Document ry99QvNV1bjXv9vzx8RRKrJr

FROM: DATE: Interoffice Communication SUBJ: T. G. Grumbles July 27, 1988 FURNITURE & FIXTURES BUDGET AFFAIRS VISTABIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Attached are the items for my subject budget. This has been reviewed and approved by Gamblin. cr-------- T. G. Grumbles dlj Attachment 00001^6 eth.bfi a' 19 89 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST FOR PERSONAL COMPUTER Computer System IBM PS/2 Model 50 (8550-021) > > Model 8512-001 Monitor Monochrome: Amber ___ Green ___ B&W ___ Color: CGA ___ EGA ___ or VGA ___ Memory IMB %. RAM Hard Disk 2 0 MG Modem Yes 2L No ___ * 3270 Card Yes ___ No .................. ' Printer Cwidel * 0nly needed for mainframe terminal emulation Epson FX 286E Qtiafce"Peripheral Equip. . -- -Smart- Modem Software: Lotus 1,2.3; Word Perfect; Sidekick; Smart Com Benefits: Time Savings 15 Approx, hrs/mo Note: Hours/month savings should be converted to $/Year by the following equation: (_2L_hrs/mo) (0.072) ~ 5.400 $/vr (5.00 0 group salary) where Y is the average monthly salary of the salary group level using the machine Replacing existing equipment? Yes ___ No X_ Vhat Type? Are there any savings other than time associated with this equipment? Better regulato tracking allows better direction to plants, engr., R&D which saves mone other people's time. Brief description on planned use of equipment? Establish a regulatory data base o f pending rules to better track development and timing and evaluate plpnt-rnnir gnyi rnmnpnt-al npHai-g., services. Do project planning and tracking and assist in managing CLER Communications activities. System Cost: Computer $ (with tax) Peripherals $ 2,717 773 Printer $ . 604 Total Capital Cost $ 4,094 Software Cost $ 7,00 Total System Cost $ _____4.7 94______ Estimated Annual Cost Savings: ^ 4 0 0 Has Data Processing reviewed this system; Yes X' No Requesting Supervisor WP3/DRP003 FURNITURE & FIXTURES BUDGET 2 Desks ,2 100 2 Credenzas 2, 050 4 Side chairs 1/ 000 3 Executive Chairs, High Back 1.425 Subtotal Tax 6,575 526 Total 7,101 IBM Computer,cj^odel 30 J Color Display /"Model 8512-001 Epson FX 286 E Printer Smart modem WordPerfect D Dasc--------------------------------------------------------Lotus 1-2-3 Sidekick SM A fcT C.OIW Subtotal Tax Total 1,607" 417 559 300 210 _ 295 50 i oo 3 7'0 4 8 -- 308 1^ 4,44 7 3 54 4,156 4/V 03 VVV 000014388 Nazi Data Used to Study EPA Approves Genetic Phosgene Gas Pesticide Testing Looking through a study of the lethal gas phosgene, EPA scientists discovered the source of the data was Nazi medical experiments done on POWs during World War II. The EPA study contains mathematical equa tions, charts and graphs using human data. Holocaust scholars believe that the paper is the first active, scientific use of Nazi operated experiments. The Nazi experiments attempted to find an antidote for phos gene, used as a poisonous gas in World War I. Lee M. Thomas, the EPA Administrator, received a protest letter written by 22 agency scientists. This prompted him to prohibit the data's use and ask for a study of the ethical questions involved. The EPA had planned to use the study to set stan dards for phosgene which is used in the production of plastics and pesticides. EPA officials had wanted to use the test results as a statistical model for determining the effects of phosgene on human lungs. Pulmonary edema or swelling can be caused by inhaling large amounts of phosgene. Before presenting the paper, scientists at the EPA had discussed the use of the Nazi work and considered the data unique. Clement Associates Inc, an environ mental sciences consultant, was given the Nazi data and U.S. phosgene experiments on rats and they recom mended the use of the Nazi data. Judith Beilin, an EPA toxicologist feels that the data should be rejected on scientific grounds since the pris oners were underfed, weak and their body weight and sex isn't given. Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, psychiatrist and expert on Nazi medical experiments said, "One should be highly skeptical of any work done by the Nazis. They were criminal experiments, done for the most part very hap hazardly and badly." EPA scientists who heard the paper read, protested its source. They felt that data obtained in such experi ments debases society and "gives such experiments legitimacy, and implicitly encourages others, perhaps in less exacting societies, to perform unethical human experiments." ref. Michael Weisskopf, AP The EPA has granted temporary approval to conduct a one acre field test of a genetically engineered pesticide called InCide. The toxin was designed to kill the European com borer. The borer is a type of caterpillar responsible for $400 million of crop damage an nually. InCide,the microbial pesticide, is injected into com seedlings, which makes spraying the plants unnecessary. There would be no genetic alteration of the plants or pests. Jeremy Rifkin, a biotechnology critic, believes that the experi ments could spread the microbe into the environment possibly making weeds resistant to natural selection and a possibility that the CX's would lower the annual com yield. The test firm would like the EPA to waive 16 of 19 EPA toxicology tests which Rifkin believes are necessary. "To my mind, EPA is once again proving a rubber .stamp," Rifkin said. "It is possibkaJhat CXc/QtAuTd be transferred to other plant species" and mraMhem resjstflR ttf insects, s{Ud Rebecca J. Gold berg a staff scietjH|or the Jsnvhpnfnental DefejrafuruL-Furadan, the pesticide curraf^ry usedj is bdlittveiitehave beenfgfflaafcible for as manias 7A million hirrl jMHdlife FedSrabcHvaadfhe 'Aadtoboh, 5ocv~acfivesUBbolreira ofcffie.CX tests*-r The manufacturer of WuciUQl yields smaller crops;Tb increase publfcundeiEi^^^^^mtSfelwey^ve enlisted outside help., Former SPA adintrustrat^'S; Wiflia^ Rack- elshaus and Cosile, arja forintrrdttWtft^g!eheral,;*Etliot L. Richardson. The company is seeking EPA approval for two addi tional tests in B&uyland later this year. Farmers ftow^pend about $50 million on chemical pesticides but they still tese^$400 million through crop damage. The toxic genes wni'66^Mc^itfua^y^gtfttfthe CX's spread. The EPA says there is no toxic Hanger to thel&fffrbnment since cows have been eating the bacterium safely for centuries. IN THIS ISSUE Gas Volatility Levels School Asbestos Deadlines Texas "Brown Cloud" Calendar of Events Interesting Books & Videos An Inside Look VVV 000014389 CALENDAR third quarter 1988 ;|llJ!lll!mi)WIIIMMH JULY iiitiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiir July 11-13 "Asbestos in Buildings: Inspection and Assessment" Atlanta, Georgia Information: The Environmental Institute Cobb Corporate Center/300, 350 Franklin Road Marietta, GA 30067 Contact:: Monica Scarbrough (404) 425-2000 July 18-22 Hazardous Materials: Handling and Disposal Iformation: University of Southern California 3500 South Figueroa, Suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90007 Contact: Colleen Phillips (213)743-6383/6523 [piiiiiniii[inii]iiiiii;imi|ii[ CAUGUST J iriTTiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiirfTTriiiTitlil August 1-3 'Comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) Review Course" Embassy Suites Hotel- St.Paul, Minn. Information: Continuing Education Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety Contact: Angela Molenaar (612) 221-3992 August 29 - September 2 "Sampling and Evaluating Airborne Asbestos Dust" Educational Resource Center University of North Carolina 109 Conner Dr., Suite 1101, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Contact: Ted M. Williams, MSPH (919) 962-2101 I f, iM September 11-22 Seventh Annual Occupational Health and Safety Insti tute Information: Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center 640 Jackson Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Contact: Ruth K. McIntyre (612) 221-3992 EPA Fumes over (Jas Volatility Levels High volatility gasoline used to prevent engine knock is a new source of air pollution. Under excess pressure gasoline spurts from the filler neck and leaks from tanks. The Center for Auto Safety says that unsafe hydrocarbons released from one leak of gasoline amounts to the pollution that enters the air when 300 vehicles are refueled. The center feels that the EPA should consider setting standards for gasoline volatility. This is the measure ofhow quickly gas evaporates. Gasoline volatility has increased since 1966 when oil companies were forced to reduce the use of lead additives and use butane and alcohol instead. The EPA has proposed enlarging the canisters in stalled to trap carburetor emissions during tank refueling. Gas pump splashes and fuel tank leaks aren't considered sources of hydrocarbons by the EPA. One leak ofunleaded gasoline amounts to the pollution that enters the air when 300 vehicles are refueled. Warnings by the auto and insurance industries that larger canisters would increase the risk of post-crash fires were investigated by the center. Since 1966only 292 safety recalls by the auto industry involved fuel-system flaws that could cause fires. Two recalls involved post-crash dangers caused by the canisters. Twelve recalls were caused by the need to alleviate problems caused by fuel volatility. These defects caused at least 71 fires, 25 injuries and two deaths. ref: Michael Weisskopf, WP The Gilian MONITOR is a quarterly newsletter printed for the benefit and assistance of our customers and friends. It is our intention to provide a forum of interesting articles and important ideas that deal with industrial and environmental hygiene. Credits: Publisher: Gilian Instrument Corp., printed in U.S.A. Coordinating Editor: John Castell Contributing Staff: Ruth Prommel, Phillip Heiney, Joan Ohlhoff EPA Office Listings VVV 000014390 "Brown Cloud" in Dallas There has been a marked increase in the level of air pollution in the Dallas area. Studies by state and federal air pollution experts have shown that the visibility of 15 miles or greater has dropped from 320 days a year in 1950 to 70 days in 1986. Brown cloud pollution is locally produced and occurs in the winter. White haze, another form of pollution, is produced from state-wide industry and occurs all year round . Other cities have either die cloud or haze problem but not both. Brown cloud contains pollution mostly from die sel-run engines and from wood burning. The cloud which often hides the city for up to 12 miles appears on cold, calm mornings. Diesel engines account for about 70 percent of the brown cloud pollution. "A diesel vehicle is the equivalent of 25 cars as far as emissions," said Wayne Einfield, of the Sandia National Laborato ries. The white haze is composed mostly ofsulfate aero sols coming from coal- and lignite-fueled power plants in East Texas and petroleum industry operations on the Gulf Coast. Southern and eastern winds produce the haze. Proposals by the House Energy and Commerce Committee have called for stricter industrial and auto motive emission controls in an effort to reduce the carbon monoxide and the smog-producing ozone layer. The EPA says that 100 million people living in about 60 cities are now at an increased health risk. The National Clean Air Coalition feels that more stringent measures are needed to protect public health since the proposals aren't innovative. Members of the Sierra Club and Environ mental Action felt that al though the progress was slow at least something was being accomplished. ref: Scott Rothchild, AP Schools Miss Asbestos Clean-Up Deadlines School officials feel they can't rid their schools of cancer-causing asbestos by their October 1988 deadline. Insufficient money and unskilled workers are two of the reasons cited. Asbestos, once a common building material, is dan gerous when it becomes friable (crumbly). Friable asbes tos releases fibers which cause a variety of respriatory problems including lung cancer. Children are at a greater health risk than adults. Asking for a deadline extention the National School Boards Association says there is a shortage of accredited laboratories to test asbestos samples. But with EPA train ing courses turning out 2,000 certified asbestos inspectors monthly, the EPA feels the October deadline can be met. Teacher, parent and school employee groups are opposing a deadline extension saying an extension would prolong the long-term health threats faced by millions of school children. In the 1970`s the EPA began a voluntary program against asbestos in schools. Then in 1982 school districts were given until January 1984 to notify school employees and parents if friable asbestos was found. Only 11 % of the districts complied and the work was poorly done. An estimated 31,000 public schools are believed to contain as bestos. 1988 Congressional legislation requires school dis tricts to remove or stabilize friable asbestos. Michael Oxley (R) one of almost 100 supporters who is sponsoring a bill to push the deadlines back a year, believes that widely differing estimates by contractors may be an effort by unscrupulous firms hoping to take advan tage of school districts trying to meet their deadlines. He feels that shoddy work may jeopordize students' health. Keith Geiger, vice president ofthe National Education Association, says that "if school boards had taken immedi ate steps to comply with the law...the overwhelming major ity would be in a position to complete the inspection and plan development requirements on time." ref: David Goeller, AP Georgia. (Region IV) RA: Jack E. Ravan DRA Lee Dehihns 345 Courtland St.. N.E. Atlanta. GA 30365 Phone FTS 257-4727 CML (404) 347-4727 Hours: 7:00 - 5.45 Illinois, (Region V) RA: Valdas V Adamkus DRA: Frank Covington 230 S. Dearborn St. Chicago. IL 60604 Phone (312) 353-2000 Hours: 8:15 - 4:45 Texas (Region VI) RA: Robert Layton DRA: Frances Phillips 1445 Ross Ave. Dallas. TX 75202-2733 Phone: FTS 255-2100 CML (214) 655-2100 Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Missouri. (Region VII) RA: Morris Kay DRA' William W. Rice 726 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City. MO 66101 Phone: FTS 757-2800 CML (913) 236-2800 Hours. 8:00 4 30 VVV 00001*391 Feed Additive Causes Squeal clockwise from top right: Bob Flndura, Bill Resch, Chris Ganci and Ray Eagles GHian's Engineering Design Team The design group totals 65 years of design experience in the pneumatics, electronics and computer drafting ar eas. The group now creates allof Gilian's newest air sam pling equipment on the computer using some of the latest in computer design software. Each of the men is responsible for a different detail area ofa project so as to take complete chargefrom concept to finishedproduct. Currently the team is working on new radio frequency shielded HFS and LFS samplers. Also being worked on are various electronic componentdesigns for overseas certification of our products. Bob Findura, our resident history buff, has been with the company since its beginnings and heads the design group. On the Auto Cad systems are Ray Eagles, a softball fanatic with 2 sons and Chris Ganci who likes skiing, fishing and waxing his new red Honda CRX. Bill Resch is the newest member of the group and is designing on the board and with the new computer aided systems. He enjoys thinking about his new home. Sulfa methazine commonly used as a feed additive for swine, cattle and chickens has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice. Domestic animals have been treated with this drug. Only recently have tests been done to check the safe use of this drug which has been on the market for years. It will be at least September 1988 before preliminary studies are complete. Until then no action will take place. In the Food and Drug Administration study 864 male and 864 female mice were given sulfa methazine in their food. Amounts given to the mice were 300, 600, 1200, 2400 and 4800 parts permillion ofthe drug. Afterl2,18,and24months some of the mice were killed and a small amount of thyroid cancer was found after 18 and 24 months. For years sulfa residue in pork has concerned the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agiculture but they feel that present levels of the drug should cause no harm. ref: Paul Recer, AP ( Interesting Books& Software ) 1 "Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects" -Summarizes current knowledgeof the health effects of asbes tos exposure and the resulting asbestos litigation. Contains tables and charts which summarize the author's data. Avail able through: Barry I.Castleman,Ph.D.2nd Ed. 692p. Business and Law Inc.,Clifton, N.J.07013-1986 "Industrial Radiation Hazards Deskbook" -An overall view of radiation protection procedures. Contains a 15-page appendix covering maximum permissible average concentrations of radioactive materials in the air and water.' "New OSHA Handbook" -Includes a complete copy of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Provides help on dealing with OSHA standards.recordkeeping, compliance, inspections, penal ties.* "Space Entry: Do it Right...Stay Alive" (Video Tape) -22-minute video covers the correct work and rescue proce dures to follow in confined work areas. Includes a leader's guide and quiz. Available in any video format,* * Selections available through: OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS -1100 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114, phone:(216) 696-7000 The MONITOR if you have comments or questions please contact us at: Gilian Instrument Corp. 8 Dawes Highway, Wayne, N.J. 07470-6217 phone: (201) 831-0440 0000l>392