It is the metric that allows us to calculate human pressure on the planet. World Footprint. Footprint results are often presented in global acres (ga), rather than global hectares. For example; one U.S. acre is equal to 0.405 hectares. (A hectare is approximately the size of a soccer field.)
Today humanity uses the equivalent of 1.4 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. This means, it now takes the Earth one year and five months to regenerate what we use in a year. If everyone lived the lifestyle of the average American we would need five planets.
It is stated that the Moderate UN scenarios suggest that if current population and consumption trends continue, by the middle of the next decade we will need the equivalent of two Earths to support us. And of course, we only have one.
Turning resources into waste faster than waste can be turned back into resources puts us in global ecological overshoot, depleting the very resources on which human life and biodiversity depend. Global overshoot occurs when humanity's demand on nature exceeds the biosphere's supply, or regenerative capacity. An overshoot leads to a depletion of Earth's life supporting natural capital and a buildup of waste. At the global level, ecological deficit and overshoot are the same, since there is no net-import of resources to the planet. Local overshoot occurs when a local ecosystem is exploited more rapidly than it can renew itself. Overshoot also contributes to resource conflicts and wars, mass migrations, famine, disease and other human tragedies—and tends to have a disproportionate impact on the poor, who cannot buy their way out of the problem by getting resources from somewhere else.
Fossil fuel; by examining the true cost of our fossil fuel dependent lifestyle and why humans tend to overexploit natural resources. American consumers and businesses already spend roughly $700 billion to $1 trillion each year on coal, oil and natural gas, and suffer the incalculable costs of pollution from fossil fuels through damage to our health and environment. If America continues along a business-as-usual energy path, U.S. fossil fuel spending is likely to grow, totaling an estimated $23 trillion between 2010 and 2030.
Results are; collapsing fisheries, diminishing forest cover, depletion of fresh water systems, and the buildup of pollution and waste, which creates problems like global climate change. These are just a few of the most noticeable effects of overshoot.
What can we do to help conserve resources and reduce our impact on the planet?
By being more conscious of our Environmental ethics. Environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its nonhuman contents. The technological advancement of the human race has allowed us to become the dominant species on Earth. But it is ethically wrong to destroy the living and non-living parts of the Earth’s biosphere for the benefit of the technological advancement of human society. Even though most humans on Earth have some traces of chemicals in their body, At least we have one less concern, is that BPP is not a chemical found in human breast milk.
Managing or ecological assets is essential for humanity’s survival and success. As we have learned, the Earth provides all that we need to live and thrive. So in order to live within our means, we as individuals and institutions worldwide must begin to recognize our ecological limits. We can start by using our decision-making and use human ingenuity to find new ways to live, within the Earth’s bounds. We do this by investing in technology and infrastructure that will allow us to operate in a resource constrained world. Also, by taking individual action, and creating the public demand for businesses and policy makers to participate.
Sustainably
We must develop solutions that protect both our quality of life and the environment. Some solutions include the following:
· Organic agriculture
· Use of technology in ways to reduce consumption and pollution, by using public transportation whenever possible.
· Biodiversity - Protect species
· Waste disposal - Reduce and reuse
· Alternative fuels
· Changes in mindset and lifestyle
· Go to this website for more ideas on how to live sustainably (click on the link for “Food & Drink”, “House”, “Garden”, “Transport”, “Work”, “Recreation”, “Goods”, “Services” and “Waste”) http://www.naturalstrategies.com.au/sustainable_living_guide/sustainable_living_guide
Sustainability:
· Leaves future generations with a rich and full Earth
· Conserves the Earth’s natural resources
· Maintains fully functioning ecological systems
Through sustainable development, we can use resources to satisfy current needs without compromising future availability of resources.
What is being done? Global Footprint Network is pleased to announce the release of the Ecological Footprint Standards 2009. The Standards build on the first set of internationally recognized Ecological Footprint Standards, released in 2006, and include key updates – such as, for the first time, providing standards and guidelines for product and organizational Footprint assessments. National governments using the Footprint are able to:
1. Assess the value of their country’s ecological assets
2. Monitor and manage their assets
3. Identify the risks associated with ecological deficits
4. Set policy that is informed by ecological reality and makes safeguarding resources a top priority
5. Measure progress toward their goals
What the federal government, along with the states, can do to TAKE ACTION to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. They should:
* Reduce the nation’s emissions of global warming pollutants deeply enough to prevent dangerous impacts from global warming, guided by the latest scientific understanding. The United States should adopt an emissions cap and other policies that will reduce global warming pollution by 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, and implement strict rules for carbon “offsets” to ensure that efforts to reduce emissions are successful.
* Ensure that a cap-and-trade program used to achieve those targets directs the revenues gained through the sale of allowances for public purposes. One hundred percent of emission allowances should be auctioned, with the revenues used for investments in clean energy and to benefit consumers.
* Ensure that America generates at least 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power by 2025.
* Strengthen energy efficiency standards and codes for appliances and buildings, with the goal of reducing energy consumption in new buildings by 50 percent by 2020 and ensuring that all new buildings use zero net energy by 2030.
* Promote the development and implementation of clean transportation infrastructure, including improving the fuel economy of light- and heavy-duty vehicles, reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels, and promoting plug-in vehicles, public transportation and high-speed intercity rail.
* Ramp up investment in solar power through tax credits, specific targets in state renewable electricity standards, requirements for “solar ready homes,” rebate programs, and other measures.
* End subsidies to fossil fuel industries
No human can live on an Earth that does not function. (This is why this course is of most importance.) smile
References:
http://my.uopeople.org/mod/book/view.php?id=2191&chapterid=1700
http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/new-energy-future/new-energy-future/the-high-cost-of-fossil-fuels
Sabtu, 05 Juni 2010
Kamis, 03 Juni 2010
"Volatile Organic compounds"
Just a quick introductory note: the are chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds and they are what we humans "smell" in almost everything. They are chemicals that have interesting structures and "melt" into the air very easily... and so many of them are suspected to cause cancer.
auto-products -- gold old fashioned Quaker State 10w-30 motor oil. Every engine on this planet earth uses it or a near cousin to it. Every day thousands of gallons of it are drained into the ground, thrown away in the trash, or burned in bulk burners. This waste oil usually has a nigh amount of gasoline or diesel residue. It poisons soil. It fouls and contaminates ground water. Burning it releases all manner of benzenes and Volatile Organic Compoounds into the air. It is painfully easy to recycle but people use and abuse this material with abandon.
inside homes -- air fresheners. Fabreze, Glade, Airwick are all names we recognize. People are obsessed with spraying all manner of perfumes in the home but they are unconscious to the organic chemistry involved. All these products in spray and solid form are "Volatile organic compounds" with means they are usually chemicals with interesting chemical bonding arrangements. These chemicals have a way of working their way into the body where they are incorporated into organs, and cells and cause cancer -- thats right, VOCs are typically carcinogenics.
pesticides -- Decon, VetKem, Ortho insecticides almost all brands use chemicals called pyrethins. This material is actually natural and comes from the chrysanthemum flow (and almost all production comes from the country of Kenya.) Pyrethins kill bugs by acting on the nerve systems... they are what makes the bugs lay on their backs and twitch as they die. They are a potent nerve toxin and would probably be very poisonous to people if they were misused. But they breakdown easily in the environment. They are non-selective which means they are extremely toxic to honey bees which make modern agriculture possible.
landscape-yard -- defoliants and herbicides all come from a plant growth hormone called triiodobenzoic acid which was discovered in 1943. Basically it causes plant to "kick into overdrive" when the plant is young so it consumes its own sugars faster than it make it. The plant (undesirable weeds) grow themselves to death by burnout. This is not a problem. During the Vietnam War triiodobenzoic acid was used as "agent Orange" to defoliate whole forests by spraying from airplanes. The problem was that the triiodobenzoic acid was contaminated with another chemical called dioxins which cause severe birth defects. This material was in many, many products in use all over the world but no one had ever been exposed to the high concentrations of it before Viet Nam. It was the horrible documented cases of severe birth defects that called peoples attention to the dioxins. Dioxin contamination is found in soil and water all over the world even today from the heavy usage of 50 years ago.
personal care -- perfumes. Perfumes, like air fresheners, are full of Volatile organic compounds. Womens and men apply these pretty colored beautifully smelling materials directly to their skin with no consideration whatsoever that they are painting themselves with carcinogens. home maintenance -- oven cleaners, degreasers, gunk removers, stain remover are all mixtures of distillates of petroleum... thats right, the Volatile Organic compounds again! Benzenes, Alkenes, ethers! Everything you could imagine going into the air but also going down the drain to contaminate the ground water supply of your local community. How many times do we have to say that VOCs are carcinogens?
arts and crafts -- almost all paint now is some form of microscopic acrylics and plastics in a glue but for hundreds of years they were chemical salts of heavy metals in a glue or resin. Chrome, Cadmium, Lead, uranium, copper were the dominant metals used in paint chemistry. Children's
paint sets were judged high quality by the extensive array of colors they contained. people painted as a hobby or as a job. people washed the paints down the drain. The water is polluted with heavy metals. Heavy metals cause organ and nerve damage in mammals, fish, amphibians...
pet care -- every animal is plagued by insects. these insects carry disease as viruses, bacteria, and ever microscopic organisms. The way to keep your pet or your livestock safe and healthy is to treat them with insecticides. What is the seed of almost all insecticides? Pyrethins!! What was it? A Neuro-Toxin!! It is a matter of risks and benefits. clearly pyrethins when used in the correct and safe manner are a beneficial material keeping insect borne diseases in check.
home office -- freon dusters. For years in the United states and Europe you could buy cans of "air" to blow away dust from electronic devices and computer equipment. These were cans of Freon R12 which was the same material in car air conditioner systems. This material, in the presence of UV radiation in the upper atmosphere knocks the third oxygen atom off of the Ozone molecule with almost no input energy. No on wants to believe that their little can of dusting agent caused the whole in the Ozone layer but how else did the Freon get there?
auto-products -- gold old fashioned Quaker State 10w-30 motor oil. Every engine on this planet earth uses it or a near cousin to it. Every day thousands of gallons of it are drained into the ground, thrown away in the trash, or burned in bulk burners. This waste oil usually has a nigh amount of gasoline or diesel residue. It poisons soil. It fouls and contaminates ground water. Burning it releases all manner of benzenes and Volatile Organic Compoounds into the air. It is painfully easy to recycle but people use and abuse this material with abandon.
inside homes -- air fresheners. Fabreze, Glade, Airwick are all names we recognize. People are obsessed with spraying all manner of perfumes in the home but they are unconscious to the organic chemistry involved. All these products in spray and solid form are "Volatile organic compounds" with means they are usually chemicals with interesting chemical bonding arrangements. These chemicals have a way of working their way into the body where they are incorporated into organs, and cells and cause cancer -- thats right, VOCs are typically carcinogenics.
pesticides -- Decon, VetKem, Ortho insecticides almost all brands use chemicals called pyrethins. This material is actually natural and comes from the chrysanthemum flow (and almost all production comes from the country of Kenya.) Pyrethins kill bugs by acting on the nerve systems... they are what makes the bugs lay on their backs and twitch as they die. They are a potent nerve toxin and would probably be very poisonous to people if they were misused. But they breakdown easily in the environment. They are non-selective which means they are extremely toxic to honey bees which make modern agriculture possible.
landscape-yard -- defoliants and herbicides all come from a plant growth hormone called triiodobenzoic acid which was discovered in 1943. Basically it causes plant to "kick into overdrive" when the plant is young so it consumes its own sugars faster than it make it. The plant (undesirable weeds) grow themselves to death by burnout. This is not a problem. During the Vietnam War triiodobenzoic acid was used as "agent Orange" to defoliate whole forests by spraying from airplanes. The problem was that the triiodobenzoic acid was contaminated with another chemical called dioxins which cause severe birth defects. This material was in many, many products in use all over the world but no one had ever been exposed to the high concentrations of it before Viet Nam. It was the horrible documented cases of severe birth defects that called peoples attention to the dioxins. Dioxin contamination is found in soil and water all over the world even today from the heavy usage of 50 years ago.
personal care -- perfumes. Perfumes, like air fresheners, are full of Volatile organic compounds. Womens and men apply these pretty colored beautifully smelling materials directly to their skin with no consideration whatsoever that they are painting themselves with carcinogens. home maintenance -- oven cleaners, degreasers, gunk removers, stain remover are all mixtures of distillates of petroleum... thats right, the Volatile Organic compounds again! Benzenes, Alkenes, ethers! Everything you could imagine going into the air but also going down the drain to contaminate the ground water supply of your local community. How many times do we have to say that VOCs are carcinogens?
arts and crafts -- almost all paint now is some form of microscopic acrylics and plastics in a glue but for hundreds of years they were chemical salts of heavy metals in a glue or resin. Chrome, Cadmium, Lead, uranium, copper were the dominant metals used in paint chemistry. Children's
paint sets were judged high quality by the extensive array of colors they contained. people painted as a hobby or as a job. people washed the paints down the drain. The water is polluted with heavy metals. Heavy metals cause organ and nerve damage in mammals, fish, amphibians...
pet care -- every animal is plagued by insects. these insects carry disease as viruses, bacteria, and ever microscopic organisms. The way to keep your pet or your livestock safe and healthy is to treat them with insecticides. What is the seed of almost all insecticides? Pyrethins!! What was it? A Neuro-Toxin!! It is a matter of risks and benefits. clearly pyrethins when used in the correct and safe manner are a beneficial material keeping insect borne diseases in check.
home office -- freon dusters. For years in the United states and Europe you could buy cans of "air" to blow away dust from electronic devices and computer equipment. These were cans of Freon R12 which was the same material in car air conditioner systems. This material, in the presence of UV radiation in the upper atmosphere knocks the third oxygen atom off of the Ozone molecule with almost no input energy. No on wants to believe that their little can of dusting agent caused the whole in the Ozone layer but how else did the Freon get there?
Auto products
Air Freshener Glade Car Scented Oil, Ocean Blue
Manufacturer: SC Johnson, Inc.
May cause moderate eye irritation, mouth, throat and stomach irritation, or drying/defatting of skin. So, has a moderate effect on human health. Not surprising, since just like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully, considering that direct irritation with human body will have rather negative, though, in this case, not severe damage.
Landscape/Yard
Tile Cleaner Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile Cleaner
Manufacturer: Aqua Mix, Inc.
Used for Home maintenance
Vapors or mists may irritate nose or throat. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause dryness of skin. May cause nausea and/or diarrhea, some discomfort of the digestive tract.
Though the products has minimal health effect, it still, like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully. It’s logical, not surprising.
Arts & Crafts
Rainbow Rock Tie Dye used in arts and crafts
Manufacturer: Duncan Enterprises
Contact with eyes and skin may result in irritation. Ingestion may result in gastric disturbances. Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation. The manufacturer, however, does not provide any information about the effect on health. Therefore, it is not something I would trust.
Inside The Home
Calgon Water Softener (Liquid)
Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.
Eye irritant. Product not tested for inhalation toxicity. Harmful if swallowed. May cause skin irritation.
In general, has a moderate health effect. Not surprising, since just like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully, considering that direct irritation with human body will have rather negative effect.
Personal Care
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Size 4, 22-37 lbs
Product Category: Personal Care » Babies & Kids » diapers
Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble Co. No information regarding effect on health is provided by the manufacturer of this product. No wonder – what company would tell if a product for babies is dangerous? So, we never know… That is sad. If the product was absolutely safe, they would, I believe, directly write it on the packaging.
Pet Care
Farnam Fresh & Free Fabric Freshener & Flea Control
Product Category: Pet Care » Flea & Tick Control (indoor/outdoor) » indoor
Excessive inhalation can cause nasal and respiratory irritation. Can also cause headaches and dizziness.
Ingestion can cause stomach irritation, resulting in nausea, cramps, and vomiting.
Can cause temporary irritation, tearing, and blurred vision.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause mild dermatitis
Not surprising – if it kills fleas, it can, in a proper amount, kill a human.
Pesticides
Product Name: Cutter Pocket-Size Outdoorsman Insect Repellent Lotion
Product Category: Personal Care » Skin Care » insect repellent
Harmful if swallowed. May cause eye injury.
Has a moderate effect on health. Not surprising – any product of our chemical industry should be used carefully.
Home Maintenance
Product Name: Behr Premium Plus No. 558 Interior Flat Ceiling Paint
Manufacturer: Behr Process Corp.
Product Category: Home maintenance » Ceiling » paint, acrylic latex
his product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Harmful if swallowed. Contains: ethylene glycol. May cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Vapor odors may cause irritation in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Available toxicology, chemical and physical data show that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate any medical condition.
And thought this product is known to cause cancer and birth defects, what I wonder is why such products are still on the market!?!?
Home Office
Product Name: Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker, All Colors
Product Category: permanent markers
Manufacturer: Sanford Corporation
This product is considered safe under normal use conditions.
Well, here is where I get surprised. Considering it contains certain chemicals, I wonder how it has totally no effect on human health. Or we just arent’ told about it: “No information provided by manufacturer”?????
Air Freshener Glade Car Scented Oil, Ocean Blue
Manufacturer: SC Johnson, Inc.
May cause moderate eye irritation, mouth, throat and stomach irritation, or drying/defatting of skin. So, has a moderate effect on human health. Not surprising, since just like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully, considering that direct irritation with human body will have rather negative, though, in this case, not severe damage.
Landscape/Yard
Tile Cleaner Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile Cleaner
Manufacturer: Aqua Mix, Inc.
Used for Home maintenance
Vapors or mists may irritate nose or throat. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause dryness of skin. May cause nausea and/or diarrhea, some discomfort of the digestive tract.
Though the products has minimal health effect, it still, like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully. It’s logical, not surprising.
Arts & Crafts
Rainbow Rock Tie Dye used in arts and crafts
Manufacturer: Duncan Enterprises
Contact with eyes and skin may result in irritation. Ingestion may result in gastric disturbances. Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation. The manufacturer, however, does not provide any information about the effect on health. Therefore, it is not something I would trust.
Inside The Home
Calgon Water Softener (Liquid)
Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.
Eye irritant. Product not tested for inhalation toxicity. Harmful if swallowed. May cause skin irritation.
In general, has a moderate health effect. Not surprising, since just like any product of chemical production, should be handled carefully, considering that direct irritation with human body will have rather negative effect.
Personal Care
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Size 4, 22-37 lbs
Product Category: Personal Care » Babies & Kids » diapers
Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble Co. No information regarding effect on health is provided by the manufacturer of this product. No wonder – what company would tell if a product for babies is dangerous? So, we never know… That is sad. If the product was absolutely safe, they would, I believe, directly write it on the packaging.
Pet Care
Farnam Fresh & Free Fabric Freshener & Flea Control
Product Category: Pet Care » Flea & Tick Control (indoor/outdoor) » indoor
Excessive inhalation can cause nasal and respiratory irritation. Can also cause headaches and dizziness.
Ingestion can cause stomach irritation, resulting in nausea, cramps, and vomiting.
Can cause temporary irritation, tearing, and blurred vision.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause mild dermatitis
Not surprising – if it kills fleas, it can, in a proper amount, kill a human.
Pesticides
Product Name: Cutter Pocket-Size Outdoorsman Insect Repellent Lotion
Product Category: Personal Care » Skin Care » insect repellent
Harmful if swallowed. May cause eye injury.
Has a moderate effect on health. Not surprising – any product of our chemical industry should be used carefully.
Home Maintenance
Product Name: Behr Premium Plus No. 558 Interior Flat Ceiling Paint
Manufacturer: Behr Process Corp.
Product Category: Home maintenance » Ceiling » paint, acrylic latex
his product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Harmful if swallowed. Contains: ethylene glycol. May cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Vapor odors may cause irritation in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Available toxicology, chemical and physical data show that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate any medical condition.
And thought this product is known to cause cancer and birth defects, what I wonder is why such products are still on the market!?!?
Home Office
Product Name: Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker, All Colors
Product Category: permanent markers
Manufacturer: Sanford Corporation
This product is considered safe under normal use conditions.
Well, here is where I get surprised. Considering it contains certain chemicals, I wonder how it has totally no effect on human health. Or we just arent’ told about it: “No information provided by manufacturer”?????
Human effect produced by products we use.
Every day brings us the new tasks doing which we must deal with various products. Are there any genera typical rules to be adhered during use of these products? Is knowledge an essential element, or maybe it is better to save time not looking into the products’ manuals. Following are 9 products from different categories and by different producers. What common do they have?
1) First Product taken from the Auto products category is Auto Air Conditioning Refrigerant 134a 12 oz. This product is manufactured by Interdynamics, Inc for charging the refrigeration devices. The product is under the pressure and can be treated with care not incinerated and heated. To be kept out of reach of children as there are many limitations in its use. Actually this product does not belong to the group of toxic products, however it can explode if exposed to heat, it may cause damage of overcooling if exposed to the body. It is really surprising to me, that seemingly safe product can cause damage to body and even kill a person, if used incorrectly.
2) Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=9005001
Second product represents Inside the Home category. The selected product is Comet Limescale Remover produced by Prestige Brands Company, used in bathroom for removal comet and limestone. This product can cause skin irritation. May cause the eye irritation effect similar with soap. Produces no Chronic Health effects, no carcinogenic effects.
It seems strange that this product characterized as having no inhalation effects due to its liquid nature. Personally I have experience when similar products exposed on leafing aluminum reacted with it producing complete decomposition delivering specific chemical smell.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003030
3) Next product belongs to the pesticides category. It is Monsanto Aqua Master Herbicide produced by Monsanto Company. Herbicide is used to kill the weed. It is a powder dissolved in water and then to be sprinkled on the weeds. This product is considered non toxic however hazardous for humans and animals. All works to be done in protective clothes. Body to be carefully cleaned afterwards. This product has Acute oral toxicity, if all use recommendation adhered to the product it is practically safe. Carcinogenicity: From MSDS quoted as none known. There is another recommendation "keep out of drains, sewers, ditches and water ways."
It is strange that this product is described as non toxic and so strict safety rules should be adhered. Most evidently its long time effect has not been completely studied, and it is dangerous for leaking into ground waters.
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) . Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=13019013
4) Next product belongs to the Masonry/Stone category. It is Quikrete Bulk Masonry Mortars No. 1162. It is a mortar which is usually used for masonry works in construction. The producer of this mortar is Quikrete Companies. Mortars usually exposed to moisture and then become alkaline. It is dangerous by irritating skin, especially careful to be with eyes. Dust is dangerous for the upper respiratory system. Toxic effects are noted on animals.
It is new for me, that such commonly used in construction product is so dangerous because of silica moreover it is carcinogenic "there is evidence that exposure to reparable silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of Scleroderma, tuberculosis and kidney disorders."
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=17002080
5) Next product belongs to the Personal Care category. It is Boss No. 6 Cologne by Hugo Boss For Men-Old Product. The manufacturer of this product is well known Procter & Gamble Co. This product has practically no warnings, except of possible skin irritation. However it is a fragrance and should be treated appropriately, safe from eye contact, not inhaled. This product has no chronic effects given, no information given about carcinogenicity.
Personally I used this product and I'm pleased that this product is safe. However I didn’t know that it can produce skin irritation.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003455
6) Next product belongs to the Home Maintenance Category. It is Champion Sprayon Paint Off. The manufacturer of this product is Chase Products Co. This aerosol product is used for removal of the old paint, a very useful product at home. However this product has many dangerous effects, it is strong irritant and carcinogen. "Carcinogenicity Effects - Methylene chloride has been shown to increase the rate of spontaneously occurring malignant tumors in one strain of laboratory mouse and benign tumors in laboratory rats." It can really be frustrating after using this product and exposing to develop irritation or even cancer.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010).Household Products Database - Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=3028059
7) Next product belongs to the Home Arts & Crafts Category. It is Loctite Extra Time Epoxy-02/05/2002. The manufacturer of this product is Henkel Consumer Adhesives Div., The Henkel Group. This commonly used product seems dangerous as contains polymercaptan amine and nonylphenol. The eye contact to be avoided. It can produce acute health effects because of its toxicity: it is irritant cause skin burns may not be inhaled, it is allergic. It is not carcinogenic and has no chronic health effects.
Really usual glue and can cause allergy! It is new for me!
Reference
Ntp. (2010) Household Products Database - Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=8019001
8) Next product belongs to the Pet Care Category. It is Cat Away Indoor & Outdoor Repellent Pump Spray. The manufacturer of this product is Farnam Companies, Inc.Div. Central Life Sciences. One of the main warnings is not to treat pet near food. The other caution is to keep out of reach of children. To be avoided contact especially with eyes. It is not to be exposed to flame, due to risk of burns. The potential health effect is in swallowing and breathing vapors. It produces no chronic health effects, not carcinogenic.
All the cautions given are reasonable, and it is not surprising for me that the elementary caution rules are needed.
Reference
Household Products Database -. (2010). Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=6010047
9) Next product belongs to the Home Office Category. It is HP Inkjet Printing Ink Cartridge C9369 - No. 99 Black, Cyan, Magenta. The manufacturer of this product is Hewlett-Packard Company. Main hazard of this products brings exposure to the components 2-Pyrrolidone, 1,5-Pentanediol, ethyl alkyldiol, alkyldiol ethoxylate, substituted phthalocyanine salt. Each of these elements is dangerous for health especially for eyes causing irritation, and swallowing. Substituted phthalocyanine salt can produce chronic effects: "Prolonged ingestion exposure may cause damage to health."Non carcinogenic.
The danger is of cartridge ink is not surprising to me. May be this danger even diminished, as I know that inks inhalation at printing can produce dangerous leaver diseases.
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010). Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=8020033
Taking to consideration the above findings I came to conclusion, that some information thereof manuals is slightly surprising to me, so the recommendation is: always read manual to the new product. Next recommendation is common to the whole group - never give products to children, expose on food products, inhale and swallow. The third recommendation is always wash your hands after use. The fourth is if you may have got some more serious damage go to the doctor.
1) First Product taken from the Auto products category is Auto Air Conditioning Refrigerant 134a 12 oz. This product is manufactured by Interdynamics, Inc for charging the refrigeration devices. The product is under the pressure and can be treated with care not incinerated and heated. To be kept out of reach of children as there are many limitations in its use. Actually this product does not belong to the group of toxic products, however it can explode if exposed to heat, it may cause damage of overcooling if exposed to the body. It is really surprising to me, that seemingly safe product can cause damage to body and even kill a person, if used incorrectly.
2) Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=9005001
Second product represents Inside the Home category. The selected product is Comet Limescale Remover produced by Prestige Brands Company, used in bathroom for removal comet and limestone. This product can cause skin irritation. May cause the eye irritation effect similar with soap. Produces no Chronic Health effects, no carcinogenic effects.
It seems strange that this product characterized as having no inhalation effects due to its liquid nature. Personally I have experience when similar products exposed on leafing aluminum reacted with it producing complete decomposition delivering specific chemical smell.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003030
3) Next product belongs to the pesticides category. It is Monsanto Aqua Master Herbicide produced by Monsanto Company. Herbicide is used to kill the weed. It is a powder dissolved in water and then to be sprinkled on the weeds. This product is considered non toxic however hazardous for humans and animals. All works to be done in protective clothes. Body to be carefully cleaned afterwards. This product has Acute oral toxicity, if all use recommendation adhered to the product it is practically safe. Carcinogenicity: From MSDS quoted as none known. There is another recommendation "keep out of drains, sewers, ditches and water ways."
It is strange that this product is described as non toxic and so strict safety rules should be adhered. Most evidently its long time effect has not been completely studied, and it is dangerous for leaking into ground waters.
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) . Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=13019013
4) Next product belongs to the Masonry/Stone category. It is Quikrete Bulk Masonry Mortars No. 1162. It is a mortar which is usually used for masonry works in construction. The producer of this mortar is Quikrete Companies. Mortars usually exposed to moisture and then become alkaline. It is dangerous by irritating skin, especially careful to be with eyes. Dust is dangerous for the upper respiratory system. Toxic effects are noted on animals.
It is new for me, that such commonly used in construction product is so dangerous because of silica moreover it is carcinogenic "there is evidence that exposure to reparable silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of Scleroderma, tuberculosis and kidney disorders."
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=17002080
5) Next product belongs to the Personal Care category. It is Boss No. 6 Cologne by Hugo Boss For Men-Old Product. The manufacturer of this product is well known Procter & Gamble Co. This product has practically no warnings, except of possible skin irritation. However it is a fragrance and should be treated appropriately, safe from eye contact, not inhaled. This product has no chronic effects given, no information given about carcinogenicity.
Personally I used this product and I'm pleased that this product is safe. However I didn’t know that it can produce skin irritation.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010) Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003455
6) Next product belongs to the Home Maintenance Category. It is Champion Sprayon Paint Off. The manufacturer of this product is Chase Products Co. This aerosol product is used for removal of the old paint, a very useful product at home. However this product has many dangerous effects, it is strong irritant and carcinogen. "Carcinogenicity Effects - Methylene chloride has been shown to increase the rate of spontaneously occurring malignant tumors in one strain of laboratory mouse and benign tumors in laboratory rats." It can really be frustrating after using this product and exposing to develop irritation or even cancer.
Reference
Household Products Database . (2010).Household Products Database - Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=3028059
7) Next product belongs to the Home Arts & Crafts Category. It is Loctite Extra Time Epoxy-02/05/2002. The manufacturer of this product is Henkel Consumer Adhesives Div., The Henkel Group. This commonly used product seems dangerous as contains polymercaptan amine and nonylphenol. The eye contact to be avoided. It can produce acute health effects because of its toxicity: it is irritant cause skin burns may not be inhaled, it is allergic. It is not carcinogenic and has no chronic health effects.
Really usual glue and can cause allergy! It is new for me!
Reference
Ntp. (2010) Household Products Database - Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=8019001
8) Next product belongs to the Pet Care Category. It is Cat Away Indoor & Outdoor Repellent Pump Spray. The manufacturer of this product is Farnam Companies, Inc.Div. Central Life Sciences. One of the main warnings is not to treat pet near food. The other caution is to keep out of reach of children. To be avoided contact especially with eyes. It is not to be exposed to flame, due to risk of burns. The potential health effect is in swallowing and breathing vapors. It produces no chronic health effects, not carcinogenic.
All the cautions given are reasonable, and it is not surprising for me that the elementary caution rules are needed.
Reference
Household Products Database -. (2010). Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=6010047
9) Next product belongs to the Home Office Category. It is HP Inkjet Printing Ink Cartridge C9369 - No. 99 Black, Cyan, Magenta. The manufacturer of this product is Hewlett-Packard Company. Main hazard of this products brings exposure to the components 2-Pyrrolidone, 1,5-Pentanediol, ethyl alkyldiol, alkyldiol ethoxylate, substituted phthalocyanine salt. Each of these elements is dangerous for health especially for eyes causing irritation, and swallowing. Substituted phthalocyanine salt can produce chronic effects: "Prolonged ingestion exposure may cause damage to health."Non carcinogenic.
The danger is of cartridge ink is not surprising to me. May be this danger even diminished, as I know that inks inhalation at printing can produce dangerous leaver diseases.
Reference
Household Products Database. (2010). Health and Safety Information on Household Products. Retrieved May 30, 2010, from http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=8020033
Taking to consideration the above findings I came to conclusion, that some information thereof manuals is slightly surprising to me, so the recommendation is: always read manual to the new product. Next recommendation is common to the whole group - never give products to children, expose on food products, inhale and swallow. The third recommendation is always wash your hands after use. The fourth is if you may have got some more serious damage go to the doctor.
Senin, 31 Mei 2010
Plastics !
Plastics are used in almost every human society. Because of our widespread use of plastics, it has become a significant source of pollution on Earth.
Describe 6 ways humans use plastics.
1. Plastic wrap: it helps keep meat fresh while protecting it from the poking and prodding fingers of your fellow shoppers.
2. Plastic bottles: we can actually lift an economy-size bottle of juice.
3. Plastics are used in portable phones.
4. Plastic car fenders and body panels resist dings
5. Plastic bags: they require less energy to produce than paper bags and are light to carry.
6. Vinyl siding and windows: they help cut energy consumption.
Give 6 reasons why plastics are so useful to humans.
1. Plastic can be recycled and you will find that when you start recycling you at least save money on trash bags, bottles and cups;
2. Plastic is light and anyone can lift a plastic bag or bottle;
3. We can recycle plastic;
4. If we destroy a plastic item, it’s usually replaceable at a reasonable price;
5. Plastic is cheap to buy and easy to obtain just about anywhere;
6. We can reuse many plastic items such as cups, bags, containers and many other items.
Give 4 consequences of plastic pollution to the environment or wildlife.
1. “Plastic makes up much of the streetside litter found in cities and throughout the countryside, and it’s rapidly filling up our landfills as well;
2. Making new plastic requires significant amounts of fossil fuels;
3. Some studies show that only 10% of plastic bottles created are recycled, leaving that extra 90% to take up space in landfills and killing ocean life;
4. Plastic bottles take up space in landfills. Plastic bottles make up approximately 11% of the contents of landfills;
CONCLUSION
Consider the amount of sheer waste a single meal or even serving produces (“Kraft Singles is second only to Individually Wrapped Breaths of Air ™ in the Most Wasteful Products Award”). Try to reuse glass or Tupperware containers for leftovers instead of plastic wrap. We should store water in the high grade blue plastic bottles only. Ask for tap water with lemon in restaurants.
References:
http://dwb4.unl.edu/Chem/CHEM869E/CHEM869ELinks/www.plasticsresource.com/plastics_101/uses/uses.html
http://www.professorshouse.com/your-home/environmentally-friendly/why-recycle-plastic.aspx
Describe 6 ways humans use plastics.
1. Plastic wrap: it helps keep meat fresh while protecting it from the poking and prodding fingers of your fellow shoppers.
2. Plastic bottles: we can actually lift an economy-size bottle of juice.
3. Plastics are used in portable phones.
4. Plastic car fenders and body panels resist dings
5. Plastic bags: they require less energy to produce than paper bags and are light to carry.
6. Vinyl siding and windows: they help cut energy consumption.
Give 6 reasons why plastics are so useful to humans.
1. Plastic can be recycled and you will find that when you start recycling you at least save money on trash bags, bottles and cups;
2. Plastic is light and anyone can lift a plastic bag or bottle;
3. We can recycle plastic;
4. If we destroy a plastic item, it’s usually replaceable at a reasonable price;
5. Plastic is cheap to buy and easy to obtain just about anywhere;
6. We can reuse many plastic items such as cups, bags, containers and many other items.
Give 4 consequences of plastic pollution to the environment or wildlife.
1. “Plastic makes up much of the streetside litter found in cities and throughout the countryside, and it’s rapidly filling up our landfills as well;
2. Making new plastic requires significant amounts of fossil fuels;
3. Some studies show that only 10% of plastic bottles created are recycled, leaving that extra 90% to take up space in landfills and killing ocean life;
4. Plastic bottles take up space in landfills. Plastic bottles make up approximately 11% of the contents of landfills;
CONCLUSION
Consider the amount of sheer waste a single meal or even serving produces (“Kraft Singles is second only to Individually Wrapped Breaths of Air ™ in the Most Wasteful Products Award”). Try to reuse glass or Tupperware containers for leftovers instead of plastic wrap. We should store water in the high grade blue plastic bottles only. Ask for tap water with lemon in restaurants.
References:
http://dwb4.unl.edu/Chem/CHEM869E/CHEM869ELinks/www.plasticsresource.com/plastics_101/uses/uses.html
http://www.professorshouse.com/your-home/environmentally-friendly/why-recycle-plastic.aspx
Function Plastic
Uses
1. Plastic is used as a covering for almost all electrical wires and cords
2. Plastic is easier to fix than metal it is now used to make car bumpers
3. Plastic wrap is used to keep food fresh in the refrigerator
4. Plastic vinyl is used for the siding of houses, because its look and easiness to install & clean
5. Plastic foam is used a insulator for homes, building to save energy consumption
6. Plastic is used to save money in shipping packages
Consequences
1. Plastic is non-biodegradable it could take 100 years to decompose
2. Plastic when burned at landfills it releases toxins in the air
3. Plastics containers have chemicals that get into foods within and when eaten the chemicals transfer into humans causing many health problems
4. Plastic discarded uncheck hurt our animal wildlife
1. Plastic is used as a covering for almost all electrical wires and cords
2. Plastic is easier to fix than metal it is now used to make car bumpers
3. Plastic wrap is used to keep food fresh in the refrigerator
4. Plastic vinyl is used for the siding of houses, because its look and easiness to install & clean
5. Plastic foam is used a insulator for homes, building to save energy consumption
6. Plastic is used to save money in shipping packages
Consequences
1. Plastic is non-biodegradable it could take 100 years to decompose
2. Plastic when burned at landfills it releases toxins in the air
3. Plastics containers have chemicals that get into foods within and when eaten the chemicals transfer into humans causing many health problems
4. Plastic discarded uncheck hurt our animal wildlife
Dangerous of plastic
Plastics are used a lot by doctors and dentists because they are hygienic and will not poison our bodies. Dentists use acrylic to make special white fillings.
Many clothes are made from synthetic fabrics. The fabrics are made from plastic fibers that have been spun out really fine, then made into yarns for knitting or weaving.
Many glues are plastics. PVA white glue is a solution of PVA dissolved in water. When it is used to glue two pieces of wood together, the water is soaked up by the wood. The PVA is soaked up with the water. When the water evaporates, the PVA stays behind in the joint, making a strong plastic bridge.
Most paints are made from plastic resins. Some, like acrylic house paints and polyurethane varnish are dissolved plastics which dry to form a tough waterproof skin. Other polyurethane, epoxy and polyester paints have to be mixed with a hardener which makes a chemical reaction.
Teflon coatings on saucepans and irons are sprayed on as dry powder then baked in a hot oven to make the particles melt together. This is called powder coating and it is also used to put a very tough layer of epoxy or polyester on metal articles like furniture.
Last but not least, Plastic is widely used for plastic bags. In my country, the use of plastic bag for grouping the things we purchased in store is commonly used. Every market in my country have it because it’s cheap.
Some consequences of plastic pollution to the environment are :
Plastic bags litter the landscape. Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes.
Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years.
Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags. As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive by the day, since we have been using this non-renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements – for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on. Without viable alternative sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the whole world grinding to a halt. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags, should it?
Plastic bags kill animals. About 100,000 animals such as dolphins, turtles whales, penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it.
References :
• http://library.thinkquest.org/C003844/a_effects.htm• http://www.calibre.co.nz/plasticf.htm• http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/pharma/plastic.asp• http://www.what-you-make-it.com/Plastic-pollution.html• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/environmental-pollution-the-harmful-effects-of-plastic-bags.html
Many clothes are made from synthetic fabrics. The fabrics are made from plastic fibers that have been spun out really fine, then made into yarns for knitting or weaving.
Many glues are plastics. PVA white glue is a solution of PVA dissolved in water. When it is used to glue two pieces of wood together, the water is soaked up by the wood. The PVA is soaked up with the water. When the water evaporates, the PVA stays behind in the joint, making a strong plastic bridge.
Most paints are made from plastic resins. Some, like acrylic house paints and polyurethane varnish are dissolved plastics which dry to form a tough waterproof skin. Other polyurethane, epoxy and polyester paints have to be mixed with a hardener which makes a chemical reaction.
Teflon coatings on saucepans and irons are sprayed on as dry powder then baked in a hot oven to make the particles melt together. This is called powder coating and it is also used to put a very tough layer of epoxy or polyester on metal articles like furniture.
Last but not least, Plastic is widely used for plastic bags. In my country, the use of plastic bag for grouping the things we purchased in store is commonly used. Every market in my country have it because it’s cheap.
Some consequences of plastic pollution to the environment are :
Plastic bags litter the landscape. Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes.
Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years.
Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags. As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive by the day, since we have been using this non-renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements – for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on. Without viable alternative sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the whole world grinding to a halt. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags, should it?
Plastic bags kill animals. About 100,000 animals such as dolphins, turtles whales, penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it.
References :
• http://library.thinkquest.org/C003844/a_effects.htm• http://www.calibre.co.nz/plasticf.htm• http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/pharma/plastic.asp• http://www.what-you-make-it.com/Plastic-pollution.html• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/environmental-pollution-the-harmful-effects-of-plastic-bags.html
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