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Staff Reporter

EPA awards $1.8 million to the Delaware Estuary Program, including support for mussel hatchery at Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Gardens

April 13, 2023 by Staff Reporter

April 13, 2023

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2023) – The Delaware Estuary Program will receive $1.8 million in restoration funds to support a comprehensive conservation and management plan for the program as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to estuaries of national significance, the U. S, Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

“This funding is a valuable investment in equity, clean water and resilience for the Delaware River’s sensitive coastal shoreline,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the support of the President’s BIL, we can accelerate efforts to preserve and improve the health of the estuary and enhance the popular riverside park — Bartram’s Gardens in Philadelphia.”

The Delaware Estuary Program is one of 28 estuaries under the National Estuaries Program (NEP) receiving this funding. The funding supports projects that address climate resilience, prioritize equity, and manage other key water quality and habitat challenges.

Part of the funding for the Delaware Estuary will support construction of a freshwater mussel hatchery that the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is building at Bartram’s Gardens. The partnership is in the beginning phases of raising funds needed to complete this project, and the BIL funding will help accelerate the timeline. The freshwater mussels from the hatchery will be used in a variety of clean water, habitat restoration, and educational projects across the estuary and beyond. Construction is proposed to begin in late 2023.

An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal water body where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. Estuaries, and their surrounding lands, are places of transition from land to sea. Estuaries are an irreplaceable natural resource that must be managed carefully for the mutual benefit of all who enjoy and depend on them.

Along with being home to thousands of species of birds, mammals, fish and other wildlife, estuaries have important commercial value and their resources provide economic benefits for tourism, fisheries and recreational activities.

EPA’s website has more information about the National Estuary Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law .



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

CCA statement on USEPA proposed vehicle standards

April 13, 2023 by Staff Reporter

13
Apr

“We applaud EPA’s vision for zero-emission cars, trucks and buses, and we urge the Biden Administration to implement today’s proposal through its public rulemaking process. A rapid transition to vehicles with no tailpipe exhaust is essential to addressing our air pollution and climate crises. Clean technologies can allow us to move people and goods without sacrificing our health and warming the planet. By adopting today’s proposal, the national government, following in the footsteps of California’s pioneering actions to electrify transportation, will take a huge step toward giving Americans clean air and a stable climate.”

 

–Bill Magavern, Policy Director, Coalition for Clean Air

This entry was posted in Advocacy, California government, Clean Air, Clean Cars, Legislation. Bookmark the permalink.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR, Coalition for Clean Air

Genetically Modified Houseplants Are Coming to Clean Your Air

April 13, 2023 by Staff Reporter

At an old shoe factory on the outskirts of Paris, new life is taking shape. Behind a heavy door, a bank of PCR machines multiplies plant DNA molecules by hundreds of billions every few hours. Inside a gleaming white chamber, tiny emerald shoots are coaxed from single cells, unfurling in millimeters over a period of months.

“It’s like a biologist’s wet dream,” says Patrick Torbey, chief technology officer of Neoplants, a Parisian startup taking a multimillion-dollar punt on the air we breathe. Torbey grabs one of the small, plastic receptacles from inside the chamber and squints at his verdant creation: Nestled in a jelly-like growing medium, it looks like a canapé—or, possibly, the future.

This is the Neo P1—a genetically modified houseplant that the company claims could help combat indoor air pollution. P1 is a modified form of golden pothos—more commonly known as devil’s ivy—one of the world’s most ubiquitous and easy-going houseplants. Although its yellow-green hues appear familiar, P1’s DNA has been tweaked to enhance its ability to extract volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, which are prevalent in indoor spaces.

These genetic adjustments also—crucially in the case of the P1—allow the plant to convert the VOCs it absorbs into substances like sugar and CO2 that it can use to carry on growing. Once it’s outgrown the agar, P1 will be planted in soil enriched with biochar (a common gardening additive) in a pot designed to maximize airflow, and sold with a pack of three Power Drops (bacteria, to be added to the soil each month to help the plant metabolize the VOCs it absorbs). Due on shelves later this year, P1 will retail for $179, or around £145—roughly 10 times the cost of an ordinary golden pothos plant, or comparable to that of a keenly priced Honeywell HEPA purifier.

So far, Torbey, who has a PhD in genome editing, and his cofounder Lionel Mora, an ex-Google product marketer, have collected $20 million in venture funding from firms including True Ventures and Collaborative Fund.

Much of the money has gone toward fitting out Neoplants’ new space on the north side of the French capital. Over the past two years, it’s been stripped and gutted, whitewashed, and then refitted to spec with every gadget Torbey could tick off his wishlist. There are mass spectrometers, fume cupboards, and growth chambers. Magnetic stirrers fidget next to cabinets stocked with glass flasks and petri dishes.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

First Direct-Current Fast-Charging Station in Carpinteria for Electric Cars

April 12, 2023 by Staff Reporter

A ribbon-cutting ceremony [Monday] celebrated the opening of a new electric vehicle charging station in Carpinteria – the first direct-current fast-charging station in the city.

The station, located at The Shepard Place Shops at 1001 Casitas Pass Road, was installed by The Towbes Group and supported by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) Clean Air Grants program.

The new station is open to any person wishing to charge their electric car, and it provides two charging ports to allow for two cars to charge simultaneously. The direct-current fast charger can charge an electric car up to 100 miles in 10 minutes.

“I’m excited for this new fast-charging station in Carpinteria,” said Carpinteria Mayor Al Clark, who also serves on APCD’s Board of Directors and spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s easy to use and provides a quick charge – perfect for charging your electric car while running errands or stopping for a meal nearby. I appreciate all of the partners who made this project possible.”

“I am thrilled that The Towbes Group has installed the first DCFC electric vehicle fast charger at the Shephard Place Shops right here in Carpinteria,” said County Supervisor Das Williams, who also serves on APCD’s Board of Directors and spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Increasing the use of electric vehicles is vital to our air quality and climate protection, and a convenient fast charger right next to great restaurants and shopping is a needed step.”

The Towbes Group secured approximately $100,000 in funding from APCD’s Clean Air Grants program to help cover the installation costs for this project. Since 2011, APCD’s Clean Air Grants program has contributed more than $3.1 million toward electric vehicle infrastructure projects in Santa Barbara County, including 274 chargers that are currently publicly available or in development. Those 274 chargers are a mix of fast chargers (also known as Level 3 chargers) and Level 2 chargers, which charge cars at a slower speed than the direct-current fast chargers. Countywide, there are 97 publicly available direct-current fast chargers already installed or slated to be installed, with 24 of those receiving partial funding from APCD’s Clean Air Grants program.

Photo: Maxx Hennard

“APCD is excited to partner with The Towbes Group to bring the first fast chargers to Carpinteria,” said APCD Executive Director, Aeron Arlin Genet, who spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We encourage all eligible entities to consider our Clean Air Grants program for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Convenient access to charging stations is essential for more drivers to choose electric cars, benefiting our local air quality and the environment.”



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Do air purifiers work? | Digital Trends

April 12, 2023 by Staff Reporter

While your traditional HVAC system can filter out dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates, sometimes it simply isn’t enough to keep your air as clean as you’d like. That’s where air purifiers come into play, as these secondary devices can be placed anywhere around your home to provide additional cleaning power.

But do air purifiers work, and are they worth the hefty upfront investment? Here’s a closer look at air purifiers to help you decide if you should add one to your home.

How do air purifiers work?

There are several different types of air purifiers available in 2023, but they all follow the same basic principle. Air purifiers are designed to pull in air, trap any airborne particulates, then pump clean air back into your home. Many products use a combination of prefilters and HEPA filters to accomplish this task.

Prefilters are typically a permanent fixture of the air purifier designed to catch large airborne objects (such as pet fur) and can be washed when dirty. HEPA filters must be periodically replaced, but are specifically designed to capture tiny particulates such as dust, dander, and pollen.

A few air purifiers use ionizing technology, which creates electrical charges to remove airborne contaminants. The research on this process is mixed, however, so your best bet is to stick with the tried-and-trusted HEPA models.

What can air purifiers eliminate?

Air purifiers can eliminate tons of airborne particulates from your home. Performance varies by product, but here are some of the common contaminants targeted by air purifiers:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Smoke
  • Viruses
  • Pet Dander
  • Bacteria

Keep in mind that air purifiers are often rated for a certain size room. Putting them in a room larger than intended will result in less-than-optimal cleaning, allowing some of the above contaminants to continue lingering in your home.

Also, many air purifiers are now designed to work with multiple types of filters. This includes filters designed specifically by the manufacturer of the air purifier and third-party reproductions. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase, as some unofficial products may have quality issues or aren’t designed to filter out the same contaminants.

Are air purifiers worth adding to your home?

Most households will find that air purifiers are worth the investment. This is especially true if anyone in your home has seasonal allergies or if you have furry friends running around your house. A reliable air purifier can be found for less than $250, with annual filter costs coming in at just under $100 for most brands.

To keep them working properly, be sure to perform routine maintenance — such as cleaning the prefilters and replacing HEPA filters. If you don’t do this, they won’t work as expected. You’ll also want to make sure you’re regularly changing your furnace filters and scheduling duct cleanings as needed, as air purifiers aren’t the only thing in your home responsible for your air quality.

If you need help starting your search, check out our list of the best air purifiers.

Editors’ Recommendations






Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

La administración Biden-Harris propone las normas de contaminación más estrictas hasta la fecha para automóviles y camiones a fin de acelerar la transición hacia un futuro de transporte limpio

April 12, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Sobre la base de los avances en la fabricación de vehículos limpios, incluidas las inversiones en la fabricación nacional en la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, las normas propuestas por la EPA cumplirían con la agenda del presidente Biden

April 12, 2023

WASHINGTON (12 de abril de 2023) – Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció nuevas normas federales propuestas para las emisiones de vehículos que acelerarán la transición en curso hacia un futuro de vehículos limpios y abordarán la crisis climática. Las normas propuestas mejorarían la calidad del aire para las comunidades de todo el país, especialmente las comunidades que han soportado la carga del aire contaminado. En conjunto, estas propuestas evitarían casi 10 mil millones de toneladas de emisiones de CO2, equivalentes a más del doble de las emisiones totales de CO2 de los Estados Unidos en 2022, ahorrando a la vez miles de dólares durante la vida útil de los vehículos que cumplen con estas nuevas normas y reducirían la dependencia de Estados Unidos de aproximadamente 20 mil millones de barriles de petróleo importado.  

“Al proponer las normas de contaminación más ambiciosas hasta la fecha para automóviles y camiones, estamos cumpliendo con la promesa de la Administración Biden-Harris de proteger a las personas y al planeta, asegurando reducciones críticas en la contaminación peligrosa del aire y el clima y asegurando beneficios económicos significativos como menores costos de combustible y mantenimiento para las familias”, señaló el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Estas normas ambiciosas son fácilmente alcanzables gracias a la agenda titulada Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden, que ya está impulsando un progreso histórico para fabricar más autos eléctricos en Estados Unidos y asegurar la competitividad global de Estados Unidos”.  

Desde que el presidente Biden asumió el cargo, el número de ventas de vehículos eléctricos se ha triplicado, mientras que el número de modelos disponibles se ha duplicado. Hay más de 130,000 cargadores públicos en todo el país, un aumento del 40% con respecto a 2020. El sector privado también ha comprometido más de $120 mil millones en inversiones nacionales en vehículos eléctricos y baterías desde que el presidente Biden firmó la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación. Las nuevas normas propuestas hoy reflejan los avances e inversiones en la fabricación de vehículos limpios, que se han acelerado gracias a la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden y complementan la transición en curso en el mercado hacia vehículos más limpios.  

Las nuevas normas de emisiones propuestas para vehículos livianos, medianos y pesados para modelos del año (MY) 2027 y posteriores reducirían significativamente la contaminación climática y dañina del aire, significando beneficios considerables para la salud pública, especialmente en las comunidades que han soportado la mayor carga de la mala calidad del aire. Al mismo tiempo, las normas propuestas reducirían los costos de mantenimiento y ofrecerían ahorros significativos de combustible para los conductores y operadores de camiones. 

  • Hasta 2055, la EPA proyecta que las normas propuestas evitarían casi 10 mil millones de toneladas de emisiones de CO2 (equivalente a más del doble de las emisiones totales de CO2 de los Estados Unidos en 2022). Las normas propuestas reducirían otra contaminación dañina del aire y resultarían en menos muertes prematuras y efectos graves para la salud, como ingresos a hospitales debido a enfermedades respiratorias y cardiovasculares.
  • Al acelerar la adopción de tecnologías que reducen los costos de combustible y mantenimiento junto con la contaminación, las normas propuestas ahorrarían al consumidor promedio $12,000 a lo largo de la vida útil de un vehículo liviano, en comparación con un vehículo que no estaba sujeto a las nuevas normas.
  • En conjunto, las propuestas reducirían las importaciones de petróleo en aproximadamente 20 mil millones de barriles.
  • En general, la EPA estima que los beneficios de las normas propuestas excederían los costos en al menos $1 billón.  

Normas propuestas para vehículos livianos y medianos   

El primer conjunto de normas propuestas anunciadas hoy, las “Normas de emisiones multicontaminantes para modelo de los años 2027 y posteriores de vehículos livianos y medianos”, se basa en las normas de emisiones existentes de la EPA para automóviles de pasajeros y camiones livianos para modelos de los años 2023 hasta 2026. La propuesta conserva el diseño regulatorio probado de las normas anteriores de la EPA para vehículos livianos, pero aprovecha los avances en la tecnología de automóviles limpios para reducir aún más la contaminación climática y las emisiones que generan smog y hollín.  

Entre 2027 y 2055, los beneficios netos totales proyectados de la propuesta para vehículos livianos y medianos oscilan entre $850 mil millones y $1.6 billones. Se espera que la propuesta evite 7,300 millones de toneladas de emisiones de CO2 hasta 2055, lo que equivale a eliminar todas las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de todo el sector actual del transporte de los Estados Unidos durante cuatro años y también brindaría beneficios significativos para la salud al reducir las partículas finas que pueden causar muerte prematura, ataques cardíacos, enfermedades respiratorias y cardiovasculares, asma agravada y disminución de la función pulmonar. El análisis de la EPA muestra que también se reducirán los impactos graves en la salud relacionados con la exposición a partículas, incluidos los trastornos pulmonares (como el cáncer), las enfermedades cardíacas y la mortalidad prematura.  

La propuesta de la EPA considera un amplio conjunto de tecnologías de control de emisiones disponibles, y las normas están diseñadas para permitir a los fabricantes cumplir con las normas basadas en el rendimiento, sin embargo, funcionan mejor para sus flotas de vehículos. La EPA proyecta que, para la industria en conjunto, se espera que las normas impulsen el uso generalizado de filtros para reducir las emisiones de partículas de gasolina y estimulen un mayor despliegue de tecnologías de reducción de CO2 para vehículos a gasolina.  

También se proyecta que las normas propuestas aceleren la transición a los vehículos eléctricos. Dependiendo de las vías de cumplimiento que los fabricantes seleccionen para cumplir con las normas, la EPA proyecta que los vehículos eléctricos podrían representar el 67% de las ventas de vehículos livianos nuevos y el 46% de las ventas de vehículos medianos nuevos en modelos del año 2032. Se proyecta que las normas propuestas para vehículos livianos modelos del año 2032 signifiquen una reducción del 56% en los niveles objetivo de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero promedio proyectados de la flota en comparación con las normas para modelos del año 2026 existentes. Las normas propuestas para vehículos medianos modelos del año 2032 producirían una reducción del 44% en comparación con las normas para modelos del año 2026.  

Normas propuestas para camiones pesados   

El segundo conjunto de normas propuestas anunciadas hoy, las “Normas de Gases de Efecto Invernadero para Vehículos Pesados – Fase 3”, se aplicarían a los vehículos vocacionales pesados (como camiones de reparto, transportistas de basura o camiones de volteo, camiones de servicios públicos, transporte colectivo, minibuses, autobuses escolares) y camiones típicamente utilizados para transportar carga. Estas normas complementarían las normas de contaminantes en cuestión para vehículos pesados modelos del año 2027 y posteriores que la EPA finalizó en diciembre de 2022 y representan la tercera fase del Plan de Camiones Limpios de la EPA.  

Estas normas “Fase 3” de gases de efecto invernadero mantienen la estructura flexible que la EPA diseñó previamente a través de un sólido proceso de participación de las partes interesadas para reflejar la naturaleza diversa de la industria de servicio pesado. Al igual que la propuesta para vehículos livianos y medianos, la propuesta para vehículos pesados utiliza normas basadas en el rendimiento que permiten a los fabricantes lograr el cumplimiento de manera eficiente dependiendo de la composición de sus flotas.  

Los beneficios netos proyectados de la propuesta para vehículos pesados oscilan entre $180 mil millones y $320 mil millones. Se proyecta que la propuesta evitará 1,800 millones de toneladas de CO2 hasta 2055, lo que equivale a eliminar todas las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de todo el sector de transporte actual de los Estados Unidos durante todo un año, y brindará beneficios adicionales para la salud al reducir otros contaminantes de estos vehículos. Las normas darían como resultado una mejor calidad del aire en todo el país, y para quienes viven cerca de las carreteras principales y se ven desproporcionadamente expuestos a la contaminación de los vehículos y la actividad pesada, que a menudo incluye poblaciones de bajos ingresos y comunidades de color, los beneficios serían más directos.  

Invertir en el futuro del transporte limpio de Estados Unidos  

Las normas propuestas se alinean con los compromisos asumidos por los fabricantes de automóviles y los estados de EE. UU., ya que planean acelerar las tecnologías de vehículos limpios en las flotas de servicio liviano y mediano en los próximos 10 a 15 años. Las compañías de automóviles y camiones están avanzando para incluir vehículos eléctricos como una parte integral y creciente de las líneas de productos actuales y futuras, lo que implica una creciente diversidad de vehículos limpios para los consumidores.  

Estos acontecimientos se ven reforzados por las inversiones del presidente Biden en Estados Unidos, que proporcionan recursos sin precedentes para apoyar el desarrollo y el mercado de tecnologías de vehículos limpios e infraestructura asociada y representan una inversión significativa en la expansión de la fabricación, venta y uso de vehículos de cero emisiones. A medida que avanzan estas tecnologías, los costos de las baterías continúan disminuyendo y el interés de los consumidores en los vehículos eléctricos continúa creciendo. Los logros legislativos del presidente Biden también están apoyando la generación crítica de electricidad limpia y la producción de hidrógeno limpio necesario para descarbonizar el transporte. La EPA consideró esta rápida innovación en su evaluación de que las normas de emisiones más estrictas son factibles.  

Las propuestas de la EPA se basan en un compromiso sólido e inclusivo de las partes interesadas con la industria, los trabajadores, los defensores y los líderes comunitarios. Las propuestas de la EPA se publicarán en el Registro Federal y estarán disponibles para revisión y comentarios del público, y la agencia continuará participando con el público y todas las partes interesadas como parte del proceso de desarrollo regulatorio. 

Regla propuesta: Normas de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero para vehículos de servicio pesado – Fase 3(en inglés)  

Regla propuesta: Normas de emisiones multicontaminantes para modelos del año 2027 y posteriores de vehículos livianos y medianos(en inglés) 

Más información sobre justicia ambiental y transporte.(en inglés) 



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Dupray Bloom Air Purifier Editor Review 2023

April 12, 2023 by Staff Reporter

SHOP $249 dupray.com

Welcome to The Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.

I am always congested. No matter how many allergy meds I pop or how much I vacuum, my nose is always stuffed up. I blame my long-haired cat, the air pollution in New York City wafting through my window, and my tiny apartment for its poor ventilation. But no matter where I pass the blame, there’s been no relief for my poor sinuses.

A few years ago, during the height of the pandemic and the height of my allergies, I decided to invest in an air purifier. The claims of all the benefits of owning one were so enticing. It could remove pollutants, eradicate pet dander, and neutralize odors. It sounded like it would be the answer to all of my problems. However, the small, clunky one I got seemed to barely sputter on. I desperately clung to the golden promises of that thin layer of HEPA filtration, because while I adore my cat—some might even call me obsessed—the dander coming off his fur could send me into a fit of sneezing and itchiness that’s truly miserable. But even with the purifier, I was still hopelessly rubbing my nose red with tissues every day. Enter the Bloom Air Purifier from Dupray.

SHOP $249 dupray.com

Philip Friedman

It’s more than just a purifier, it’s decor

The first thing I noticed when it arrived in the mail was that it doesn’t resemble any air purifier I’d ever seen before. It has sleek lines instead of plastic bulkiness. It came with a smooth, light-grain wooden lid (that I bought as an attachment), it transforms the air purifier into a side table, rather than just taking up precious square footage while looking sad and awkward. The top level of the air filter is hollowed out so that you could keep anything in there, including a potted plant. With the plant cycling out carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen while the Bloom Air Purifier sucked everything through its HEPA filter, I am now working with a double-whammy power of air purification that makes me feel like I am living in the year 2090.

It even has 13 different color options for the antibacterial washable pre-filters that go around the outside of the unit almost like a little koozie for your air purifier. I chose a really lovely, warm tan colored pre-filter to match the color palette of my home decor. Once fitted with my new majesty palm plant, my Bloom Air Purifier instantly elevated the aesthetic of my living room.

SHOP $249 dupray.com

dupray bloom air purifier

Philip Friedman

The thing works wonders

Besides its function as the perfect planter for a big houseplant or a stylish side table, the Bloom Air Purifier really does put in the work. Since it is effective for up to 1,500 square feet, the Bloom Air Purifier easily covers every inch of my small apartment, which is nowhere near that big of a space.

Its smart technology is also impressive. The Bloom automatically adjusts every time it detects a change in air quality, so without me having to lift a finger, it is already cleaning up my breathing space. Whenever I get too overzealous in the kitchen sautéing something in chili oil, it is there for me, whirring on and sucking the fumes right out of the air. And every time friends visit and they hit a vape or pass a joint around the room, the Bloom starts up and clears out any lingering vapor.

The touch display in the center of the Bloom has settings for automatic, low, medium and high. It glows green to let me know my air quality is good, and orange when my air quality is not so good. It is so simple to navigate that it feels like I have my own private bouncer against pollution in the corner of the room whose sole job was to strong arm odors and pollutants from my sanctuary.

SHOP $249 dupray.com

dupray bloom air purifier review

Philip Friedman

It’s a pure winner

The Bloom boasts a three-stage Hepa-13 medical grade air filtration system, although I don’t know what half those words mean, I am still grateful for it. My nose can feel the difference every single day. Even with my windows all firmly closed to keep out the winter air, I stull start feeling stuffed up and congested after a few hours, which is probably my cat’s fault (sorry if he’s reading this). But since owning the Bloom, I can let my cat walk all over me without entering into a fit of coughing and sneezing, and he too is happier for it.

As a lazy millennial, I love how low maintenance this machine is. All I had to do was place it in the most aesthetically pleasing spot, plug it in, and let it do its magic. At the end of the day, whatever keeps me and my cat healthy and happy is something worth the money.

Photography by Philip Friedman. Prop styling by Caroline Colston for Halley Resources.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

EPA Proposes New Standards to Protect Public Health, Reduce Exposure to Ethylene Oxide Pollution

April 11, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Proposals would slash Ethylene Oxide emissions by 80% per year, require stronger worker protections

April 11, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new health protections to reduce exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EtO), including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to the gas used to sterilize medical devices and certain spices. If finalized, EPA’s proposals are estimated to cut EtO emissions to the air from commercial sterilization facilities by 80% per year and apply more protective standards to control those emissions under the law. Together, these proposals will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing EtO pollution concerns, including cancer risk, that will increase safety in communities and for workers while providing a path to maintain a robust supply chain for sterilized medical equipment. 

The proposal advances President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Cancer Moonshot and the Administration’s commitment to securing environmental justice and protecting public health, including for communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals.

“EPA’s number one priority is protecting people’s health and safety, and we are committed to taking decisive action that’s informed by the best available science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These proposals build on EPA’s extensive outreach to communities across the nation and reflects close coordination among key federal partners. Together they would significantly reduce worker and community exposure to harmful levels of ethylene oxide. EPA will continue to use every available tool to safeguard our nation’s communities, including workers, from exposure to toxic chemicals and to deliver important public health protections.”

The two new proposals announced today mark significant progress as EPA continues to leverage the full range  of its regulatory authority under the law to protect public health by reducing the risk posed by EtO. Long-term exposure to EtO over the course of a 35-year career or 70-year lifetime in or near a commercial sterilizer can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. People who go to school near places where EtO is used are also potentially at an elevated risk of cancer due to EtO levels in the air. Actual risks will vary based upon a facility’s control measures for workers and community members and the distance and amount of time people live, work, or go to school near a facility. 

These proposals were informed by collaboration across the federal government to deliver risk reductions while maintaining critical sterilization capabilities, including consultation between EPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The proposals include controls that many facilities are already using, and that EPA would apply nationwide. The Agency has also undertaken robust public engagement on this topic and will continue to provide the public, especially in impacted communities and workplaces, with access to the information they need to make informed, independent judgements about risk and to encourage public involvement in the regulatory process.

“OSHA’s mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers,” said Doug Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, “We will continue our partnership with EPA and other federal agencies to reduce risks for people who work every day to maintain our nation’s vital medical device supply chain.”

Reducing Air Emissions to Protect Communities

Under EPA’s Clean Air Act authority, the Agency is issuing a proposed rule outlining new requirements for 86 commercial sterilizers across the country.  If finalized, the proposal would reduce EtO emissions from these facilities by 80%, bringing emission levels down so that risk falls below the EPA’s Clean Air Act benchmark for elevated cancer risk.

While many of these facilities have already taken steps to reduce emissions, the proposal will require all 86 facilities and any new facilities to comply with these stricter pollution controls, which have already proven to be effective and achievable. All commercial sterilizers will also be required to use advanced source monitoring methods to confirm that these pollution controls are operating effectively. Facilities would be required to report results to EPA twice per year. Under the proposal, facilities would be required to comply with these new requirements within 18 months. This represents an expedited timeline under EPA authority.

EPA’s proposal is informed by the latest data, science, and extensive outreach and takes full account of the important function of medical sterilization to provide a safe supply of medical devices for patients and hospitals. EPA required all commercial sterilizers to submit detailed information about EtO emissions and control technologies as part of a 2021 Information Collection Request. EPA used this data to estimate risk to people who live near these facilities.  EPA also conducted extensive pre-proposal outreach in 2022, including community meetings and webinars, which supported state and local efforts to protect communities and generated information that informed and strengthened this proposal. 

New Safeguards to Protect Workers, Communities, and Reduce Exposure

In addition to new emissions standards, EPA is proposing a comprehensive set of new mitigation measures that will decrease risk for workers who use EtO to sterilize products and for other people in communities near sterilization facilities.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA approves the use of pesticides subject to certain controls through a registration decision, including antimicrobial pesticides like EtO. EPA is now proposing to increase control measures on the use of EtO in the Proposed Interim Decision, such as:

  • Prohibiting certain uses of EtO where alternatives exist including use in museums, archival settings, beekeeping, some cosmetics, and musical instruments;
  • Reducing the amount of EtO that may be applied for medical device sterilization while meeting applicable standards for sterility assurance;
  • Requiring engineering controls that reduce worker exposures to EtO, such as automation or emissions capture technology; and
  • Mandating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in sterilization facilities when EtO is detected using state-of-the-art monitoring technology.

Some commercial sterilization facilities have already successfully implemented some of these measures, including reducing the amount of EtO used for sterilization and installing engineering controls that reduce worker  and community exposures. EPA’s proposal would now require these measures nationwide to further protect workers at EtO commercial sterilization facilities and healthcare facilities and people in communities near these facilities. The proposal includes different timelines for controls depending on their complexity and feasibility. For example, workers can use respirators far more quickly than it takes to reengineer control systems.

EPA is proposing unprecedented real-time monitoring of EtO using technology that can accurately measure EtO within sterilization facilities down to 10 parts per billion (ppb). If levels surpass 10 ppb, workers would be required to wear PPE.  EPA is also instructing industry to develop technologies and methods to identify lower concentrations of EtO, below 10 parts per billion (ppb), inside contract sterilization facilities.

EPA’s proposal also includes new data collection and reporting requirements that would help identify and improve protective monitoring technologies and assess the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Based on this data, EPA intends to initiate the next round of registration review for EtO earlier than the mandated timeframe, including assessing these measures and incorporating additional protections based on advances in technology that occur.

EPA Proposal Driven by Latest Science

EPA is moving urgently to advance these new protections based on the Agency’s latest assessment of cancer risks from EtO exposure in occupational settings, which are more significant than previously understood. Of note, EPA has not found that routine exposure to EtO from these facilities causes short-term or acute health risks. EPA’s new analysis estimates the additional lifetime cancer risk associated with continuous workplace exposure to EtO for 8 hours a day, for 240 days per year, over a period of 35 years in an occupational setting is between 1 in 36 and 1 in 10 for workers who apply EtO in sterilization facilities, and between 1 in 25 and 1 in 12 for workers who apply EtO in healthcare facilities. These risks can be reduced through measures that have already been taken or can be taken immediately by increasing access to personal protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and safety protocols to avoid direct contact with EtO.  As stated above, many facilities have already successfully implemented these measures, reducing risks.

In commercial sterilization facilities, EPA also found that continuous, long-term exposure to EtO could lead to elevated cancer risk for workers who do not directly handle EtO but work in other areas of these facilities. EPA’s proposed mitigations will reduce risk for people who may be exposed to EtO in or near these settings and many facilities are already taking these measures or can take additional measures immediately.

Last year, EPA released the latest available information on air emissions of EtO from these facilities and undertook extensive engagement with communities where EPA identified the potential for elevated lifetime cancer risks due to long-term exposure to EtO. The Clean Air Act standards EPA is proposing today would, if finalized, reduce lifetime cancer risks for people who live near all commercial sterilizers.

For more information about EPA’s risk findings, visit EPA’s webpage and/or read EPA’s Draft Risk Assessment Addendum.

Next Steps
EPA is encouraging stakeholders, including community, industry and public health leaders to participate in the public comment process for each action released today as the Agency strives to reduce risk from EtO while also ensuring continued availability of sterile medical devices that the American public relies upon. EPA’s Proposed Interim Decision and EPA’s Draft Risk Assessment Addendum, can be found on EPA’s website and will soon be in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244 at www.regulations.gov. EPA’s proposed revisions to the air emission standards for commercial sterilization facilities, can be found by visiting docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178 at www.regulations.gov. Both dockets will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

EPA will also host a public webinar on May 1, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET to discuss proposals and risk assessment. Information for the public to register for the webinar will be available on EPA’s Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) webpage. For those who are unable to attend, EPA will post a recording of the webinar on the Agency’s website.
In addition to the proposed measures announced today, EPA continues to take significant action to address EtO and advance critical EtO research. These actions include:

Additionally, EPA announced a separate action last week to reduce risk from EtO to people who live near facilities that make and use EtO in manufacturing.

For more information on EtO, please visit EPA’s website.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

EPA Settles with Imperial Irrigation District for Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Well Claims

April 11, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Enforcement action helps protect Imperial County drinking water sources

April 11, 2023

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Imperial Irrigation District for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) at its El Centro Generating Station site located in El Centro, California. The district will pay a $67,110 penalty and make facility improvements to ensure it complies with underground injection control program requirements.

“Facilities that include underground injection in their process must ensure compliance with permit conditions in order to protect underground sources of drinking water,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA’s Underground Injection Control Program regulations help ensure these vital sources are preserved and violators of this program are subject to significant penalties.”

The El Centro Generating Station operates two Class I Non-Hazardous injection wells which are permitted according to EPA’s Underground Injection Control Program regulations for the disposal of facility process wastewater. EPA performed a virtual inspection of the site in December 2020 and found that the wells were out of compliance with three permit conditions: failure to maintain required pressure; failure to report pressure drops to EPA; and failure to provide continuous monitoring data.

In addition to the penalty, El Centro Generating Station will take the following steps:

  1. Submit an inventory of all devices or gauges used at the facility.
  2. Calibrate or replace monitoring equipment which has not been calibrated or replaced in more than 12 months.
  3. Identify and repair any outstanding deficiencies at the facility.

EPA regulates the construction, operation, permitting, and closure of injection wells used to place fluids underground for storage or disposal. This enforcement action helps ensure continued operation at this site proceeds in compliance with El Centro Generating Station’s underground injection control permit.

Read the proposed settlement public notice here.

Learn how EPA is Protecting Drinking Water from Underground Injection.

Learn more about EPA Enforcement Actions and Results.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Carbon Filters for Odour and Gas Removal Improve IAQ Camfil Canada

April 10, 2023 by Staff Reporter

PRESS RELEASE

Published April 10, 2023

IAQ stands for indoor air quality. It refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of poor health caused by poor indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to sick building syndrome, reduced productivity, and impaired learning in schools.

Resource:  Camfil Canada Molecular Filtration

Molecular – Carbon Filters – Odour/Gas Removal

Customers trust Camfil with their particle filtration, but we can do so much more. Unfortunately, even the most efficient particle filters will not remove gasses and vapors because gaseous molecules are far too small. At last count, there were in excess of 156 million registered chemicals in the world, with new chemicals being added at a rate of 15,000 per day.

Airborne molecules can be problematic. At the lowest level, they cause odor nuisance. In process industries, they impact yield and corrode electronic equipment. Most significantly, they are responsible for a range of negative health effects from respiratory illness, diminished bone density and low mood, to organ failure and even death.

Activated carbon / Molecular filtration solutions from Camfil eliminate these problems. We start by defining customer needs. Our five product groups address very light to very heavy-duty applications. We use an application matrix to link the most appropriate product solution to customer needs.

Camfil products provide optimum IAQ for human assets, and facilities such as schools, offices, and public buildings. Camfil products also address specific problems in facilities such as medical buildings, airports, museums, and light process industries.

Camfil products address severe problems in heavy process industries, protecting people and the environment from exposure to toxic chemicals. Containment filters provide essential, very high-level security, in nuclear power plants and provide collective protection from threats involving chemical, biological, or nuclear incidents.

There’s more to a successful molecular filtration solution than just selecting the right product. Visit www.camfil.com/en-ca/products/molecular-filters

Molecular – Carbon Filters – Odour/Gas Removal

Media Contact:

Phillip Ilijevski

Camfil Canada Inc.

T: 437-929-1161

E: [email protected]

Web resources: 

Learn more:

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality

Release ID: 578628

Prodigy Press Wire

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Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

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