A Risk-Management Strategy for PCB-Contaminated Sediments

A Risk-Management Strategy for PCB-Contaminated Sediments PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2001-06-07

Total Pages: 451

ISBN-13: 0309073219

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This book provides a risk-based framework for developing and implementing strategies to manage PCB-contaminated sediments at sites around the country. The framework has seven stages, beginning with problem definition, continuing through assessment of risks and management options, and ending with an evaluation of the success of the management strategy. At the center of the framework is continuous and active involvement of all affected parties-particularly communities-in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the management strategy. A Risk-Management Strategy for PCB-Contaminated Sediments emphasizes the need to consider all risks at a contaminated site, not just human health and ecological effects, but also the social, cultural, and economic impacts. Given the controversy that has arisen at many PCB-contaminated sites, this book provides a consistent, yet flexible, approach for dealing with the many issues associated with assessing and managing the risks at Superfund and other contaminated sites.

Hazards, Decontamination, and Replacement of PCB

Hazards, Decontamination, and Replacement of PCB PDF

Author: Jean-Pierre Crine

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 1461307473

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Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are dielectric liquids which have been widely used in various industries for more than 50 years because of their supposed nonflammabi 1 i ty and thei r chemical inertness. Recent acc idents all over the world have shown PCBs can burn and their combustion by products (dioxines, furanes, etc.) are highly toxic. In fact, confusion has been created in the pub 1 ie mind between the dangers and hazards induced by PCBs themselves and those generated by their byproducts. Meanwhile, PCB pollution and toxicity is a major concern for regulating agencies, such as EPA in the United States and industry. Most Western countries now ban PCB production and strictly control their use. However, enormous amounts of PCB remain in use and their safe handling, destruction and replacement are heavy burdens for industrial users. PCB pollution and its side effects are the subject of various studies with recent conferences devoted to these PCB studies. Thus a large body of specialized information now exists on the environmental, medical, bio logical and safety aspects of PCB handling, use, cleaning and decontami nation. However, no single comprehensive publication is yet available which deals with all the problems associated with PCBs. The major objective of the present book is to provide such a guide for PCB users. One interest of this book is that it brings together the point of view of scientists from widely different backgrounds: biologists, physicians, environmentalists, toxicologists, chemists, electrical engineers, etc.

Environmental Medicine

Environmental Medicine PDF

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1995-05-28

Total Pages: 988

ISBN-13: 0309051401

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People are increasingly concerned about potential environmental health hazards and often ask their physicians questions such as: "Is the tap water safe to drink?" "Is it safe to live near power lines?" Unfortunately, physicians often lack the information and training related to environmental health risks needed to answer such questions. This book discusses six competency based learning objectives for all medical school students, discusses the relevance of environmental health to specific courses and clerkships, and demonstrates how to integrate environmental health into the curriculum through published case studies, some of which are included in one of the book's three appendices. Also included is a guide on where to obtain additional information for treatment, referral, and follow-up for diseases with possible environmental and/or occupational origins.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Polychlorinated Biphenyls PDF

Author: Obaid Faroon

Publisher: WHO

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13:

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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, produced commercially since 1929 for use in a variety of products including plastics and adhesives, surface coatings, inks, flame retardants, pesticides and paints. PCBs are environmentally persistent, and accumulate in the food chain. They are designated by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as persistent pollutants, and many countries have severely restricted or banned the production of PCBs. This report evaluates the effects of PCBs on human health, caused due to exposure by inhaling contaminated air or ingesting contaminated food and water.

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Toxic Metals in Foods

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Toxic Metals in Foods PDF

Author: Martin Rose

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-05-15

Total Pages: 514

ISBN-13: 0857098918

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Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and toxic elements, such as dioxins, flame retardants, lead and mercury, are substances of major concern for the food industry, the regulator and the public. They persist in the environment, accumulate in food chains and may adversely affect human health if ingested over certain levels or with prolonged exposure. Persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals in foods explores the scientific and regulatory challenges of ensuring that our food is safe to eat. Part one provides an overview of regulatory efforts to screen, monitor and control persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in foods and includes case studies detailing regulatory responses to food contamination incidents. Part two moves on to highlight particular POPs, toxic metals and metalloids in foods, including dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalates. Persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals in foods is a standard reference for those in the food industry responsible for food safety, laboratories testing for food chemical safety, regulatory authorities responsible for ensuring the safety of food, and researchers in industry and academia interested in the science supporting food chemical safety. Includes case studies which detail regulatory responses to food contamination incidents Considers the uptake and transfer of persistent organic pollutants in the food chain and the risk assessment of contaminates in food Details perticular persistent organic pollutants, toxic metals and metalloids in foods including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), mercury and arsenic among others

Waste Incineration and Public Health

Waste Incineration and Public Health PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2000-10-21

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 030906371X

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Incineration has been used widely for waste disposal, including household, hazardous, and medical wasteâ€"but there is increasing public concern over the benefits of combusting the waste versus the health risk from pollutants emitted during combustion. Waste Incineration and Public Health informs the emerging debate with the most up-to-date information available on incineration, pollution, and human healthâ€"along with expert conclusions and recommendations for further research and improvement of such areas as risk communication. The committee provides details on: Processes involved in incineration and how contaminants are released. Environmental dynamics of contaminants and routes of human exposure. Tools and approaches for assessing possible human health effects. Scientific concerns pertinent to future regulatory actions. The book also examines some of the social, psychological, and economic factors that affect the communities where incineration takes place and addresses the problem of uncertainty and variation in predicting the health effects of incineration processes.