Two of the most urgent tasks facing the world community are controlling dangerous pollution and finding plentiful supplies of energy, particularly in developing countries. This report examines: (1) what to do about hazardous wastes that endanger human life and health (restricted to wastes from chemical processes and those generated by cleaning or…

Addressed to the members of the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this report summarizes the surveys for asbestos of all state-owned buildings and all public schools as required by state code. The survey of state-owned buildings was carried out by a consulting firm. Over 5,900 buildings were surveyed, representing approximately 65…

In response to an official request for information and evaluation of solid waste production and management at California's public colleges and universities, this study examined existing conditions and barriers to solid waste reduction and recycled product procurement, and suggested assistance strategies. The examination found that these…

Common household hazardous substances include cleansers, drain cleaners, automotive products, paints, solvents, and pesticides. This handbook was designed to serve as a resource for people frequently contacted by the public for information on household hazardous substances and wastes. Included in the handbook are: (1) an introduction to Michigan's…

Using regional case studies, this document examines representative programs for dealing with ground water contamination. Section one describes the ground water protection strategy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) discusses the limited data available for determining the extent of contamination; (3) provides a listing of the…

Intended to be a source of information on the nature and significance of health effects related to chemical disposal, this document is the final report of the Executive Scientific Panel on Health Aspects of the Disposal of Waste Chemicals. The panel, which was organized by the Universities Associated for Research and Education in Pathology…

The environmental movement of the 1960's and early 1970's resulted in unprecedented attention to environmental issues both in the mass media and in the scholarly literature. Interest has waned in recent years, with a concomitant erosion of coverage of what many consider enduring problems--particularly in water and air pollution and nuclear power.…

Discusses some of the ways that local school systems are dealing with federal and state safety, health, and environmental laws with regard to the disposal of hazardous substances. Recounts the experiences of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Schools in dealing with the hazard communication (or right-to-know) standard. (TW)

To provide a handy reference for those concerned with ways to avoid the further spread, or proliferation, of nuclear weapons, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs have since 1977 sponsored periodic publication of the Nuclear Proliferation Factbook. This fourth edition of the factbook includes a…

Several policy frameworks for managing hazardous waste import/export are examined with respect to economic issues, environmental sustainability, and administrative feasibility and effectiveness. Several recommendations for improving the present instrument and implementing process are offered. (Author/CW)

Under Superfund, the Environmental Protection Agency can compel parties, including school districts, that contributed hazardous substances to a site to clean it up or repay the government for cleanup costs. Describes New Jersey's experiences and lobbying efforts for Superfund reform in Congress, and advises actions to protect school districts from…

Although environmental compliance is a significant cost of college operations, very few colleges have made a bona fide effort to develop cost-effective compliance strategies. Colleges are no longer being passed over in the application of the environment laws, including the stringent new criminal provisions. (MLW)

Compliance regulations for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) are so complex that each school district must name an asbestos coordinator. Discusses requirements for the October 12, 1988, and July 9, 1989, deadlines and how to meet these requirements. (MLF)

Outlines the significant health problems caused by asbestos materials in school buildings throughout the United States in general and in New York in particular. Describes state and federal statutes and the financial problems that result in noncompliance and argues for available federal funding for asbestos inspection and mandatory removal. (MLF)

This report discusses a federally mandated standard concerning establishment of a program to reduce exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in Iowa schools and education agencies. The standard includes the following components: introduction, scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance,…