Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Friday, September 23, 2022 at 5:20:01 AM
A service of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Connecting Chemistry and Safety at http://www.dchas.org
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Table of Contents (15 articles)
WHY WHEELING TRUSTEES REJECTED PLAN FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROCESSING FACILITY
Tags: us_IL, public, discovery, environmental, waste
NO HARMFUL GAS LEAKS FOUND AFTER NAKHON PATHOM PLANT FIRE
Tags: Thailand, industrial, release, response, other_chemical
TOXIC CHEMICAL SPILLS INTO CLINCH RIVER FOLLOWING TANKER LEAK IN RUSSELL COUNTY
Tags: us_VA, transportation, release, response, asphalt, petroleum
HOW CAN SOCIO-SCIENTIFIC ISSUES HELP DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING IN CHEMISTRY EDUCATION? A REFLECTION ON THE PROBLEM OF PLASTICS
Tags: Spain, education, discovery, environmental, plastics
US PLASTICS INDUSTRY UNDER FIRE
Tags: us_LA, public, discovery, environmental, petroleum, plastics, waste
VSP: HAZMAT CREW RESPONDS TO RUSSELL COUNTY AFTER TAR LEAK FROM DAMAGED TANKER
Tags: us_VA, transportation, release, response, other_chemical
MAJOR INCIDENT INVOLVING HAZMAT TEAM CURRENTLY UNFOLDING AT VICTORIA GENERAL HOSPITAL
Tags: Canada, transportation, release, injury, cleaners, waste
OHIO OIL REFINERY FIRE KILLS 2 PEOPLE; PLANT SHUT DOWN
Tags: us_OH, industrial, fire, death, petroleum
3M, WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE SETTLE PFAS CASE FOR $54 MILLION
Tags: us_MI, public, follow-up, environmental, other_chemical
SCHOOL UNIFORMS IN N AMERICA LINKED TO PFAS "FOREVER CHEMICALS"
Tags: Canada, education, discovery, environmental, dye
HAZ-MAT RESPONDS TO CHEMICAL SMELL AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN HILO
Tags: us_HI, education, release, response, unknown_chemical
NEW MILESTONE IN BATTLE AGAINST PFAS WATER CONTAMINATION
Tags: us_WI, public, discovery, environmental, other_chemical
HOW HAZMAT RESPONDS TO CASES LIKE RECENT APARTMENT RAID
Tags: us_NY, public, follow-up, environmental, illegal, clandestine_lab
TESLA MEGAPACK FIRE CLOSES HIGHWAY 1 IN MOSS LANDING
Tags: us_CA, industrial, fire, response, batteries
FIRE IN HOUSE USED AS CHEMICAL FACTORY, LABOURER DIES
Tags: India, industrial, fire, death, ag_chems, illegal
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WHY WHEELING TRUSTEES REJECTED PLAN FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROCESSING FACILITY
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20220922/why-wheeling-trustees-rejected-plan-for-hazardous-materials-processing-facility
Tags: us_IL, public, discovery, environmental, waste
A proposal to open a hazardous waste processing facility in Wheeling has been rejected by village officials.
Triumvirate Environmental wanted to operate in an existing industrial building at 1680 S. Wolf Road. The site is near the Avalon Sienna neighborhood.
The Massachusetts-based company removes hazardous waste from medical offices, research facilities and other types of businesses, representative Ian Lanza told the village board Monday. It collects drums of potentially dangerous trash in box trucks and then transfers the containers to semitrailer trucks for eventual disposal elsewhere.
Materials at the proposed Wheeling transfer site could've included plastics, chemicals and medical waste, documents indicate. That medical waste could've include viruses and other pathogens.
During Monday's village board meeting, several people who live near the building being eyed for the business -- as well as people from other towns -- expressed concerns about waste poisoning the air, the water supply and a nearby creek.
"Please, choose our safety, our families and our homes over Triumvirate," speaker Jennifer Jones said.
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NO HARMFUL GAS LEAKS FOUND AFTER NAKHON PATHOM PLANT FIRE
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2398303/no-harmful-gas-leaks-found-after-nakhon-pathom-plant-fire
Tags: Thailand, industrial, release, response, other_chemical
No harmful gases were found in the air within a 20km radius of a factory in Nakhon Pathom that had a chemical leak, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said on Thursday after it conducted an investigation.
The incident happened early on Thursday at a plant owned by Indorama Ventures Plc (IVL) which produces polyester fibres, yarns and chips with a capacity of 120,00 tonnes per year. No serious injuries were reported.
Two chemicals -- diphenyl oxide and biphenyl -- leaked from a heating system's air cooler at the plant in Nakhon Chaisi district.
The leak of "common heat transfer fluid" was detected at 5.45am and was contained within 10 minutes, the listed company said in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
"There was no leakage into public waterways or any injury to employees or to the surrounding community or any damage to equipment," company secretary Souvik Roy Chowdhury said.
Some residents 20 kilometres away in tambon Salaya of Phutthamonthon district, which borders Bangkok, said they smelt foul-smelling gases.
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TOXIC CHEMICAL SPILLS INTO CLINCH RIVER FOLLOWING TANKER LEAK IN RUSSELL COUNTY
https://wcyb.com/news/local/toxic-chemical-spills-into-clinch-river-following-tanker-leak-in-russell-county-emergency-management-eagles-nest-branch-heralds-valley-road-carbo-virginia-deq-epa
Tags: us_VA, transportation, release, response, asphalt, petroleum
RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — Update: A toxic chemical spilled into the Clinch River following a tanker leak in Russell County Wednesday, according to officials.
Virginia State Police responded to an incident Wednesday where the tank of a tanker-truck went off the side of the road in the 4800 block of Heralds Valley Road at 11:32 a.m.
According to Jess Powers with Russell County Emergency Management, 5,100 gallons of asphalt sealant were spilled in Eagles Nest Branch traveling down to 5159 Heralds Valley Road toward the Clinch River in the Carbo community.
Powers said Thursday morning that the spill made it into the Clinch River. The chemical was a petroleum emulsion and is toxic and water soluble. A cleanup contractor is at the scene, along with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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HOW CAN SOCIO-SCIENTIFIC ISSUES HELP DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING IN CHEMISTRY EDUCATION? A REFLECTION ON THE PROBLEM OF PLASTICS
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00223
Tags: Spain, education, discovery, environmental, plastics
Socio-scientific issues demonstrate the relationship between science, technology, and society by considering currently unresolved questions. The problem of plastics and their pollution is just one example with important implications for the planet. The aim of this paper is to revisit socio-scientific issues and see them as a way of developing citizens’ critical thinking skills through chemistry education. In light of the problems posed by plastics, we present evidence tested with Spanish grade-8 students of how critical thinking skills can be developed through chemistry education in terms of the vision of chemistry, understanding acquisition, a holistic approach to problems, critical analysis of information, argumentation, decision making, personal autonomy, and communication. This study also presents some examples of how progress in the development of critical thinking by students has been evaluated.
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US PLASTICS INDUSTRY UNDER FIRE
https://cen.acs.org/materials/polymers/US-plastics-industry-under-fire/100/i34
Tags: us_LA, public, discovery, environmental, petroleum, plastics, waste
The US plastics industry is facing unprecedented opposition to its planned expansion and to recycling methods that involve heat.
Billionaire philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg on Sept. 21 unveiled an $85 million campaign to stop more than 120 petrochemical projects in Louisiana, Texas, and the Ohio River Valley. Bloomberg, who is the United Nations special envoy on climate ambition and solutions, says the effort—called Beyond Petrochemicals: People Over Pollution—will also seek stricter regulation of existing petrochemical plants to safeguard public health.
“Petrochemical plants poison our air and water—killing Americans and harming the health of entire communities,” Bloomberg says in a statement. “With many heavily-polluting new projects planned around the US, we’re at a critical moment for stopping them.”
The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents major petrochemical manufacturers, describes the campaign as “Bloomberg’s $85 million losing bet against industry.” In a statement, ACC president Chris Jahn encouraged environmental advocates to “join us in maximizing chemistry’s potential to solve the world’s sustainability challenges while continuing to safeguard the communities where we live, work, and play.”
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VSP: HAZMAT CREW RESPONDS TO RUSSELL COUNTY AFTER TAR LEAK FROM DAMAGED TANKER
https://wcyb.com/news/local/vsp-hazmat-crew-responds-to-russell-county-after-tar-leak-from-damaged-tanker-virginia-state-police-truck
Tags: us_VA, transportation, release, response, other_chemical
RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A hazardous materials crew has responded to an incident in Russell County Wednesday after tar leaked from a damaged tanker, according to Virginia State Police.
Police responded to an incident where the tank of a tanker-truck went off the side of the road in the 4800 block of Heralds Valley Road at 11:32 a.m. The incident remains under investigation.
We have reached out to officials in Russell County for more information.
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MAJOR INCIDENT INVOLVING HAZMAT TEAM CURRENTLY UNFOLDING AT VICTORIA GENERAL HOSPITAL
https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2022/09/major-incident-involving-hazmat-team-currently-unfolding-at-victoria-general-hospital/
Tags: Canada, transportation, release, injury, cleaners, waste
A major incident involving a hazmat team is currently unfolding at Victoria General Hospital this afternoon.
The incident started just after 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 21st at the back of the hospital.
According to reports, a recycling truck driver was in the process of crushing items from the hospital when they passed out at the wheel.
Photos from the scene show a large emergency presence, including West Shore RCMP, a hazmat team and fire crews.
While unconfirmed, at the time of the incident, there were reports of it being a chemical leak. Witnesses in the area say the driver of the truck remained in the vehicle for some time.
It was later confirmed a substance was released when the material was being compacted. There were two people in the truck the recycling truck. They were treated in the Victoria General Hospital emergency department.
Hazmat crews confirmed the chemical was a cleaning product and the container, which wasn’t fully empty, combusted.
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OHIO OIL REFINERY FIRE KILLS 2 PEOPLE; PLANT SHUT DOWN
https://www.modbee.com/news/business/article266107696.html
Tags: us_OH, industrial, fire, death, petroleum
A fire at an oil refinery in Ohio killed two people and the facility was shut down Wednesday, officials said.
The fire started Tuesday night at BP's Husky Toledo Refinery, BP spokesperson Megan Baldino said in a statement. There was no word on how it started or the extent of the damage.
Baldino said Wednesday that the two workers had died but did not provide their names or further details about the injuries they sustained. She said all other staff were accounted for and the plant was safely shut down.
The refinery, located just east of Toledo, can process up to 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day and “has been an important part of the region’s economy for more than 100 years,” according to BP’s website.
In addition to its own fire department, the company said it worked closely with local fire crews.
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3M, WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE SETTLE PFAS CASE FOR $54 MILLION
https://www.crainsdetroit.com/environment/3m-wolverine-worldwide-settle-pfas-case-54-million
Tags: us_MI, public, follow-up, environmental, other_chemical
A judge has given tentative approval to a $54 million settlement in which 3M Co. and Wolverine Worldwide will pay property owners in West Michigan who said their land and wells were contaminated by toxic "forever chemicals."
The deal involves approximately 1,700 properties north of Grand Rapids.
The compounds are in a category known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They were long used in scores of industrial applications, don't break down easily and can migrate from soil to groundwater.
"The settlement is fair, reasonable, adequate and meets the standards for preliminary approval," U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou said last week, setting a final fairness hearing for March 29.
The class-action lawsuit was filed in 2017 against 3M and Wolverine Worldwide, a footwear company based in Rockford.
PFAS were used to make Scotchgard, a 3M waterproofing product used by Wolverine, which has a variety of brands, including Hush Puppies, Merrell, Keds, Saucony and Chaco.
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SCHOOL UNIFORMS IN N AMERICA LINKED TO PFAS "FOREVER CHEMICALS"
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62982397
Tags: Canada, education, discovery, environmental, dye
A study of school uniforms in the US and Canada reveals high levels of so-called "forever chemicals".
The chemicals, known as PFAS, are used to make clothing resistant to stains or water but they have been linked to asthma, obesity and fertility issues.
Researchers found that uniforms made with 100% cotton showed higher levels than synthetic materials.
Exposing children to these chemicals may increase the long-term health risk, the scientists believe.
The issue is less of a concern in the UK because almost all retailers' own brand uniforms are PFAS free, say campaigners.
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HAZ-MAT RESPONDS TO CHEMICAL SMELL AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN HILO
https://bigislandnow.com/2022/09/21/haz-mat-responds-to-chemical-smell-at-elementary-school-in-hilo/
Tags: us_HI, education, release, response, unknown_chemical
A perimeter was created around the library at a Hilo elementary school while emergency responders addressed a strong chemical odor coming from the building Tuesday morning.
Hawaii Fire Department responded with its Haz-Mat company to Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School at approximately 11:05 a.m. When they arrived on scene, crews identified the odor to be coming from an acid-based sanitizer/disinfectant leaking in a storage room.
Hazardous Materials Specialists utilizing personal protective equipment were able to remove the hazardous chemical, clean the area and ventilate the room. Consulation with the State Department of Health was done in order to properly dispose of the material.
At no time were any students at the school in danger.
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NEW MILESTONE IN BATTLE AGAINST PFAS WATER CONTAMINATION
https://www.nbc26.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/marinette/new-milestone-in-battle-against-pfas-water-contamination
Tags: us_WI, public, discovery, environmental, other_chemical
MARINETTE (NBC 26) — After years of contamination due to PFAS, Tuesday marked a major turning point in the battle to restore clean groundwater to the area.
Tyco fire products unveiled a $25 million facility that is planned to eliminate around 95% of all contamination in the water.
The issue at Tyco dates back to 2017 when the company found PFAS in the groundwater around the plant in Marinette. This led to the company ending outdoor testing and looking for temporary solutions to help the community.
PFAS has a much longer history in the area. Contamination at the site was due to decades of testing fire equipment that contained the chemical.
One of the issues with PFAS is the chemical breaks down slowly and is long-lasting.
Tyco also announced a new $11 million project to build a research and testing facility.
Local chemists are currently testing a new way to combat fires using a foam that doesn't contain PFAS.
Tyco displayed a video of the testing at Tuesday's announcement and said that the new prototype has proven to be just as effective as the former one.
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HOW HAZMAT RESPONDS TO CASES LIKE RECENT APARTMENT RAID
https://www.news10.com/news/how-hazmat-responds-to-cases-like-recent-apt-raid/
Tags: us_NY, public, follow-up, environmental, illegal, clandestine_lab
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (News10) — Residents of a Schenectady apartment complex are now back in their homes after being evacuated on due to a suspected drug lab in one of the apartments. Schenectady Fire Chief Don Mareno shares how his HAZMAT team responds to situations like the one at the Netherlands Village apartment complex.
“There’s a lot that goes into your response because you don’t know what you’re dealing with,” said Mareno. As the chief he also oversees the city’s HAZMAT team which was one of several first responders on scene on Monday after they were called due to suspected drug lab. The intense situation began when deputies were serving an eviction notice and entered the apartment with the help of a maintenance worker. A search of the apartment revealed what the sheriff’s office is calling “laboratory equipment”. The sheriff says testing is being conducted to determine if any illegal drugs were detected.
It’s unclear if the apartment was being used as a drug lab, but things like meth labs have been the cause of explosions and fires in other communities across the country. And any hazardous situation is a serious concern for Mareno. “That was the number one concern when we got there. Did we have a perimeter set? Was it a wide enough perimeter? And what are the potential hazards and trying to plan for all the ‘what if’s’,” he added.
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TESLA MEGAPACK FIRE CLOSES HIGHWAY 1 IN MOSS LANDING
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/highway-1-closed-at-moss-landing-due-to-fire/
Tags: us_CA, industrial, fire, response, batteries
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (KRON) – A hazardous materials incident prompted a shelter-in-place advisory for parts of Moss Landing and caused traffic to gridlock along Highway 1 for several hours on Tuesday.
The incident began at 1:30 a.m. when a Tesla Megapack caught fire at a Pacific Gas & Electric substation energy storage facility, according to Caltrans and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.
Richard Stedman, an air pollution control officer for MBARD, said lithium ion battery fires can emit toxic constituents such as hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid.
A shelter-in-place advisory for nearby residents was issued by the North County Fire Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. “Please shut your windows and turn off your ventilation systems. In the event of changing weather patterns, impacted areas may change,” county officials wrote on Twitter.
PG&E told KRON4 that around 1:30 a.m., the utility “became aware of a fire in one Tesla Megapack at its Elkhorn Battery Storage facility in Monterey County.” The fire was isolated to a single battery pack at the facility and was contained by firefighters.
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FIRE IN HOUSE USED AS CHEMICAL FACTORY, LABOURER DIES
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/fire-in-house-used-as-chemical-factory-labourer-dies-101663701630991.html
Tags: India, industrial, fire, death, ag_chems, illegal
LUCKNOW A labourer died after a fire broke out in a house that was being used as an illegal chemical factory near Bhagat Singh Engineering College on Mohaan road in Lucknow late on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Sushil, 40, a resident of Unnao. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital, said officials.
District magistrate SP Gangwar said Sushil had agricultural land in Unnao and his dependents would be provided ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh under the farmers’ insurance scheme.
“As soon as the fire broke out, eight fire tenders reached the spot to douse the flames and the situation was brought under control,” said Dhadhibal Tiwari, Para police station in-charge.
The DM directed officials to register an FIR against the factory operator, Pankaj Dixit, for illegally operating the factory in the residential area. He also asked the sub-divisional magistrate, Sadar, to file a case in the district magistrate court on behalf of the deceased’s wife under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
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Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Membership Chair
American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Health and Safety
membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
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