aug. 26, 2016 contents -...

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Aug. 26, 2016

Contents(click on page numbers for links)

REGULATORY UPDATE

ASIA PACIFICguide to the model Work Health and Safety Regulations ..................................3At the APVMA its all about the science! ...................................................................3Supreme Court of Western Australia Rules that State Environmental Policies Are Not Relevant Considerations when Making an Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................................5Thailands Existing Chemicals Inventory and Proposed Chemicals Management Regulations ..............................................................................................6South Korea Issued Hazard Evaluation Results for 121 New Substances Registered under K-REACH ....................................................................7

AMERICAOSHAs Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica .................................................................................................................8California Adopts Opioid Treatment guidelines ..................................................10EAB upholds EPA Cancellation Of Flubendiamide Registrations ...................11EPA Issues Direct Final Rule Adding To List Of Excluded VOCs .......................11

EUROPESpecific provisions of glyphosate under the Plant protection products Regulation have been updated ..............................................................12European regulators put Dow DuPont deal under microscope .....................12CEN Committee Seeks Responses To Survey On Disposal Practices For Manufactured Nano-Objects In Waste .............................................................13Eu OSHA May Conduct Survey on Workplace Exposure to Carcinogens ...14

INTERNATIONALWHO And IARC To Assess Seven Major Chemicals ..............................................14

REACH UPDATEList of harmonised classifications updated ............................................................16PACT updated with 5 new intentions for RMOA ..................................................16Restriction dossier for N,N-Dimethylformamide submitted ............................17New CLH consultations launched .............................................................................17

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


Aug. 26, 2016

ContentsJANETS CORNER

Mozart the Worm.............................................................................................................18

HAZARD ALERTToxaphene .........................................................................................................................19

GOSSIPQuantum computing: Mothball chemical naphthalene helps technology work at room temperature ..................................................................24This cheap material can purify dirty water and make it safe to drink ..........25Mineral hydrogel may usher in new class of recyclable plastics ....................26Head lice becoming resistant to common chemical treatments: study ......27Shape-shifting Terminator T-1000 robot could become a reality after scientists announce liquid metal breakthrough........................................28E-waste: the fine line between useful materials and toxic waste ..................29Libraries of plastic molecules could store huge amounts of data .................31To Clean up An Oil Spill, Light a Fire Tornado .......................................................32Accounting for ozone: Study first to quantify impact of oil and gas emissions on Denvers ozone problem ...................................................................34Researchers find unsafe levels of industrial chemicals in drinking water of 6 million Americans ......................................................................................36Fracking air pollution study retracted .....................................................................38Refinery fostered weak safety, Chemical Safety Board says.............................40Membrane reactor turns methane into aromatics ..............................................41Solid Oxide Fuel Cell prototype from Nissan moves toward eco-friendly transport ............................................................................................................42Self-cleaning, anti-reflective, microorganism-resistant coatings ..................43Arsenic and the Placental Epigenome: unlocking the Secrets of Prenatal Exposure ...........................................................................................................44Organoarsenic Drugs over Time: The Pharmacokinetics of Roxarsone in Chicken Meat .........................................................................................46Air pollution tied to shorter survival with lung cancer ......................................48E-cigarette makers rush new products to market ahead of u.S. rules .........49

TECHNICAL NOTESENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH ......................................................................................52


Aug. 26, 2016

ContentsMEDICAL RESEARCH .......................................................................................................52OCCuPATIONAL RESEARCH .........................................................................................53PuBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ..........................................................................................53

CURIOSITIESWhat Your Pee and Poo Colour Says About Your Health ...................................56Do Amish hold clue to preventing asthma in children? ....................................58WA nurses call for sick pet leave as they negotiate work agreement ..........59A first of its kind study found that brain training cuts the risk of .................61Bacteria made to turn sewage into clean water and electricity .................62Science Finally Proves Which Wines give the Worst Hangovers ....................64Do farts carry germs? Well, it depends on whether you are wearing pants. ...................................................................................................................................65Novel technology may prevent burn scars ............................................................67Brain chemical dopamine bounces back after quitting smoking..................68Study details possible link between Zika and severe joint condition ..........69Sperm quality in dogs is rapidly declining, and it could be a big warning for human fertility .........................................................................................71A bar owner in the uK has built a Faraday cage to stop customers using their phones ..........................................................................................................72A company claims to have a machine that stops avocados going brown .74Does Burnt Food give You Cancer? ...........................................................................75Can Ocean Plastics Make Homes For The Poor? ...................................................76The first asthma pill in 20 years shows massive promise in reducing symptoms .......................................................................................................7710 Barbaric Medical Treatments That Are Still used Today .............................83Plenty of light during daytime reduces the effect of blue light screens on night sleep ...................................................................................................84Higher weekly activity levels linked to lower risk of five chronic diseasesDaily activity levels need to be several times higher than recommended minimum .............................................................................................85


Aug. 26, 2016

On 1 August, Safe Work Australia pub-lished an amended guide to the model Work Health & Safety Regulations.

ASIA PACIFIC

Guide to the model Work Health and Safety Regulations2016-08-19On 1 August, Safe Work Australia published an amended guide to the model Work Health & Safety Regulations. This guide provides an overview of the structure of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations. The guide will help readers identify what duties or rights are contained in each Part of the model WHS Regulations, and direct readers to other provisions of the model WHS laws that may be relevant to those rights or duties. This guide has been republished to reflect the current model WHS Regulations (dated 21 March 2016). A copy of the amended guide is available at: guide to the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations

Safe Work Australia, 1 August 2016

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

At the APVMA its all about the science!2016-08-19The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is Australias regulator of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals. Every agvet chemical for sale in Australia has been through a robust scientific assessment to make sure it can be used safely by farmers, veterinarians and the general community. The agency examines scientific data to assess:

impacts on human health and safety impacts on non-target and native plants and animals worker health and safety residues in crops and food producing animals whether it is effective and works as intended.What is scientific assessment?

When an application for a chemical product comes into the APVMA look at the evidence provided by scientific studies and data and the proposed uses. The agency examines the full range of risks by assessing both the scientific merit and the integrity of the data and asking whether identified risks can be managed when the chemical is used in a product. If a product is registered for use in Australia, this means the APVMA has scientifically assessed that it can be used safely provided the instructions for safety and use are followed.

Regulatory Update

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/621/Guide-to-the-Model-WHS-Regulations-21March2016.PDFhttp://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au


Aug. 26, 2016

Regulatory UpdateThe simple rule is always follow the safety and use directions on the label to minimise exposure to the chemical product

This approach is consistent with best practice among international regulators and uses international scientific standards set by bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the World Health Organisation.

New science

The APVMAs team of expert in-house scientists and affiliated academics consult and collaborate with scientists in universities, the chemical industry and innovators around the world. Over recent years the APVMA has been a leader in developing scientific assessment approaches for significant new areas of science, in both agriculture and animal husbandry, including:

nanotechology RNA interference (RNAi) clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CrispR).New scientific evidence

New studies, assessment reports and scientific opinions about agvet chemical which are already on the market are generated regularly. The APVMA analyses and evaluates all new information based on the scientific merits before deciding on whether to take regulatory action.

Science is safety

Because the full range of risks are considered during the registration process human exposure is minimised provided the use and safety directions on the label are followed. If the product says to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, or not to use it for food producing animals, this means that after scientific assessment the product can be used safely provided these instructions are followed. Not all chemicals are the same. The safety and use instructions on every product are designed to protect people from the risk associated with that particular chemical product. The type of active ingredient in the product, other chemicals in the product and the formulation or type of productsuch as spray, powder or liquidare all considered by scientists at the APVMA before the product is registered. The science is in the safety directionsalways read and follow them. You can download the factsheet here.

APVMA, 16 August 2016

http://www.apvma.gov.au

http://apvma.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/flyer-apvma-all-about-the-science.pdfhttp://www.apvma.gov.au


Aug. 26, 2016

Regulatory UpdateSupreme Court of Western Australia Rules that State Environmental Policies Are Not Relevant Considerations when Making an Environmental Impact Assessment2016-08-19The port City of Fremantle, now considered by many as part of greater Metropolitan Perth, has been home to Fremantle Port since the turn of the 19th Century. For more than a century, 90% of Western Australias imports and 30% of its exports have moved through the port. In 2014, during their first budget, the Abbott Federal government allocated federal funding supplemented by state funding to upgrade and expand Roe Highway, in order to improve access to and from Fremantle for heavy vehicles transporting freight. Since announcing the election promise, the first stage of the project (known as Roe 8) has been shrouded in controversy. The arguments opposing the project are many and varied, spanning aboriginal heritage issues, to the compulsory acquisition of residential land. One point of interest for environmental lawyers, however, is the decision this July of the Court of Appeal of Western Australia to overturn a finding that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)s environmental impact assessment of the project was invalid. In December last year, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia found in favour of the Save the Beeliar Wetlands environmental group, which had sought judicial review of the EPAs assessment of the project. His Honour found that the EPAs recommendation to the States Environment Minister was invalid, along with his subsequent approval because the EPA had not taken account of its own policies at the time it made its decision and reported to the Minister. In summary, the relevant policies provided that where the EPA concluded that the implementation of a proposal would result in significant residual impacts to critical environmental assets (despite mitigation efforts), there was a presumption against recommended approval. At the time, many viewed the decision as providing clarity regarding how the decision-making process of the EPA should be conducted. In particular, the application of due regard in policy and decision-making. The decision was viewed as reiterating the EPAs function as an independent decision maker, standing separately to the State government. On appeal by the State, the full bench of the Court of Appeal overturned the original decision. The Court of Appeal instead considered that the relevant policies were permissive relevant considerations, as opposed to mandatory considerations. Read in the context of other provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) (EP Act), the

http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wt/releases/2014/May/budget-infra_07-2014.aspxhttp://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/judgment.xsp?documentId=E96AF646F30C609A48257FF10013B74C&action=openDocumenthttp://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/judgment.xsp?documentId=E96AF646F30C609A48257FF10013B74C&action=openDocumenthttp://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/judgment.xsp?documentId=4DC12FEF66845A8248257F1D00095F93&action=openDocumenthttp://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/judgment.xsp?documentId=E96AF646F30C609A48257FF10013B74C&action=openDocument


Aug. 26, 2016

Thailands Depart-ment of Industrial Works (DIW) has re-leased a preliminary existing chemicals inventory

Regulatory UpdateCourt considered that amongst other reasons, that the impugned policies were not in the category of approved policies which was a mechanism under which they could be elevated in the EP Act. The Court opined that those approved policies provided sufficient certainty to stakeholders and proponents. In an attempt to deliver on its key election promise, the State government is reportedly pressing ahead to enter into contracts to construct Roe 8 before the State election early next year. The Save Beeliar Wetland group is expected to appeal the decision to the High Court.

The National Law Review, 18 August 2016

http://www.natlawreview.com

Thailands Existing Chemicals Inventory and Proposed Chemicals Management Regulations2016-08-19Thailands Department of Industrial Works (DIW) has released a preliminary existing chemicals inventory (http://www.diw.go.th/hawk/content.php?mode=eservice).

The DIW has combined the following four sources to make the National Existing Chemicals Inventory:

Substances present in the DIW database. Hazardous substances whose properties match that of those present in

Annex 5.6 of the Notification of Department of Industrial Works Re: List of Hazardous Substances (No. 2), and whose production and/or import are notified to the DIW using form Wor Or/ Or gor 20, beginning from February B.E. 2558 (2015). Substances which are not notified to the DIW before the cut-off date (12/31/2016) will be considered new substances.

Hazardous substances present in the Notification of the Department of Industrial Works Re: List of Hazardous Substances.

Chemicals imported between 2014-2016 (obtained from the Customs Department).

The DIW anticipates the completion of the final version of the National Chemicals Inventory in 2017 and plans to update it every 3 years.

Thailands Proposed Existing and New Chemicals Management Regulations:

Chemicals present in the inventory which meet the below criteria will be prioritised for assessment:

http://www.natlawreview.comhttp://www.diw.go.th/hawk/content.php?mode=eservicehttp://www.diw.go.th/hawk/content.php?mode=eservice


Aug. 26, 2016

South Koreas National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) issued NIER Announcement No.2016-11 on 4 Aug 2016, making public the results of hazard evaluation of 121 new substances registered under K-REACH.

Regulatory Update Chemicals whose production or import volume exceeds 10 metric tons

per annum; Carcinogenic, mutagenic and repro-toxic (CMR) chemicals - category

1A or 1B; Persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals; Very persistent and very bio-accumulative (vPvB) chemicals; Chemicals of equivalent concern or hazardous; Substances under International ConventionsChemicals determined to be substances of very high concern (SVHC) will require submission of chemical risk assessment reports. grace periods will be given according to tonnage bands. The DIW proposes 3, 5, and 8 years for chemicals whose production/import volumes exceed 1000 metric tons/year, 100-1000 metric tons/year and 10 but not exceeding 100 metric tons/year, respectively. In addition, the DIW would permit companies to submit joint chemical risk assessment reports. Due to this new requirement, the hazard type of the substances present in the Notification of the Department of Industrial Works Re: List of Hazardous Substances and its amendment may change. Consequently, certain chemicals may be subjected to more stringent production/import requirements. Chemicals not present in the chemicals inventory will be considered new. Non-hazardous chemicals and those which do not meet the aforementioned SVHC criteria are qualified for simplified risk assessment report. Moreover, the DIW proposes adding new subsections onto the safety data sheets. Examples of such proposals include adding Specific uses under Section 7: Handling and Storage and the inclusion of the full text of R phrases (hazard statements) under Section 16: Other Information.

*Readers should note that these requirements are only proposed and may change in the future when the finalised version of the chemicals inventory is published.

ChemAdvisor, 16 August 2016

https://www.chemadvisor.com

South Korea Issued Hazard Evaluation Results for 121 New Substances Registered under K-REACH2016-08-19South Koreas National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) issued NIER Announcement No.2016-11 on 4 Aug 2016, making public the results of hazard evaluation of 121 new substances registered under K-REACH.

https://chemlinked.com/sites/default/files/cdn/file/20160804_121_new_substances_finally_approved.pdf


Aug. 26, 2016

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in Americas workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Regulatory UpdateCompared to the draft list (121 new substances), which was previously issued by the NIER Notice No.2016-215 on 30 Jun 2016 for public comments until 20 Jul 2016, no changes were made. In addition, two new substances previously published as No.2015-15 and 2016-231 were deleted. Further details are available at:

NIER Announcement No.2016-11 List of 121 registered new substancesChemlinked, 17 August 2016

http://chemlinked.com/en/news

AMERICA

OSHAs Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica2016-08-19The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in Americas workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule is comprised of two standards, one for Construction and one for general Industry and Maritime. OSHA estimates that the rule will save over 600 lives and prevent more than 900 new cases of silicosis each year, once its effects are fully realised. The Final Rule is projected to provide net benefits of about $7.7 billion, annually. About 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill, cut, crush, or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, and 300,000 workers in general industry operations such as brick manufacturing, foundries, and hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. Responsible employers have been protecting workers from harmful exposure to respirable crystalline silica for years, using widely-available equipment that controls dust with water or a vacuum system.

Key Provisions

Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.

Requires employers to: use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators

http://ncis.nier.go.kr/ncis/LIW0602.do?b_id=00443&b_seq=37&leftordridx=3&topordridx=4&menuid=LIW&leftsubordridx=https://chemlinked.com/sites/default/files/cdn/file/20160804_121_new_substances_finally_approved.pdfhttp://chemlinked.com/en/news


Aug. 26, 2016

Regulatory Updatewhen engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.

Provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health.

Provides flexibility to help employers especially small businesses protect workers from silica exposure.

Compliance Schedule

Both standards contained in the final rule take effect on 23 June 2016, after which industries have one to five years to comply with most requirements, based on the following schedule:

Construction- June 23, 2017, one year after the effective date. General Industry and Maritime 23 June 2018, two years after the

effective date. Hydraulic Fracturing - 23 June 2018, two years after the effective

date for all provisions except Engineering Controls, which have a compliance date of 23 June 2021.

The u.S. Department of Labor first highlighted the hazards of respirable crystalline silica in the 1930s, after a wave of worker deaths. The department set standards to limit worker exposure in 1971, when OSHA was created. However, the standards are outdated and do not adequately protect workers from silica-related diseases. Furthermore, workers are being exposed to silica in new industries such as stone or artificial stone countertop fabrication and hydraulic fracturing. A full review of scientific evidence, industry consensus standards, and extensive stakeholder input provide the basis for the final rule, which was proposed in September 2013. The rule-making process allowed OSHA to solicit input in various forms for nearly a full year. The agency held 14 days of public hearings, during which more than 200 stakeholders presented testimony, and accepted over 2,000 comments, amounting to about 34,000 pages of material. In response to this extensive public engagement, OSHA made substantial changes, including enhanced employer flexibility in choosing how to reduce levels of respirable crystalline silica, while maintaining or improving worker protection. OSHA looks forward to working with employers to ensure that all workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica realise the benefits of this final rule. Please check back for frequent updates on compliance assistance materials and events, and learn about OSHAs on-site consulting services for small business. OSHA approved

https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult.html


Aug. 26, 2016

The Department of Industry Relations Office of Administra-tive Law approved the final version of the Medical Treatment Utilisation Schedule regulations that updates the Chronic Pain Medical Treat-ment Guidelines and adopts Opioids Treatment Guidelines.

Regulatory UpdateState Plans have six months to adopt standards that are at least as effective as federal OSHA standards. Establishments in states that operate their own safety and health plans should check with their State Plan for the implementation date of the new standards.

u.S OSHA, August 2016

http://www.osha.gov

California Adopts Opioid Treatment Guidelines2016-08-19California Department of Industrial Relations Office of Administrative Law has approved the final version of the Medical Treatment utilisation Schedule (MTuS) regulations that updates the Chronic Pain Medical Treatment guidelines and adopts Opioids Treatment guidelines, DIR announced 10 August. With many national reports of rising opioid misuse in recent years, DWC has proposed issuing guidelines and began the process with a forum for public comment in 2014. The guidelines that have been added to the MTuS provide best practices in appropriately treating injured workers and safely using these medications to manage pain. We welcome this update and addition to the MTuS. The information in these guidelines should aid in the provision of safer and more effective care for Californias injured workers, said Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) Executive Medical Director Dr. Raymond Meister. The changes to the Chronic Pain Medical Treatment guidelines are in section 9792.24.2, the Opioids Treatment guidelines are found in section 9792.24.4, and the clarifying changes to the meaning of chronic pain are in section 9792.23(b)(1) of the California Code of Regulations. The MTuS regulations went into effect on July 28, 2016, and apply to any treatment requests made on or after 29 July 2016. These guidelines are an important step toward improving appropriate and safe care for workers, explained Christine Baker, director of DIR. DWC Acting Administrative Director george Parisotto said the division will move forward shortly to initiate the process to update all of the current MTuS chapters. This process will include new chapters for chronic pain and opioids. Regardless, the new Chronic Pain Medical Treatment guidelines and Opioids Treatment guidelines should be consulted and relied upon when making treatment requests and determining the medical necessity of such requests. The final regulations are available here.

Occupational Health & Safety News, 17 August 2016

http://www.ohsonline.com

https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/index.htmlhttp://www.osha.govhttps://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCPropRegs/MTUS-Opioids-ChronicPain/MTUS-Opioids-ChronicPain.htmhttp://www.ohsonline.com


Aug. 26, 2016

On 29 July, 2016 the Environmental Appeals Board issued a Final Deci-sion and Order

Regulatory UpdateEAB Upholds EPA Cancellation Of Flubendiamide Registrations2016-08-19On 29 July, 2016, the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) issued its Final Decision and Order (Order)upholding the ALJ Initial Decision and an earlier order denying BCS/NAIs Motion for Accelerated Decision that held that EPA was authorised to cancel the conditional flubendiamide registrations under FIFRA Section 6(e) and did not need to provide BCS/NAI the full Section 6(b) cancellation process. The Board also upheld EPAs determination prohibiting BCS/NAI from the continued sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of flubendiamide products, but found that EPAs determination to prohibit the continued sale and distribution of existing stocks of flubendiamide end-use products by distributors and retailers other than BCS/NAI was not supported by the record.



EPA Issues Direct Final Rule Adding To List Of Excluded VOCs2016-08-19On 1 August 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a direct final rule revising the definition of volatile organic compound (VOC) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and adding 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy) ethane to the list of compounds excluded from the definition of VOCs. 81 Fed. Reg. 50330. EPA has concluded that the compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone (03) and that there is a low likelihood of risk to human health or the environment. The rule is effective on 30 September 2016, unless EPA receives adverse comment by 31 August 2016. In addition, EPA published a proposed rule on the same day proposing to revise the definition of VOC as noted above. 81 Fed. Reg. 50408. Comment is due 31 August 2016.



https://yosemite.epa.gov/oa/EAB_Web_Docket.nsf/FIFRA~Decisions/11EA0E449AD2E03B85257FFF006CFE1B/$File/Final%20Order%20and%20Decision....pdfhttps://yosemite.epa.gov/oa/EAB_Web_Docket.nsf/FIFRA~Decisions/11EA0E449AD2E03B85257FFF006CFE1B/$File/Final%20Order%20and%20Decision....pdfhttps://yosemite.epa.gov/oarm/ALJ/ALJ_Web_Docket.nsf/Filings-and-Attachments/37333E1D94B6A2C685257FC6004D1E4F/$File/22968220.pdfhttps://yosemite.epa.gov/oarm/ALJ/ALJ_Web_Docket.nsf/Filings-and-Attachments/8AAAC8A4529F08CE85257FA0007F187A/$File/2016-04-25%20-%20bayer%20-%20order%20on%20petitioner%27s%20motion%20for%20accelerated%20decision.pdfhttp://www.natlawreview.comhttp://www.natlawreview.com


Aug. 26, 2016

The specific provisions relating to conditions of approval of the active substance Glyphosate have been updated.

Regulatory UpdateEUROPE

Specific provisions of Glyphosate under the Plant protection products Regulation have been updated2016-08-19The specific provisions relating to conditions of approval of the active substance, glyphosate [CAS# 1071-83-6], under the Plant protection products Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 have been updated as per Commission Implementing Regulation (Eu) 2016/1313 of 1 August 2016. On 30 October 2015, the European Food Safety Authority communicated to the Eu Commission its statement on the toxicological assessment of POE-tallowamine [CAS# 61791-26-2], a substance frequently used as a co-formulant in plant protection products containing glyphosate. It concluded that compared to glyphosate, a significant toxicity of POE-tallowamine was observed on all endpoints investigated. It was considered that a likely explanation is because the toxicity is mostly driven by the POE-tallowamine component of the formulation. In the light of current scientific and technical knowledge, the Eu Commission considers it appropriate to amend the conditions of use of the active substance in particular by excluding the co-formulant POE-tallowamine from the use in plant protection products containing glyphosate. As a result, this substance has now been updated in the list of approved active substances (the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (Eu) No. 540/2011).

Chemtrac, 16 August 2016

https://www.chemtracglobal.com/news

European regulators put Dow DuPont deal under microscope2016-08-19The European Commission is launching an in-depth antitrust review of the $130 billion merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont. The regulators say that the merger will join business in marketsagricultural chemicals and petrochemicalswhich are already concentrated in a few competitors. The ECs concerns lie primarily in the combination of Dows and DuPonts operations in seeds and crop protection chemicals. The two firms would together have $16 billion in annual sales, making DowDuPont the largest firm in the sector, ahead of current leader Monsanto. The EC will look into overlaps between the two companies in herbicides and insecticides, especially insecticides that work against chewing insects. The

https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID008973http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016R1313&from=ENhttps://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID063082http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32011R0540


Aug. 26, 2016

Under EC funding, the European Committee for Standardisation Technical Committee (CEN/TC) 352 -- Nano-technologies is developing guidelines relating to the safe waste management and disposal of delib-erately manufactured nano-objects.

Regulatory Updatebody will also investigate the two firms businesses in nematicides, used against nematodes, and fungicides. The regulators have a broader worry that the merger will have a deleterious effect on agricultural innovation by eliminating a firm able to develop new active crop protection ingredients. The EC says DowDuPont might not be as inclined to license new seed technologies to third parties as Dow and DuPont each were on their own. The livelihood of farmers depends on access to seeds and crop protection at competitive prices, says Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. We need to make sure that the proposed merger does not lead to higher prices or less innovation for these products. In addition to the scrutiny over agricultural chemicals, the EC says it will also look at specialty polyolefins used in packaging and adhesive applications. Both Dow and DuPont have leading businesses in these areas. Dow and DuPont have already tried to address some of the ECs issues. However, the Commission considered these commitments insufficient to clearly dismiss its serious doubts, the EC said. In a joint statement, Dow and DuPont promise they will continue to work constructively with the Commission to address their concerns and to obtain clearance for the merger. The companies say they are confident they will win merger clearance. The EC has until 20 December to complete its review of the deal. Dow and DuPont shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deal last month. The Dow and DuPont deal may face obstacles across the Atlantic as well. In June, Iowa Senator Chuck grassley (R) wrote to the u.S. Department of Justice, asking it to closely scrutinise the deal. Like the EC, he voiced reservations about the deals effect on competition in crop protection chemicals and seeds. The EC says it is cooperating with DOJ as well as with Brazilian and Canadian regulators in its perusal of the transaction. Regulators both in the u.S. and European are contending with a wave of consolidation in agricultural chemicals. In a deal expected to be approved by the end of this year, ChemChina is buying Syngenta for $43 billion. Bayer has made an unsolicited $65 billion bid for Monsanto, which is reportedly in talks to purchase BASFs agricultural chemicals business.

Chemical & Engineering News, 11 August 2016

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news

CEN Committee Seeks Responses To Survey On Disposal Practices For Manufactured Nano-Objects In Waste2016-08-19under EC funding, the European Committee for Standardisation Technical Committee (CEN/TC) 352 -- Nanotechnologies is developing guidelines

http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i30/Agricultural-chemical-deals-ripen.htmlhttp://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i30/Agricultural-chemical-deals-ripen.htmlhttp://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i25/Senator-scrutinizes-DowDuPont-merger.htmlhttp://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i25/Senator-scrutinizes-DowDuPont-merger.htmlhttp://pubs.acs.org/cen/news


Aug. 26, 2016

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU OSHA) announced that it is commissioning a study to assess the feasibility of designing a computer-assisted phone survey incorporating automated expert assessment such as AWES in Europe in order to estimate the prevalence of oc-cupational exposure to carcinogens.

Regulatory Updaterelating to the safe waste management and disposal of deliberately manufactured nano-objects. The Technical Committee seeks responses from companies manufacturing or processing manufactured nano-objects by 5 September 2016, to an online questionnaire relating to current disposal practices for manufactured nano-objects in waste. The guidelines are intended to provide guidance for all waste management activities from the manufacturing and processing of manufactured nano-objects. The TC has a separate online questionnaire for waste disposal companies.



EU OSHA May Conduct Survey on Workplace Exposure to Carcinogens2016-08-19The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (Eu OSHA) announced that it is commissioning a study to assess the feasibility of designing a computer-assisted phone survey incorporating automated expert assessment such as AWES in Europe in order to estimate the prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogens. The study will also make recommendations on survey methodology and implementation; the final objective is to identify to what extent a worker-survey based on an electronic expert module could provide useful information on workplace exposures to carcinogens in one or more European countries. The Bilbao-based agency is accepting proposals to do the study, with a submission deadline of 23 September 2016. The total estimated value of the project is 100,000 euros. Exposure to carcinogens and work-related cancer: A review of assessment methods, a 2014 Eu OSHA report, is available here.

Occupational Health & Safety News, 8 August 2016

http://www.ohsonline.com

INTERNATIONAL

WHO And IARC To Assess Seven Major Chemicals2016-08-19On 1 August 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced it would

https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=146547846900https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/nanoktn/article-view/-/blogs/disposal-practice-for-manufactured-nano-objects-in-wastehttp://www.natlawreview.comhttp://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/intheworkplace/in-the-workplace-landinghttps://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/reports/report-soar-work-related-cancerhttp://www.ohsonline.com


Aug. 26, 2016

Regulatory Updatereview the potential for seven chemicals in food and consumer products to cause cancer. These chemicals are:

1-tert-butoxypropan-2-ol (Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) No. 136579-67-4);

-myrcene (CAS No. 123-35-3); furfuryl alcohol (CAS No. 98-00-0); melamine (CAS No. 108-78-1); pyridine (CAS No. 110-86-1); tetrahydrofuran (CAS No. 109-99-9); and vinylidene chloride (CAS No. 75-35-4).Organisations that wish to observe the Panels 6-13 June 2017, deliberations should request observer status by 15 February 2017. The agency will accept relevant data through 8 May 2017. BASF Corp., the Dow Chemical Co., DuPont, Koch Industries Inc., and Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC were among the u.S. manufacturers of the chemicals in 2012, the most recent year for which EPA has data. IARC will evaluate whether these seven chemicals may cause cancer. IARC requests nominations of scientists as expert panel members by 12 October 2016. The list of chemicals IARC will evaluate at Meeting 119 and other information is available online.



http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Meetings/index.phphttp://www.natlawreview.com


Aug. 26, 2016

The European Com-mission has recently amended the Clas-sification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, updating the list of substances with a harmonised classification.

List of harmonised classifications updated2016-08-19The European Commission has recently amended the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, updating the list of substances with a harmonised classification. Companies have to apply the revised classifications for the safe use of these chemicals by 1 March 2018 at the latest. Further information is available at: CLP Legislation

ECHA Weekly, 17 August 2016

http://echa.europa.eu

PACT updated with 5 new intentions for RMOA2016-08-19On 4 August 2016, the European Chemicals Agencys (ECHA) Public Activities Coordination Tool (PACT) was updated with the following new intentions for Risk Management Option Analysis (RMOA):

Amylase, -[CAS# 9000-90-2] Reaction mass of tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate and tris(2-chloro-

1-methylethyl) phosphate and Phosphoric acid, bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) 2-chloropropyl ester and Phosphoric acid, 2-chloro-1-methylethyl bis(2-chloropropyl) ester [EC# 911-815-4]

Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate [CAS# 13674-84-5] Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate [CAS# 115-96-8] Tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate [CAS# 13674-87-8]This update brought the number of PACT RMOA and hazard assessment substances to 339. ECHAs website gives advanced notice on the substances being considered by authorities for regulatory risk management, together with the routes that are being considered, for example Harmonised Classification and Labelling (CLP), Authorisation or Restriction. The aim of the advance notice is to increase the predictability and transparency of the process by which substances are considered for regulatory risk management action. The PACT lists the substances for which a RMOA or an informal hazard assessment for PBT/vPvB (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic/very persistent and very bioaccumulative) properties or endocrine disruptor properties is either under development or has been completed since the implementation of the SVHC Roadmap commenced in February 2013. RMOAs, hazard assessments and their

REACH Update

http://europeanchemicalsagency.musvc1.net/e/t?q=8%3dPaCb%266%3dd%26v%3dVTbE%26J%3dKZGcP%26S%3dpODN1_Mk1X_Xu_PYxj_Zn_Mk1X_WzCkCu.C3M9Ni.0E_PYxj_ZnMyE3GuRqJ8Q_zvmx_0AwJx_Mk1X_WzJmB3Qt6D6u9iGwI_Byau_LD_zvmx_AA09v06_PYxj_alGyEiGDC6O_Byau_Lat019tOyV2%269%3d7S1QwY.v0Dhttp://echa.europa.euhttps://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID010311https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID004865https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID004865https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID004865https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID004865https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID001443https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID000049https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID002921http://echa.europa.eu/en/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/substances-of-potential-concern/pacthttp://echa.europa.eu/en/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/substances-of-potential-concern/pact


Aug. 26, 2016

Italy has submitted a proposal to restrict N,N-Dimethylfor-mamide (DMF) as a substance on its own or in mixtures.

REACH Updateconclusions are compiled on the basis of available information and may change in the light of new information or further assessment



Restriction dossier for N,N-Dimethylformamide submitted2016-08-19Italy has submitted a proposal to restrict N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) as a substance on its own or in mixtures. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the dossier on its website and ECHAs committees will perform a conformity check on the dossier to be finalised at the September plenary sessions of RAC and SEAC. The six-month public consultation on the dossier is expected to start in mid-September 2016 if the dossier passes conformity.

ECHA Weekly, 17 August 2016

http://echa.europa.eu

New CLH consultations launched2016-08-19On 16 August 2016, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) commenced a 45-day public commenting period on the Harmonised Classification and Labelling (CLH) proposals for a number of new substances. The substances are as follows:

Diisohexyl phthalate [CAS# 71850-09-4] Nickel sulfide [CAS# 11113-75-0] Nickel (II) sulfide [CAS# 16812-54-7] Millerite [CAS# 1314-04-1] Phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide [CAS# 162881-26-

7]The deadline for submitting comments is 30 September 2016.



http://echa.europa.euhttps://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID082474https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID002842https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID000122https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID007680https://hub.chemtracglobal.com/r/ID008116http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/harmonised-classification-and-labelling-consultation


Aug. 26, 2016

Mozart the Worm2016-08-19

Janets Corner


Aug. 26, 2016

Toxaphene (also known as chlori-nated camphene) is a mixture of approximately 200 organic compounds, formed by the chlori-nation of camphene (C10H16) to an overall chlorine content of 67-69 % by weight.

Toxaphene2013-11-13Toxaphene (also known as chlorinated camphene) is a mixture of approximately 200 organic compounds, formed by the chlorination of camphene (C10H16) to an overall chlorine content of 67-69 % by weight. The bulk of the compounds (mostly chlorobornanes, chlorocamphenes, and other bicyclic chloroorganic compounds) found in Toxaphene have chemical formulas ranging from C10H11Cl5 to C10H6Cl12, with a mean formula of C10H10Cl8. The formula weights of these compounds range from 308 to 551 grams/mole; the theoretical mean formula has a value of 414 grams/mole. Toxaphene is usually seen as a yellow to amber waxy solid, but may occur as a gas. It has a piney odour and is volatile enough to be transported for long distances through the atmosphere. [1,2]

USES [4]

Toxaphene was used as a nonsystemic stomach and contact insecticide from the late 1940s until 1982 (peaking in 1975), when the EPA cancelled all uses of it as a pesticide or pesticide ingredient. It was used mainly on cotton, but also on flowers because it was persistent and relatively nontoxic to bees. Toxaphene was used to control insects on cotton, corn, fruit, vegetables, and small grains as well as to protect livestock from such pests as lice, fleas, ticks, mange, and scab mites. up through the early 1970s, Toxaphene, often mixed with rotenone, was used widely in lakes and rivers to eradicate fish that were considered a detriment to sport fishing. This occurred most often in Canada and the Northern united States. Its use as a pesticide was cancelled in 1982, all uses were banned in 1990, and existing stocks were not to be sold in the united States after 1 March 1990. It is currently used only for the following:

Scabies control in cattle (as a dip) Insect control for pineapples in Puerto Rico and for bananas in the

Virgin Islands Emergency treatment of cotton, corn, and small grains Toxaphene-like pesticides are still produced and used in other

countries including in India, parts of Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

Hazard Alert


Aug. 26, 2016

Hazard AlertIN THE ENVIRONMENT [2]

When released to the environment, Toxaphene can enter the air, the soil, and water. It does not dissolve well in water and evaporates easily. Toxaphene is more likely found in air, soil, and sediment at the bottom of lakes or streams, than in surface water. It can stay in the environment for a long time because it breaks down very slowly. Toxaphene can be carried long distances in the air and accumulates in fatty tissues of fish and mammals.

SOURCES & ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Sources of Exposure [2]

People may be exposed to Toxaphene if they live near a location with heavy contamination, such as a hazardous waste site. The exposure may occur at higher levels through breathing contaminated air or through direct skin contact with contaminated soil or water. In addition, people who consume large quantities of fish, shellfish, or wild game animals from areas contaminated with Toxaphene may have higher exposure to this substance since these animals tend to accumulate Toxaphene in fatty tissues. Individuals may be exposed to Toxaphene through drinking water contaminated with Toxaphene runoff from contaminated soils.

Routes of Exposure [3]

Inhalation There is some potential for inhalation exposure among populations living near waste sites that contain Toxaphene and its degradation products.

Oral Potential routes of exposure are via consumption of food sources (e.g.,fish and aquatic mammals) that contain Toxaphene residues, or via Toxaphene-contaminated drinking water.

HEALTH EFFECTS [5]

Acute Effects

Acute oral exposure to Toxaphene in humans results in central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, with the major effect being convulsive seizures. The dose necessary to induce nonfatal convulsions in humans is approximately 10 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day (mg/kg/day). No studies are available on the effects of acute inhalation exposure to Toxaphene in humans or animals. Animal studies have reported effects on the liver, kidney, and CNS from acute oral exposure to Toxaphene.


Aug. 26, 2016

Hazard AlertChronic Effects

Chronic inhalation exposure to Toxaphene in humans has been reported to cause reversible respiratory toxicity. In animals, chronic oral exposure to Toxaphene has resulted in effects on the liver (induction of microsomal enzymes and histological changes in liver cells), kidney, spleen, adrenal and thyroid glands, CNS, and immune system (immunosuppressive effects). EPA has not established a Reference Concentration (RfC) or a Reference Dose (RfD) for Toxaphene. ATSDR has calculated an oral intermediate minimal risk level (MRL) of 0.001 mg/kg/d based on no adverse liver effects in rats.

Reproductive/Developmental Effects

No information is available on the developmental or reproductive effects of Toxaphene in humans following inhalation or oral exposure. Animal studies have reported developmental effects, including behavioural effects and immunosuppression, in the offspring of rats exposed orally to Toxaphene. Several studies have reported no reproductive effects from oral exposure to Toxaphene in animals.

Cancer Risk

Several human studies examined the incidence of cancer associated with inhalation exposure to Toxaphene. However, these studies were inconclusive due to lack of information on exposure levels and concurrent exposure to other pesticides. A study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported an increase in liver tumours in male and female mice and an increase in thyroid tumours in male and female rats when fed Toxaphene in the diet. EPA considers Toxaphene to be a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and has classified it as a group B2 carcinogen.

SAFETY [6]

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Skin Contact: Flush with water. Eye Contact: Immediately flush with water for a minimum of 15

minutes. Ingestion: Methanol may be fatal or cause blindness. Seek immediate

medical attention.


Aug. 26, 2016

Hazard Alert Note to Physician: Effects may be delayed. Ethanol may inhibit

methanol metabolism. After following first aid measures, seek medical attention.

Fire Fighting Measures

Flammable properties: flammable liquid. Vapour may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.

Extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide or appropriate foam.

unique aspects contributing to a fire: Methanol burns with a clear, almost invisible flame.

Note: As in any fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus, and full protective gear.

Storage & Handling

Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Store at 2-6C. Avoid sources of ignition. Handle in accordance with good laboratory practices. This product is

intended for use only by people trained in the safety and handling of chemicals and laboratory preparations.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Handle in accordance with good laboratory practices. Respiratory Protection: Not normally needed. If exposure limits are

exceeded, use approved/certified respirator. Eye Protection: Splash goggles. Skin Protection: Neoprene or other chemical resistant gloves.

Disposable nitriles are acceptable for light intermittent exposure. Engineering Controls: Work in a fume hood or use general or other

local exhaust ventilation to meet Exposure Limits.

REGULATION [7]

United States

OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Toxaphene:


Aug. 26, 2016

Hazard Alert general Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 0.5 mg/m3 TWA; Skin Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 0.5 mg/m3 TWA;

Skin Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 0.5 mg/m3 TWA; SkinACgIH: The American Conference of governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Toxaphene of 0.5 mg/m3 TWA; 1 mg/m3 STEL; Skin; Appendix A3 - Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with unknown Relevance to Humans

NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has identified Toxaphene as a Potential Occupational Carcinogen

Australia

Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set an average 8-hour time weighted concentration for toxaphene of 0.5 mg/m3 and a 15-minute short term exposure limit of 1 mg/m3.

REFERECES

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxaphene2. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts94.pdf3. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-94.pdf4. http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Toxaphene5. http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/toxaphen.html6. http://www.eraqc.com/DesktopModules/ERAMSDS/ViewPDF.

aspx?id=1edf6e54-b4fa-47f8-9073-b9c3ed1fc2447. https://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_226300.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxaphenehttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts94.pdfhttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-94.pdfhttp://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Toxaphenehttp://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/toxaphen.htmlhttp://www.eraqc.com/DesktopModules/ERAMSDS/ViewPDF.aspx?id=1edf6e54-b4fa-47f8-9073-b9c3ed1fc244http://www.eraqc.com/DesktopModules/ERAMSDS/ViewPDF.aspx?id=1edf6e54-b4fa-47f8-9073-b9c3ed1fc244


Aug. 26, 2016

The chemical in the mothballs protecting your winter coats in the wardrobe could hold the key to the future of quantum computing.

Quantum computing: Mothball chemical naphthalene helps technology work at room temperature2016-08-10An international team, co-led by Sydney university researcher, Dr Mohammad Choucair, used naphthalene as the starting point to create a new carbon-based material that enables quantum computers to work at room temperature. Working at room temperature has long been considered the Holy grail of quantum computing, which at present mainly operates at the cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero, or about -273 degrees Celsius. Dr Choucair said the breakthrough, reported in the journal Nature Communications, opened pathways for quantum computing to flow into everyday commercial use. He said while researchers had been able to achieve certain aspects of quantum computing at higher temperatures, there had always been problems created by the materials used. Trying to get that real middle ground where you can actually use it at room temperature where its practical, its feasible and its scalable where we can start to consider its use commercially has been a bit of a problem goal amongst researchers, he said. It is not absolutely necessary that a quantum computer is built at room temperature. But for there to be a practical application for any kind of quantum processing device, we would need to use it under normal conditions. He said the new material, which was made by burning the naphthalene, had not only solved the problem of temperature in quantum computing. It also addressed other issues such as the need for a material with conductivity and the ability to integrate into silicon. What we have done is made quantum computing more accessible by reducing the technological barriers to entering the field by making a material that is accessible to everyone, Dr Choucair said. He said this would allow more researchers to work in the field and help increase advances in the science. Some types of quantum computers rely on the spin of conducting electrons to carry information through material. So it is important to make sure the spin lasts long enough to process information, Dr Choucair said. In current models the electron spin lifetime has been extended by cooling a very ordered crystal structure to temperatures near absolute zero to stop any vibration between atoms. using the new material, the team was able to extend the spin lifetime of conducting electrons to 175 nanoseconds at room temperature 100 times longer than achieved at room temperature than by any other conducting material such as graphene. The key to the new material he and his colleagues in Switzerland and germany had developed was its nano-sized spherical and disordered structure, which Dr Choucair likened to layering in a badly assembled onion. This

Gossip


Aug. 26, 2016

Biofoam sheets based on graphene can be laid on top of dirty or salty bodies of water to purify them and make the water safe to drink, scientists in the United States have discovered.

Gossippromoted a greater number of conduction electrons and allowed for the spatial confinement of these electrons for a long enough period of time to demonstrate quantum manipulation at room temperature. The team is now working on building a scalable quantum computer using the new carbon-based material. Dr Choucair said the carbon nanospheres could be used in other fields including nanomedicine and environmental science. The really neat thing is they are metallic-like ... so these little spheres behave electronically like metallic balls but are made from carbon, he said. We can start to think of using these little carbon balls where traditionally we have used metals.

ABC Science News, 18 July 2016

http://www.abc.net.au/news/

This cheap material can purify dirty water and make it safe to drink2016-08-10Biofoam sheets based on graphene can be laid on top of dirty or salty bodies of water to purify them and make the water safe to drink, scientists in the united States have discovered. The process the latest awesome example of what wonder material graphene can do has huge potential as a cheap, electricity-free water purification method for developing nations. These dual-layer biofoam sheets work by drawing up water from underneath and then causing it to evaporate in the uppermost layer, releasing fresh water as condensation on the top and leaving particles and salts stuck in the foam. The process is extremely simple... the entire thing is produced in one shot, said one of the researchers, Srikanth Singamaneni from Washington university in St. Louis. We hope that for countries where there is ample sunlight, such as India, youll be able to take some dirty water, evaporate it using our material, and collect fresh water. The graphene is present in the top layer in the form of graphene oxide. The properties of the material on this layer mean heat from the Sun is trapped and doesnt leak to the layer or water below, maximising the efficiency of the whole process. The lower layer, made from an organic compound called pristine cellulose and produced by cultured bacteria, is responsible for drawing up the water, and both sections of the biofoam are carefully balanced to complement each other. The process used to make these sheets is also of special interest: as bacteria is cultured to form cellulose, graphene oxide flakes are added for half of the process, creating the uppermost layer. The researchers liken it to the way an oyster makes a pearl. The biofoam produced at the end is light and the overall process

http://www.abc.net.au/news/


Aug. 26, 2016

Scientists in Germany and China may have found a solution to the burgeoning problem of plastic pollution and recy-cling. The team has made a mouldable hydrogel that adopts a transparent, rigid shape when dried and can be recycled after immersing it in water.

Gossipisnt expensive, making it suitable for remote and rural locations without access to alternative water purification systems. Both materials going into this are highly scalable, Singamaneni said. So one can imagine making huge sheets of the biofoam. Its not the only project in development to harness the power of the Sun to create a portable filtering system. Last year a team from MIT won a prestigious prize for creating a solar-powered system that could be moved around on a trailer. In that case, photovoltaic panels were used to charge up a cache of batteries and power an electrodialysis machine whereas the biofoam sheets developed by the Washington university team need no electricity at all. Meanwhile, a process recently developed in Egypt also harnesses the evaporation cycle to clean up salty or dirty water. A desalination technique known as pervaporation was used by researchers at Alexandria university, whereby synthetic membranes trap impurities and large particles of salt. While theyre still in the early stages, all of these projects give us hope that a major shift is coming in water purification technology and its availability and one that will benefit the 1 in 10 people worldwide that still lack access to safe drinking water. The findings are published in Advanced Materials.

Science Alert, 28 July 2016

http://www.sciencealert.com.au

Mineral hydrogel may usher in new class of recyclable plastics2016-08-10Common plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), have revolutionised food storage and transport. But they have had a lasting environmental impact, with industries struggling to recycle the growing mounds of plastics at landfill sites and found washed up along coastlines. Research groups have developed novel ways to recycle such waste, be it with bacteria or converting it into cigarette filters, but on a relatively small scale. Shengtong Sun from the university of Konstanz and his colleagues have taken a different approach and attempted to design a new class of recyclable plastics. Made from amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles cross-linked with poly(acrylic acid), the teams mineral plastic can be shaped and stretched like dough. Once the gel is freeze-dried, it adopts a rigid and transparent shape. The team found the plastic

http://www.sciencealert.com.au


Aug. 26, 2016

Head lice have be-come immune to most of the over-the-coun-ter chemicals used to treat them, according to a new study.

Gossipreturns to its original gel form if it is soaked in water for a day, making it easier to recycle or dispose of.

Chemistry World, 28 July 2016

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/

Head lice becoming resistant to common chemical treatments: study2016-08-10Head lice have become immune to most of the over-the-counter chemicals used to treat them, according to a new study. The study, published recently in the Journal of Medical Entomology, found insecticides such as permethrin one of the most common treatments for head lice used to be up to 100 per cent effective in killing the parasites when it was introduced in 1984. However, the chemical is now almost 100 per cent ineffective, after the lice developed a widespread knockdown resistance mutation, which can be passed on through generations. The study examined more than 14,000 lice, which were collected from 479 people during nearly two years to mid-2015. Lice were taken from people in rural and urban areas at 138 locations throughout the united States. It found lice from 132 of the collection sites had an average resistance of 100 per cent to the treatment. Only a single site had lice that had no mutations, meaning the treatment would be effective, while others had varying degrees of mutations. Overall, 98.3 per cent of the lice had the mutation, indicating it was almost uniformly present at high levels in lice collected recently in the united States, the study found. Resistance levels were not decreasing with time, it said. This finding is expected, as the OTC [over-the-counter] products containing the pyrethrins or pyrethroids are still being used. Dr Cameron Webb, a medical entomologist at the university of Sydney, said it was well known that when insecticides were used for a long period, they would decline in effectiveness. Its not surprising at all, because we know that insect pests of agriculture or public health concern, when we have a reliance on pesticides to control them, theres always a chance they will develop a resistance, he said. We know its happening with mosquitoes, we know its happening in bedbugs, and its no surprise at all that it would be happening in head lice. For other pests such as mosquitoes, there was talk of using genetic modification to make them vulnerable once more, Dr Webb said. However, this wasnt on the cards for head lice since they dont pose a serious risk to their hosts so parents will now be left with using conditioner and combs to address any outbreaks. Theres no evidence that head lice pose a significant threat

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/


Aug. 26, 2016

Using the fundamen-tals of this discovery, it may be possible to build a 3D liquid metal humanoid like the T-1000 Termina-tor, professor says.

Gossipto the health of our children, Dr Webb said. A bit of time with our kids, getting them to sit still and work through their hair, is going to be just as effective as some of these insecticide treatments.

Sydney Morning Herald, 4 August 2016

http://www.smh.com.au/

Shape-shifting Terminator T-1000 robot could become a reality after scientists announce liquid metal breakthrough2016-08-10The shape-shifting Terminator T-1000 robot which appeared in the 1990s film franchise could become a reality after a breakthrough in liquid-metal technology, scientists have claimed. The researchers managed to create switches and pumps that operate by themselves out of a liquid metal alloy. And they said the technique could be used to create electronic devices that act more like living tissue or even a version of the fearsome T-1000. In the films, the robot appears virtually indestructible as it can quickly repair any damage. It can also take on any appearance it likes and slide under doors or through the bars of a prison cell. A team of engineers at RMIT university in Melbourne began by putting a droplet of liquid metal into water and discovered they were able to make primitive machines. Professor Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh, who led the work, said: We adjusted the concentrations of acid, base and salt components in the water and investigated the effect. Simply tweaking the waters chemistry made the liquid metal droplets move and change shape, without any need for external mechanical, electronic or optical stimulants. using this discovery, we were able to create moving objects, switches and pumps that could operate autonomously self-propelling liquid metals driven by the composition of the surrounding fluid. Eventually, using the fundamentals of this discovery, it may be possible to build a 3D liquid metal humanoid on demand like the T-1000 Terminator. However, he admitted the level of programming needed to build a liquid metal robot would need to be substantially more complex than the current method. As well as being able to change into virtually any kind of shape, metal in liquid form retains a highly-conductive metallic core and a thin semiconducting skin, which are essential for making electronic circuits.

The Independent, 4 August 2016

http://news.independent.co.uk

http://www.smh.com.au/http://news.independent.co.uk


Aug. 26, 2016

Intensive e-waste processing such as open burning is harmful to the environment and to human health.

GossipE-waste: the fine line between useful materials and toxic waste2016-08-10We all know what it feels like to finally agree to get rid of that old computer that has been collecting dust in the attic (yes the one with Windows XP that you cant even pass on to your children for fear of them mocking you). Perhaps you have an old Nintendo 64 in the shed. Or a Nokia 6310 in the kitchen drawer. If you hang on to them for much longer they will be considered antiques. There comes a time in every electronic items lifecycle when it simply needs to go.

What is e-waste?

The term e-waste can be misleading. A lot of appliances that are disposed are still functional products the users have just outgrown. Or perhaps they are broken but still contain parts that can be recycled. Waste from obsolete electronic devices and appliances such as personal computers, television sets, mobile phones, printers and refrigerators is generated at a global rate of about 41.8 million tons per year, according to a press release by united Nations university. Currently, large quantities of this so called e-waste are recycled in both developed and developing countries because it contains considerable quantities of valuable and reusable metals, plastics, glass and other materials. Cell phones and other electronic items contain high amounts of precious metals like gold or silver. Americans dump phones containing over $60 million in gold and silver every year. The use of certain e-waste-processing methods, such as open burning, especially in the developing world, has become an important issue in the last decade because of the adverse human health impacts of these methods. A team of scientists led by Dr. go Suzuki, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), in Japan has been investigating e-waste-processing activities in Bui Dau, a village in the My Hao district of northern Vietnam. They wanted to clarify the current levels of contaminants associated with various types of e-waste processing. They also monitored the 3-year temporal trends, not only of chemicals that may be initially present in e-waste, such as phosphorus-containing flame retardants and heavy metals but also of hazardous chemicals that may be generated during e-waste processing, such as chlorinated and brominated dioxins and dioxin-like compounds.

What are dioxins?


Aug. 26, 2016

GossipDioxins are environmental pollutants. They belong to the so-called dirty dozen - a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Dioxins are of concern because of their highly toxic potential. Experiments have shown they affect a number of organs and systems. Once dioxins enter the body, they last a long time because of their chemical stability and their ability to be absorbed by fat tissue, where they are then stored in the body. Their half-life in the body is estimated to be 7 to 11 years. In the environment, dioxins tend to accumulate in the food chain. The higher an animal is in the food chain, the higher the concentration of dioxins.

Intensive versus non-intensive e-waste processing

Its perhaps no surprise that many researchers have already concluded that intensive e-waste processing such as open burning is harmful to the environment and to human health. However, in this study, they wanted to provide data for environmental samples collected from areas where nonintensive processing activities such as collection, storage and manual dismantling of e-waste were conducted. The levels of flame retardants (FRs), such as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and possible alternatives, have also been reported by Matsukami et al and Someya et al, and data for heavy metals will be reported in the near future. Environmental contamination by PBDEs remains high, but contribution of alternative FRs increased during the 3-year investigation. Environmental contamination by FRs might have changed owing to international regulations of POP-PBDEs.

go Suzuki, PhDgo Suzuki, PhDDr. Suzuki gives us more background: The results obtained from this study elucidated the levels, possible sources, and temporal trends in the levels of persistent dioxin-like compounds in surface soils and river sediments collected in and around an e-waste-processing site in a village in northern Vietnam. Dioxin-like compounds were found to have accumulated in samples collected in areas where e-waste-processing activities such as open burning and open storage were conducted, as well as in areas near e-waste processing workshops. Moreover, our results indicate that dioxin-like compounds derived from e-waste-processing activities such as open burning may be transported from their source to surrounding areas over the course of several years. Our findings indicate that open burning and open storage of e-waste should be prohibited and that wastewater treatment measures should be implemented at each e-waste-processing workshop to reduce pollution by e-waste-derived, dioxin-like compounds. After a 3-year investigation, we had a face-to-face meeting with e-waste-processing workshop owners


Aug. 26, 2016

One day your hard drive could just be a pile of plastic.

Gossipand workers at Bui Dau under the collaboration with Chairman of Cam Xa commune-My Hao District. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss e-waste issues and countermeasures to reduce chemical pollution. We believe this is an important first step in educating the local e-waste workers and making them aware of just how important their actions are in reducing the pollution. Our final goal is to share how to conduct a sustainable e-waste processing in the Asian-Pacific region and the developing world.

Elsevier, 28 July 2016

https://www.elsevier.com

Libraries of plastic molecules could store huge amounts of data2016-08-10One day your hard drive could just be a pile of plastic. Researchers have coded a word into short chains of plastic molecules, which could be used as a space-saving way to store our mountains of data or even to reveal counterfeit goods. DNA has shown some promise in holding millions of bits of information in a tiny volume. But DNA is fragile and hard to write and read. So Jean-Franois Lutz at the Institut Charles Sadron in Strasbourg, France, has been experimenting with more customisable chains of plastic molecules that can encode information in similar ways. Also known as polymers, these chains are made up of two kinds of molecules that stand for the 1s and 0s of digital computer code. Previous research has seen data stored in single long chains, but these become harder to read as the length increases, so the storage record stands at just 10 bits. Lutzs team had a different approach. Instead of making very long chains, the idea is to create a library of very short chains, he says. As a demonstration, the team wrote the acronym CNRS, the abbreviation for the French National Centre for Scientific Research, across six polymers a 32-bit message when encoded using standard ASCII characters. The researchers read the message by sorting the chains from shortest to longest using a mass spectrometer and then sequencing the chains by breaking them apart molecule-by-molecule. The shorter chains, less than a nanometre each, are easier to manage than one long one, while their varying length keeps the data in the right order. I think its an encouraging step, says Luis Ceze at the university of Washington in Seattle.

Stolen goods


Aug. 26, 2016

The best way to clean up an oceanic oil spill might be to light a fire tornado on top of it.

GossipTo store big chunks of information, researchers will have to scale up the technology to make large libraries of chains, Ceze says. In addition, it would be quicker to write data into the molecules if the chains could be synthesised in parallel rather than one at a time, he adds. While writing and reading these polymers is currently expensive, there are some high-end uses for them. Embedding coded polymers in pricey electronics or artworks could label them with the makers or owners identity, says Lutz. Reading a sample of the molecule chains would let investigators discover the source of the object, helping them find counterfeits and stolen goods. Both DNA and synthetic polymers have the potential to shrink the size needed for data storage, says Reza Zadegan at Boise State university in Idaho. Thats important, since the worlds data is piling up faster than our ability to store it. In 2040, the amount of space needed to keep our data in silicon chips could be as large as a small country, perhaps twice the size of Liechtenstein, he says. using several types of molecules would let researchers write in a code that packs more information into shorter sequences than binary 0s and 1s can, says Zadegan. While scientists have introduced two artificial letters into DNA for a total of six letters, it could be simpler to design an entirely new plastic molecule alphabet. These polymers are perhaps easier to deal with if you want to expand the language, he says.

New Scientist, 5 August 2016

http://www.newscientist.com/

To Clean Up An Oil Spill, Light a Fire Tornado2016-08-10The best way to clean up an oceanic oil spill might be to light a fire tornado on top of it. Thats the conclusion drawn by researchers from the university of Maryland, who found that, under controlled conditions, a fire whirl was the most efficient way to burn hydrocarbon fuel. That could come in handy the next time an oil slick, like 2011s Deepwater Horizon spill, occurs. Simply burning the slick off has been proposed as a method for dealing with the oil, releasing tons of environmentally-damaging compounds into the air. With a cleaner flame, however, the slick could be cleaned up more responsibly. These fire whirls could also potentially be used in combustion power plants as a way to generate power with less waste. Fire whirls are more efficient than other forms of combustion because they produce drastically increased heating to the surface of fuels, allowing them to burn faster and more completely. In our experiments over water, weve seen how the circulation fire whirls

http://www.newscientist.com/


Aug. 26, 2016

Gossipgenerate also helps to pull in fuels. If we can achieve a state akin to the blue whirl at larger scale, we can further reduce airborne emissions for a much cleaner means of spill clean-up, says Michael gollner, a co-author of the paper in a press release. Fire whirls can be a destructive phenomenon. In nature, intense winds generated by a fire can begin to circulate violently in the right conditions, whipping the flames around and upwards into a towering inferno much like their non-fiery tornado cousins. The additional air and fuel drawn in by the circulating currents goads the fire into a frenzy, potentially reaching temperatures of 2,000 degrees F. These sharkfirenados can be deadly one such occurrence following an earthquake in Japan in 1923 was estimated to have killed nearly 40,000 people. under the right conditions, however, the roaring monster can be tamed and turned into a peaceful blue swirl. In the lab, the Maryland researchers first created a simple pool fire by lighting a slick of heptane fed by an underwater pipe in a contained environment. By enclosing the fire with two semi-circular sheets and blowing air through, they made a regular fire whirl. Their goal was to study how these structures are conceived and evolve, but they were surprised to find that fire whirls have another stage: what they call a blue whirl. In this phase, the blazing column settles down into a small, top-shaped flare with a sharply defined blue ring around it. According to the researchers, the blue whirl burns hotter and spins faster than a normal fire whirl, leading to much more efficient combustion and far fewer emissions. They published their findings Friday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Evolution uncertain

Its not entirely clear how the blue whirl forms, although it is likely the product of the vortex gradually reaching an optimal spin rate under ideal conditions. Without any outside perturbations, the researchers say that their creation could likely burn indefinitely. The blue whirl is made possible by the presence of water in the system, they say. Whereas fire tornadoes typically form above land, the addition of water allows for a region between the surface and the fire where the fuel evaporates and gets mixed together with oxygen before being ignited. This premixing action serves to make the flame more efficient. The rotation of the whirl also helps to bring in more oxygen, increasing the amount of fuel available to the fire. Higher levels of fuel lead to a hotter and more efficient fire, where soot and particulate matter that might escape a normal fire get ignited as well, decreasing the emissions. Such a process could be applied to oil spills or in coal or natural gas-fuelled energy plants, granting cleaner electricity with more efficiency. The exact process by which the fire whirls form


Aug. 26, 2016

Gossipand maintain themselves is still a mystery to the researchers. In addition, creating a blue whirl outside of the lab will likely be quite difficult, due to unstable winds and varying terrain conditions. They say that there have not been reports of any such occurrences prior to this, indicating that fire whirls in nature never make it past the fiery, smoke-shrouded secondary phase. Still, they say it is an important insight into the dynamics of fire whirl evolution.

Discover Magazine, 8 August 2016

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com

Accounting for ozone: Study first to quantify impact of oil and gas emissions on Denvers ozone problemThe first peer-reviewed study to directly quantify how emissions from oil and gas activities influence summertime ozone pollution in the Colorado Front Range confirms that chemical vapours from oil and gas activities are a significant contributor to the regions chronic ozone problem. Summertime ozone pollution levels in the northern Front Range periodically spike above 70 parts per billion (ppb), which is considered unhealthy -- on average, 17 ppb of that ozone is produced locally. The new research, published in the Journal of geophysical Research: Atmospheres, shows that oil and gas emissions contribute an average of 3 ppb of the locally produced ozone daily, and potentially more than that on high-ozone days. By combining nearly 50,000, high-precision measurements of VOCs in Colorados Front Range with an equally detailed model, weve been able to parse out the role of oil and gas, said Erin McDuffie, the studys lead author and a scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the university of Colorado Boulder, working in the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. We expect this technique to help us better understand what factors are contributing to air quality challenges elsewhere in the West. Ozone pollution -- which can harm peoples lungs and damage crops -- is produced when sunlight sparks reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). In cities like Denver, NOx comes primarily from vehicle tailpipes. VOCs can come from both natural sources like trees and anthropogenic ones, like oil and gas activities. Colorados northern Front Range was an interesting location for this study for a number of reasons, the researchers said. First, it contains the major city of Denver as well as active oil and gas regions to the northeast. This area is unique, with high concentrations of both nitr