Indoor Air Quality: Tackling the Challenges of the Invisible
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Land-Use, Land-Cover Changes and Biodiversity Loss - Helena Freitas
LAND USE, LAND COVER AND SOIL SCIENCES – Vol. I - Land-Use, Land-Cover Changes and Biodiversity Loss - Helena Freitas LAND-USE, LAND-COVER CHANGES AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS Helena Freitas University of Coimbra, Portugal Keywords: land use; habitat fragmentation; biodiversity loss Contents 1. Introduction 2. Primary Causes of Biodiversity Loss 2.1. Habitat Degradation and Destruction 2.2. Habitat Fragmentation 2.3. Global Climate Change 3. Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation 3.1. General 3.2. The European Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 4. Conclusions Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary During Earth's history, species extinction has probably been caused by modifications of the physical environment after impacts such as meteorites or volcanic activity. On the contrary, the actual extinction of species is mainly a result of human activities, namely any form of land use that causes the conversion of vast areas to settlement, agriculture, and forestry, resulting in habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, which are among the most important causes of species decline and extinction. The loss of biodiversity is unique among the major anthropogenic changes because it is irreversible. The importance of preserving biodiversity has increased in recent times. The global recognition of the alarming loss of biodiversity and the acceptance of its value resultedUNESCO in the Convention on Biologi – calEOLSS Diversity. In addition, in Europe, the challenge is also the implementation of the European strategy for biodiversity conservation and agricultural policies, though it is increasingly recognized that the strategy is limitedSAMPLE by a lack of basic ecological CHAPTERS information and indicators available to decision makers and end users. We have reached a point where we can save biodiversity only by saving the biosphere. -
National Air Quality Status and Trends Through 2007
National Air Quality STATUS AND TRENDS THROUGH 2007 Printed on 100% recycled/recyclable process chlorine-free paper with 100% post-consumer fiber using vegetable-oil-based ink. National Air Quality STATUS AND TRENDS THROUGH 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Air Quality Assessment Division Research Triangle Park, North Carolina EPA-454/R-08-006 November 2008 Table of Contents Highlights ... 1 Air Pollution ... 4 Six Common Pollutants ... 10 Ground-Level Ozone ... 14 Particle Pollution ... 19 Lead ... 26 Nitrogen Dioxide ... 27 Carbon Monoxide ... 27 Sulfur Dioxide ... 27 Toxic Air Pollutants ... 28 Atmospheric Deposition ... 32 Visibility in Scenic Areas ... 34 Climate Change and Air Quality ... 36 International Transport of Air Pollution ... 38 Terminology ... 40 Web Sites ... 41 HIGHLIGHTS This summary report highlights EPA’s most recent ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). Ground- evaluation of the status and trends in our nation’s air level ozone and particle pollution still present quality. challenges in many areas of the country. LEVELS OF SIX COMMON POLLUTANTS • Though PM2.5 concentrations were higher in 2007 CONTINUE TO DECLINE than in 2006, partly due to weather conditions, annual PM2.5 concentrations were nine percent • Cleaner cars, industries, and consumer products lower in 2007 than in 2001. have contributed to cleaner air for much of the U.S. • 8-hour ozone concentrations were fi ve percent • Since 1990, nationwide air quality for six air lower in 2007 than in 2001. Ozone levels did not pollutants for which there are national standards improve in much of the East until 2002, after has improved signifi cantly. -
Chapter 7 Pollution Prevention
This guidance is not a regulatory document and should be considered only informational and supplementary to the MPCA permits (such as the construction storm water general permit or MS4 permit) and local regulations. CHAPTER 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 7.00 POLLUTION PREVENTION..............................................................................................7.00-1 7.01 Nonstructural Practices: PLAN DEVELOPMENT.....................................................7.01-1 7.02 Nonstructural Practices: EMPLOYEE TRAINING....................................................7.02-1 7.03 Nonstructural Practices: INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ............................7.03-1 7.04 Nonstructural Practices: MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...............................7.04-1 7.20 GENERAL PRACTICES.....................................................................................................7.20-1 7.22 General Practices: SPILL PLANS...............................................................................7.22-1 7.23 General Practices: LITTER CONTROL .....................................................................7.23-1 7.24 General Practices: LAWN MANAGEMENT.............................................................7.24-1 7.25 General Practices: DUST CONTROL ........................................................................7.25-1 7.26 General Practices: EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL...................................7.26-1 7.27 General Practices: STREET SWEEPING...................................................................7.27-1 -
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality : Selected Pollutants
WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of pub- lic health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethyl- ene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazard- ousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmen- SELECTED CHEMICALS SELECTED tal exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. POLLUTANTS They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards. World Health Organization Regional Offi ce for Europe Scherfi gsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.euro.who.int WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the development of these WHO guidelines. Keywords AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR - prevention and control AIR POLLUTANTS - adverse effects ORGANIC CHEMICALS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE - adverse effects GUIDELINES ISBN 978 92 890 0213 4 Address requests for publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for per- mission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). -
An Ounce of Pollution Prevention Is Worth Over 167 Billion* Pounds of Cure: a Decade of Pollution Prevention Results 1990
2418_historyfinal.qxd 2/3/03 4:38 PM Page 1 January 2003 National Pollution Prevention Roundtable An Ounce of Pollution Prevention is Worth Over 167 Billion* Pounds of Cure: A Decade of Pollution Prevention Results 1990 - 2000 2418_historyfinal.qxd 2/3/03 4:38 PM Page 2 January 28, 2003 Acknowledgements NPPR would like to thank EPA’s John Cross, Acting Produced by the National Pollution Prevention Division Director for U.S. EPA’s Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) with funding provided by Division, Cindy McComas, Director - Minnesota the United States Environmental Protection Technical Assistance Program (MNTAP) and Ken Agency’s Office of Prevention Pesticides and Zarker, NPPR Board Chair (Texas Commission on Toxics’ Pollution Prevention Division and NPPR. Environmental Quality), for all of their support and input into this seminal document. NPPR hopes that this paper becomes the starting point as well as launching pad for further work measuring pollution prevention successes across the country and globally. This report was researched and prepared by: Steven Spektor, NPPR staff Natalie Roy, NPPR Executive Director P2 Results Advisory Group Co-Advisory Chair Cindy McComas (MNTAP) Co-Advisory Chair Ken Zarker (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) Melinda Dower, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP Terri Goldberg, Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA) Tom Natan, National Environmental Trust (NET) On the cover: The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, The number in the report’s title, 167 billion pounds, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest includes the data from the air, water, waste, combined membership organization in the United States and electricity column of Table 1.4. -
Pollution Prevention
Unit 4: Pollution Prevention TABLE OF CONTENTS UNIT SUMMARY 1 CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST 2 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES 10 LESSON PLAN 10 LESSON 1: HOW TO PREVENT POLLUTION AT SCHOOL 11 LESSON 2: CLEAN AND GREEN 19 LESSON 3: PROMOTE POLLUTION PREVENTION AT SCHOOL! 25 MATERIALS NEEDED 26 Unit 4: Pollution Prevention Unit Summary This unit will show your green@school team how to ensure that your school is doing its best to prevent pollution on your school site. Students will learn ways to protect our shared air, water, and soil resources at school and at home. They will also evaluate your school’s practices around a number of potential sources of pollution. Actions 1. Become campus pollutant and chemical detectives—explore your Here are some actions you will take to classrooms, bathrooms, offices, janitorial closets, cupboards, the staff room, complete the green@school checklist and and even the cafeteria kitchen to find potential pollutants and chemicals. reduce your school’s environmental 2. Interview relevant school and district staff to find out what type of impact. products are purchased and how potential pollutants are disposed of or recycled. 3. Investigate existing indoor and outdoor cleaning practices, field management, and pest control methods at your school and evaluate safe practices and where there is room for improvement. 4. Improve existing or implement new pollution prevention practices at your school and/or recommend actions to your district. 5. Determine how well Boltage is working. Find out what alternative transportation practices are in place and how your school can further reduce vehicle emissions. Campaign Opportunities 1. -
Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings OSHA 3430-04 2011 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards-related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibili- ties which are set forth in OSHA standards, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. More- over, because interpretations and enforcement poli- cy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory- impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877- 889-5627. Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor OSHA 3430-04 2011 The guidance is advisory in nature and informational in content. It is not a standard or regulation, and it neither creates new legal obligations nor alters existing obligations created by OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act. -
Pollution Brochure
THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Water What Can You Do? AND PLANNING AGENCY Jamaica, as a small mountainous island, is particu- • Dispose of and store chemicals properly larly vulnerable to the effects of water pollution. Pol- • Learn more about the proper disposal of waste Pollution luted water adversely affects coastal and marine en- • Get involved in environmental action groups vironments. Some sources of water pollution include: • Reduce noise Is Our Concern • Report offensive odours and emissions from • Sewage effluent (treated and untreated) factories and commercial sites Surface run off from agricultural sources which • • Do not burn your garbage may carry solid waste and dissolved chemicals • Do not throw garbage into gullies, drains and such as pesticides rivers • Oil pollution from off shore oil spills, drilling, • Reduce, reuse and recycle tanker washing and industrial effluent Air Pollution Noise Frequent exposure to high levels of noise can cause Land pollution headaches, high level of stress and temporary or Managing & protecting Jamaica’s permanent deafness. Sleep as well as concentration land, wood & water can be affected by noise. Some sources of noise pollution include: For further information contact The Public Education and Corporate • Loud music and talking Communication Branch of National Environment and Planning Agency • Honking horns (NEPA) • Industrial activity (factory noise) 10 & 11 Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5 Water pollution • Low flying aeroplanes and motor vehicles Tel: 754-7540, Fax: 754-7595/6 What is Environmental Pollution ? Toll free: 1-888-991-5005 Environmental pollution may be defined as; the contamination Email: [email protected] of the environment by man through substances or energy Website: www.nepa.gov.jm which may cause harm or discomfort to humans, other living organisms and ecological systems. -
Diffuse Pollution, Degraded Waters Emerging Policy Solutions
Diffuse Pollution, Degraded Waters Emerging Policy Solutions Policy HIGHLIGHTS Diffuse Pollution, Degraded Waters Emerging Policy Solutions “OECD countries have struggled to adequately address diffuse water pollution. It is much easier to regulate large, point source industrial and municipal polluters than engage with a large number of farmers and other land-users where variable factors like climate, soil and politics come into play. But the cumulative effects of diffuse water pollution can be devastating for human well-being and ecosystem health. Ultimately, they can undermine sustainable economic growth. Many countries are trying innovative policy responses with some measure of success. However, these approaches need to be replicated, adapted and massively scaled-up if they are to have an effect.” Simon Upton – OECD Environment Director POLICY H I GH LI GHT S After decades of regulation and investment to reduce point source water pollution, OECD countries still face water quality challenges (e.g. eutrophication) from diffuse agricultural and urban sources of pollution, i.e. pollution from surface runoff, soil filtration and atmospheric deposition. The relative lack of progress reflects the complexities of controlling multiple pollutants from multiple sources, their high spatial and temporal variability, the associated transactions costs, and limited political acceptability of regulatory measures. The OECD report Diffuse Pollution, Degraded Waters: Emerging Policy Solutions (OECD, 2017) outlines the water quality challenges facing OECD countries today. It presents a range of policy instruments and innovative case studies of diffuse pollution control, and concludes with an integrated policy framework to tackle this challenge. An optimal approach will likely entail a mix of policy interventions reflecting the basic OECD principles of water quality management – pollution prevention, treatment at source, the polluter pays and the beneficiary pays principles, equity, and policy coherence. -
Interactions of Land and Water in Europe
Name Date Interactions of Land and Water in Europe Read the following passage two times. Read once for understanding. As you read the second time, underline or highlight each proper name of a physical feature of Europe. The interactions of land and water in Europe have shaped the geography of Europe. These interactions have also shaped the lives of the people who live there. The continent of Europe is nearly 10,359,952 square kilometers (4,000,000 square miles). Its finger-like peninsulas extend into the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans and the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. The oceans and seas lie to the north, south, and west of the continent. Only the eastern edge of the continent is landlocked. It is firmly attached to its larger neighbor, Asia, along Russia and Kazakhstan’s low Ural Mountain range. Mountains, rivers, and seacoasts dominate the landscape from north to south and east to west. Europe is the only continent with no large deserts. The Scandinavian Peninsula and islands of Great Britain are partially covered with eroded mountains laced with fjords and lakes carved out by ancient glaciers. The northern edge of Europe lies in the frozen, treeless tundra biome. But forests once covered more than 80 percent of the continent. Thousands of years of clearing the land for farming and building towns and cities has left only a few large forest areas remaining in Scandinavia, Germany, France, Spain, and Russia. Warm, wet air from the Atlantic Ocean allowed agriculture, or farming, to thrive in chilly northern Europe. This is especially true on the North European Plain, which stretches all the way from France and southern England to Russia. -
Cleaner Production : Basic Principles and Development
Michael Overcash 1 Cleaner Production : Basic Principles And Development Michael Overcash* *Pollution Prevention Research Center Chemical Engineering Department Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7905 Tel :919~515-2325, Fax : 919-515-3465, E-mail :[email protected] ABSTRACT : Cleaner production is of substantial importance in changing the environmental approach within advanced industrialized countries. The critical principles involve fund교 mental understanding of diverse industrial processes, adherence to the easiest techniques of a hierarchy for reducing wastes, and utilization of an underlying thought process to achieve pollution prevention successes that are both technically feasible and cost-effective. Chemical engineering has played a major and unique role in this environmental field. Improving the sustainability of cleaner production will rest on including this subject in the curriculum of university engineering. 1. INTRODUCTION began in U.S. industry and policy during the late 1970's. While examples of improved efficiency and No single dimension of environmental solutions has hence less waste had existed since the start of the captured the imagination of engineers, scientists, policy Industrial Revolution, the distinct explosion of successes -makers, and the public like pollution prevention. In the in pollution prevention did not occur until the 1980's. space of 10 years (1980-1990), the philosophical shift Fig. 1 is an approximate time line of this period [1,2]. and the record of accomplishment have made cleaner The early creation at the 3M Corporation of money production a fundamental means for environmental saving innovations that reduced chemical losses to air, management. This decade began with pollution prevent water, or land was widely publicized [3]. -
Leaseplan Partners with Land Life Company to Help Make Every Trip Carbon Neutral
LeasePlan partners with Land Life Company to help make every trip carbon neutral Geneva and Amsterdam, 13 September 2018: LeasePlan Corporation N.V., a global leader in Car-as-a-Service, has signed an agreement at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco with Land Life Company, a leading nature restoration venture, to help LeasePlan customers make their trips carbon neutral. Under the partnership, LeasePlan customers will be able to offset their fleet emissions through Land Life Company’s innovative reforestation programme. Land Life Company is a leader in the sustainable and technology-driven reforestation of degraded land in the EU and US. LeasePlan has committed to offsetting carbon emissions from its employee fleet until 2021, when the company’s employee fleet is scheduled to be completely electric. LeasePlan is also targeting net zero emissions from its serviced fleet by 2030. The announcement comes as business leaders meet in San Francisco to discuss the next steps in the global fight against climate change. Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, said: “Cutting emissions will not be enough to keep global warming in check. Greenhouse gases must also be scrubbed from the air. By partnering with Land Life Company, we can offer our customers the opportunity to make every one of their trips carbon neutral. Collectively, we have a carbon debt that needs to be repaid and, with 1.8 million vehicles on the road, we can make a big and positive impact to the climate change challenge.” Land Life Company’s CEO, Jurriaan Ruys, said: “Through reforestation, we have an opportunity to take CO2 out of the air and rebuild the planet, addressing two of the world’s most significant challenges – climate change and land degradation – at the same time.