Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury

Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2000-09-27
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309171717

Mercury is widespread in our environment. Methylmercury, one organic form of mercury, can accumulate up the aquatic food chain and lead to high concentrations in predatory fish. When consumed by humans, contaminated fish represent a public health risk. Combustion processes, especially coal-fired power plants, are major sources of mercury contamination in the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering regulating mercury emissions from those plants. Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury reviews the health effects of methylmercury and discusses the estimation of mercury exposure from measured biomarkers, how differences between individuals affect mercury toxicity, and appropriate statistical methods for analysis of the data and thoroughly compares the epidemiological studies available on methylmercury. Included are discussions of current mercury levels on public health and a delineation of the scientific aspects and policy decisions involved in the regulation of mercury. This report is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the public health effects and regulation of mercury. The report also provides an excellent example of the implications of decisions in the risk assessment process for a larger audience.

Environmental Compliance Handbook, Volume 2

Environmental Compliance Handbook, Volume 2
Author: Daniel T. Rogers
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2022-11-08
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1000718360

Environmental laws and regulations are extremely complex and difficult to understand. In order to comply with them, they need to be explained in layperson’s terms. This handbook identifies many changes in regulations and recommends ways to apply and implement them. Containing the latest environmental information, this volume addresses environmental compliance with water and provides a historical perspective to help follow the logical growth and increased complexity of water regulations through time. Structured as a “step-by-step how-to” book, readers will find real-life examples for the most important aspects of language, permit terms, demonstrating compliance, and organization for water projects. Features: Identifies all water pollution control regulations and the requirements of any water pollution control permits available up to date Answers in depth all practical questions that arise when working on compliance projects in a "how-to" method Addresses a wider spectrum of issues that go beyond chemical-based contamination and environmental regulations and examines the impacts of climate change Includes many real-life examples and case studies from industry and institutions that comply with water quality regulations It is global in coverage and very useful to companies that have expanded operations outside their country of origin

Environmental Challenges and Greenhouse Gas Control for Fossil Fuel Utilization in the 21st Century

Environmental Challenges and Greenhouse Gas Control for Fossil Fuel Utilization in the 21st Century
Author: M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 436
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461507731

As we are moving ahead into the 21st century, our hunger for cost effective and environmentally friendly energy continues to grow. The Energy Information Administration of US has forecasted that only in the first two decades of the 21st century, our energy demand will increase by 60% compared to the levels at the end of the 20th century. Fossil fuels have been traditionally the major primary energy sources worldwide, and their role is expected to continue growing for the forecasted period, due to their inherent cost competitiveness compared to non-fossil fuel energy sources. However, the current fossil energy scenario is undergoing significant transformations, especially to accommodate increasingly stringent environmental challenges of contaminants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides or mercury, while still providing affordable energy. Furthermore, traditional fossil fuel utilization is inherently plagued with greenhouse gas emissions from combustion, especially carbon dioxide from stationary sources as well as from mobile sources. Should worldwide government policies dictate a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as proposed by the Kyoto Protocol and the implementation of carbon taxes, fossil fuels would lose their significant competitive appeal in favor of nuclear energy and renewable energy sources. However, the current non-fossil fuel energy share of the worldwide energy market is merely below 15%, and therefore, it is more likely that fossil fuel energy producers would adapt to the new requirements by developing and implementing emission control technologies, and emission trades among other strategies.