as well as energy service company representatives would also find the Guide useful.

Reference

http://www.gnet.org/

Item 7	Panel concerned over plasticiser in some medical devices
Summary	A panel set up by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program's Centre for the Evaluation of Risks on Human Reproduction conducted a review on seven plasticisers used in medical devices. Plasticisers, or phthalates, are used in medical devices to increase their flexibility and strength. Findings from the review showed that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices made from Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEPH) additives, e.g. medical tubing, could leach in sufficient amount to affect the development of male infant's reproductive system. Presently DEHP-derived PVC medical tubings are used for feeding and medicating prematurely or critically ill newborn infants. Currently, US manufacturers have ceased the use of DEPH in their production of toys intended for mouthing.
Reference	http://www.earthvision.net

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Item 2	Biodegradable wax paper, an alternative to petroleum-based wax paper
Summary	Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have developed an inexpensive method to use zein, a type of corn protein, to produce a biodegradable coating. This coating, made from a renewable source, has comparable grease and water resistance properties with petroleum-based wax. It is a good alternative to petroleum-based wax and is expected to be widely used in the food industry, which is a major user of wax packaging material.
Reference	http://www.greenbiz.com/news

Item 3	Pennsylvania mandates big cut in smog causing emissions
Summary	The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved new clean air regulations which require a 75 percent reduction in ozone-causing nitrogen oxides coming from power plants and other large industrial boilers. The new regulations set a cap on the total emissions allowed by Pennsylvania's power plants and industrial boilers at no more than 50,000 tons per year, a 75 percent reduction from 1990 levels. Power plants would have to meet this cap by 2003. The regulation provides incentives for facilities that reduce emissions earlier than required and those that use innovative technology or creative solutions to achieve reductions not only of nitrogen oxide, but also mercury, heavy metals and sulphur dioxide.
Reference	http://ens.lycos.com/

Item 4	Europe to ban powerful insecticide on crops
Summary	The European Commission is expected to approve the recommendation of the EU's Standing Committee on Plant Health to impose a ban on the use of lindane, a powerful insecticide, on agricultural crops. The ban would not affect the use of lindane in domestic products such as ant killer. Once approved, EU member states would have six months to withdraw approval for lindane products designed to be used on plants. Thereafter, they would be given a one-year grace period to deplete existing stocks. Currently, Sweden, Denmark and France already ban the application of lindane on agricultural crops. Previous studies by the Austrian government concluded that lindane is a carcinogenic substance with no safe exposure limit and it could also damage immune and nervous systems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer also reported that the chemical was linked to breast cancer and birth defects.
Reference	http://www.ens.lycos.com

Item 6	Guide provides energy efficiency options for commercial buildings
Summary	The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a new guidebook entitled "The guide to energy-efficient commercial equipment". The guidebook give consumers information on factors of consideration when purchasing building equipment, focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and motors which are the largest sources of energy use in a building. Information on distribution transformers, office equipment and refrigeration products are also included in the guidebook. For each area, the Guide indicates energy efficiency and other key performance as well as installation and maintenance tips to maximise overall performance. ACEEE pointed out that for almost all of the products covered, energy-efficient options were readily available and optimum energy performance could be achieved without compromising other attributes. Case studies are included in the Guide to illustrate practical examples of energy and cost savings, and other performance benefits of more efficient equipment. The Guide is targeted at building owners and operators, facility managers, government and corporate energy managers, and procurement officials. Utility energy services and marketing personnel, as well as energy service company representatives would also find the Guide useful.
Reference	http://www.gnet.org/