·:[ Environmental News Bits ]:·
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Read the full story in Occupational Health & Safety.

EPA’s process of generating risk assessments — which estimate the potential adverse effects posed by harmful chemicals found in the environment in order to protect public health — is bogged down by unprecedented challenges, and as a decision-making tool it is often hindered by a disconnect between available scientific data and the information needs of officials, according to a new report from the National Research Council. EPA’s risk assessment process should be streamlined to ensure the appropriate use of available science, technical accuracy, and tailoring to the specific needs of the problem.

Read the full story in Occupational Health & Safety.

The European Commission decided on Dec. 3 to table a proposed review of the EU Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which was enacted five years ago to increase the reuse and recycling of the 35-40 pounds of computers, TVs, cell phones, light bulbs, refrigerators, and other cast-off electronic equipment estimated by the EC to be generated annually by each European citizen. Most of the discarded material is waste sent to landfills, but there is pressure both to raise the amount that is recycled and to make manufacturers pay for household collection. Collection costs should be shifted from taxpayers to consumers of the electrical equipment through producers, the EC says.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

Toxic gases may be rising into homes in Brooklyn, a legacy of dry-cleaning plants and manufacturers.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

The economic downturn has decimated the market for recycled materials, leaving more headed for landfills.