J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 39N News Legislation UK strengthens safety legislation A series of measures which amount to a major overhaul of health and safety legislation have recently come into eVect within the UK. The most significant measure is a more integrated approach to health and safety contained in the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations 1999. The regulations implement the requirements of the EU�s �Seveso II Directive� on control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances. Speaking at an international conference in London shortly before the new regulations came into force Environment Minister Alan Meale said �COMAH takes account of lessons learned from chemical accidents in the UK and abroad. It gives eVect to a tighter more focused preventive safety regime through more detailed safety reports and major accident prevention policies�.COMAH also brings an increased emphasis on controlling risks to both people and the environment through sound management. Guidance for the new regulations will be published in June. The main UK regulation covering occupational exposure limits has also been revised. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999 came into force at the end of March and replace the 1994 Regulations. The Schedule listing substances assigned Maximum Exposure Limits (MELs) has been removed from the new Regulation and in future will appear in a separate HSE publication EH40 Occupational Exposure L imits. HSE said the move will enable them to approve and implement changes to the list more quickly. COSHH 1999 also includes various changes in definitions and new MELs for aniline glutaraldehyde benzene and rosin-based solder flux.Some further minor changes to classification and labelling have been introduced by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) regulations 1999. HSE Infoline +44 (0)541 545500 California forced to act on methyl bromide The State of California has been ordered by a supreme court judge to adopt regulations to protect the public against the fumigant methyl bromide. Environmentalists see the decision as a turning point in their long battle against the chemical a highly volatile and acutely toxic pesticide (it is a neurotoxin and causes pulmonary injury). They say that the gas routinely drifts from farm fields into adjacent neighbourhoods and claim that 19 people have died in California from exposure to methyl bromide in structural fumigation.Over 17 million pounds of the chemical is used in California each year more than any other state mostly in the agricultural areas in the centre and south. The order requires the state authorities to adopt new regulations for field applications of methyl bromide which could significantly reduce its use. Pesticide Action Network North America www.panna.org Canada consults on marine programme A National Action Programme for Protection of the Marine Environment is being set up by the Canadian government. Launching the Programme Fisheries and Oceans Minister David Anderson said that it was part of �a concerted eVort by Canada to take a radically diVerent approach to preserve and protect the oceans�one based on sustainability.� The draft NPA was prepared through the collaborative eVort of the federal provincial and territorial governments and was co-led by Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.It proposes national and regional programmes to protect the marine environment from land-based activities while recognising important variations between the Arctic Pacific St Lawrence and Atlantic regions. Environment Canada www.doe.ca/nat_action/index_e.html Germany proposes smog plan A draft plan to impose stricter controls on ozone pollution and so reduce summer smogs has been advanced by German Environment Minister Ju�rgen Trittin. One of the main measures is a cut in the emergency threshold for ozone from 240 to 180 mg m-3. This could lead to emergency actions being triggered on between 10�20 days each summer.The most controversial measure for Germans will be the proposal to introduce speed limits on motorways� German autobahns currently have no speed restrictions. The ministry claims that speed limits on motorways and other roads could cut ozone precursor chemicals significantly nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 10% and volatile organic compounds by 1%. German EnvironmentMinistry www.bmu.de Asia backs POP reduction Representatives from Asian and Pacific countries have endorsed moves by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to reach agreement on a global treaty to manage persistent organic pollutants (POPs) [see JEM 1(1) 10N]. At a recent meeting in Hanoi Vietnam delegates examined progress in moving toward a legally binding global agreement and examined the specific implications for the region.These include applying integrated pest management managing unwanted stockpiles of pesticides identifying and addressing releases of dioxins and furans and pursing alternatives to DDT for malaria control. The workshop was one of a series of regional meetings around the world in advance of the next round of treaty negotiations in Geneva in September. UNEP www.chem.unep.ch/pops/ Emission controls for landfill gas A series of measures to reduce the environmental impact of landfill gas are being proposed by the UK Environment Agency. The proposals include the 40N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News ImagesA copyright 1999 PhotoDisc Inc. phasing out of open flares by the end of 2003 and the introduction of emission standards and monitoring standards for landfill gas flares.Landfill gas currently accounts for around 50% of total UK methane emissions. The new guidance on Best Practice Flaring of Landfill Gas forms part of the Agency�s strategy to improve local and global air quality. It will also help ensure the UK�s compliance with the EU�s proposed Landfill Directive. Final guidance will be issued later this year following a consultation period. UK Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk Detergents need to clean-up The environmental impacts of detergents are coming under increasing scrutiny in Europe from environmental NGOs and regulators. In April the Swiss Environment Agency said it would consider a ban on all use of the detergent surfactant nonyl phenol ethoxylate (NPE) unless current negotiations with industry lead to a voluntary phase-out.This and other alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) have been linked to hormone disruption in humans and wildlife. Although other European countries have restricted the use of NPE in certain applications Switzerland is the first country considering an outright ban. The warning came with the publication of a new report from the agency on hormone disrupting chemicals in the environment. Meanwhile Brussels-based NGO European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has criticised the detergent industry�s environmental record. Pointing to experience in Sweden it says reductions in packaging and overall detergent consumption have been much higher than required elsewhere in Europe under a recent voluntary agreement between the industry and the European Commission.Between 1988 and 1996 cuts in the use of poorly biodegradable organic ingredients were achieved ranging from 15% for silicone defoamers to 50% for phosphonate and 100% for pigments fluorescent whitening agents and the complexing agent EDTA. EEB attributes the shift in Swedish consumers� buying patterns to eVective use of ecolabelling. Swiss Environment Agency www.admin.ch/buwal; Report ref �Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Environment�; EEB www.eeb.org Denmark opts for lead ban A virtual ban on all uses of lead is being advocated in Denmark under a proposal currently being scrutinised by the European Commission and EU member states. Under the regulation products containing over 50 parts per million of lead would be banned from 1st November this year with prohibition eVective a few years later for various specific product groups.A wide variety of products would be aVected including major applications such as PVC plastic lead roofing materials ceramic glazes and crystal glass. Componentindustries would also be aVected. The European lead industry is protesting strongly against the move which it sees as leading towards EU-wide restrictions in the use of leadbased products. Danish EnvironmentMinistry www.mem.dk; L ead Development Association International www.ldaint.org Swedes to extinguish flame retardants A national ban on the sale and use of brominated flame retardants is likely to be introduced in Sweden following a critical report from the National Chemicals Inspectorate (Kemi). The report notes that levels of PBDE (polybrominated dephenylether) and PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) in human breast milk have doubled since 1992.The substances are widely used in television sets computers and cables but many of the companies questioned were unaware whether their products contained flame retardants or not. Reacting to the report Environment Minister Kjell Larsson said that since voluntary restrictions introduced in 1990 had been only partially successful a ban was likely. Swedish National Chemicals Inspectorate www.kemi.se Environmental quality Challenges for Central Europe Ten years after opening up to the market system the countries of Central and Eastern Europe still face major hurdles in improving environmental quality say Western agencies. In a report issued in March the Finnish EnvironmentMinistry detailed alarming environmental problems in the Karelian Republic the region of Russia bordering the whole of Finland�s eastern frontier.The Finns say practices such as deforestation peatland drainage and industrial pollution have severely damaged the region�s ecology.Many of the lakes and rivers commonly used for drinking water are contaminated by eZuent from the metal processing pulp J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 41N News and paper industries. Raw sewage is regularly released into lakes and rivers near unprotected drinking water intakes causing repeated outbreaks of dysentery hepatitis-A and other gastrointestinal complaints. Too little has been done since the end of the Soviet era the ministry says. The Finnish-based Helsinki Commission an intergovernmental body monitoring the Baltic Sea also recently pointed to the continuing threat from pesticide practices in Russia and neighbouring countries.Another recent report from the region paints a more optimistic picture however. In a detailed review of Czech environmental performance published in April the OECD says that much progress has been made but that some emissions remain among the worst in any OECD country. The report commends the dramatic reductions in air emissions and the radical improvement in sewage treatment facilities. Nevertheless water quality �remains serious� and waste management also presents a major problem. Environmental expenditure has increased to over 3% of GDP over the last decade making it amongst the highest of any OECD country. Environmental policies have been one of the key areas in the Czech Republic�s negotiations to join the European Union.They also feature prominently in the EU�s negotiations with other applicant countries from Central and Eastern Europe such as Poland Hungary Estonia and Latvia. Finnish EnvironmentMinistry www.vyh.fi; Helsinki Commission www.helcom.fi; OECD www.oecd.org �OECD Environmental Performance Reviews Czech Republic� Asia sets up acid monitoring network Proposals for an Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) have moved a stage nearer following an inter-governmental meeting in March. The network aims to create a common understanding of the state of acid deposition in East Asia and to provide useful inputs to decision-making on abatement policies. Participants in EANET at present include Indonesia Japan Malaysia Mongolia the Philippines the Russian Federation South Korea Thailand and Vietnam.China has been the most recent signatory. The Network is currently in a preparatory phase. An Interim Network Center has been established in Niigata Japan and each participating country has a National Center. An Interim Scientific Advisory Group is overseeing various technical issues such as the preparation of technical manuals quality assurance/ quality control programmes data reporting procedures and formats and training of personnel. In a further recognition of its pollution problems the Philippines is on the verge of passing its first clean air legislation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) airborne lead levels in Manila are more than three times the established safety limit and concentrations of suspended particulate matter are also dangerously high.The priority legislation will phase out the use of leaded fuel within 18 months reduce industrial emissions promote recycling ban incineration and drastically increase fines for owners of polluting vehicles. Observers say the real test of this ambitious programme will be eVective enforcement. Japan Environment Quarterly April 1999; BritishMedical Journal vol. 318 p. 689 Salmon hit by mystery disease Fewer Baltic salmon are now dying from the puzzling M74 syndrome say Swedish scientists but salmon deaths could increase again. Despite intensive studies it is still not clear what causes the syndrome which aVects newly hatched salmon fry. Researchers strongly suspect that the explanation lies in a number of complex interacting factors in the Baltic Sea.The condition usually results in the death of aZicted salmon fry within a few days of the first symptoms being seen. In 1993 when the frequency of M74 was at its peak the syndrome claimed up to 90% of farmed salmon fry in some rivers. In recent years the incidence has been considerably lower. Researchers have long suspected a link with environmental pollutants such as chlorinated organic compounds such as PCBs and dioxins but no link has ever been confirmed. Nor has evidence been found associating M74 with heavy metals bacteria or viruses. �It is becoming increasingly obvious that M74 is a complex environmental problem that demands extensive interdisciplinary co-operation� according to Prof. Bengt-Erik Bengtsson leader of a research project at Stockholm University.Precautionary treatment with vitamin B1 reduces mortality in salmon hatcheries but oVers no cure for wild salmon. Swedish EPA www.environ.se/fire Thinner ozone layer for 1999 The ozone layer over the northern hemisphere will be 1�5% less than �normal� this year according to scientists at Environment Canada. Normal values are defined by pre-1980 averages as ozone depletion was insignificant before 1980. The ozone layer was particularly depleted in 1993 when it was recorded at 7.2% less than normal. Last year was unusual as there was only minimal ozone depletion (0.2%) due to atypical weather conditions possibly related to El Nin�o. This year�s predicted ozone loss is typical of values observed in the 1990s except for 1993 and 1998. Canadian scientists say the 1�5% predicted ozone decrease corresponds to an increase of 1�6%in the average UV radiation although daily values can vary considerably.Environment Canada www.doe.ca ImagesA copyright 1999 PhotoDisc Inc. 42N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News Pressure grows on phthalates The debate over the future of phthalate plasticizers has intensified following new concerns over their safety in both Europe and North America. Frustrated by a lack of action by the European Commission eight European countries have recently adopted unilateral restrictions on the use of certain phthalates in children�s toys. Austria and Denmark already ban the use of six phthalates in children�s toys and Germany Greece Italy Finland Sweden and non-EU member Norway are progressing towards national restrictions.Most of the national measures are similar and are framed in terms of banning the sale and production of PVC toys containing any of six types of phthalates that are intended or likely to be placed in the mouth of children up to three years old. Phthalates are used as softeners in toys and other PVC products. The European moves reflect concern about the migration of the chemicals from childcare items especially ones exposed to babies� saliva. These unilateral actions fly in the face of the opean Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) a body representing phthalate manufacturers. ECPI says the actions ignore advice from the EU�s own scientific experts the Committee on Toxicology Ecotoxicology and the Environment (CSTEE) which last year recommended safety limits on phthalate migration from PVC products.In any case the manufacturers say recent research shows phthalates to be safer than assumed by CSTEE. Studies now show much increased margins of safety for both DEHP and DINP the two main substances according to ECPI. The industry is particularly concerned by the erosion of confidence that could result from this piecemeal approach and has called for a Europe-wide solution. The eventual outcome of the toys issue is likely to have huge implications not just for other phthalate applications but for the whole chemicals agenda. Meanwhile in the US the new Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction has started a review of the possible risks from phthalates to plastics workers and consumers.The Center is Chemical hazards assembling a panel of a dozen or more scientists with applicable expertise to assess the health risks from seven phthalates commonly used in consumer products. (Animal data suggest the possibility of liver toxicity and reproductive eVects.) According to Dr.Michael Shelby of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences which sponsors the Center the panel will �look at data to see how likely it may be that phthalates contribute to reproductive and developmental problems�. It will also point to gaps in knowledge that need to be filled by additional research and testing. In contrast to the closed-door committees driving policy in Europe all sessions will be held in public. European Commission europa.eu.int/ comm/dg24; ECPI www.ecpi.org; NIEHS www.niehs.nih.gov Worldwide progress on chemical assessment A series of initiatives to help fill in gaps in basic health and safety information for mass produced chemicals have reached the operational stage.The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has finalised the initial list of chemicals under its High Production Volume (HPV) Initiative. The list prioritises chemicals that have either �a high volume of production in at least two countries or geographic regions� or are of concern because of their �wide dispersive use or potential for extensive human exposure�. Companies are being encouraged to work through ICCA to form consortia for collecting relevant information. The ICCA programme aims to provide complete toxicological and ecotoxicological data for 1000 HPV chemicals by 2004.In the US EPA has announced that 190 companies have committed to help provide data on HPVs under the Chemical Right-to-Know (CRTK) initiative. The HPV Challenge Program is a voluntary eVort to establish basic screening-level toxicity information on all 2800 chemicals manufactured in or imported into the United States in excess of one million pounds per year. Around 1100 chemicals will be covered in the first round. EPA is encouraging industry to voluntarily make available existing data and to conduct tests where there are gaps in baseline knowledge. Participating companies provide information on acute toxicity the eVects of repeated exposures reproductive and development toxicity and environmental eVects. A full list of chemicals guidance documents and other information is available at the CRTK website.ICCA www.icca.org; EPA CRT K www.epa.gov/chemrtk ImagesA copyright 1999 PhotoDisc Inc. Canada targets chemical toxics Stringent new measures to reduce industrial releases of certain toxic substances have been announced by Environment Canada. The plans include new prevention and control measures for the steel base metal smelting and metal finishing industries. Regulations will also be implemented for two specific toxic substances�dichloromethane and hexavalent chromium. Announcing the new measures Environment Minister Christine Stewart said the government was prepared to do whatever was �eVective and eYcient to get results on toxic substances�. If the voluntary programs failed to reach their targets she would �introduce regulations to achieve the expected results�.Releases of dichloromethane (DCM) will be reduced by 86% from 1995 levels by 2007. The sectors most aVected are J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 43N News aircraft paint stripping flexible polyurethane foam pharmaceuticals adhesives and cleaning applications. The metal finishing industry will reduce releases of hexavalent chromium by 75% under a regulation which will also see significant reductions in cadmium and nickel. Toxic substances targeted for control in the steel industry include benzene PAHs lead mercury other metals dioxins and furans. The base metal smelting industry will target lead mercury arsenic compounds and nickel compounds with expected reductions of up to 90%. Environment Canada www.doe.ca Cancer warnings for creosote and bisphenol Concerns over the safety of creosote a substance commonly used as a wood preservative have been raised by the EU�s scientific advisory committee on toxicity issues.At a meeting inMarch the committee discussed the first ever full carcinogenicity study of creosote undertaken by Germany�s Fraunhofer Institute. Creosote contains trace amounts of a PAH called benzo-[a]-pyrene (BaP) but the product itself is classed as noncarcinogenic under EU law. The committee concluded that the German study provided evidence to �support the opinion that there is a cancer risk to consumers from creosote containing less than 50 ppm BaP and/or from wood treated with creosote�. The new findings will strengthen the case of four countries�Denmark Germany the Netherlands and Sweden�who are seeking national restrictions in creosote use and may even lead to EU-wide action.Another EU scientific committee has recently expressed concern over a chemical used in food container coatings. The opinion concerns bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) a plasticiser capable of migrating into food and a known hormone mimic. Focusing on its carcinogenic properties the committee concludes that while there is no evidence for harmful eVects further research is needed to determine acceptable daily intake levels. It also repeats concerns raised in a 1997 report about chlorohydrins BADGE derivatives formed particularly in salty foods which are chemically very similar to known genotoxic substances. European Commission Health Directorate http://europa.eu.int/ comm/dg24 Public and occupational health WHO pushes for tobacco treaty The World Health Organisation has called on tobacco growers to back its eVorts to establish the world�s first public health treaty.The proposed Framework Convention on Tobacco Control would deal with a range of tobacco-related issues but would also ensure that individual countries are protected from the impact of multinational tobacco companies. WHO Director-General Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland has identified global tobacco control as one of her major priorities. Tobacco growers must separate their concern for their livelihood from the public health impact of tobacco WHO representatives told a recent meeting of the International Tobacco Growers Association. However ITGA President Richard Tate said tobacco growers worldwide but especially in the developing countries were concerned about WHO�s initiative.He added that their concerns should not be confused with those of tobacco multinationals and urged WHO to keep farmers firmly in focus during the negotiations. WHO www.who.org French chart air pollution deaths The eVect of short-term air pollution excursions on mortality rates has been quantified in a study of nine French cities. The French Institute for Health Monitoring INSERM says air pollution accounts for 265 premature deaths each year. It adds that mortality rates increase by between 3�4% for a 50 mg l-1 rise in concentration of any of the four pollutants studied� particulates sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Cardiovascular deaths increase by between 2�5% and respiratory deaths by 1�6%. No major diVerences were found between gity rate in the French study contrasts sharply with an estimate of 24 000 premature deaths from shortterm pollution episodes attributed in a UK report last year. INSERM www.inserm.fr Drug cures aflatoxin US and Chinese scientists have successfully used the drug Oltipraz as an antidote to aflatoxin one of nature�s deadliest toxins. Writing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (vol. 91 no. 4) the scientists say the treatment ImagesA copyright 1999 PhotoDisc Inc. 44N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News appears to have enhanced people�s ability to detoxify the natural agent and to have greatly reduced the amount of the chemical circulating in their bodies. Aflatoxin occurs on moldy grains Chemical industry looks to the long-run The chemical industry has launched a new global research initiative to explore long-term health and environmental issues associated with chemicals.The Long-range Research Initiative (LRI) is being jointly funded by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) the US Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) and the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA). The budget is around US$25 million per year for at least five years. CEFIC says the initiative will help the industry �regain public trust enhance its reputation and defend its business from a position of strength�. It will also help inform �rational policy decisions�. LRI is being conducted in collaboration with academia and government. Its findings will be peer-reviewed published and made available to all interested parties.The industry says it is committed to undertaking timely action on the results in conjunction with other chemicals management initiatives. Priorities are initially in six areas environmental and human exposure assessment; risk assessment methodologies; chemical carcinogenesis; endocrine disruption; immunotoxicity and allergy; and respiratory toxicity. Attention will also be given to ecosystem dynamics; neurotoxicity; and atmospheric chemistry. In Europe the programme is being managed by the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC). CMA will work closely with the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology (CIIT). L RI www.cefic.be/lri/lri.htm UK looks at scientific policymaking and green government The UK�s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a new research project to identify good practice and prepare guidelines for government when obtaining expert scientific advice.The Research news corn peanuts and other crops. Exposure can cause liver cancer. In many African and Asian countries large numbers of people regularly consume foods heavily contaminated with aflatoxin. Dr John Groopman of John Hopkins University research aims to identify principles of good practice for government departments in engaging scientific experts. Launching the project HSE Chief Scientist Dr. Jim McQuaid said the results will help ensure �consistency in the arrangements for securing scientific advice across government and for transparency in the way that advisers are selected�. The study is being undertaken by Oxford Economic Research Associates (OXERA) and will build on existing guidelines published in 1997.Areas covered will include the selection remit and independence of experts; the elicitation of their advice; and the use of advice in the wider decision-making process. On the same day another UK body the Environment Agency announced a research contract to help government departments and agencies set up their own environmental management systems (EMS). Under an initial twoyear arrangement government bodies are able to contact a central help desk to assist with the establishment of an EMS that meets the needs of their own business. The contract under the Greening Government Initiative was awarded to the consultancies ENTEC and W.S. Atkins. HSE toby_brown@oxera.co.uk; EMS www.environment-agency.gov.uk EA sets research priorities Improved methods and better information are the main thrusts of a new package of research measures announced by the UK Environment Agency.The Agency�s R&D programme for 1999/2000 aims to address both longterm strategic issues and shorter-term operational and policy needs. Around �11 million has been earmarked for the programme. Operational issues identified include the use of new technology for improving assessment of the state of the environment and priority areas in flood in Baltimore said the drug appeared to activate the P450 system part of the body�s natural defences against toxic poisoning. NIEHS www.niehs.nih.gov warning and forecasting. Strategic issues to be studied include impacts of climate change on the Agency�s regions and the development of a comprehensive strategy for managing chemicals.Most of the projects will be carried out through external contractors. UK Environment Agency www.environmentagency. gov.uk/envinfo/r_and_d/ RSC plans virtual conference The Royal Society of Chemistry together with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute will host an on-line conference later this year. Entitled T owards theMillennium�Modern Methods of Environmental Analysis the event will be held between 8th and 19th November. The Conference will comprise all the usual features of a scientific meeting� plenary lectures contributed papers discussion sessions and an exhibition. Presentations will cover relevant research analytical methods standards instrumentation data processing and interpretation. It will be the first time the RSC has held a conference of this type.Full details of the event including registration can be found at www.chemsoc.org or www.vei.co.uk Gas analysis network A network for scientists and business people concerned with gas analysis measurements was recently inaugurated by the UK�s National Physical Laboratory. NPL�s Analysis of Gas Awareness Club will keep its members informed on current developments in measurement techniques and requirements national and international standards and methods and other topics of interest. NPL Centre for Optical and Environmental Metrology paul.quincey@npl.co.uk NIEHS www.niehs.nih.gov J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 45N News Chemical safety data The latest edition of a well known handbook summarises the most frequently used hazard health and environmental data for over 4500 of the most commonly used workplace chemicals.The data cover physical properties toxicity and health hazards and environmental considerations (based on US regulations). The new Genium Handbook is available as a three-volume set or on CD-ROM. Genium Handbook of Safety Health and Environmental Data Genium Publishing Corporation Schenectady. Workplace exposure guidelines The American Industrial Hygiene Association has published the 1999 edition of its Emergency Response Planning Guidelines andWorkplace Exposure Level Guide series. The 1999 ERPG Update Set contains 13 chemicals and an addendum for a Publications previously published ERPG; the 1999 WEEL Update Set covers 8 chemicals. Emergency Response Planning and Workplace Exposure Guidelines 1999 AIHA 1999 ISBN 0 932627 Safety now! Controlling chemical exposures at hazardous waste sites with realtime measurements AIHA has also published a self-help guide for health and safety professionals to assist in complex risk-assessments.The book focuses on the control of chemical hazards microbes noise radiation radionuclides and explosive vapours and covers over 600 materials. Includes a disk of sample spreadsheets. Hygienists guide The latest edition of the well known TLV/BEI Book is available from the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The book is a handy pocket-sized reference guide for recognising evaluating and controlling workplace exposures. More than 700 hazardous chemicals and physical agents are covered together with a list of substances and agents under study for the coming year.Details are on the ACGIH website at www.acgih.org Low wind dispersion A report from the UK�s Health & Safety Executive draws attention to the consequences of including low wind conditions in quantified risk assessments. The feasibility of alternative modelling approaches is also con9. Details from HSE Infoline tel:+44 (0)541 545500 ET �99. 8�10 June 1999 Birmingham. The UK�s largest environmental trade show. Details from Reed Exhibitions. E-mail et@reedexpo.co.uk 31st Mid-Atlantic Industrial and Hazardous Waste Conference. 20�23 June 1999 University of Connecticut Storrs CT. Details from Dr. Barth F. Smets e-mail bsmets@engr.uconn.edu or www.eng2.uconn.edu/environ 2nd National Conference on Natural Attenuation. 21�23 June 1999 SheYeld UK.The meeting will look at natural attenuation of organic pollutants in groundwater and soil. Details on-line at www.shef.ac.uk/~nnags/conf99/ 4th Annual Conference on Phytoremediation. 23�25 June 1999 Toronto Canada. Details from J. Gerson IBC Conferences e-mail jgerson@ibcusa.com or www.ibcusa.com/2280 Second Annual Environmental Forensics Conference. 24�25 June 1999 Washington D.C. USA. Details from J. Gerson IBC Conferences Events e-mail jgerson@ibcusa.com or www.ibcusa.com/2340 Water Environment Federation T echnical Conference. 27�30 June 1999 Indianapolis IN USA. Annual meeting covering all aspects of water monitoring and pollution control. Details from Eddie Gonzalez e-mail egonzalez@wef.org Society of Occupational Medicine Annual ScientificMeeting 1999. 14�16 July 1999 Plymouth UK.Conference covers the scientific and practical aspects of occupational medicine. E-mail sayeed.s.khan@rolls-royce.btx400.co.uk Health Consequences of Phytoestrogens in Foods. 15 July 1999 London UK. Details from H. Wiseman Society of Chemical Industry tel:+44 (0)181 654 8216 6th EuropeanMeeting onMass 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 www.chemeng.ntua.gr/IMA99/IMA99.htm 1999 Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Conference. 20�23 September 1999,Washington D.C. USA. Conference organised by EPA focusing on the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act.Details from www.epacepp.com Environmental Problem Solving with Geographic Information Systems A National Conference. 22�24 September 1999 Cincinnati OH USA. Organised by EPA�s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL). Details from www.epa.gov/ttbnrmrl/ gisann.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 +1 919 541 0530 46N J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 News Environment Japan �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 9th International Emission Inventory Conference Regional Strategies for the Future. 25�28 October 1999 Raleigh North Carolina USA. Details from Sally Dombrowski EPA tel +1 919 541 3269 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 USA. Details from EAS Program Committee e-mail easinfo@aol.com Wetlands and Remediation An International Conference. 16�17 November 1999 Salt Lake City UT USA. Scope will include both the treatment and remediation of contaminated wetlands and the use of wetlands for the treatment and remediation of contaminated water and wastewater.Details from Karl Nehring Battelle Memorial Institute e-mail nehringk@battelle.org 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 FDA and the Science of Safety New Perspectives. T he 2000 FDA Science Forum.14�15 February 2000 Washington D.C. USA. Conference on the role of science in risk assessment organised by the US Food & Drug Administration. Details at www.fda.gov/oc/meetings/ science2000.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 26th International Congress on Occupational Health. 27 Aug�1 Sept 2000 Singapore. The Annual Meeting of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). Details from ICOH2000 e-mail icoh2000@post1.com or 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 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 US regs on CD-ROM All 24 volumes of the so-called �Title 40��EPA�s Environmental Regulations�of the US Code of Federal Regulations are available on CD-ROM. The latest oVering updates the regs to the 1998 revision levels. It features 5000+ in-line graphics and instant search and retrieval in PDF file format. Updated information on chemicals regulated under EPA�s Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) has also been published. A new CD-ROM lists 62 000 chemicals cross-referenced with their SARA Title III reporting requirements. The data is also cross-referenced to the EPA PMN Canadian DSL/NDSL and European ELINCS conventions.A third CD-ROM set presents a database of over 225 000 Material Safety Data Sheets. The set features the Environmental Reporting Assist File and Registry of Lists databases. Details on all three products are available from www.env-sol.com/ solutions/ UK site data A new commercial service called Sitescope oVers extensive property and Info gateways environmental data for sites in England andWales. Aspects covered include abstraction licences chemical release inventories discharge consents hazardous sites landfill sites to name a few. The data can be searched either by postcode or by national grid reference to determine particular environmental risks on or around any site and is available on CD-ROM. Catalytic Data L td www.sitescope.co.uk Canada expands OHS data The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is expanding its CCINFOweb Internet service.This now includes the International Labour Organisation�s CISILO database covering occupational health and safety literature worldwide. In addition CCINFOweb now includes the NIOSHTIC database from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and HSELINE from the UK�s HSE Information Service. The subscription based service now runs to over 400 000 records. CCOHS www.ccohs.org German Internet data Air and water quality monitoring data from around Germany are available on a new website. Aimed mainly at members of the public the site covers four air pollutants�sulfur dioxide nitrogen oxides ozone and particulates�and 40 water-borne pollutants from various monitoring points around the country.The site is at www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-infodaten/ daten/schadsto Biotech means business Scientific publisher STN International has added the BIOCOMMERCE database to its on-line oVering. BIOCOMMERCE covers business aspects of biotechnology and the biological sciences worldwide. Information contained in the database includes company news and financial data product news research results patents and technology licensing. STN is also oVering FROSTI a database on food sci operated by EPA which have seen major updates recently (in content rather than presentation) include Alternative Fuels www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/fuels/ altfuels/altfuels.htm Great Lakes Programme www.epa.gov/glnpo National Nutrient Criteria Development www.epa.gov/ost/standards/nutrient.html Superfund Reforms www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/ reforms.index.htm Watershed Information Network www.epa.gov/win Laboratory.com Laboratory Network is an online community for the analytical sciences.The site is aimed at chemists researchers laboratory managers and research directors. Coverage includes daily news updates and reports on business and technology trends within the industry. Surfers can sign up for a free subscription to a weekly newsletter which includes news and product reviews (mainly related to the US market). If you like what you see you can also purchase laboratory equipment and supplies. The site is at www.laboratorynetwork.com Cyber Hospital A major new resource for health professionals has been launched in the UK.Cyber-Hospital aims to provide one-stop access to medical information for doctors and associated professionals in the medical industry. Services on oVer include the latest medical news a library of research findings from around the world careers advice and training resources. Involvement is being sought from commercial interests as well as the medical world. www.cyber-hospital.org.uk Online chemistry The Royal Society of Chemistry has launched an online periodic table as part of a collaborative project in science and the visual arts. The online table features pictorial interpretations of all the elements together with brief descriptions of their properties and uses. A selection of desktop patterns screens and screensavers is available for download.Details at www.chemsoc.org/viselements Distance learning A new service oVers scientists access to work-based training through use of distance learning technologies. Science Learning Center is a career development tool that aims to teach scientists workplace skills. www.sciencelearning.com Newsletters Latest editions of some occasional newsletters accessible on-line Pesticides News No. 43 March 1999. The Journal of the Pesticides Trust with articles on persistent organic pollutants genetically modified organisms residues in food pesticide issues in developing countries and use of pesticides on aircraft. Plus book reviews and on-line sources. www.gn.apc.org/ pesticidestrust/pn43.htm Environmental Health & Safety News No. 8 April 1999. An occasional newsletter from OECD with updates on OECD�s work on testing guidelines endocrine disruptors good laboratory practice chemicals management risk assessment the High Production Volume Chemicals programme pesticides chemical accidents and biotechnology.www.oecd.org/ehs Science and the Environment Bulletin No. 11March/April 1999. Environment Canada�s on-line newsletter with articles on phytoremediation mercury pollution in the Arctic bio-markers as indicators of chemical pollution air contamination in the St Lawrence river valley and water quality in the Third World. www.doe.ca EPA Newsletters Latest issues of numerous newsletters issued by EPA agencies covering virtually all aspects of EPA�s work can be accessed from the EPA Newsletters homepage www.epa.gov/epahome/newslett.htm. Many are available through free e-mail subscription. J. Environ. Monit. 1999 1 47