Document Z4k68vZJd7KKdjevOgvkk5zQV

4/4/75 To B.J. Lentz Re: Asbestos to off-plant streams Some time ago Quality Control was interested in asbestos fiber determinations. The attached information may lead to the best information yet. cc: S.A. D'Armond ^ T.R. Robinson, M.D H.M. Taylor Industrial Hygienist E--00551 ETC 15423 New Analytical Method Measures Fiber Level Of Waste Stream from Asbestos Diaphragm Cell A new analytical method is being used by. The Dow Chemical Company to identify and measure asbestos levels in waste streams from its dia phragm cell, chlor-alkali process. Traces of fibers are found in the cell liquor because the diaphragm is made of asbestos. The diaphragm separates the anode side of an elec trolytic cell from its cathode side dur ing the breakdown of brine to produce chlorine and caustic soda. Dr. R. J. Moolenaar, a Dow environ mental research scientist, said the technique uses a transmission electron microscope equipped with selected area electron diffraction and an energy dispersive spectrometer. The method provides positive fiber identification, count and size, Dr. Moolenaar said. The asbestos level' found in Dow's chlor-alkali effluent was .001 parts per million. Asbestos is widely distributed in U.S. waterways. Although some is from industry. Dr. Moolenaar said, much occurs from natural erosion. Although the only proven health hazards associated with asbestos oc cur with prolonged inhalation, the Dow scientist recommended that in dustry develop methods for control ling the release of waterborne asbes tos in products, process streams and effluents. He reported that filtration treatment electron microscope. The screen at rear shows electrons in a sample. of cell liquor can remove 99.9 percent of asbestos on a weight basis. "Work is in progress at Dow to optimize the conditions for fiber removal by this technique," Dr. Moolenaar said. He also recommended that each chlor-alkali producer using asbestos diaphragm cells carry out a survey to determine the distribution of asbestos in liquid effluent streams and prod ucts, and that medical and toxicologi cal experts in government, universities and industry cooperate in continuing research into the effects of ingested asbestos. Library ENVIRONMENT U.S.A. This directory of environmental organ?; and activities concentrates federal and agencies, private groups, a calendar of ferences, l<sts of environmental executw industry and press contacts. There are essay chapters on taw. employment and raising. A copy is $15.95 from R, R. 6 Order Dept.. P.O. Box 1807, Ann Arbor, 48106. INTER NOISE 74 Included in the proceedings and papers the 1974 conference on noise are article enforcing noise standards, noise measure the effects of noise on man and new me of reduction. To receive a copy, send $: Editor. Noise/News, P.O. Box 1758, P* keepsie, N.Y. 12601. INDUSTRIAL WATER PURIFICATION A review of recent U.S. patents on * water purification, the book svimmarizes j esses for solid-liquid separation (floccuU filtration, electrostatic field, continuous loop ion exchange), oil-water separation, rerr of trace metals (mercery, lead, rare e vanadium, chromium) and others suitable specific chemical and refinery operation* copy is $36 from Noyes Data Corpora Noyes Bldg., Park Ridge. N J. 076S6. AQUEOUS-ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY OF METALS Trace metals in water environments f: cifically copper, mercury., cadmium, alumin iron and lead) are discussed regarding souri distribution and control. Analysis methc kinetics, precipitation reactions and solub are described in detail. For the book, send to Ann Arbor Science Publishers Jnc^ P.O. t 1425, Ann Arbor, Mich. 43106* AIR POLLUTION ABSTRACTS, VOL- 3, #7 These abstracts represent international a U.S. literature on air pollution monitors measurement and control, effects on life a materials, legal and economic aspects by a numbered index system. To restive r3 2 238/2WP. send $7.50 to APTlC. Research 7 angle Park. M.C, 22151. REGISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE PROGRAMS The University of Texas offers a free anno edition of graduate programs in U.S. col'egv Write Or. Joe Malina. Director of Environment. Health Engineering, 3G5 Engineering Labs Bidf University of Texas. Austin, Tex. 75712. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENC Three hundred illustrated articles on hums impact on the environment present informatic from such diverse areas as climatology, mateo ology. plant ecology, geochemistry and ocea< ography. The book is $24.50 from McGraw-Hi! 1221 Ave. of the Americas. New York, N.\ 10320. An operator prepares a battery of testa for EPA's new atmospheric wind tunnel. Light at Tunnel's End is Clean Air The Environmental Protection Agency has a new tool to help solve some of the problems it's bound to run into in implementing the Clean Air Act. The device is a wind tunnel for studying how air pollutants spread and dissipate under varying conditions of weather, terrain, tall buildings and city streets. it could play a major role in helping the agency predict the likelihood of pollutant sources exceeding air quality standards at ground level. Located at EPA's research center in North Carolina, the 125-foot-long facility is one of the few atmospheric testing wind tunnels in the world. Air pollution problems will be studied in the tunnel using simulated emissions of smoke or gaseous pollutants, scale models of hills, valleys and buildings and a controllable, artificial wind. The tunnel is designed to provide fast response to problems of air pollutant dispersal in complex flows. It will allow scientists to complete studies in a few weeks that would take years in the field. REPORT TO THE CONGRESS ON OCEAN OUMPING This report by the National Oceanic ano Atmospheric Administration discusses ocean dumping and the long-term view of man's effects on the world's oceans. Information is given on the impact of off-shore terrvvnats. power plants and nil and gas development. COM-74-50532/OWP is $1.15 from the Super intendent of Documents, Government Printing Office. Washington, O.C. 70402. TECHNICAL BULLETIN TC-21 This pamphlet recommends methods for load ing and bracing packaged chemicals in box cars to minimize in-transit damage and spill* in*. TC-71 is 50 cents from Publication Services. MCA. 1825 Conn. Ave.. NAY., Washington. O.C. 20009. 1974-75 DIRECTORIES ON LAND POLLUTION CONTROL The National directory describes programs of nearly 430 companies, associations, labor un ions and federal agencies. The State (Sectary lists agencies dealing with solid va*:e*. soil e*asn>, strip mines. Idler control nod la*.d use i'i $13: State is S5 from Publshir* Company. P.O. Box 1144, FDR Station. New York. N.Y. 10022. -00552 ETC 15424