Improving EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and how to better accommodate diverse types of evidence to evaluate associations and causation were the focus of discussions before standing-room-only crowds at the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) annual meeting in Baltimore earlier this month. But it’s important not to overlook two other sessions that took place […]
Archive: December, 2013
In 2013, America’s chemical industry put the pedal to the metal, fueled by shale gas
It’s a new year and America’s chemical industry is ready for lift off, thanks to the competitive advantage provided by natural gas from shale, which is driving domestic investment and creating jobs. Check out ACC’s Year End 2013 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook if you haven’t already. Kevin Swift, ACC’s chief economist, summarized the good […]
Executive Order can enhance safety by focusing on underlying issues
On April 17, 2013, an ammonium nitrate explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in West, Texas, eighteen miles north of Waco in rural Texas. Tragically, fifteen people were killed, more than 160 were injured, and more than 150 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Investigators have confirmed that ammonium nitrate was […]
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa take down skyrocketing energy costs
As one of the largest energy consumers in the world, the U.S. Department of Defense has been working to find new, more affordable ways to use less energy, while enhancing military capabilities. Chemistry has contributed to many of these efforts with innovative, energy-saving technologies like spray polyurethane foam and rigid insulation for buildings, photovoltaic solutions […]
Dr. Oz does disservice to family safety by using scare tactics, not science, on show
In the most recent example of misinformation about flame retardants, the “Dr. Oz Show” hosted the producers of the HBO docudrama, “Toxic Hot Seat.” In an earlier blog posting we discussed many of the misleading claims the docudrama makes about flame retardants, but in light of the discussion that took place with Dr. Oz, we […]
From importer to exporter, U.S. chemical industry poised for international boom
The U.S. chemical industry foresees an enormous increase in exports as a result of the competitive advantage delivered by the shale gas boom and, according to the Financial Times, in stark contrast with Asian and European competitors. The London-based newspaper added: The shale gas revolution has produced a surge in the production of inexpensive natural […]
Promise of affordable shale gas lures another foreign manufacturer to U.S. shores
You might say the good news about overseas investment in U.S.-based chemical plants accumulates faster than a December snowfall — and you’d be right. In the latest development, Asia’s largest chemical producer, Formosa Plastics Group, is seeking a $2 billion expansion of its Texas operations, as cheaper natural gas prices make production in America more […]
Why do federal chemical risk assessments need a ‘reality check’? Dr. Michael Honeycutt explains
The federal government manages several programs that are charged with assessing the risk of potential adverse effects of exposures to chemicals. There has been much discussion about the scientific integrity of these programs and their ability to deliver timely and credible results to help guide decision makers. An upcoming panel at the Society for Risk […]
Wisconsin considers new energy conservation codes
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code Council will meet in Madison to discuss changes to the state’s building code, such as updates to its residential energy conservation codes for new construction. Keeping these energy codes current would enhance the energy efficiency of buildings, saving substantial energy costs for homeowners. Updating energy codes […]
2013 Society for Risk Analysis annual meeting to feature formaldehyde symposium
This year’s Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Annual Meeting (Dec. 8-11 in Baltimore) includes a symposium on integrating the science on formaldehyde, in hopes of better understanding the potential for formaldehyde carcinogenicity, as well as providing high quality information to help inform public health (including regulatory) decisions for compounds like formaldehyde that present complex challenges. […]
