J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 59N News Legislation EU unveils new air pollution policy Two major legislative proposals aimed at overhauling the EU�s air pollution policy have been announced by the European Commission. One of the draft directives proposes national emissions ceilings for four key air pollutants. The other proposes setting indicative limits for levels of ozone in ambient air. Introducing the directives acting Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard said the proposals were �ambitious� and �long overdue� as a means towards eliminating acidification eutrophication and ground-level ozone problems in the EU. Together they will help ensure the �historical link between economic activity and pollution is eVectively broken�. Most member states are likely to require significant action to meet the directives� requirements by 2010.The draft directive on national emissions ceilings includes draft limits by member state for each of sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxides ammonia and volatile organic compounds. Member states will be required to draw up programmes showing how they will comply by 2002. They will also have to compile pollution inventories with projections through to 2010. Power plants road transport industry and agriculture will all be aVected. As a result of the directive the Commission estimates that by 2010 soil eutrophication will be reduced by 30% human exposure to ozone by 75% and the EU area aVected by acidification will fall from 37 m hectares to 4.3 m. The ozone proposal a daughter directive of the EU�s 1996 air quality framework directive will require member states to test ozone concentrations and take measures to comply with set levels.The standard in the form of a �target value� rather than a mandatory �limit value� is the 120 mg m-3 level specified by theWorld Health Organisation. The Commission argues that target values are justified in this case since ozone pollution can be transboundary. Exceedances will be allowed initially over 60 days per year falling to a maximum of 20 days per year by 2010. Competent authorities will have to inform the public of potential danger to health at thresholds of 240 and 180 mg m-3. The Commission is anticipating objections from industry and some member states over the stringency of the ozone target level but points to WHO information that around 70% of related hospital admissions can be attributed to ozone concentrations of less than 160 mg m-3.The Commission estimates the costs of the new measures as e7.5bn a year but this will be oVset by benefits to human health and the environment valued at e17�32bn. The costs for individual countries vary significantly depending on factors such as industrial structure weather conditions and existing policies. The greatest challenge will be in the highly industrialised mainland countries Belgium France the Netherlands and Germany. EU Environment Directorate europa.eu.int/comm/dg11 WHO tackles water and transport Environment and health ministers from 51 European countries signed up to wide-ranging protocols on water quality and transport emissions at a meeting in London in June. Organised by the World Health Organisation the event was the biggest ever gathering of its kind and the third in a series of pan-European meetings of environment and health ministers following previous conventions in Frankfurt in 1989 and Helsinki in 1994.Aimed essentially at the countries of eastern and south-eastern Europe the protocol on water and health aims to curb water-related diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Signatories have to address issues such as drinking water quality and sanitation agricultural water supplies and the setting up of eVective health risk monitoring systems. They also undertake to set targets for and report on 11 areas of water management policy. The protocol contains commitments on coordination and management surveillance and contingency plans and advises the use of WHO guideline values for water quality.In London 35 countries signed up to the protocol which will enter into force after ratification by 16 states. The Charter on Transport Health and Environment obliges countries to take health and environment into account when formulating transport and land use policies. Although not legally binding the Charter urges the use of action plans with targets to reduce human exposure to pollution and reduce injury and death rates on roads. WHO says the health impacts of transport policies �have been recognised too slowly�. In an eVort to couple health and environment policies more closely WHO called for the development of systems of bio-indicators of health risk and population health status across Europe which would follow environmental indicators. In a parallel event the Healthy Planet Forum NGOs from around Europe focused on health and environmental issues in relation to food local communities and transport.WHO L ondon Conference www.who.dk/london99; Healthy Planet Forum www.oneworld.org/uned-uk Clinton tightens vehicle controls Major new steps to further cut pollution from cars and other motor vehicles have been unveiled by President Clinton. The proposed rules will further strengthen US tailpipe standards (already amongst the toughest in the world) and require vehicles to be between 77�95% cleaner than today. In a study reduced last July EPA reported that additional emission reductions will be necessary to maintain progress in achieving cleaner air and this could be achieved coste Vectively by coupling tighter tailpipe standards with cleaner fuels [see JEM 1999 1(2) 23N].The proposed rules to be phased in between 2004 and 2009 would apply a uniform tailpipe standard to passenger cars sports utility vehicles and other light duty 60N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News trucks. Average sulfur levels in gasoline will be reduced from more than 300 to 30 parts per million over the same period. Accounting for traYc growth EPA says the combined measures will be equivalent to removing 166 million cars from the road. It also stresses the flexibility for the motor industry in meeting the new standards coste Vectively. EPA OYce of Mobile Sources www.epa.gov/oms/tr2home.htm Danes tax PVC Denmark is set to be the first European country to tax PVC products under government proposals announced in June. Under a wide-ranging plan to UNEP agrees POP criteria The criteria for adding potentially harmful compounds to the proposed global treaty on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been agreed by an international working group convened by UNEP.Meeting in Vienna in June the group agreed the scientific criteria and procedures for adding further chemicals to the list of 12 POPs already identified under the proposed international convention [see JEM 1999 1(1) 10N]. Factors such as toxicity and capacity for long-range transport will be assessed as part of the screening procedure to decide whether a chemical should be on the list. The group�s recommendations will be put to the next intergovernmental meeting on the convention in Geneva in September. reduce the impacts of PVC on the environment PVC products will be taxed at a rate of DKr 2 kg-1 (e0.27 kg-1) and phthalates at DKr 7 kg-1.The government also issued a separate policy on phthalates which aims to half total use of these chemicals in Denmark over the next ten years. The proposals aim to exclude PVC from municipal incineration and to develop PVC substitutes for products that are diYcult to remove from the waste stream. New recycling technologies will be developed and the use of lead in new PVC products is to be banned. Ashes from combustion of rigid PVC products are highly toxic because of the high chlorine content and use of lead stabilisers. Danish EPA www.mst.dk Environmental quality Toxics continue downward trend Industrial releases of toxic chemicals have decreased by almost 43% over the last decade according to the latest figures from EPA.The data on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for 1997 released under the Community Right-to-Know Initiative show toxic air emissions continued to decline. Overall releases were up slightly for the first time with an increase of 2.anies sending metal wastes to landfill rather than recycling because of cost fluctuations. Subsequent price changes will result in a shift back towards recycling for 1998 and 1999 the Agency says. Welcoming the new data EPA Administrator Carol Browner said that �putting this information into the hands of citizens is one of the most powerful tools available for reducing pollution�. Expansion of the TRI programme over recent years will mean that from next year release data from seven new industrial sectors will be available for the first time and the number of facilities reporting will increase by 30% from 21 000 to 28 000.The number of chemicals covered has nearly doubled to over 600 since 1995. EPA OYce of Pollution Prevention www.epa.gov/opptintr/tri Life�s a beach Bathing water quality on both sides of the Atlantic is revealed in recent reports issued independently by agencies in the US and the EU. In its annual report on bathing water quality for 1998 the European Commission said that while most EU countries are complying with EU minimum standards eVorts to achieve higher quality levels are insuYcient. The report shows that 93.3% of the EU�s coastal bathing areas complied with minimum requirements as set out in a 1976 directive. However only 84% reached the higher guideline values which require sampling and laboratory testing of water in designated bathing areas.The proportion of freshwater zones achieving the minimum quality requirements was up from 80 to 85%� but still lower than for sea water. Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard said it was time for new more stringent measures to replace the current water quality law. For its report under the Beach Watch program EPA gathered information on 1403 beaches nationwide for 1998 an increase of approximately 25% over the previous year. Of the 1000 or so coastal beaches (oceans and Great Lakes) more than 350 had an advisory or closing during the year. Around 88% of beaches had water quality monitoring programmes of which 67% were monitored at least once per week. The survey confirmed that a wide variety of standards are used.The Agency is planning a new programme to improve the accuracy of sampling approaches for predicting bathing water quality and continuing with work to improve predictive models and tools. EU Bathing Water Quality Annual Report europa.eu.int/water/waterbathing/ report.html; EPA OYce of Water www.epa.gov/ost/beaches Baltic states face waste challenge Waste management practices in the Baltic states need urgent attention according to studies by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Reporting on environmental performance in Lithuania and Latvia UNECE says that poor waste management standards are the biggest environmental problem facing the region. In Latvia for example only about half of household waste is collected and none of the 558 landfill sites are operated according to acceptable health standards.Hazardous waste is rarely collected or managed separately. In Lithuania, J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 61N News UNECE says volumes of hazardous wastes are increasing with �no eYcient control�. Moreover even basic data needed to make a proper assessment of the country�s environmental situation is lacking. With Latvia and Lithuania pushing to join the EU early in the next century UNECE urges both countries to adopt comprehensive waste management strategies. However it also warns against introducing contradictions and duplication in legislation as a result of the accession process. Latvian and Lithuania environment ministers were amongst representatives from ten central and eastern European countries at a meeting with their EU counterparts at an informal meeting in Helsinki in July.This was the first time EU environment ministers had met with all the accession countries. Items on the agenda included the forthcoming European Environment Agency report on the state of the European environment as well as broad policy areas such as the EU�s fifth environmental action programme the Kyoto Protocol and world trade negotiations. UNECE www.unece.org Irish water quality patchy Recent reports from the Irish authorities point to a mixed picture on water quality. In a comprehensive study of the water environment the Irish Protection Agency says the country�s rivers are becoming more polluted and water quality control measures have been inadequate. While serious pollution is much reduced rivers and streams show �a distinct trend of continually increasing slight and moderate pollution� the agency says.The proportion of rivers classed as unpolluted dropped from 77 to 67% in the ten years up to 1997. Around 19% of lakes are judged to be significantly impaired by phosphorous from agriculture. Presenting the results of Ireland�s first-ever programme of groundwater monitoring the report found numerous examples of bacteriological contamination but �no widespread pollution of aquifers by nitrates�. A second report by the Irish Marine Institute paints a much rosier picture with respect to the marine environment. The Institute says that marine pollution eVects are localised frequently seasonal and �in all cases reversible� although some persistent pollutants will only decline over long periods. The report is Ireland�s contribution to a comprehensive assessment of the northeast Atlantic being prepared under the Ospar convention to be published later this year.The European Commission is pursuing three infringement actions against Ireland for failure to comply with water quality directives including levels of phosphorous and heavy metals. Irish Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.ie; Irish Marine Institute www.irlgov.ie/marine Finland improves water environment Substantial improvements in groundwater quality in Finland including reduced acidity have been reported by the Finnish Geological Survey. Reductions in industrial emissions of sulfates lower use of nitrate fertilisers in commercial forestry and better maintenance of wells have all had beneficial eVects. Acidification of groundwater was a serious problem in Finland and other Nordic countries during the 1970s and 80s and the improvements now being reported demonstrate the inevitable time-lag between emission reductions and groundwater quality.Eutrophication in the Gulf of Finland an inlet of the Baltic Sea between Finland and Estonia is also improving according to the Finnish Environment Agency. The Agency says algal blooms are expected to be less of a problem this year because the rough winter weather has led to relatively high oxygen levels in the Gulf waters. Nevertheless levels of nitrogen and phosphorus remain high. In the summer of 1997 algal blooms covered virtually the entire surface of the Gulf. The main cause is poor sewage treatment practices in Finland�s Baltic neighbours especially Tallinn Estonia and St Petersburg Russia.This is now being tackled through international investment programmes. Finnish Environment Agency www.vyh.fi; Geological Survey of Finland tel +358 205 5011 Chemical hazards Europe divided on phthalate migration tests The independent validation of the first tests of the migration of phthalate softeners has met with mixed reactions from European governments and renewed calls by manufacturers for any legislation on phthalates to be set in terms of migration limits rather than bans on phthalate use. The tests measure the leaching of phthalate softeners from PVC toys into saliva when sucked by children. One the so-called �Dutch test method� was developed last year by researchers at the TNO institute in the Netherlands. The second procedure was developed by the London-based Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC).LGC claims its method is superior to the Dutch test because it corresponds directly to benchmark release levels for the phthalate DINP set last year by CSTEE the EU�s scientific committee. CSTEE will examine the evidence on both tests later this year. The new procedures were welcomed by manufacturers as oVering the first practical possibility for a migrationbased law. David Cadogan of the European Council of Plasticisers and Intermediaries said �Theremplement any measures ahead of the EU legislation�. TIE (Toy Industries of Europe) lobbied hard for EU member states to remove current or proposed bans. In the absence of a clear policy from the European Commission national governments are divided on the issue however.Sweden has decided to push ahead with its proposed ban. Confirming the implementation of the measure from 1st August this year the Swedish environment ministry said that even if appropriate testing methods were available it did not think this was the right way to proceed. Given that the possibility for phthalate migration was well established testing for precise levels would be too expensive and complicated to enforce according to the Ministry. The new legislation requires all stocks of toys and similar childrens� products to be phthalate-free within nine months. The Dutch environment ministry on the other hand which had previously proposed a ban said it had dropped the 62N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News proposal and would be drawing up legal limits based on migration tests instead.Italy the third EU country due to introduce a ban has yet to decide. ECPI www.ecpi.org; L GC www.lgc.co.uk; Swedish Environment Ministry www.miljo.regeringen.se; Dutch Environment Ministry www.minvws.nl EU selects hormone chemicals Phthalates PCBs and biocide tribultyltin look set to be among the first chemicals to be studied by the EU as potential hormone disrupters. Around 100 chemicals suspected of mimicking hormones are being prioritised from a list of around 500 drawn up by the European Commission�s environment directorate. Under the study independent analysts will examine existing data and research on endocrine disruptors to gain a better understanding of exposure levels and exposure routes. The EU�s panel of scientific experts is expected to approve the data sources to be used in the investigation at a meeting in September.The results are likely to prove highly influential in shaping EU policy on endocrine disrupters. Chemical companies have raised concerns that the list of priority chemicals will become a black list but this has been rejected by the European Commission. Pesticides round-up Round Up a glyphosate-based pesticide manufactured by Monsanto is under increasing scrutiny by regulatory authorities in Scandinavia. In June the Norwegian Agricultural Land Inspection Service banned certain variations of Round Up and other pesticides because of concern about their environmental impact. The ban mainly aVects older glyphosate preparations in particular ones containing the surfactants polyethoxythallamines. At about the same time Sweden�s national chemicals inspectorate ruled that glyphosate should not be used within 10�14 days of crops being harvested because of unacceptably high residues in food.Leading bakeries in Denmark have refused to buy flour made from grain treated with Round Up close to harvesting. Meanwhile Danish authorities stepped up monitoring of Round Up after scientists reported higher than expected residues in groundwater. Samples from a 1.5 m borehole in the island of Funen contained the active glyphosate ingredient at more than 20 times the permitted level. More detailed surveys are being conducted to determine whether there are any special circumstances or whether similar concentrations are experienced elsewhere. Danish Environment Ministry www.mem.dk White asbestos ban The EU has voted to ban white asbestos�the only form of asbestos currently legal�with eVect from 2005.White asbestos or chrysotile is used in products such as brake linings gaskets seals for industrial plant asbestos cement and in textile products such as asbestos gloves. Substitutes will have to be found for all of these applications. However white asbestos will still be allowed in chlorine plants where no alternative exists and in research. The decision brings EU rules into line with those for blue and brown asbestos which have been banned since 1991 and follows a recommendation of a scientific committee last year. In practice many EU countries are likely to implement the ban much sooner than 2005. Within days of the EU decision the UK Health and Safety Commission issued regulations banning importation supply or use of white asbestos following consultation earlier in the year.The EU�s move has further upset Canada one of the major producers of chrysolite which is already involved in a trade dispute with France over import restrictions. Biocide paints unnecessary The use of biocidal anti-fouling paints is unnecessary on ships restricted to shallow coastal waters according to a new study by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The study by independent consultants found that alternative antifouling coatings could be used on certain coastal vessels without any loss in performance. Tests under real-life conditions showed coatings such as silicone-based paints and self-polishing coatings to be viable alternatives to paints containing toxic biocides such as tributyl tin (TBT).As part of its campaign for a worldwide ban on paints containing TBT WWF is planning to extend the tests to ocean-going vessels subject to harsher environments. WWF Germany www.wwf.de Dioxin emissions unknown A report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that industrialised countries still have a long way to go to get a true picture of releases of dioxins and furans. The study shows that only 15 countries including 11 from Europe have inventories of emissions to air and virtually none have quantified emissions to water or land. UNEP estimates total air emissions in 1995 at 10.5 kg of which 70% were derived from waste incineration. Overall however emissions have reduced substantially over recent years. UNEP �Dioxin and Furan Inventories National and Regional Emissions of PCDD/PCDF� Risk assessments Environmental and health risk assessments for various chemicals have been issued recently by EPA and other US agencies.The chemicals concerned with the relevant agency are $ Revised environmental and human health risk assessments for the organophosphates bensulide and profenofos (OPP) $ Draft health assessment on diesel emissions (NCEA) $ Revised health assessment for azinphos-methyl (OPP) $ Toxicological review of vinyl chloride (NCEA) $ Assessments of carcinogenic aVects of anthraquione emodin fumonisin and gallium arsenide in rats and mice (NTP) OYce of Pesticide Programs (OPP) www.epa.gov/pesticides; National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) www.epa.gov/ncea; National T oxicology Program (NT P) ntpserver. niehs.nih.gov New mercury MRL A revised MRL for mercury of 0.3 mg kg day-1 of body weight is being recommended by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).The new MRL contained in an updated toxicological profile for mercury is slightly higher than the 0.1 mg kg day-1 recommended in the previous profile in 1994. The main human exposure to methlymercury is through fish and shellfish but the Agency says there are no need for changes to fish advisories nor in FDA advice on consumption of commercial fish. J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 63N News Refrigerant restricted Germany has banned the use of the refrigerant R502 a mixture of CFC115 and the less ozone-depleting HCFC22. According to the country�s environment agency R502 is the second most important contributor to ozone depletion from refrigeration after CFC12.Four alternative refrigerants containing HCFs are being recommended as replacements. German Environment Agency www.umweltbundesamt.de EPA has issued the final revised regulation for the analytical measurement of mercury in water� EPA Method 1631 Revision B. AT SDR www.atsdr.cdc.gov; EPA OYce of Water www.epa.gov/ost/ Public and occupational health Dioxin crisis topples Belgian government In an extraordinary demonstration of the political sensitivity of environmental issues a food contamination crisis was credited with the defeat of the Belgian government in June�s general election. Opinion polls showed that as many as a third of Belgians planned to switch their voting intentions as a result of the food scandal which led to bans on Belgian meat and milk produs across the world.The crisis began in late May when it emerged that animal feed used on Belgian farms had been contaminated with dioxins. The Belgian authorities were aware of the information for several weeks before notifying the European Commission and their EU partners. Having initially focused on milk concerns about contamination spread first to beef and then to other animal products such as chicken eggs and pork. Investigations by the Belgian authorities indicated the dioxins entered the food chain from waste PCB oils rather than through combustion. In scenes reminiscent of the BSE crisis the issue has again focused attention on EU agricultural and food policies and especially the manufacture of animal feeds. Ministers have asked the European Commission to review the implementation of �early warning� systems on food quality with recommendations for improvements and to undertake a critical review of the problems of animal meal oVals and the disposal of animal carcasses.Special websites on the crisis at Belgian government belgium.fgov.be; AdValvas dioxines.advalvas.be Scientists confirm ozone limits The validity of the EU�s proposed targets for ground-level ozone concentrations has been confirmed by an independent scientific committee. In an opinion on tropospheric ozone issued shortly before the Commission�s formal proposal (see Legislation section this issue) the Scientific Committee for Toxicology Ecotoxicology and the Environment (CSTEE) gave its approval to a limit of ambient ozone concentrations of 120 mg m-3 averaged over eight hours.Reviewing the scientific evidence on links between ozone and human health the Committee concluded that health eVects had been observed at levels of 160 mg m-3 and that no environmentally safe level of the pollutant has yet been determined. CST EE Opinion is at europa.eu.int/ comm/dg24/health/sc/sct/out38 en.html Background report on ozone available at www.eea.eu.int/document/entecrep/ consoz/index.htm New direction for health and safety A long-term strategy for health and safety in the workplace was discussed at the Health and Safety Commission�s conference in London in May. Opening the conference HSC Chairman Frank Davies said a long-term strategy for health and safety was needed �One which is shared by all concerned to which all can contribute and against which all can be held accountable.� At the conference over 250 representatives from business trade unions government insurance companies and leading practitioners tackled issues ranging from outsourcing and down-sizing in business to the prospect of more genetic tests to detect medical and behavioural disorders.Outlining the HSC�s Strategic Plan HSE Director-General Jenny Bacon said she wanted UK policy-making �to reflect the changing world to be evidence based and to draw on innovations from around the world�. The Plan contains commitments to raise the profile of occupational health; improve health and safety performance in important risk areas; and improve openness and accountability. The Commission is also committed to developing health and safety aspects of the competitiveness and social equality agendas and to promoting full participation in improving health and safety.HSE www.open.gov.uk/hse/hsehome.htm Research activity Extension to UK certification scheme The Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for pollution monitoring equipment will be extended under proposals announced by the UK Environment Agency. Originally launched in April 1998 MCERTS currently focuses on continuous emission monitoring systems for stacks in accordance with the European EN45000 standards. The Agency is proposing to extend the scheme by establishing a register of qualified personnel and organisations carrying out manual stack sampling 64N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News and monitoring. Registration will be based on third-party certification and accreditation to demonstrate conformance with the Agency�s requirements.Stack monitoring will be certified to three levels of competence based on training experience and examinations with competency certificates issued in accordance with EN45013. Organisations wishing to join the scheme will be subject to qualifying requirements such as pre-monitoring preparation planning the use of standard methods equipment reporting quality assurance and proficiency testing. Commenting on the proposals Stuart Newstead Head of the Agency�s National Compliance Assessment Service said that �Inclusion of manual stack monitoring in MCERTS would ensure that the regulatory requirements are more clearly stated while improving the reliability of the results�. The extended scheme will help �send a message that manual stack emissions monitoring is a critical component in producing defensible data for regulatory purposes� Mr Newstead added.In the future the Agency intends to further extend the scheme to cover areas such as portable monitors ambient monitoring systems and instruments for water analysis. MCERT S is operated by Sira Certification Service idknott@siratc.co.uk Canada funds air toxics Funding of CAN$10.94 million for the first phase of a new research programme on air toxics has been allocated by the Canadian government. The Toxic Substances Research Initiative is a CAN$40 million fouryear initiative designed to enhance Canada�s capacity in environmental health research. The initial tranche of funding is being divided between the TSRI�s five priority areas namely persistent organic pollutants ($2.32 m); metals in the environment ($2.05 m); endocrine disrupting chemicals ($2.16 m); urban air quality and human exposure to airborne pollutants ($2.19 m); and cumulative eVects of toxic substances ($2.22 m).A total of 81 separate projects are being funded for the fiscal year 1999�2000 involving over 360 researchers from industry government academia and NGOs. The TSRI is on top of CAN$43 million for the assessment management and tracking of toxic substances announced in the federal budget earlier this year. Environment Canada www.ec.ga.ca NATO revamps science programmes The NATO science programme has been revised and restructured to direct support towards collaboration between NATO members and �Partner countries� of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (the former Soviet bloc).The programme itself continues to address traditional areas including support for training and exchanges for young researchers basic infrastructure scientific networking and S&T policies. In particular NATO will continue to support research in Environmental and Earth Science and Technology. Current activities include projects on cancer risk assessments evaluation of clean-up technologies for contaminated land and clean products and processes. NATO Science Programme www.nato.int/science Green Chemistry The Education Division of the American Chemical Society has entered a three-year co-operative agreement with the US EPA to develop and disseminate green chemistry outreach and curriculum materials. Details of this and other aspects of the ACS�s Green Chemistry programme at www.acs.org/education/ greenchem/green.html Publications Understanding environmental chemistry One of the major textbooks on environmental chemistry has entered its third edition.R. Harrison�s Understanding Our Environment provides the beginner with a thorough introduction to the field of environmental chemistry. The third edition has developed a more international approach through the use of case studies and incorporates worked examples and questions to facilitate teaching and understanding. Many of the original chapters have been revised and updated; other topics have a completely fresh approach and perspective. Understanding Our Environment An introduction to environmental chemistry and pollution 3rd edition ed. R. M. Harrison 1999 Royal Society of Chemistry ISBN 0854045848 460 pp.Available from www.rsc.org Myth or reality? A new book looks at the emerging evidence for psychological causes to many environmental illnesses (EIs). It is an attempt to present the first comprehensive scientific appraisal of EIs and their impacts. Drawing upon a vast data ults and personal case studies the author argues in support of the so-called psychogenic theory that many psychological illnesses are environmentally induced. The author maintains that modern medicine has a shortsighted approach to EIs doctors often ignore the broader picture and underestimate the severity of environmental factors in psychological illnesses. The book puts the conflict between mainstream medicine and psychology into sharp relief. Environmental Illness myth and reality Herman Staudenmayer Lewis Publishers Boca Raton 1999.ISBN 1566703050 376 pp. Practical environmental analysis This textbook provides detailed instructions for practical experiments in environmental analysis. The comprehensive coverage includes the chemical analysis of important pollutants in air water soil and plant tissue based on experiments that generally require only basic laboratory equipment. The experiments are supplemented by theoretical material explaining aspects such as the principles behind each method and the importance of various pollutants. J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 65N News Practical Environmental Analysis M. Radojevic V. Bashkin 1999 Royal Society of Chemistry ISBN 0854045945 480 pp. Available from www.rsc.org Nitrate risks Applicable at both graduate and postgraduate levels this book oVers perspectives on the latest research on the beneficial eVects of nitrates and their fate in the environment.Covering agricultural environmental and medical aspects the book confirms the sources interactions and fate of nitrates in soils water and the atmosphere. It includes an extensive description of the biochemistry of nitrates in plants animals and humans indicating the positive aspects as well as the hazards. Managing Risks of Nitrates to Humans and the Environment W. S. Wilson A. S. Basil R. H. Hinton 1999 Royal Society of Chemistry ISBN 0854047689 400 pp. Available from www.rsc.org Matrix reference materials Reference materials are needed to enable laboratories to perform comparable tests and analyses. The role of matrix reference materials is not always clear with confusion arising over nomenclature and standards.This publication provides worked examples of how to properly apply the selected reference materials in an analytical process including method validation quality assurance and quality control. Quantification of uncertainty is also discussed. The reference materials covered include those certified for trace elements radionuclides and organics. Use of Matrix Reference Materials in Environmental Analytical Processes A. Fajgelj M. Parkany Royal Society of Chemistry 1999 ISBN 0854047395 206 pp. Available from www.rsc.org Pesticide poisonings A new report from EPA contains information for health professionals treating pesticide poisonings. The report covers toxicology symptoms of poisoning treatment chemical structure of insecticides herbicides and other pesticides.It includes guidelines for determining exposure history and dosage for antidotes plus tables on screening questions interview guidelines and steps in investigating a disease outbreak. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings J. Routt Reigart and James R. Roberts 1999. Certification and Worker Protection Branch Field and External AVairs Division OYce of Pesticide Programs US Environmental Protection Agency. tel +1 703 305 7666 Should soon be available at www.epa.gov/pesticides/ safety/healthcare Agrochemical metabolics This extensive two-volume publication attempts a comprehensive survey of data and information on the metabolism and chemical degradation of agrochemicals in soils plants and animals. Aspects covered include metabolic products pathways and mechanisms together with useful details on physico-chemical properties and mode of action.It is intended as a reference work for chemists biochemists and biologists working in the development and registration of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Metabolic Pathways of Agrochemicals ed. T. R. Roberts D. H. Hutson Royal Society of Chemistry. Part 1 Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators 1998 ISBN 0854044949 850 pp; Part 2 Insecticides and Fungicides 1999 ISBN 085404499X 1400 pp. Available from www.rsc.org The food-environment challenge Pesticide chemistry has seen many important advances over recent years. Written by leading international experts this book brings together results from the 9th IUPAC Congress on Pesticide Chemistry. The book presents the latest thinking in crop protection and the development of complex environmentally acceptable strategies for weed pest and disease control.Aspects addressed include new material on natural products mode of action and metabolism. Pesticide Chemistry and Bioscience T he food-environment challenge ed. G. T. Brooks T. Roberts Royal Society of Chemistry 1999 ISBN 0854047093 440 pp. Available from www.rsc.org Multimedia environmental management This book explores and supports the argument that eVective environmental management must be based on a multimedia approach. This approach focuses simultaneously on air water and waste and enables managers to assess the resulting financial operation and management benefits. It includes proper waste and material handling management systematic monitoring and record-keeping requirements.The multimedia approach integrates a wide array of environmental requirements and decision processes which the authors examine in sixteen chapters. The book is oriented primarily to US legislation and environmental management practices. Multimedia Environmental Management by J. Andy Soesilo William D. Wiley September 1999 ISBN 0865876592 350 pp. Wastewater analysis guide This book evolved from a series of lectures delivered by the author to prepare students for the US Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Certification examination. It covers basic skills used by treatment plant operators or laboratory technicians performing process control tests through to more advanced and expert qualifications required of analysts and laboratory managers.Sections cover testing instruments� metals gas chromatography mass spectrometry�with each instrument described along with guidelines for identifying analytes and interpreting results sample preparation and quality control. The book can be used as part of a formal lecture presentation or as a stand-alone self-study manual. L ectures on Wastewater Analysis and Interpretation Roy-Keith Smith Apichemical Consultants 1999 ISBN 1890911100. 482 pp. Standardisation and RTD The June issue of T he IPT S Report is a special issue on standardisation and RTD. The journal looks at particular aspects of Europe�s standards system and the relationship with innovation technology and wider policies. Aspects covered include the changing role of standards bodies measurement standards and analytical methods and reference materials.IPTS is an institute of the European Commission�s Joint Research Centre focusing on issues in science and technology policy. T he journal is available at the IPT S website at www.jrc.es or on free subscription by contacting ipts_secr@jrc.es 66N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News It�s in the post The Health and Safety Executive has published its Approved Carriage L ist on CD-ROM. The list enables people sending dangerous goods by road or rail in Great Britain to identify and classify them so they can be properly packaged and labelled. Approved Carriage L ist (3rd edn.) ISBN 0 7176 1685 1 available from HSE Books tel +44 (0)1787 881165 Events 6th European Meeting on Mass Spectrometry in Occupational and Environmental Health. 1�3 September 1999 Stockholm Sweden.Details from Prof. Anders Colmsjo� e-mail anders.colmsjo@anchem.su.se or www.anchem.su.se/emmsoeh6 Instrumental Methods of Analysis. 19�22 September 1999 Chalkidiki Greece. Details from IMA�99 Secretariat tel +30 1 7723098 or the IMA�99 website www.chemeng.ntua.gr/IMA99/IMA99.htm T he Role of Human Exposure Assessment in the Prevention of Environmental Disease. 22�24 September 1999 Rockville MD USA. A workshop organised as part of the National Toxicology Program�s work on human exposure assessment. Details from NTP Liaison and Scientific Review OYce tel +1 919pan �99 T he 16th JETRO Import Fair. 20�23 October 1999 Osaka Japan. An international trade fair to be held alongside the New Earth �99 Conference. Details from www.environmentjapan.org Measurement for success UK National Measurement Conference �99.2�4 November 1999 Brighton UK. Incorporates BEMC �99�The 9th International Conference on Electromagnetic Measurement. Details from NMP Conference Secretariat National Physical Laboratory e-mail nmp sec@npl.co.uk 1999 Eastern Analytical Symposium. 14�19 November 1999 Somerset NJ United States. Details from EAS Program Committee e-mail easinfo@aol.com Food Hygiene �99. 24�25 November 1999 Telford UK. Exhibition and conference covering food hygiene monitoring control implementation and training. Details from Fiona Angus Leatherhead Food RA e-mail fangus@lfra.co.uk Fourth Workshop on Biosensors and Biological T echniques in Environmental Analysis. 1�3 December 1999 Menorca Spain. Organised by the International Association of Environmental Analytical Chemistry and the Institut Menorqu� d�Estudis.Details from dbcqam@cid.csic.es 10th Annual West Coast Conference on Contaminated Soils and Water. 20�23 March 2000 Mission Valley California USA. Details from the Association for the Environmental Health of Soils www.aehs.com/ wcc2000web/wchomepage2000.html 30th International Symposium on Environmental Analytical Chemistry. 13�16 June 2000 Espoo Helsinki Finland. Details from International Association of Environmental Analytical Chemistry e-mail iaeacmfrei@access.ch or tiina.harju@vtt.fi Fourth International Symposium on Speciation of Elements in Biological Environmental and T oxicological Sciences. 25 June�1 July 2000 Whistler B.C. Canada. Details from Evert Nieboer McMaster University Hamilton ON Canada tel +1 905 525 9140; fax +1 905 522 9033; e-mail nieboere@fhs.mcmaster.ca; http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/speciation/ 26th International Congress on Occupational Health. 27 August�1 September 2000 Singapore. The Annual Meeting of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). Details from ICOH2000 e-mail icoh2000@post1.com or see www.icoh.org.sg X2001 Conference on Exposure Assessment in Epidemiology and Practice. 10�13 June 2001 Go� teborg Sweden. Details from x2001@ymk.gu.se or see www.ymk.gu.se A New Era of Occupational Hygiene T he 5th IOHA International Scientific Conference 10�14 June 2002 Bergen Norway. Details from bjorg.hollund@isf.uib.no Web bytes Sustainability2000 The Institution of Chemical Engineers is organising an online convention between 1�12 November. Sustainability2000 will oVer participants the opportunity to learn why sustainable development will be one of the most important issues of the new millennium. The �event� will include an online convention hall discussion areas a research centre and multimedia games park. This third event follows the success of IChemE�s previous online conferences Environment97 and Safety98. T o register see www.sustainability2000.org Environmental indicators Environment Canada has launched a new website providing access to what it calls �a compendium of ecosystem health goals objectives and indicators�. The site allows people to share knowledge of local environmental indicators which the agency says are valuable tools in integrated ecosystembased approaches to resource and environmental planning and managemen