Science News
National Research Council: ozone kills
A review of recent research finds a clear link between smog-forming ozone and mortality.
A new report by the National Research Council finds that short-term exposure to ozone is linked to premature death, even at ozone levels currently found in many areas. The chemical is a key component of smog and causes respiratory and other health problems. The 206-page report, released April 22, recommends that the U.S. EPA consider ozone-related mortality as a factor when setting future ozone standards.
Currently, EPA does not include ozone-related mortality in its cost–benefit calculations for evaluating air-quality regulations. The agency requested the report to help resolve differences in the interpretation of earlier research that links short-term ozone exposure to mortality. Short-term exposure is defined as lasting less than 24 hours.
A committee of health, environmental science, and economics experts examined recent research and found that ozone-related deaths were more common among people with pre-existing health problems. However, deaths were not limited to terminally ill individuals.
The committee also looked for evidence of a threshold concentration below which ozone exposure poses no additional risk of death. Personal thresholds can vary, the experts concluded, but are likely to be lower than current public-health standards.
EPA did not ask the committee to evaluate the agency's use of research in setting new ozone standards in March this year. EPA set both a public-health standard (the ozone level allowed in one place at one time) and a public-welfare standard (a broader protection based on long-term effects of ozone) at the same level, 75 parts per billion (ppb). Because these standards were less stringent than the 60–70 ppb standards recommended by EPA's independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the U.S. House of Representatives launched an investigation into the use of science in setting the new standards.
Science
Microbes alter estrogenic power of surfactant breakdown products
New research indicates that incomplete degradation of isomers could spell trouble for regulators.
Over the past few years, the issue of whether Deca BDE, the only PBDE flame retardant currently used in North America, breaks down in the environment has become a key issue to scientists researching the controversial compound.
NTP brief on BPA receives mixed peer review
Peer reviewers of a federal agency’s draft brief on bisphenol A recommend lowering levels of concern for some human-health risks.
In a changing climate, cities worsen water quality
A new study of more than 1000 Maryland streams finds that as climate patterns change, urban sprawl can pollute water with more nitrate than previously thought.
Researchers are finding alternatives to conventional plasticizers that may alleviate health concerns.
A surprising new source of methane from the ocean
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown source of methane that could increase with continued global warming.
Agricultural practices have modified global water flows, causing large-scale and often unpredictable changes in ecosystems.
Technology
Renewable energy spurs “green gold rush”
The UN reports record-setting growth in green-energy investment last year.
Stockholm Industry Water Award goes to California utilities
The top water award from a Swedish nonprofit organization has been bestowed on Orange County’s water district and wastewater utilities.
Faster, cheaper search for antibiotics in the field
A new field kit developed by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and its partners allows for near real-time water monitoring.
Styrofoam: from packaging to picture frames—and beyond
A new technology allows more cost-effective recycling of Styrofoam products.
Green chemistry pioneers receive leadership awards
The Council of Scientific Society Presidents recognizes Paul Anastas and John Warner for their contribution to the field of green chemistry.
Would you like that book in paper or plastic?
Electronic book readers save paper, but can a piece of plastic really be better for the environment? ES&T reporter Erika Engelhaupt is determined—very determined—to find out.
Removing salt to supply a nation's water
Desalination technologies currently provide less than half a percent of the U.S. water supply, but that amount may increase, according to a National Academy of Sciences report.
Policy
Protecting ecosystems from climate change
A new report by EPA offers suggestions on how to minimize the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Growing strength—and divide—in climate opinion
Even as Americans become more willing to act on global warming, opinions are solidifying along party lines.
Why is global sanitation so elusive?
New research shows that factors such as inadequate funding and lack of political commitment pose significant challenges to meeting the world’s sanitation goals.
The invisible U.S. energy boom
A new report shows that energy-efficiency measures have been highly successful in the U.S. but remain underdeveloped.
Fast-growing plants might meet the high demand for crops for biofuels, but a new report proposes that governments should assess the risks of nonnative species before planting them.
EPA proposes tougher lead rule
The agency has revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards to lower lead levels in air.
Business & Education
The country has a chance to continue on its environmental path, beyond the Games and the borders of its capital.
U.S. manufacturers spent $26 billion on pollution abatement in 2005, according to a government survey.
The scientist's work tallied the invisible water used to make food and other products.
ES&T Associate Editor Dzombak named to NAE
Dzombak is cited for his novel development of models used in evaluating chemical behavior in water-quality engineering and environmental remediation.
A new report shows a rising trend in the number of eco-friendly buildings in the U.S.
