Helping small businesses implement toxics use reduction techniques: dry cleaners, auto shops, and floor finishers assisted in creating safer and healthier work places

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (Viet-AID) have worked with small business sectors to reduce their use of toxic chemicals. Three cases, described here, in dry cleaning, auto shops and floor finishing share common approaches for creating successful models of effective dissemination of toxics use reduction in small businesses. These include direct business support, peer-to-peer training and promotion of alternatives, and collaborations with stakeholders to achieve greener businesses. These results were achieved despite predictable barriers of lack of resources, suspicion of safer alternatives, and language and cultural barriers.     

Rethinking the role of information in chemicals policy: implications for TSCA and REACH

This article analyses the role of different kinds of information for minimizing or eliminating the risks due to the production, use, and disposal of chemical substances and contrasts it with present and planned (informational) regulation in the United States and the European Union, respectively. Some commentators who are disillusioned with regulatory approaches have argued that informational tools should supplant mandatory regulatory measures unflatteringly described as “command and control.” Critics of this reformist view are concerned with the lack of technology-innovation forcing that results from informational policies alone. We argue that informational tools can be made more technology inducing – and thus more oriented towards environmental innovations – than they are under current practices, with or without complementary regulatory mechanisms, although a combination of approaches may yield the best results.The conventional approach to chemicals policy envisions a sequential process that includes three steps of (1) producing or collecting risk-relevant information, (2) performing a risk assessment or characterization, followed by (3) risk management practices, often driven by regulation. We argue that such a sequential process is too static, or linear, and spends too many resources on searching for, or generating information about present hazards, in comparison to searching for, and generating information related to safer alternatives which include input substitution, final product reformulation, and/or process changes. These pollution prevention or cleaner technology approaches are generally acknowledged to be superior to pollution control. We argue that the production of risk information necessary for risk assessment, on the one hand, and the search for safer alternatives on the other hand, should be approached simultaneously in two parallel quests. Overcoming deficits in hazard-related information and knowledge about risk reduction alternatives must take place in a more synchronized manner than is currently being practiced. This parallel approach blurs the alleged bright line between risk assessment and risk management, but reflects more closely how regulatory agencies actually approach the regulation of chemicals.These theoretical considerations are interpreted in the context of existing and planned informational tools in the United States and the European Union, respectively. The current political debate in the European Union concerned with reforming chemicals policy and implementing the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) system is focused on improving the production and assessment of risk information with regard to existing chemicals, although it also contains some interesting risk management elements. To some extent, REACH mirrors the approach taken in the United States under the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. TSCA turned out not to be effectively implemented and provides lessons that should be relevant to REACH. In this context, we discuss the opportunities and limits of existing and planned informational tools for achieving risk reduction.     

潜在有毒化学品优先控制名单筛选方法研究

在收集了国内外共37个不同化学品名单基础上,研究了我国潜在有毒化学品的筛选程序和评分系统。根据环境的9项指标和毒性的7项指标共16个参数,运用模糊数学方法计算了化学品的综合危害分值,藉此按其危害程度予以排序,从而选定了52种优先控制的有毒化学品名单,旨在对化学品应采取的适宜管理对策提供有效的科学依据。      

五种底栖动物对优控污染物的敏感性评价

参照美国水生生物基准技术指南以及欧盟、美国和中国优控污染物名录,搜集、筛选了伸展摇蚊、日本沼虾、河蚬、霍甫水丝蚓和泥鳅等5种代表性淡水底栖动物的优控污染物生物毒性数据,通过数据分析,筛选出对淡水底栖动物毒性最大的10种优控污染物,主要包括有机氯农药和重金属两大类.对筛选得到的10种优控污染物的物种敏感度分布进行了分析,结果表明伸展摇蚊与泥鳅对有机氯农药较为敏感,具有作为相关农药污染的指示生物以及水质基准研究的受试生物的潜力.     

Chemicals regulation and precaution: does REACH really incorporate the precautionary principle

At the interface between politics and science-informed regulatory action there is hardly a more controversial combination in Europe today than the recently adopted chemicals policy overhaul entitled Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of CHemicals (REACH) and the precautionary principle (PP). The European Commission states that REACH is underpinned by the PP. However, it is not evident how this is crystallized throughout the registration, evaluation and authorization process of REACH. Additionally, it is unclear how REACH will proactively support development of safer alternatives, a key component of precaution. The present paper examines to what extent the PP has actually been integrated in REACH. Several elements of the PP are included in REACH such as changing the burden of proof and assessment of alternatives. However, a number of important elements apparently are missing. This paper outlines some of the limitations in REACH for applying precaution and discusses possible improvements of the REACH framework to make it more supportive of precautionary decision-making.     

Primary neuronal-astrocytic co-culture platform for neurotoxicity assessment of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Plastics such as polyvinyl chlorides （PVC） are widely used in many indoor constructed environments; however, their unbound chemicals, such as di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalates （DEHP）, can leach into the surrounding environment. This study focused on DEHP＇s effect on the central nervous system by determining the precise DEHP content in mice brain tissue after exposure to the chemical, to evaluate the specific exposure range. Primary neuronal-astrocyte co-culture systems were used as in vitro models for chemical hazard identification of DEHP. Oxidative stress was hypothesized as a probable mechanism involved, and therefore the total reactive oxygen species （ROS） concentration was determined as a biomarker of oxidative stress. In addition, NeuriteTracer, a neurite tracing plugin with ImageJ, was used to develop an assay for neurotoxicity to provide quantitative measurements of neurological parameters, such as neuronal number, neuron count and neurite length, all of which could indicate neurotoxic effects. The results showed that with 1 nmol/L DEHP exposure, there was a significant increase in ROS concentrations, indicating that the neuronal-astrocyte cultures were injured due to exposure to DEHP. In response, astrocyte proliferation （gliosis） was initiated, serving as a mechanism to maintain a homeostatic environment for neurons and protect neurons from toxic chemicals. There is a need to assess the cumulative effects of DEHP in animals to evaluate the possible uotake and effects on the human neuronal system from exoosure to DEHP in the indoor environment.     

Technical performance evaluation of the potential biobased floor strippers

Biobased products may soon replace most petroleum-based chemicals, industrial products and composite materials. Advocates emphasize that these products are environmentally friendlier, safer and healthier for the users. Others argue that promotion of these industrial products would make the United States more secure by depending less on foreign energy sources. This paper presents results of identification and technical performance evaluation of some biobased products. They are potential alternatives to the petroleum-based floor strippers.Within the framework of cleaner production (CP) and toxics use reduction (TUR), this study identified and subjected the potential alternative products to technical performance experiments. Two sets of experiments were performed. The first set of experiments involved laboratory scale experiments using different cleaning products and techniques. The second set of experiments involved pre-field tests conducted on a typical floor in the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) laboratory. All experiments employed TURI's standard operating procedures (SOP) under different experimental conditions varying the temperature, soaking time, cleaning media (abrasive pads or cotton cloth) and the concentration of products. The cleaning efficiency for each of the biobased or green products used was based on the gravimetric analysis of the coupons or via a standard visual method based on a UV (black) light or both.A total of 14 floor stripping products were identified from various sources. About 21% of these products were soy based. Corn and citrus-based products accounted for 7% of each. While about 43% of the products were classified as plant based, 22% of products were labeled only as green products containing biodegradable ingredients without further classifying their specific sources.Variations in the technical performance of potential biobased floor strippers tested were observed. Performance of concentrated potential biobased floor strippers was in the range of 50 to 99%, with the Botanic Gold performing best at 94% contaminant removal efficiency. CornSolv was eliminated because of its odor while DBE-6 was abandoned because it peeled off the floor tile surfaces. The technical performance of Botanic Gold at 25% dilution was comparable to the current floor stripping product. It is recommended that larger field trials should be conducted and at the same time determine janitors' perceptions on the use of these products. It is important to investigate the common additives to the biobased industrial chemicals and products and to determine their effects on technical performance of these products.Finally, we recommend that a review of the current status and future direction of the relevant policies and regulatory frameworks that can promote biobased industrial chemicals and products should be performed. Furthermore, there should be a bold effort to encourage broader public debate about the future of the biobased industry in the context of environmental, health and safety and societal sustainability.     

化学品立法与环境保护

随着化学工业的快速发展,我国化学品的产量和贸易量呈逐年增加的趋势,因化学品所导致的环境污染也越来越严重.伴随着化学品贸易与环境管理的国际一体化趋势以及国内对环境保护的呼声越来越高,迫切要求建立、健全化学品环境管理法规.在对比分析了美国、欧盟、日本等发达国家或地区化学品立法特征的基础上,阐述了我国在化学品立法方面存在的缺陷,如预防预警、源头控制理念不足,缺乏优先管理和风险管理制度,监督管理环节薄弱,以及缺乏各部门之间协调配合的监督管理机制等;分析了我国化学品立法的必要性和紧迫性,提出了重点针对有毒有害化学物质进行管理的预防为主、源头控制、风险管理以及全过程管理的立法理念,并对立法管理对象以及需建立的管理制度和标准等主要内容提出了建议.      

A synthetical methodology for identifying priority pollutants in reclaimed water based on meta-analysis

Wastewater reclamation and reuse is an increasing global project, while the reclamation treatment on wastewater does not completely remove all pollutants in water. The residual pollutants in reclaimed water would cause potential risk on human health and ecosystem safety during the long-term use. It is impossible to analyze and control all pollutants one by one in practice, therefore, identification and control of priority pollutants will be efficient strategy to ensure the safe use of reclaimed ...     

国外化学品环境管理中关于商业保密信息的实践及其对中国的借鉴

化学品环境管理实践中,化学品危害特性和暴露评估相关数据涉及的化学品所有者的商业保密信息(CBI)是管理部门和企业重点关注的焦点之一.通过信息的公布,可以让公众了解化学品的有毒有害特性,提前防范其环境和健康风险,实现管理目标,但同时也可能影响化学品企业的商业利益、竞争地位和技术优势,损害企业的利益.美国和欧盟的化学品管理法规均对CBI提出了规定和要求,其管理实践对完善中国化学品环境管理中保密信息的管理具有积极的借鉴意义.     

Di-(2-ethylhexy)-phthalate在细菌及细菌-矿物复合体表面的吸附解吸行为

以土壤中分离出的邻苯二甲酸二异辛酯(DEHP)高耐性细菌(伯克霍尔德菌,Burkholderia sp.)及3种常见矿物为实验材料,研究Burkholderia sp.及其矿物复合体对DEHP的吸附解吸行为,包括吸附动力学、吸附等温曲线、pH的影响、FTIR分析等.结果显示,Burkholderia sp.能在较短时间内完成对DEHP的吸附;DEHP在细菌表面的吸附符合Langmuir等温吸附方程(R20.97);Burkholderia sp.吸附DEHP的最适pH为7.0~8.0.蒙脱石、针铁矿、高岭土及细菌对DEHP的吸附能力大小依次为:蒙脱石针铁矿伯克霍尔德菌高岭土;同时,蒙脱石-细菌复合体系对DEHP结合能力最强,而高岭土和针铁矿-细菌复合体系对DEHP的结合强度较小.FTIR分析结果表明细菌表面的蛋白质及脂质部分在DEHP吸附过程中的作用较大,而疏水性作用等是DEHP与细菌及复合体相互结合的主要作用力.这些结果都与DEHP在环境中的迁移转化行为密切相关,对评估该类化合物的环境生态风险以及控制环境污染都具有重要的指导意义.     

加强我国对新化学物质的管理

概述了新化学物质的概念及特点,介绍了国际组织对新化学物质管理的要求、国外对新化学物质环境管理的惯例及我国新化学物质环境管理的现状,阐述了建立与实施我国新化学物质申报制度的原则,并从技术上、实践上、经济上论述了这项制度的可行性。      

省级化学品登记软件开发构想

为做好省级化学品登记工作,提出登记工作的软件设计构想,为企业和管理层提供准确的企业信息、统计数据等相关信息,为制定决策提供数据支持。     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯致OVA致敏大鼠哮喘样病理学改变

全球哮喘患者人数众多,而且这一数字仍在不断增长.近年来大家把目光聚焦到人造化学物质与哮喘增加的关系上.邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate,DEHP)是现代社会一种常见的污染物,在室内环境中也有广泛的存在.本研究通过建立卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏的大鼠哮喘模型,来探讨DEHP对哮喘的影响.将Wistar大鼠随机分为6组,分别为生理盐水对照和两种浓度(0.5mg·m-3和5mg·m-3)的DEHP染毒的无OVA致敏组,以及这三者对应的OVA致敏组.行肺部滴注法对大鼠进行染毒,每天1次,染毒剂量相当于在0.5mg·m-3和5mg·m-3浓度的DEHP中暴露8h.处理后的大鼠通过肺功能检测,ELISA检测肺组织细胞因子和肺组织切片等方法研究其哮喘症状.结果显示DEHP染毒的OVA致敏组具有更显著的哮喘症状.     

危险化学品环境风险评估报告编制中若干问题的研究

为加强重点危险化学品环境管理工作,国家要求实行重点危险化学品环境风险评估制度。在风评制度尚未全面开展的情况下,通过先行对一家重点环境管理危险化学品使用企业开展风险评估,从而对风评报告编制过程中存在的问题与困难进行总结,并提出建议与对策,可为其他编制机构开展环境风险评估工作提供指导作用。     

国际化学品安全管理的现状及发展趋势

充分分析了国际化学品安全管理的现状,在此基础上,详细阐述了国际化学品安全管理的六大发展趋势:国际化的化学品风险评估体系将逐步扩展和深化;化学品分类和标识的全球统一系统(GHS)将逐步建立和完善;有毒化学品及其风险的信息交换将日益加强;减低风险计划将逐步完善和实施;利用国际援助加强国家化学品管理能力建设将越来越广泛;有毒有害化学品的国际非法交易将得到有效禁止。其中建立国际化的化学品安全管理模式、强调各国之间的信息交换和有效配合是化学品安全管理的主要趋势。另外,文中还论述了我国在化学品安全管理方面所存在的薄弱环节,必须制定应对策略加以强化和完善。      

全氟和多氟烷基类化合物(PFASs)的环境转化与分类管控

全氟和多氟烷基类化合物(per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFASs)具有环境持久性、生物累积性和生物毒性(PBT),其暴露所引发的环境与健康风险已在世界范围内引起关注. 近期,有学者提议将PFASs作为一类高持久性物质进行全面管控,并淘汰PFASs的所有非必要用途. 鉴于PFASs在工业领域的不可或缺性,加快PFASs的淘汰进程势必会对社会和经济产生较大影响. 因此,淘汰PFASs需要一个漫长的过渡期. 在这期间,亟需开展积极有效的应对措施,最大程度地将PFASs暴露对生态环境乃至人体健康产生的潜在危害降到最低. 笔者认为加强PFASs的降解转化研究是目前较为有效且可行的策略之一,这将有助于理解PFASs的PBT特性,进而推动PFASs的分类管理. 笔者提出可在“疑似靶向/非靶向高分辨率质谱技术开发”“PFASs的传递、积累、代谢和消除行为”和“PFASs转化产物与不良健康影响之间关系的系统毒理学网络”等方面开展PFASs的降解转化研究. 通过高效筛查识别PFASs的分子转化机制,解析转化产物的PBT性质,进而对PFASs进行合理归类划分,并为制定PFASs及替代品的分类管控决策提供依据.      

风险评价在中国化学品管理中的运用

随着人们对化学品有毒与无毒辨证关系的认识、对危害与风险联系的理解的不断深入,风险概念引入了中国化学品管理领域,影响着中国化学品管理的方式。笔者认为我国的化学品应在以下方面加强管理:①充分发挥风险评价和风险管理在新化学物质申报、新农药等新化学品登记、现有危险化学品管理、化学品建设项目影响评价等化学品管理专项领域中的作用;②风险评价应考虑中国的生物多样性、应符合中国的研究水平和管理能力现状、应结合化学品在中国的暴露方式和暴露程度;③风险管理应注重风险信息交流,制定并执行科学可行的质量标准。      

油田化学品的环境和生态毒理行为

综述了近年来在油田化学品的环境行为和生态毒理学方面的研究成果和发展趋势。根据油田化学品的使用、分类及相关标准,对油田化学品的性质、降解性、环境行为以及生态毒性行为进行了分析和研究,提出了其环境安全问题和今后研究方向,为以后对于油田化学品的研究与应用提供了充分的参考和依据。     

浅谈危险化学品安全管理要点

本文在分析危险化学品的特性的基础上,阐述了目前危险化学品管理的现状,并有针对性地提出了危险化学品安全管理的要点,对加强危险化学品的安全监管具有重要的指导意义.