Environmental, Health & Safety News

IHS Sells Standards & Regulations Environment/Health/Safety solutions from IHS include current & historical codes, regs & standards from gov't, int'l & industry sources. Complete this form for a free quote. CyberRegs - Compliance library ASTM / NFPA / ASME / ISO API / ASSE / AWS / NEMA / UL Safety Compliance Collection Environment Compliance Collection Specs & Standards Collection First Name: Last Name: Email address:

ADB Starts Future Carbon Fund to Finance Renewable Energy, GHG Mitigation Projects  Dec 19, 2008
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) received financing commitments of more than $100 million for a new post-2012 carbon fund and will commence its operations in January.

ANSI Issues First Set of Accreditations under Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation, Verification  Dec 17, 2008
Seven organizations were accredited under a program that facilitates the inventory and reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the environment, according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Int'l Food Experts Set 'Tolerable' Level for Melamine Intake at WHO-Sponsored Meeting  Dec 17, 2008
International food experts established a "tolerable" daily intake (TDI) for melamine, the chemical found in contaminated milk products, at a meeting organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

BSI, NHS Implement Business Continuity  Dec 15, 2008
The Department of Health in England and BSI British Standards announced a new initiative designed to increase resilience to major incidents and disruption across the National Health Service (NHS).

ISO 11612:2008 Aims to Ensure Performance of Protective Clothing against Heat, Flame  Dec 8, 2008
A revised ISO standard seeks to increase the safety of persons risking contact with heat or flame.

OECD Releases Primer on Sustainable Development  Dec 8, 2008
A book about sustainable development from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) will use a low-carbon publishing technology for sales in far-flung global markets.

Ecology Center Tests Find Significant Levels of Toxic Chemicals in 1 in 3 Children's Toys  Dec 8, 2008
Researchers tested more than 1,500 children's toys for lead, cadmium, arsenic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other harmful chemicals for the Ecology Center's second annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in toys.

AWWA Supports Chemical Security Comments in Center for American Progress Report   Dec 8, 2008
The Center for American Progress released Chemical Security 101, a report recommending that the U.S. Congress establish a chemical security program that requires chemical facilities - including water utilities - to assess and use "feasible alternatives that reduce the potential harm of a terrorist attack."

EC Launches Debate on Bio-waste Management   Dec 5, 2008
On Dec. 3, the European Commission (EC) presented a "green paper" report on the management of bio-waste in the European Union (EU).

EU Environment Council Meeting Covers Energy, Pollution, GMOs   Dec 5, 2008
Topics for the European Union (EU) Environment Council meeting on Dec. 4-5 include the EU's climate change and energy package and its proposal on CO2 emissions from new cars.

EC Proposes Law to Limit Harmful Vapor Emissions from Service Stations  Dec 5, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed new legislation to ensure that harmful gasoline vapors that escape during the refueling of cars at service stations are captured and recycled.

FAQ on Revised Directive on Waste Electrical, Electronic Equipment   
Answers to frequently asked questions about Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), which the European Commission (EC) proposed on Dec. 3 to revise, are provided below.

FAQ on Revised Directive on Restrictions on Dangerous Substances in Electrical, Electronic Equipment  Dec 5, 2008
Answers to frequently asked questions about Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment, which the European Commission (EC) proposed on Dec. 3 to revise, are provided below.

EC Proposes Revising Environmental Laws on Electrical, Electronic Equipment   Dec 5, 2008
On Dec. 3, the European Commission (EC) proposed revising Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (the "WEEE Directive") and Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (the "RoHS Directive").

Frost: Detection Technology Advances Drive Euro Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market  Dec 5, 2008
The European autoimmune disease diagnostics market demonstrated sustained growth due to advances in detection technology and automation, according to Frost & Sullivan.

WEF, EPA, Other Water Quality Organizations Renew MOU for Decentralized Wastewater Management  Dec 4, 2008
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and 13 water quality organizations in renewing a commitment to improving national decentralized wastewater treatment system performance by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for decentralized wastewater management.

DOE: CO2 Emissions Growing Rapidly, Especially in Asia  Dec 4, 2008
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and manufacturing cement increased 38% since 1992, despite international efforts to reduce emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

EPA Issues Guidelines for Electronic Recycling  Nov 26, 208
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of a group of recycling stakeholders, developed the Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices for Use in Accredited Certification Programs for Electronics Recyclers.

OSHA Seeks Comments on EC Proposal for Workplace Electrical Product Safety  Nov 26, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) seeks comments on a proposal submitted by the European Commission (EC).

ACLASS to Accredit Testing Labs under CPSC Requirements for Safety of Cribs, Pacifiers  Nov 26, 2008
The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS meets the safety requirements for accrediting testing laboratories under the second phase of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), according to the American National Standards Institute and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS.

ANSI Approves Reaffirmed Standard to Protect Workers from Hazardous Energy Injury - ASSE Z244.1  Nov 26, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the reaffirmation of ANSI/American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Z244.1-2003 (R2008) - Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout/Tagout and Alternative Methods, which aims to protect workers from hazardous energy associated with machines, equipment or processes that could cause injury.

UPMC: Arsenic May Increase Risks for Cardiovascular Disease at Current EPA-Regulated Drinking Water Standards  Nov 17, 2008
When mice are exposed to arsenic at federally approved levels for drinking water, pores in liver blood vessels close, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease, according to University of Pittsburgh researchers in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

ISO Brochure Highlights Standards, Sustainable Development  Nov 17, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published a new brochure providing an overview of how the ISO technical program, which has produced more than 17,400 international standards, contributes to a sustainable world.

AWWA 2008 'State of Industry Report' Outlines Infrastructure Failures, Water Availability  Nov 12, 2008
Source water supply and protection were the top areas of concern among North American water professionals in the 2008 State of the Industry Report, published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Guidelines Released for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transport, Storage  Nov 12, 2008
Sufficient technical knowledge exists to begin large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstrations in the U.S., according to guidelines released by a coalition of business, environmental, academic and government groups.

CSA to Assist Manitoba in Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting  Nov 12, 2008
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) announced it is assisting the government of Manitoba by providing content for its new provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting web site.

Deloitte: Mergers, Acquisitions Reflect Growing Role of Sustainability  Nov 12, 2008
Mergers, acquisitions and divestitures have been largely unaffected by the green trend.

ASTM Int'l Forms Committee to Develop Standards to Support Global Sustainability  Nov 11, 2008
ASTM International formed ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability, which will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and cross industry stakeholders to develop standards for "global sustainable development."

NSF Int'l Seeks Comments on Draft Standard for Organic Personal Care Products - NSF 305  Nov 11, 2008
NSF International is seeking public comment on NSF Draft Standard 305 - Organic Personal Care Products, which defines organic labeling and marketing requirements for organic personal care products.

ADB Increases Funding for Kyrgyz Republic Water Infrastructure Project  Nov 5, 2008
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is granting an additional $30 million for a project that aims to provide cleaner drinking water and better sanitation services to 1.5 million people in the provinces of Chui, Jalal-Abad, Osh and Batken in the Kyrgyz Republic.

ISO Guide 64:2008 Seeks to Reduce Environmental Impacts of Products   Nov 5, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published an updated edition of its guide targeted at reducing the potential environmental impact of products by taking environmental aspects into account in product standards.

BSI, Carbon Trust, Defra Release BSI PAS 2050:2008 for Assessing Carbon Footprint of Goods, Services  Nov 5, 2008
Businesses can assess the carbon footprint of their goods and services and play a greater part in fighting climate change with BSI publicly available specification (PAS) 2050:2008 – Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services, a new standard launched by BSI British Standards, the Carbon Trust and Defra.

USFA, NIST Complete Study of Thermal Imaging Tech  Nov 4, 2008
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued Technical Note 1499, Performance Metrics for Fire Fighting Thermal Imaging Cameras - Small- and Full-Scale Experiments.

DOE Announces $7M in Funding for Climate Research Field Studies  Nov 3, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science selected four proposals with a total funding of $7 million, to conduct climate research field studies in 2010.

CWRU Professors Call for Regulation of Electronic Health Records  Nov 3, 2008
Cost and security concerns about bringing health care record keeping into the 21st century through electronic health records (EHRs) have led to a call for an effective regulatory and oversight system from two Case Western Reserve University professors.

NERC: 10-Year Reliability Outlook Highlights Environmental Initiatives, Transmission Infrastructure  Oct 29, 2008
The impact of environmental initiatives and the need for transmission infrastructure are among the most important issues facing electric reliability in North America over the coming 10 years, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) announced in its 2008 Long-Term Reliability Assessment.

Frost: Health Care Sector Offers Vast Potential for Taiwan's Medical Imaging Markets   Oct 28, 2008
Taiwan's aging population is one of the primary drivers for its medical imaging markets, according to Frost & Sullivan, including the growing digital radiography (DR) and computer aided diagnosis (CAD) markets.

BSI Survey of FTSE 250 Examines British Business Approach to Environmental Responsibilities   Oct 27, 2008
A survey of the Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange (FTSE) 250 by BSI British Standards revealed that 81% of British businesses surveyed have implemented an environmental management system such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 - an increase of 10% from 2006.

IEA Urges Quick, Global Push to Develop, Deploy Carbon Capture, Storage Tech  Oct 22, 2008
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one of the most promising technological solutions to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to salvage the climate.

Projections Show EU on Track to Meet Kyoto Protocol Emission Targets  Oct 21, 2008
Most member states of the European Union (EU) are on track to deliver on their Kyoto Protocol commitments for reducing or limiting greenhouse gas emissions, according to the new annual progress report on emissions from the European Commission (EC).

WHO Research Agenda to Address Climate Change, Public Health  Oct 21, 2008
A meeting of experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Madrid set a research agenda to develop an evidence-based framework for action on the human health implications of climate change.

EPA Seeks Comment on Preliminary Perchlorate Drinking Water Decision  Oct 21, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks comments on its preliminary determination not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water at a national level after it found that in more than 99% of public drinking water systems, perchlorate was not at levels of public health concern.

AIM Global to Develop Health Care Test Protocols  Oct 21, 2008
AIM Global's radio frequency identification (RFID) Experts Group (REG) will develop a set of test protocols for testing of RF emitters to ensure a benign effect in a health care setting.

ISO Aims Standards at Meeting World Food Day 2008 Challenges of Climate Change, Impacts on Food Security  Oct 15, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) said its international standards on food-related issues and standards targeted at quantifying and mitigating climate change are poised to address World Food Day 2008 challenges of climate change and its impact on food security.

ASTM Int'l Seeks Participation in Development of Proposed DICONDE Standard - ASTM WK20537  Oct 14, 2008
Nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment manufacturers and users are invited to join a task group developing ASTM WK20537 - Practice for Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation (DICONDE) for Eddy Current Test Methods.

ASTM Int'l Includes Cautionary Labeling of Inflatable Air Mattresses in Proposed Standard - ASTM WK20641  Oct 14, 2008
ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products is developing a proposed standard on inflatable air mattresses at the request of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Frost: Public-Private Partnerships Key to Development of South African Water, Wastewater Markets  Oct 1, 2008
South Africa is a water-stressed nation and private sector participation in water management services will contribute significantly to the preservation of natural water resources.

NIST: WTC Investigation Leads to Code Changes for Safer Buildings   Oct 13, 2008
Based on recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), nearly two dozen building and fire code changes were approved by the International Code Council (ICC), including codes to increase structural resistance to building collapse, ensure effective communications for emergency first responders and utilize more robust elevators for emergency personnel.

AWWA Applauds Signing of Total Coliform Rule Agreement in Principle  Oct 13, 2008
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) applauded the recent signing of the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) Agreement in Principle (AIP).

Frost: Environmental Factors, Low Costs Propel Euro Flywheel UPS Market   Oct 13, 2008
Amid growing concerns over the preservation of the environment, the quest for energy efficient and greener technologies is intensifying in Europe, according to Frost & Sullivan, especially after the signing of the Kyoto Protocol.

CSA Unveils GHG Cleanstart Registry for Carbon Performance  Oct 13, 2008
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) announced its new GHG CleanStart Registry, a web-based tool that provides a framework for reporting an organization's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and assisting businesses of all sizes by providing information to help them achieve carbon neutrality.

EWEA: IEA Report on EU Climate Change, Energy Portfolio Presents Efficient, Sustainable, Affordable Future  Sep 19, 2008
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) recent report on the European Union (EU) climate change and energy portfolio recognizes that the EU 27 member states have chosen a more efficient, sustainable and affordable future, said the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

OSHA Seeks Approval for Proposed Rule on Remedies for Violations of Personal Protective Equipment, Training Standards  Sep 11, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is accepting public comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on personal protective equipment (PPE) and training standards.

ISO, UNIDO Publish Book on Organizing Standardization to Assist Developing, Transition Economies  Sep 10, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) published a book targeted at helping developing countries and economies in transition develop the optimal organization and use of a national standardization infrastructure as a lever for their economic development, trading capacity and a support for consumer, social and environmental protection.

ASTM Int'l Creates Sustainability Technical Committee  Sep 9, 2008
ASTM International formed a technical committee on sustainability to focus on stimulation of research and the creation of standards related to sustainability - that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the future, according to ASTM International.

Consumer Product Safety Bill Strengthens Standards for Toys - ASTM F 963-07  Sep 9, 2008
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which was signed into law, includes a provision requiring that toys sold in the U.S. be tested to the ASTM International toy safety standard and enforces the mandatory testing and certification of children's products by accredited third-party conformity assessment bodies.

ISO 27799:2008 Standard Provides Information Security Guidelines for Health Sector  Sep 7, 2008
The area of personal health information and how to protect its confidentiality and integrity while ensuring its availability for health care delivery is the issue addressed by the newly published International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27799:2008 - Health informatics - Information security management in health using ISO/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 27002.

AWWA Testifies on Geologic Carbon Sequestration  Aug 18, 2008
In recent testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, serious concerns were raised by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) about the potential effect geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) technology may have on the nation's underground sources of drinking water.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada Approves $57M for Clean Technology Projects, CO2 Storage   Aug 18, 2008
Canada's position as a leading developer of clean technologies was bolstered by its recent funding of 19 clean technology projects, after $57 million was approved for new investments.

ASTM Int'l Creates Standards Group for Antimicrobial Applications of Copper  Aug 13, 2008
ASTM International Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys created a new task group, TG9018, which will be focused on the antimicrobial applications of copper and copper alloys.

ASTM Int'l Publishes Latest Standard in Hand Hygiene Series - ASTM E 2613  Aug 12, 2008
ASTM International Committee E35 on Pesticides and Alternative Control Agents published the last in a series of three ASTM International standards that address the activity of hand hygiene agents against microbes that can be transmitted via contaminated hands.

ISO 20712 Standard Targets Beach Safety Flags, Water Safety Signs   Aug 11, 2008
ISO 20712, a new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), seeks to standardize an international system for providing safety information related to aquatic activity that relies as little as possible on the use of words to achieve understanding.

esh ISO 13823:2008 Standard Aimed at Designing Structures for Safety, Durability   Aug 11, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published a standard targeted at helping engineers, builders and regulators to design structures that are safe and resistant to failure due to environmental and mechanical stresses, and to material degradation.

ICC Storm Shelter, Safe Room Construction Standard Targets Public Safety  Aug 11, 2008
A new set of construction guidelines from the International Code Council (ICC) seeks to increase public safety for people evacuated to storm shelters and those who use safe rooms in their homes during hurricanes and tornados.

EU to Connect with U.N. Carbon Credit Registry  Aug 6, 2008
The European Commission (EC) announced that the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat successfully completed all the testing required for connecting to the U.N. international carbon credit registry.

EC to Revise Regulation on Ozone-Depleting Substances  Aug 4, 2008
On Aug. 1, the European Commission (EC) proposed revising the current legislation on the protection of the ozone layer - regulation (EC) No. 2037/2000.

NIST to Fund Monitoring, Inspection Technologies for Public Infrastructure  Jul 29, 2008
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking proposals for high-risk research projects to develop innovative technologies for inspecting, monitoring and evaluating critical components of the nation's roadways, bridges and drinking and wastewater systems.

Frost: Euro Hazardous Waste Management a Growing Market   Jul 28, 2008
In 2007, the amount of hazardous waste collected and treated in Europe reached 67.6 million metric tons, according to Frost & Sullivan.

ARC: Process Safety System Market to Reach $2.5B in 2012  Jul 25, 2008
The worldwide market for safety instrumented systems (SIS), which is $1.4 billion in 2007, is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 12% per year to more than $2.5 billion in 2012, according to ARC Advisory Group.

EU Urged to Take Leadership Role on Climate Change  Jul 23, 2008
In its July 9-10 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) of the European Union (EU) adopted a first series of opinions on the climate change and energy package presented by the European Commission (EC) on Jan. 23.

EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Document for Public Comment  Jul 22, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) soliciting public input on the effects of climate change and the potential ramifications of the Clean Air Act (CAA) in relation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

FAQ on EC's Proposed Revision to Eco-Label Scheme   Jul 17, 2008
As part of a legislative package on sustainability presented by the European Commission (EC) on July 16, the EC proposed extending the Eco-label scheme to cover a wider range of products and services, plus making it less costly and bureaucratic to operate.

FAQ on EC's Proposed Revision to Eco-Management and Audit Scheme  Jul 17, 2008
As part of a legislative package on sustainability presented by the European Commission (EC) on July 16, the EC proposed revising the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to increase its uptake by making participation less costly and involving organizations outside the European Union (EU).

FAQ on EC's Green Public Procurement  Jul 17, 2008
The European Commission (EC) issued a communication on green public procurement as part of the package of measures in the Sustainable Production and Consumption and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan it proposed on July 16.

EC Proposes Action Plan for Sustainable Production, Consumption  Jul 17, 2008
In conjunction with a legislative package proposed on July 16, the European Commission (EC) presented an action plan to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of products and to stimulate the demand for more sustainable goods and production technologies in the European Union (EU).

ISO/PAS 30003:2008 Adresses Certification of Ship Recycling Management Systems   Jul 15, 2008
A newly published International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publicly available specification (PAS) for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management seeks to increase the safety of workers and protection of the environment by providing requirements for independent recognition of good practice.

Frost: Strong Growth for POU Systems, Filter Pitchers in Residential Water Treatment Markets  Jul 15, 2008
The relatively developed stage of the market and increasing competition present key challenges in the European residential water treatment systems markets, according to Frost & Sullivan.

CSA, Competition Bureau Seek Accuracy of Environmental Claims  Jul 14, 2008
Canada's Competition Bureau, in collaboration with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), released Environmental Claims: A Guide for Industry and Advertisers, which provides the business community with tools to ensure that green marketing is not misleading, while also providing consumers with greater assurance about the accuracy of environmental claims.

NSF Int'l Certifies Vapor Control Balls  Jul 14, 208
NSF International certified vapor control balls also known as "shade balls."

Law to Protect Children from Gasoline Burns Conforms to ASTM Int'l Standard - ASTM F 2517  Jul 14, 2008
A law approved by the U.S. Congress will help protect children from gasoline burns by requiring that portable gasoline containers have child-resistant closures that conform to an ASTM International consumer safety standard.

EC Requests Compliance Information on PM10 Pollution  Jul 10, 2008
The European Commission (EC) is checking up on action taken by European Union (EU) member states to comply with the EU's ambient air quality standard for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10.

EPA Amends NSPS for Portland Cement Plants  Jul 3, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the new source standards of performance (NSPS) for Portland cement plants.

EPA Issues WaterSense Program Specs for Water-Efficient Homes  Jul 3, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued specifications that single-family homes must meet to earn the agency's WaterSense label.

ISO 15743:2008 Targets Risk Management in Cold Workplaces  Jul 3, 2008
A new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides a methodology for assessing risk and managing work in cold environments.

NSF Int'l, BIFMA Seek Comment on Furniture Sustainability Standard  Jul 2, 2008
A business and institutional furniture sustainability standard is ready for NSF International's consensus ballot process and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) public comment period.

ANSI Signs MOU with TCR for Partnership in Greenhouse Gas Accreditation Program  Jul 2, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The Climate Registry (TCR).

Frost: U.S. Medical Devices Industry Poised for Healthy Growth   Jun 26, 2008
The U.S. medical devices industry continues to witness solid growth, due largely to an aging baby boomer population.

NSF Int'l Certifies Pour-Through Filtration Device to Lead Reduction Protocol - NSF 53  Jun 20, 2008
Zero Technologies LLC obtained NSF Certification for its pour-through water filtration pitchers, according to NSF International.

ASME: Engineering Students Collaborate on Water Purification System  Jun 19, 2008
Following four months working in a virtual research environment, five mechanical engineering students met in person for the first time at Western Kentucky University to carry out the initial design of a human-powered water purification system.

Canada Modernizes Energy Efficiency Act  Jun 19, 2008
The scope and effectiveness of Canada's Energy Efficiency Act was broadened through recent legislation, according to Canada's Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn.

BSI British Standards Presents ISO 14001 Awards for Environmental Management  Jun 18, 2008
BSI British Standards recognized four organizations in its second ISO 14001 Awards, which are open to any U.K. organization certified to ISO 14001, an international environmental management system standard.

EC's New Water Quality Standards Move Forward   Jun 18, 2008
Agreement about a new directive on environmental water quality standards proposed by the European Commission (EC) was approved in a second reading vote by the European Council of Ministers on June 17.

EEA: Some European CO2 Emissions Decline in 2006   Jun 18, 2008
Greenhouse gas emissions in the first 15 member states of the European Union (EU-15) dropped in 2006, according to the European Environment Agency.

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation is Launched   Jun 11, 2008
Energy leaders of the G8 countries, plus China, India, South Korea and the European Commission (EC), signed a ministerial declaration on June 8, establishing a new multilateral energy initiative: the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).

GAO: EPA Assessment Process Will Limit Credibility of Integrated Risk Information System   Jun 9, 2008
In a March 2008 report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database is at serious risk of becoming obsolete because the EPA has not been able to routinely complete timely, credible assessments or decrease its backlog of 70 ongoing assessments - a total of four were completed in fiscal years 2006 and 2007.

Frost: Euro Green Investment Market Benefits from Awareness, Regulations   Jun 9, 2008
The European green investment market is on an upswing, according to Frost & Sullivan, thanks largely to increasing awareness and support for the environment, availability of green funds and favorable regulations.

Frost: GDP Growth, Rising Energy Demands Drive N. American Water Treatment in Power Industry   Jun 9, 2008
The North American market for water treatment systems in the power industry is extremely competitive, with price being a key factor.

ANSI Updates Progress on Pilot Accreditation Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation, Verification  Jun 6, 2008
Earlier in 2008, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) launched a pilot accreditation program for third-party bodies working to validate and verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission assertions for a spectrum of industries.

EC Releases Report on Safety in Toy Supply Chain  Jun 6, 2008
The European Commission (EC) recently released a report by independent experts on toy safety as a follow-up to the EC's product safety stocktaking review last autumn.

FAQ on Safety Measures in Toy Supply Chain  Jun 6, 2008
Answers to frequently asked questions about the toy safety report released by the European Commission (EC) on June 5 are provided below. This report analyzed product safety measures in the toy supply chain.

FAQ on EU-China Product Safety Measures  Jun 6, 2008
Meglena Kuneva, European Commission (EC) commissioner for consumers, will visit the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong on June 9-13, primarily to assess progress on the commitments to strengthen product safety controls between China and the European Union (EU) that were made during her visit in July 2007.

European Court Upholds Existing Ship-Source Pollution Penalties  Jun 6, 2008
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on June 3 that the directive on ship-source pollution (directive 2005/35/EC), which provides for penalties in the event of accidental discharges, remains valid.

ASME Strengthens Standards Development with India  Jun 5, 2008
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Quality Council of India (QCI) formed an agreement that would create opportunities for both organizations to share in the development of standards and conformity assessment activities beneficial to India's emerging industries and growing economy.

NSF Int'l Updates Dietary Supplement Standard - NSF 173  Jun 4, 2008
NSF International updated the standard for dietary supplements to include good manufacturing practices (GMP) requirements to ensure consistency with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

AWWA: Water Groups Urge Congress to Address Climate Change Resource Impacts   Jun 4, 2008
As the U.S. Congress starts considering climate change legislation, a coalition of eight national water organizations called on senators and representatives to recognize the severe impacts global climate change will likely have on water resources in the U.S.

NRC: Public-Private Partnerships Work to Commercialize Green Energy Technologies in Canada  Jun 4, 2008
Canada's government announced a $13.6 million investment in the National Research Council (NRC)'s Vancouver-based fuel cell and hydrogen industry and officially opened the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Gateway - a technology demonstration and exhibit center.

European Chemicals Agency Gives Guidelines on Implementing REACH  Jun 4, 2008
Mandatory registration of non-phase-in chemical substances with the new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) began on June 1.

FAQ on European Chemicals Agency  Jun 4, 2008
This document answers frequently asked questions about the new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which was inaugurated on June 3.

European Chemicals Agency is Launched  Jun 4, 2008
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) was officially opened on June 3 by representatives of the European Commission (EC) and European Parliament.

BSI, Manchester United Promote Sustainable Event Management - BSI BS 8901  Jun 2, 2008
BSI British Standards teamed up with Manchester United Football Club to promote its GetGreenGo sustainable challenge for schools, giving them a chance to apply the principles of BSI BS 8901, the BSI standard on sustainable event management, published last year.

EU Sets Up Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking  May 30, 3008
On May 30, the European Council of Ministers adopted a regulation setting up the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.

More Toys, Other Dangerous Products Being Detected in Europe  May 29, 2008
The number of dangerous products removed from the European Union (EU) market rose by 53% in 2007, according to the latest annual report of the European Commission (EC) on the Rapid Alert System (RAPEX).

DOE Selects Projects to Advance Fuel Cell Tech  May 29, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of nine projects for the DOE Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) Core Technology Program portfolio that will address specific challenges in scaling up and integrating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) into advanced central generation power plants.

EIA: 2007 U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rose 1.6%  May 29, 2008
U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6% in 2007, from 5,888 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2006 to 5,984 MMTCO2 in 2007, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

European Businesses Struggle to Meet CO2 Emissions Caps   May 28, 2008
Overall CO2 emissions from businesses in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) increased by 0.68% in 2007, when adjusted for changes in the number of installations covered, according to the information provided by EU member state registries.

EC Launches European Green Capital Award   May 28, 2008
On May 22, the European Commission (EC) launched a new annual European Green Capital Award, to be given each year to a city that is leading the way with environmentally friendly urban living.

AWWA Addresses Pharmaceutical Compounds in Water  May 27, 2008
To responsibly address the issue of pharmaceutical compounds in drinking water, scientists must know at what concentration these substances impact human health, not simply whether they can be detected, a leading expert from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) recently told a U.S. Senate subcommittee.

EPA Proposes Changes for Lead Emissions, Monitoring  May 27, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a reduction in the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead emissions, proposing to move the standard from the 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air it has been since 1978 to a range of 0.10 to 0.30 micrograms per cubic meter.

SAP, TechniData Release Tool for Obtaining EU Chemical Regulation Compliance  May 27, 2008
SAP AG and TechniData AG announced the availability of SAP REACH compliance, a software application for addressing tasks required by the European Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation.

EC Adopts Air Quality Directive  May 22, 2008
The European Commission (EC) adopted the directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe on April 14.

NSF Int'l Launches Beverage Quality Program  May 21, 2008
NSF International (NSF) launched a Beverage Quality Certification Program, which expands the scope of NSF's bottled water program to test, audit and certify natural mineral waters, flavored and functional beverages.

EPA: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dropped 1.1% in 2006  May 21, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, which finds that overall emissions during 2006 decreased by 1.1% from the previous year.

ISO Publishes Int'l Workshop Agreement on Water Security  May 16, 2008
New guidelines on managing drinking water supplies during crises have become available from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the form of ISO International Workshop Agreement (IWA) 6 - Guidelines for the management of drinking water utilities under crisis conditions.

ASTM Int'l Incorporates NCL Nanotech Standards to Aid Cancer Research  May 6, 2008
ASTM International Committee E56 on Nanotechnology incorporated three Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) methods into ASTM International standards, whose use could pave the way for commercially available nanoscale cancer drugs.

FAQ on EC's Upcoming Toy Safety Plans  May 30, 3008
Meglena Kuneva, European Commission (EC) commissioner for consumers, recently visited the Lego toy company in Billund, (Denmark) to discuss the important role of industry in ensuring toy safety. This document answers some questions about this visit and the EC's upcoming plans for toy safety.

American Public Health Association Unveils Blueprint to Address Health Impacts of Climate Change  Apr 3, 2008
The American Public Health Association (APHA) unveiled a blueprint to address the health impacts of climate change.

ASTM Int'l Releases Pharmaceutical Verification Standard - ASTM E 2537   Apr 3, 2008
ASTM International Committee E55 on Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products approved ASTM E 2537 - Guide for Application of Continuous Quality Verification to Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing.

ASTM Int'l to Develop Standard to Determine Biodegradability of Plastics in Landfill Conditions - ASTM WK18427   Apr 3, 2008
A proposed standard being developed by ASTM International Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products will aid in the determination of degradation and biodegradation of plastics in landfill environments.

IEEE Launches Standard for Point-of-Care Medical Device Communication - IEEE P11073-10202  Apr 3, 2008
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) began work on IEEE P11073-10202 - Standard for Health Informatics - Point-of-Care Medical Device Communication - Domain Information Model (DIM) - XML Schema Format.

EU Urges Continued Momentum on U.N. Climate Agreement  Apr 1, 2008
The European Union (EU) said it will be pressing for solid progress when formal negotiations to draw up a new United Nations climate change agreement start on March 31 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ISO Standard Project Aimed at Facilitating Recall of Unsafe Products   Mar 31, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established a project committee (PC) to prepare a standard on product recall.

OSHA Seeks Comments on VVP Information Collection Procedures  Mar 28, 2008
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting public comment on proposed information collection requirements for the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

WRI: Leading Companies Responding to Ecosystem Degradation  Mar 27, 2008
Global warming may dominate headlines today, but experts believe ecosystem degradation will capture our attention tomorrow.

AWWA Publishes First Comprehensive Review of Business of Water   Mar 27, 2008
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) published The Business of Water: A Concise Overview of Challenges and Opportunities in the Water Market, a comprehensive introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing the commercial water industry.

Frost: Industrial Sector, EU Regulations Spur for Polish Water, Wastewater Treatment Market   Mar 26, 2008
Propelled by an expanding industrial and manufacturing sector, along with European Union (EU) directives that stringently regulate wastewater and sludge quality, the water and wastewater treatment market in Poland is proving increasingly attractive.

EPA Revises NAAQS Ground-Level Ozone Standards  Mar 24, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to 0.075 parts per million (ppm) for ground-level ozone, which is the primary component for smog.

ASTM Int'l, AIIM Publish Health Care Best Practices Guide - AIIM/ASTM BP-01  Mar 24, 2008
ASTM International and AIIM published AIIM/ASTM BP-01-2008 - Best Practices Guide - PDF Healthcare.

BSI British Standards Sets Sustainable Challenge for U.K. Schools - BSI BS 8901  Mar 24, 2008
BSI British Standards is inviting schools to GetGreenGo and create events that leave people with positive memories rather than permanent scars on their surroundings.

EPA Issues Updated Standards to Address Locomotive, Marine Diesel Pollution  Mar 24, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued updated emission standards for locomotive and marine diesel engines.

OSHA Issues Ergonomics Guidelines for Shipyards  Mar 17, 2008
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Guidelines for Shipyards, an industry-specific guidance document that provides recommendations to help employers and employees reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

NIST to Study Hazards of Portable Generators  Mar 12, 2008
To help quantify the dangers of improperly used portable, gasoline-powered generators and evaluate possible technical solutions to the problem, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enlisted the help of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

CSA Identifies Climate Change Education Needs for Infrastructure Engineers  Mar 11, 2008
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) released Climate Change and Infrastructure Engineering: Moving Toward a New Curriculum, a special report to identify specific areas of engineering curricula and continuing education programs that could be improved and updated to better address the impact of climate change on civil infrastructure.

Frost: Lower Acuity Segment Ensures Growth in N. American Multiparameter Monitoring Equipment Markets  Mar 11, 2008
Low-acuity settings remain at a peak position of the North American multiparameter monitoring equipment market, according to Frost & Sullivan, spurring unit growth by adding new monitors to this highly replacement-driven market.

Frost: 3-D Medical Imaging Solutions Becoming Affordable in Europe   Mar 11, 2008
According to Frost & Sullivan, 3-D imaging has become one of the highest growth segments in the field of medical imaging, and the European 3-D imaging market is expanding as applications become increasingly affordable.

U.S. Mine Safety, Health Administration Revises Health Standards for Asbestos Exposure  Mar 6, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued a final rule revising existing health standards for asbestos exposure at metal and nonmetal mines, surface coal mines and surface areas of underground coal mines.

Engineers Collaborate on Water Purification System  Mar 4, 2008
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created a virtual community in which engineers and engineering students around the world are networking on the design of a human-powered water purification system.

European Steel Industry Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing CO2 Emissions  Feb 29, 2008
The European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) plans to launch a second phase of the Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking research programme (ULCOS-II).

ANSI Launches Pilot Accreditation Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation, Verification  Feb 29, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) launched a pilot accreditation program for bodies facilitating the inventory, reduction and removal of greenhouse gases (GHG).

World's Cleanest Ship Demonstrates Future Waterborne Transport  Feb 29, 2008
The low-emission, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly motor tank vessel named "Victoria" moored in the port of Brussels on Feb. 28 for a special event to illustrate how clean shipping technology can revolutionise the way goods are transported in Europe.

EU Requires Magnetic Toys to Carry Warning Label  Feb 29, 2008
A European Commission (EC) proposal requiring toys containing magnets to carry a mandatory warning label was approved by European Union (EU) member states on Feb. 28.

FAQ on Safety of Magnetic Toys  Feb 29, 2008
On Feb. 28, the European Union (EU) approved a proposal by the European Commission (EC) requiring toys containing magnets to carry a mandatory warning label.

EU Environment Council to Address Energy, Climate, Biodiversity Issues  Feb 29, 2008
Key topics at the March 3 European Union (EU) Environment Council meeting include the Climate Action and Renewable Energy (CARE) package presented by the European Commission (EC) in January and the proposed regulation to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars.

TIA, ANSI Seek Comments for Toy Safety Coordination Initiative  Feb 29, 2008
The U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published for public review a safety assurance program for toys.

NIST Building Safety Efforts Mark Fifth Anniversary of Nightclub Fire  Feb 26, 2008
A nightclub fire killing 100 people in Rhode Island five years ago prompted a two-year investigation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to understand exactly what happened and to make recommendations for change based on those findings.

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Possible Drinking Water Contaminants  Feb 26, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for public comment on a list of 104 possible drinking water contaminants that may need to be regulated in the future to ensure the continued protection of drinking water.

Safety, Construction Standards for Industrial Robots Focus of March Conference  Feb 26, 2008
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) will co-sponsor the North American Robot Safety Conference in Waterloo, Ontario, March 25-28, 2008.

NFPA Weighs Modifications to Fireworks Standard - NFPA 1124  Feb 25, 2008
In response to findings presented in a new research report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is considering changes to NFPA 1124 - Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail Sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles.

ISO Standard Targets Street Crossing Signals for Disabled People - ISO 23600   Feb 22, 2008
A new standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) seeks to harmonize worldwide the acoustic and tactile signals disabled people use at pedestrian street crossings.

ANSI/NAM Network on Chemical Regulation Addresses REACH Challenges  Feb 19, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Network on Chemical Regulation took steps to address the chemical controls and regulations that are affecting U.S. industry.

EC Proposes Partial Ban on Paint Strippers with Dichloromethane  Feb 15, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed restricting the sale and use of paint strippers containing dichloromethane. Such paint removers are used in industry and are also sold in "do-it-yourself" stores, easily available to consumers.

EC Urges Swift Adoption of Climate Change Proposals  Feb 15, 2008
The European Commission (EC) urged the European Council and European Parliament to hasten adoption of its legislative proposals on climate change to help ensure the European Union (EU) meets its Kyoto Protocol targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

OSHA Issues Enforcement Procedures Directive for Hexavalent Chromium Standards  Feb 14, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a compliance directive for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)).

EPA, ISO, OECD Team to Develop Nanotechnology Standards; EPA Seeks Data about Nanoscale Materials  Feb 13, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to address nanoscale materials, to identify and address nanotechnology research needs and to develop international standards for nanotechnology.

EC Adopts Code of Conduct for Nanotechnologies Research  Feb 8, 2008
The European Commission (EC) recommended that the European Union (EU) adopt a code of conduct to govern responsible research in the nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N) field.

BSI British Standards Publishes Nanotech Guidance for U.K. Industry  Feb 8, 2008
BSI British Standards published nine documents featuring nanotechnology terminology and guidance for the U.K. industry that the company said will support worker, public and environmental safety and underpin commercialization and procurement.

Frost: FPGA, DSP, ASIC Growth Driven by Demand for Flexibility in Medical Imaging Equipment  Feb 7, 2008
According to Frost & Sullivan, the increasing requirement of high-end processors and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) in imaging equipment for high performance computing capabilities drives global demand for FPGAs, digital signal processors (DSPs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

NIST: March Conference Explores Building Internet Trust   Feb 1, 1008
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is hosting the IDtrust 2008 conference, March 4-6, 2008 at the NIST Gaithersburg campus.

NIST: Reference Materials 'Gold Standard' for Bio-Nanotech Research  Jan 28, 2008
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued its first reference standards for nanoscale particles targeted for the biomedical research community studying the biological effects of nanoparticles.

ASTM Int'l Issues Two Standards to Promote Quality, Safe Handling of Fire Extinguishing Agents - ASTM D 7323, ASTM D 7325  Jan 27, 2008
ASTM International issued two standards for assuring the quality and safe handling of fire extinguishing agents.

NSF Int'l Seeks Comment on Draft Standard 305 for Organic Personal Care Products   Jan 27, 2008
NSF International is seeking comment on NSF Draft Standard 305: Organic Personal Care Products, which defines organic labeling and marketing requirements for organic personal care products.

EC Proposes Stricter Rules for Toy Safety  Jan 25, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed new legislation to improve toy safety in Europe that would replace and modernise the Toys directive 88/378/EEC of May 3, 1988.

EC Proposes New Legislation to Fight Climate Change, Promote Renewables   Jan 25, 2008
The European Commission (EC) recently agreed on a far-reaching package of proposals that will deliver the European Council's commitments to fight climate change and promote renewable energy.

FAQ on EC's Proposed Changes to Emissions Trading Scheme  Jan 25, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed a thorough reform of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) that will impose one EU-wide cap on emissions.

ISO/IEC Guide 76 Targets Consumer Satisfaction   Jan 22, 2008
A new International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) guide to developing service standards for consumers will benefit standards developers and service providers, according to the two organizations.

Series of ISO Standards Focuses on Recycling Ships - ISO 30000  Jan 22, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched the first document of a new series of management system standards for the recycling of ships.

Brochure on ISO/IEC Guides Targets Consumers, Manufacturers, Regulators   Jan 17, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published a free brochure providing an overview of their joint guides.

HFES Issues ANSI Standard for Workstation, Computer Design - ANSI/HFES 100  Jan 17, 2008
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) published American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/HFES 100-2007 - Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations, which addresses the design of workstations, furniture and computer systems.

CRI, NSF Int'l Issue Certification Standard for Carpeting Products - NSF/ANSI 140  Jan 15, 2008
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) teamed with NSF International to design a certification system for sustainable carpeting.

OSHA Publishes NPRM for Respirator Fit-Testing Protocol  Jan 15, 2008
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register for a new fit-testing protocol - the Abbreviated Bitrex Qualitative Fit-Testing (ABQLFT) protocol - under Appendix A of OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard.

ASTM Int'l Publishes Fatigue, Fracture of Medical Metallic Materials, Devices - ASTM STP 1481   Jan 15, 2008
ASTM International published special technical publication ASTM (STP) 1481 - Fatigue and Fracture of Medical Metallic Materials and Devices.

Frost: Gov't Regulations Boost Demand for Environmental Testing Instrumentation  Jan 14, 2008
To meet the demands of regulations such as the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS), companies are investing in analytical instrumentation and services for environmental testing.

Frost: Technological Advancements Drive Growth of Cardio X-ray Equipment Market  Jan 14, 2008
Americans' lifestyle choices and the resulting increase in obesity rates and incidences of heart disease are major drivers for the cardiovascular X-ray imaging equipment market, according to Frost & Sullivan.

U.S. FDA Modifies List of Recognized Medical Device Standards   Jan 14, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the list of consensus standards for use in evaluating medical devices before they are approved by the agency for market entry.

AAMI Publishes Biological Evaluation, Implantable Devices Standards - AAMI 10993-6, AAMI PC69  Jan 13, 2008,
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) published standards addressing biological evaluation and implantable devices.

ASTM Int'l Releases 'Standards on Sterilization of Health Care Products'   Jan 13, 2008
ASTM International released ASTM Standards on Sterilization of Health Care Products.

OSHA Issues Direct Final Rule to Update Standards Based on National Consensus Standards  Jan 13, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is accepting public comments on the direct final rule that will update OSHA standards based on National Consensus Standards.

ANSI, TIA to Release Information on Toy Safety Conformance Program  Jan 13, 2008
Details about a new safety assurance program for toys will be published for public review and comment on Feb. 1, 2008.

CEN Seeks to Establish Global Health TAG  Jan 13, 2008
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) seeks to establish a global Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to coordinate standardization efforts in the health care sector.

ISO: Standards Aim to Improve Quality of Water Services to Consumers - ISO 24510, 24511, 24512  Jan 13, 2008
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published three standards providing guidelines for service activities relating to global drinking water supply systems and wastewater sewerage systems.

ANSI Highlights Laboratory Decommissioning, Closed Captioning Standards - BSR/AIHA Z9.11, BSR/CEA 608-E  Jan 13, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) highlighted the Laboratory Decommissioning and Closed Captioning standards.

Frost: Industrial Safety Systems Benefit from Operational Excellence Needs, Regulation Compliance   Jan 12, 2008
According to Frost & Sullivan, process efficiency, reliability, quality product supplies and hazardous working environments continue to push the process industry to its competitive limits.

Frost: Environmental Concerns Challenge Euro Refrigeration Compressor Market  Jan 12, 2008
Energy savings and minimal environmental impact are two key areas of focus for the European refrigeration compressor market, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Frost: Industrialization, Energy Efficiency Drive Biological Wastewater Equipment Market  Jan 12, 2008
Increasing industrialization and modernization, coupled with end-user demand for energy efficiency, drives the market for biological wastewater equipment, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Canada Approves New Funding for Adaptation on Climate Change  Jan 11, 2008
Canada will invest $85.9 million over four years to help its population respond to climate change, according to a recent announcement from Canada's Environment Minister John Baird.

CSA Releases National Climate Issues Survey of Canada's Infrastructure Engineers  Dec 29, 207
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) released the results of its National Survey of Canada's Infrastructure Engineers about Climate Change.

ISO Participates in Conference to Fight Climate Change  Dec 24, 2007
The renewed importance of industry and governments to work toward common solutions and to ensure that voluntary initiatives align with the imperatives of government and society at large with regard to climate change was identified as a central theme at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2007.

NIOSH Releases Interim Guidance on Medical Screening of Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles  Dec 24, 2007
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued interim guidance concerning the medical screening of workers potentially exposed to engineered nanoparticles in the manufacture and industrial use of nanomaterials.

Gartner Outlines Three Steps to Reduce Network Environmental Footprint   Dec 24, 2007
The business network can be a significant contributor to an organisation's total environmental footprint, according to Gartner.

Superior Energy Performance Partnership Launches Energy Efficiency, Conservation Web Site  Dec 24, 2007
The Superior Energy Performance partnership developed a web site, www.energyquickstart.org, to help provide manufacturers with a list of energy efficiency and conservation resources.

EC Takes Steps to Cut Industrial Emissions  Dec 21, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted new legislation on industrial emissions to strengthen the provisions already in force and reduce industrial emissions throughout the European Union (EU).

FAQ on EC's Proposed Legislation on Industrial Emissions  Dec 21, 2007
This article provides answers about the new legislation on industrial emissions proposed by the European Commission (EC) on Dec. 21.

EPA Launches China Environmental Law Initiative Web Site  Dec 19, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the EPA - China Environmental Law Initiative web site.

WRI: Midwest Greenhouse Gas Data Highlights Opportunities, Risks for Climate Change Policies  Dec 19, 2007
The World Resources Institute (WRI) released Charting the Midwest: An Inventory and Analysis of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in America's Heartland, the first comparable data on GHG emissions among Midwestern states that gives this critical U.S. region a tool to set priorities and policies on climate change.

AWWA: Lead Rule Changes Underscore Importance of Communications  Dec 19, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) were published recently in the Federal Register.

Frost: Increased Funding, Expansion Initiatives Drive Africa's Demand for Medical Devices   Dec 19, 2007
An improving legal framework and increased funding for the health care industry drive the medical devices market in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Frost & Sullivan.

EPA Seeks Comments on Standards for Airborne Lead   Dec 19, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments on policy options the agency is considering as it reviews the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for lead.

Formal Negotiations Underway on New Global Climate Regime   Dec 17, 2007
The European Union (EU) welcomed the agreement reached at the U.N. climate change conference in Bali to start formal negotiations on a climate regime for the post-2012 period, as well as agreement on a "Bali roadmap" to outline an agenda for these negotiations.

EU Adopts New Regulation for Energy Star Programme  Dec 17, 2007
The European Union (EU) Council of Ministers adopted a new regulation for the implementation of the Energy Star programme in EU member states.

Pharmaceutical Products Committee Approves ASTM Int'l Standard - ASTM E 2500  Dec 16, 2007
ASTM International Committee E55 on Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products developed a standard that covers the life cycle of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing systems.

ASTM Int'l Adds Corner Post Revision to Bunk Bed Standard - ASTM F 1427  Dec 16, 2007
Responding to a petition filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products revised ASTM F 1427 - Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds.

ASTM Int'l to Develop Practice for Industrial Radiation Processing - ASTM WK15409  Dec 14, 2007
ASTM International is developing a standard for the industrial radiation processing industry and irradiation research facilities where absorbed-dose measurement is critical.

Interagency Working Group Finalizes Action Plan for Import Safety  Dec 13, 2007
The Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, a committee charged with identifying actions to improve the safety of imported products, released the Action Plan for Import Safety, a roadmap for continual improvement detailing the organizing principles, recommendations and short- and long-term actions needed to ensure the safety of American consumers.

ANSI: Standards Offer Protection from Volatile Organic Compounds  Dec 13, 2007
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA International) released ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007 - Standard Test Method for Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components and Seating, and ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2007 - Standard for Formaldehyde and Total VOC (TVOC) Emissions of Low-Emitting Office Furniture Systems and Seating.

EU Reaches Agreement on New Air Quality Directive  Dec 12, 2007
The European Parliament recently reached agreement with the European Union (EU) Council of Ministers on the text of a new directive on ambient air quality, which will become effective in 2011.

FAQ on Europe's New Air Quality Directive  Dec 12, 2007
Questions and answers about the new directive on ambient air quality, recently negotiated between the European Parliament and the European Union (EU) Council of Ministers, are provided below.

ANSI Updates New York State Assembly on Hazardous Toys  Dec 11, 2007
Representatives from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) addressed ANSI's involvement in efforts to mitigate toy safety issues during testimony last month before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection - Subcommittee on Child Product Safety.

ISO: International Standards Key for Promoting Energy Efficiency  Dec 8, 2007
At November's World Energy Congress in Rome, the subject of energy efficiency and its role in global security was a key topic for the 3,000 industry stakeholders in attendance.

EIA Report: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Declined 1.5% in 2006  Dec 7, 2007
Total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 7,075.6 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) in 2006, a decrease of 1.5% from the 2005 level according to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2006, a report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

ISO, WRI, WBCSD to Cooperate on Greenhouse Gas Accounting, Verification  Dec 7, 2007
Three organizations announced that they will work together to promote their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting and reporting standards.

ISO 2006 Survey Reveals 16% Rise in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 Certifications  Dec 5, 2007
Certification to ISO 9001 for quality management and to ISO 14001 for environmental management increased during 2006 by 16%, according to an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) survey.

ASTM Int'l Develops Standard for Sampling, Preservation, Mitigating Interferences for Analysis of Cyanide - ASTM D 7365   Dec 5, 2007
ASTM International Subcommittee D19.06 on Methods for Analysis for Organic Substances in Water developed ASTM D 7365 - Practice for Sampling, Preservation and Mitigating Interferences in Water Samples for Analysis of Cyanide.

BSI British Standards Publishes Standard for Executing a Sustainable Event - BSI BS 8901  Dec 3, 2007
BSI British Standards launched BSI BS 8901:2007 - Specification for a Sustainable Event Management System with Guidance for Use to help organizations plan and manage the overall environmental, economic and social impact of an event.

RSSB Supports Rail Industry Efforts to Deliver Sustainable Railways  Dec 3, 2007
As part of the Sustainable Rail Programme, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) organized the Railways - A Sustainable Future conference in London to bring together senior figures from across the rail industry.

EPA Launches GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership  Dec 3, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the supermarket, refrigeration equipment and chemical refrigerant industries launched the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, a voluntary program that promotes green technologies, strategies and practices that are designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gases and save money.

EPA Launches GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership  Dec 3, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the supermarket, refrigeration equipment and chemical refrigerant industries launched the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, a voluntary program that promotes green technologies, strategies and practices that are designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gases and save money.

EIB Loans €500M to Support Climate Change Mitigation in China  Nov 30, 2007
The European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide a €500 million loan to the People's Republic of China (PRC) to support its efforts to mitigate climate change, in particular under China's National Climate Change Programme.

Court Requires Bush Administration to Address Hazards of Nitrogen, Sulfur Oxides  Nov 28, 2007
The Bush administration agreed to a court settlement requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the environmental hazards of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and revise, as necessary, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for these two pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Atmospheric Measuring Device Created to Understand Smog Formation  Nov 28, 2007
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a tool for quantitatively measuring elusive atmospheric chemicals that play a key role in the formation of photochemical smog.

OSHA Issues Employer-Paid Personal Protective Equipment Final Rule  Nov 27, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule on employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE).

NSF Int'l Creates Food Safety Certification Program for Rhode Island Restaurants  Nov 27, 2007
NSF International partnered with the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) to create a food safety audit and certification program that recognizes establishments using industry best practices.

EC Urges Ambitious Climate Change Agreement at Bali Conference  Nov 27, 2007
For the upcoming U.N. climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia on Dec. 3-14, the European Union (EU) is urging the development of a comprehensive and ambitious global climate change agreement for after 2012, which is the end of the first commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol.

EC Refutes Charges of Emissions Trading Irregularities  Nov 27, 2007
The European Commission (EC) responded to charges of systematic double-counting of carbon allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), stating that "any allegation that there would have been double-counting is pertinently incorrect."

FAQ on EU's Response to Climate Change  Nov 27, 2007
This document provides detailed information on the response of the European Union (EU) to the global problem of climate change.

EC Issues Annual Progress Report on Climate Change Goals  Nov 27, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently issued its annual report on progress made towards meeting the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

NSF Int'l Issues Standard for Identification of Sustainable Carpets - NSF 140  Nov 24, 2007
NSF International issued a standard to identify carpets that have a reduced environmental impact.

EC Gives Priority to Cross-Border, Green Transportation Projects  Nov 23, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently tabled its proposals for funding Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) projects for the period 2007-2013, giving priority to cross-border projects and environmentally friendly transportation modes, such as rail and inland waterways.

Proposed ASTM Int'l Rubber Products Standard Will Provide Allergen Tests - ASTM WK16334  Nov 23, 2007
Testing for potent allergens in rubber is the purpose of ASTM WK16334 - Test Method for the Immunological Measurement of Four Principal Allergenic Protein (Hev b 1, 3, 5 and 6.02) in Natural Rubber and Its Products.

ASTM Int'l Develops Field Hockey Eye Protector Standard - ASTM WK15675  Nov 23, 2007
Protecting the eyes of athletes is the purpose of ASTM F 803 - Specification for Eye Protectors for Selected Sports.

IEST Publishes Revised Recommended Practice on Testing ULPA Filters - IEST RP CC007.2  Nov 23, 2007
The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) released a revised Recommended Practice (RP), which outlines a procedure for production testing of ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filters for particle penetration and pressure drop.

ASTM Int'l Forms Subcommittee for Information Destruction Requirements  Nov 21, 2007
ASTM International Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety formed Subcommittee E34.25 for Mobile and Plant-Based Security Destruction Equipment Safety Requirements.

Latest IPCC Climate Change Report Urges Action  Nov 20, 2007
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently published its synthesis report summarising the main conclusions of the Fourth Assessment Report, its scientific assessment of climate change. ANSI Joint Member Forum Examines Consumer Product Safety Concerns  Nov 14, 2007
The Joint Member Forum (JMF) of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) discussed consumer product safety issues at a recent October meeting.

ISO: Standard Reduces Risk of Children's Head Injuries - ISO 16850  Nov 14, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 16850:2007 - Road vehicles - Pedestrian protection - Child head impact test method, which is expected to facilitate the development of more pedestrian-friendly cars, reduce serious head injuries and fatalities of children and enhance safety in real world crashes.

HITSP Defines Health Care Security, Privacy Standards  Nov 14, 2007
The Health Care Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) identified a set of standards and specifications that will help keep patient medical information secure in an electronic environment.

ASTM Int'l Publishes Revised Manual on Safe Use of Oxygen, Oxygen Systems  Nov 9, 2007
ASTM International released Manual 36 - Safe Use of Oxygen and Oxygen Systems: Handbook for Design, Operation and Maintenance, 2nd Edition.

IEA Urges Governments to Mind Energy Efficiency Gap  Nov 7, 2007
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global challenges of climate change and energy security require urgent action.

FAQ on Europe's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive  Nov 7, 2007
The European Union (EU) directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) was adopted in 1996 and transposed into national legislation of member states three years later.

International Carbon Action Partnership Formed to Reduce Global Warming  Nov 7, 2007
A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway announced the launch of the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) to fight global warming.

Gartner: Data Centres Account for 23% of Global ICT CO2 Emissions  Nov 5, 2007
Data centres that require energy to run servers and provide cooling account for almost a quarter of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from information and communications technology (ICT), according to Gartner.

AAMI Releases 4 Revised Dialysis Standards  Nov 2, 2007
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) updated its dialysis standards on CD to include four standards released in 2007.

AAMI Releases Guidance Document on Water Quality for Reprocessed Devices  Nov 2, 2007
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) developed a guidance document addressing water quality for the reprocessing of medical devices.

AAMI Releases Chemical Indicator Standards - AAMI 1140-3, -4, -5  Nov 2, 2007
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) released three standards on the use of chemical indicators in steam sterilization applications.

OSHA Issues Combustible Dust Instruction  Nov 1, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a safety and health instruction that details OSHA policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that handle combustible dusts and that may have the potential for a dust explosion.

NSF Int'l Introduces Protocol for Hygienic Commercial Hand Dryers - NSF P335  Nov 1, 2007
NSF International developed a protocol that provides for evaluation and testing of commercial hand dryers to certify that they dry hands hygienically.

Frost: Advancements in Glucose Monitoring Focus on Affordable, Accurate Testing  Oct 31, 2007
Given the rising diabetic population, there is a tremendous awareness drive that aims to communicate the importance of proper and regular glucose control.

Frost: Undeniable Benefits Drive Growth of Euro EMR Markets  Oct 29, 2007
Improved efficiency and patient safety, better cost containment and the desire to provide integrated health care are some of the major factors driving the growth of the European electronic medical record (EMR) markets.

Frost: Increasing Water Demand Increases Growth in Water Recycling, Reuse Systems Market  Oct 29, 2007
Stringent federal wastewater discharge regulations, growing population and increasing demand for freshwater essentially drives water recycling and reuse in the U.S.

ISO Safety Standard to Protect Machinery Operators - ISO 14121-1  Oct 29, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 14121-1:2007 - Safety of machinery - Risk assessment - Part 1: Principles.

ISO: Standard Strengthens Food Safety Measures - ISO 7218  Oct 29, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 7218:2007 - Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs - General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations.

Underwriters Laboratories Develops E85 Certification Requirements  Oct 29, 2007
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) established safety requirements for E85 fuel dispensing equipment and is accepting submissions for certification investigations.

EPA Expands NSF Int'l Scope in WaterSense Program  Oct 29, 2007
NSF International will provide testing and certification of high-efficiency lavatory faucets for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program.

EC Finalizes National Allocation Plans on Emissions Trading for 2008-2012  Oct 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently adopted decisions on the last three proposed national plans for allocating carbon dioxide (CO2) emission allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for the second trading period from 2008 to 2012.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme Links to More Countries   Oct 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) reached an agreement with three countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) on linking their respective emissions trading systems with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

UL Signs Agreements with TTBS, SII to Promote National Safety Standards  Oct 25, 2007
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) signed an agreement to promote the use of UL Standards for Safety in the ongoing development of national safety standards in Trinidad and Tobago via formalized consulting, communication and information exchange protocols.

ASTM Int'l Publishes Revised Editions of Environmental Site Assessments, Petroleum Products, Lubricants Manuals  Oct 25, 2007
ASTM International published Manual 43, Technical Aspects of Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments: 2nd Edition and Manual 44, Guide to ASTM Test Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Products and Lubricants: 2nd Edition.

Import Safety Working Group Submits Initial Findings Amid Wave of Recalls  Oct 23, 2007
Recent recommendations from the U.S. Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, a committee charged with identifying actions to improve the safety of imported products, said cooperation between the U.S. government and the private sector, as well as third-party certifications, were key to strengthening the safety of imports.

SDTC Approves $48M in Clean Tech Funding  Oct 23, 2007
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) approved $48 million in new funding for the development and demonstration of 19 clean technologies that benefit the environment and the economy.

Frost: Digital Front-End Capture the Future of X-ray Imaging  Oct 23, 2007
The migration of radiography toward a film-free digital environment is in full swing, according to Frost & Sullivan, with both computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) making significant inroads.

Frost: Advancements in Related Markets Drive Growth of N. American Medical Device Packaging  Oct 23, 2007
An increased demand for surgical and implant devices is driving the medical device packaging market.

ANSI: Toy Safety Takes High Priority with Standards Developers  Oct 22, 2007
Representatives from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) testified recently on the issue of toy safety at a special hearing of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

Frost: Economic Growth, Foreign Donations to Drive Growth in Sub-Saharan African Health Care Industry  Oct 22, 2007
The African health care industries on the African continent have been poorly understood and investigated, according to Frost & Sullivan, and, as a result, the African pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors are essentially untapped.

EPA to Regulate Ion Generators as Pesticides  Oct 22, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will regulate as pesticides machines that generate silver ions or other substances for pesticidal purposes.

EPA Funds $2M for Climate Change Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries   Oct 22, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is funding projects under the Methane to Markets Partnership in China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and the Ukraine.

Comment Deadline on Health IT Documents Fast Approaching  Oct 11, 2007
The Health Care Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP), a multi-stakeholder group facilitating the development of interoperable health care data standards for the U.S., is seeking public comment on documents that will form the basis of the panel’s next set of recommendations to the American Health Information Community (AHIC).

EC to Help Smaller Companies Become Greener  Oct 9, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently published a communication aimed at helping small and medium-sized companies use energy and resources more efficiently.

APTA: Public Transportation Use Reduces Greenhouse Gases  Oct 8, 2007
When compared to other household actions that limit carbon dioxide (CO2), taking public transportation can be more than 10 times greater in reducing greenhouse gas, according to a study prepared for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) by Science Applications International Corp.

NSF Updates Requirements for Lead in Drinking Water - NSF/ANSI 61  Oct 1, 2007
An NSF International/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard was updated to further help protect the public from exposure to lead.

NIST SRM Aids Lead Poisoning Detection  Sep 25, 2007
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 955c, an improved version of SRM 955b, a material clinicians already relied on heavily to provide quality assurance for lead blood measurements.

International Water Security Workshop Set for October 2007  Sep 15, 207
The Standards Institution of Israel (SII) in Tel Aviv will host an international workshop on the safety of water supply systems, Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2007.

EC Adopts Decision on Danish National Plan for Allocating CO2  Aug 31, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted the decision on the proposed Danish national plan for allocating CO2 emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

ASC X12 Reaches Agreement on Patient Eligibility Lookup Parameters  Aug 29, 2007
The Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12 reached agreement with several organizations on issues related to required alternate search options in the newest Health Care Eligibility/Benefit Inquiry and Information Response (270/271) Technical Report Type 3 (TR3).

Frost: Legislation Promotes Euro Health Care IT Infrastructure, Patient Data Safety  Aug 21, 2007
Legislation is promoting the development of health care IT infrastructure, analysts said, while supporting efforts to enhance patient data privacy and security across the European health care spectrum.

Roland: Environmental Tech Atlas Promotes Germany's Green Industry  Aug 21, 2007
Environmental technology is turning out to be the growth market of the future. In 2020, the environmental technology industry in Germany will generate more sales than the automotive or engineered products sectors.

UL Launches Certificate Program for Firefighting Garment Repair Organizations   Aug 20, 2007
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced a UL Certificate Program for Firefighting Garment Repair Organizations.

Sandia National Laboratories Develops Sensors to Detect Bridge, Structural Defects  Aug 20, 2007
Sandia National Laboratories is developing and evaluating sensors that could check continuously for the formation of structural defects in I-beams and other structural supports of bridges and highway overpasses giving structural engineers a better chance of heading off possible failures.

EPA Issues Water Quality Trading Guide  Aug 20, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a water quality trading guide that is designed to provide guidance on the fundamental concepts of trading, which can accelerate water quality improvement and reduce compliance costs.

EPA to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Nanotechnology   Aug 20, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, 2007 to continue its effort to better understand the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology.

FDA, DOD Share Medical Data to Address Medical Product Safety   Aug 20, 2007
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) are partnering to share data and expertise related to the review and use of FDA-regulated drugs, biologics and medical devices.

Frost: Euro Water, Wastewater Disinfection Systems Market Benefits from Quality Concerns  Aug 16, 2007
The water and wastewater disinfection systems market is one of the fastest growing in the overall European water industry.

Proposed Rule Promotes Federal Use of Energy Star, FEMP Products  Aug 16, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering proposed regulations intended to promote federal procurement of energy-efficient products.

Laboratorio Dr. Oliver Rodés, NSF Int'l Partner on Water Testing  Aug 14, 2007
Laboratorio Dr. Oliver Rodés (LDOR), a water testing laboratory located in Spain, signed an agreement with NSF International making LDOR an official NSF laboratory partner.

HITSP Seeks Public Comment on Health IT Documents  Aug 13, 207
The Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) is seeking public comment on documents that will form the basis of the panel's next sets of recommendations to the American Health Information Community (AHIC).

AWWA Signs Agreements with India Water Works Association, U.S. Commercial Service  Aug 10, 2007
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the India Water Works Association (IWWA) signed a memo of understanding (MOU) to share expertise and resources that extend their common goal of providing safe and reliable water.

Four Communities to Pilot Federal Environmental Health Partnership  Aug 6, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop collaborative strategies that assist communities coping with health problems that may be related to environmental hazards.

OSHA Releases Guidance on Traffic Safety in Marine Terminals  Aug 6, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a new guidance document, Traffic Safety in Marine Terminals, to help the maritime industry avoid traffic accidents and prevent or reduce work-related fatalities and injuries.

FDA Nanotechnology Report Outlines Scientific, Regulatory Challenges  Aug 1, 2007
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nanotechnology Task Force released a report that recommends the agency consider developing guidance and taking other steps to address the benefits and risks of drugs and medical devices using nanotechnology.

WHO Adopts Guidelines for Smoke-Free Environments  Jul 23, 2007
The 146 Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) will begin negotiating a protocol on illicit trade of tobacco products and adopt guidelines that stipulate 100% smoke-free public places and workplaces.

GAO: EPA, States Need to Take Further Action to Increase Public Health Protection with BEACH Act  Jul 23, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took steps to implement most Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act provisions but missed statutory deadlines for two critical requirements, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

USP Extends Deadline for Residual Solvent Standards  Jul 23, 2007
The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) extended the implementation period from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008 requiring all manufacturers to conform to recently revised residual solvent standards.

EPA Seeks Comment on Design of Nanotechnology Stewardship Program  Jul 23, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting the public to comment on the agency's proposed approach to developing a Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP).

2007 ASME Boiler, Pressure Vessel Code Now Available  Jul 10, 2007
The 2007 edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is now available.

ISO Offers Help Implementing Food Safety Management Systems - ISO 22000  Jul 3, 2007
The International Trade Center (ITC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems - An easy-to-use checklist for small business.

ASTM Int'l Seeks Participation for Proposed Equine Racing Body Protector Standard - ASTM WK14824  Jul 3, 2007
ASTM International Subcommittee F08.55 on Body Padding, part of ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities, is seeking the input of professionals, manufacturers and riding groups within the horse racing world to assist in the development of ASTM WK14824 - Specification for Body Protectors Used in Equine Competition and Racing.

ASTM Int'l Releases Protective Clothing Standard ASTM F 2621; Proposes ASTM WK 14247, ASTM WK14442  Jul 3, 2007
ASTM International released one standard for protective clothing and proposed two others.

Agencies Complete Investigation for Idaho Radioactive, Hazardous Waste Landfill  Jul 3, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a Superfund Remedial Investigation, Baseline Risk Assessment and Feasibility Study of a radioactive and hazardous waste landfill at the DOE's Idaho Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC).

Intel, Google Join with Others to Launch Climate Savers Computing Initiative  Jun 30, 2007
Intel Corp. and Google joined with Dell, EDS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft Corp., Pacific Gas and Electric Co., World Wildlife Fund and more than a dozen additional organizations announcing their intent to form the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

GS1, HL7 Developing Global Standards Designed to Improve Patient Care  Jun 29, 2007
Health Level Seven Inc. (HL7) and GS1 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop global standards for improving patient care.

EPA Proposes New Ground Level Ozone Standards  Jun 28, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to strengthen air quality standards for ground-level ozone, revising the standards for the first time since 1997.

NIST Building Software Offers Green Product Advice  Jun 22, 2007
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability, version 4 (BEES 4.0), the newest update to NIST's software tool for selecting environmentally-preferred, cost-effective building products.

CIRIA Develops Environmental Good Practice Training Course  Jun 21, 2007
Since construction activities impact the surrounding environment and neighbors, CIRIA said good environmental practice enables these impacts to be managed positively, especially as the construction industry comes under increasing pressure to ensure its activities reduce impact on the environment.

OSHA Defines 'On Site in One Location' for Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard  Jun 20, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its official interpretation and explanation of the phrase "on site in one location" in the "Application" section of OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard.

EPA Releases Draft Pesticide List for Endocrine Screening  Jun 20, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the final stages to begin screening pesticides for their potential effect on the endocrine system.

ASSE Issues Fall Protection Code - ANSI/ASSE Z359 Series  Jun 20, 2007
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) issued the Z359 Fall Arrest Code, which is a new series of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASSE fall protection/arrest standards.

ASHRAE Proposes Sustainable Buildings Standard - ASHRAE 189  Jun 20, 2007
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) proposed ASHRAE/IESNA/USGBC 189 - Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings that will be designed to provide minimum guidelines for green building practices.

ICC, USGBC Partner to Advance Green Building Practices  Jun 20, 2007
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International Code Council (ICC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that builds on the organizations' existing relationship in order to advance green building practices.

ISO Highlights Importance of ISO 14000 Environmental Management Standards  Jun 19, 2007
With recent focus on how climate change affects polar ecosystems, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14000 series of standards remains highly relevant.

NSF Int'l, ANSI Issue Nitrogen Reduction Standard - NSF/ANSI 245  Jun 19, 2007
NSF International and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) issued a standard that aims to reduce nitrogen from residential wastewater.

ANSI Finalizing Standard for Reducing Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction Workers - ANSI/ASSE A10.40  Jun 19, 2007
The voluntary consensus standard, ANSI/ASSE A10.40-200x - Reduction of Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction will be submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for final review.

Frost: Awareness, Standardization Initiatives to Drive Surgical Infection Control Market  Jun 12, 2007
Growing awareness of nosocomial infections and their multi-level effects will drive the European surgical infection control market.

OSHA Seeking Comments to Update Power Press Safety Standard  Jun 11, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on mechanical power press safety.

IEC Releases Standard for Safety of Electrical Equipment Used in Explosive Atmospheres - IEC 60079-1  Jun 8, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed IEC 60079-1 ed. 6 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures "d" in response to accidents that occur when people work with explosive materials.

OSHA Forms Alliance with National Association for Surface Finishing  Jun 5, 2007
The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) signed an alliance with the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) to provide information, guidance and access to training resources that will help NASF protect employees' health and safety in the metal surface finishing industry.

CIOB Survey: Construction Supports Green Technology  Jun 5, 2007
A Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) innovation in construction survey found nearly half of the 459 managers and directors surveyed would develop "green" technology and techniques.

VDSI, Helicomm Provide Mine Safety Wireless Tracking, Communication Systems  Jun 5, 2007
Venture Design Services Inc. (VDSI) and Helicomm Inc. are teaming to deliver VDSI's wireless tracking products for the mine safety market.

NSF Int'l, Korea Testing & Research Institute Expand Certification Efforts  Jun 5, 2007
Additional testing and certification services for drinking water and food equipment manufacturers will be available as a result of a new cooperative agreement between NSF International (NSF) and Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR).

ASTM Int'l Practice Evaluates Indoor Air Quality Problems - ASTM D 7297  Jun 4, 2007
An ASTM International standard will provide a method to consistently address indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints in residential buildings and to guide IAQ investigations in an efficient manner.

EPA Launches Chinese Web Site  May 30, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new consolidated Chinese-language web site as part of its ongoing effort to provide environmental information in English, Spanish and Chinese.

ASSE Issues Construction Safety Standard - ANSI/ASSE A10.4  May 30, 2007
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) approved American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ ASSE A10.4-2007 - Safety Requirements for Personal Hoists and Employee Elevators in Construction and Demolition Operations.

Frost: Environmental Regs Create Demand for Water, Wastewater Equipment  May 29,2007
Although the industrial water and wastewater treatment equipment markets in Hong Kong and Singapore are becoming increasingly saturated, analysts said demand from industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage will still sustain market growth.

Nanotechnology Report Urges EPA Oversight  May 29, 2007
Regulatory oversight of nanotechnology is urgently needed and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should act now, reports a new study.

ANSI Explores CO2-Reducing Steel-Making Process  May 23, 2007
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) held an environmental briefing on Capitol Hill to showcase industry efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations Launched  May 23, 2007
The new Construction (Design and Management) regulations (CDM 2007), designed to improve health and safety performance in the construction industry, were developed through a partnership between the U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the construction industry.

EPA Studies Methods for Better Asbestos Removal  May 21, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft report that evaluates an alternative demolition process for buildings containing asbestos.

Water Associations, EPA Release Effective Utility Management Practices Report  May 11, 2007
Six associations representing the U.S. water and wastewater sector in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Findings and Recommendations for a Water Utility Sector Management Strategy.

NSF Int'l, CDHS Expediting Residential Drinking Water Certification  May 11, 2007
NSF International entered into an agreement with the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) that will expedite the certification approval process for water softeners and water filters sold within the state.

ASTM Int'l Toy Safety Standard - ASTM F 963 - Addresses Magnet Ingestion Injuries  May 10, 2007
ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products addressed recent incidents of magnet ingestion resulting in death or serious injury in a major new revision to ASTM F 963 - Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.

EC Launches Campaign for Automotive Electronic Stability Control  May 9, 2007
The European Commission (EC) and the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) launched a Europe-wide campaign on May 8 to promote wider use of automotive electronic stability control (ESC) systems.

DHS Adopts NFPA Standards for Personal Protective Equipment  May 7, 2007
In a move to assist state and local procurement officials in selecting protective equipment for first responders, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted several standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

ASSE Issues Fall Protection Program Standard - ASSE Z359.2  May 4, 2007
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) approved American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/ASSE Z359.2-2007 - Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program.

EC Reports More Innovation Needed to Help Environment  May 4, 2007
The European Commission (EC) published a report about trends and developments in eco-innovation in the European Union (EU).

IPCC Report Confirms EU Call for Deep Cuts in Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions  May 4, 2007
Following the May 4 release of a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the European Commission (EC) called on developed and advanced developing countries to commit to substantially reducing their greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades to mitigate global warming.

EC Details Reviews of its Environmental Protection Programmes  May 4, 2007
This document details recent reviews by the European Commission (EC) of the Sixth Environment Action Programme (6EAP) and the 2006 Environment Policy Review, both of which show that the European Union (EU) is on track with its environmental policy measures.

EC Reports its Environmental Protection Programmes on Track  May 4, 2007
According to the mid-term review by the European Commission (EC) of the Sixth Environment Action Programme (6EAP), the European Union (EU) is on track with the policy measures outlined in that programme.

ISO Releases Standard to Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions - ISO 14065  May 2, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched ISO 14065:2007- Greenhouse gases - Requirements for GHG validation and verification bodies for use in accreditation or other forms of recognition, a new addition to its toolbox of standards addressing climate change and supporting emissions trading schemes.

ASTM Releases Standard Protocol for Suspicious Powder Sampling - ASTM E 2458  May 2, 2007
ASTM International released ASTM E 2458 - Standard Practices for Bulk Sample Collection and Swab Sample Collection of Visible Powders Suspected of Being Biological Agents from Nonporous Surfaces.

BSI Participates in China Launch of Consumer Products Standard  May 2, 2007
BSI Management Systems participated in the China launch of the new British Retail Consortium (BRC) global standard - Consumer Products.

OSHA Settles Challenge to Hexavalent Chromium Standard  May 1, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signed an agreement April 6, 2007 with the Building Construction Trades Department (BCTD), AFL-CIO, Laborers' International Union of North America and International Brotherhood of Teamsters to settle their challenge to OSHA's hexavalent chromium standard (BCTD, et al., v. OSHA, Case No. 06-2433 (3d Cir.)).

FAQ on European Environmental Liability Directive  Apr 27, 2007
This document provides background information and answers common questions about the environmental liability directive that the European Union (EU) will begin enforcing when the new legislation becomes effective on April 30.

EC Readies for Environmental Liability Directive to Ensure Polluters Pay  Apr 27, 2007
Important European Union (EU) legislation laying down liability rules for damage to the environment will become effective on April 30.

OSHA Issues Proposed Rule on Explosives  Apr 23, 2007
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to revise the explosives and blasting agents standard.

EPA Issues Determination on 11 Contaminants  Apr 23, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a preliminary determination not to regulate 11 contaminants on the second drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL).

Sandia Handheld Instrument Assesses Dental Disease  Apr 23, 2007
According to a paper in the March 27 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a pilot study conducted with the University of Michigan shows that a Sandia National Laboratories handheld device determined in minutes - from a tiny sample of saliva alone - not only if a patient has gum disease but quantitatively how advanced the disease is.

Frost: Government Aids Growth of Hong Kong, Singapore Municipal Water, Wastewater Treatment Equipment Markets  Apr 23,2007
The municipal water and wastewater treatment equipment markets in Hong Kong and Singapore are poised for growth, driven by rising demand for clean, potable water and a move toward centralized water and wastewater treatment networks in both countries.

Frost: Minimally-Invasive Surgeries Drive Innovation, Growth in Medical Lasers Markets  Apr 23, 2007
Innovative product development has driven the rapid growth of the European medical lasers markets over the past few years.

ICAO Publishes Preliminary 2006 Safety, Security Statistics For Air Carrier Operations  Apr 18, 2007
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) completed its analysis of the preliminary information available on aviation safety and aviation security for 2006.

CHEMTREC Launches Programs to Benefit Rail Safety, First Responders  Apr 16, 2007
The Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) is working on an initiative to benefit rail safety and is also working on a program to provide information to first responders during rail-related hazardous materials incidents.

Water Environment Federation Releases TMDL Tool Kit  Apr 16, 2007
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) released a new tool kit for third-party total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).

IPCC Report Supports EU Goal to Limit Global Warming  Apr 12, 2007
According to the European Commission (EC), the new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides further backing for the European Union (EU) objective to limit global warming to no more than 2° Celsius above the pre-industrial era temperature.

NASA Investigates How Airborne Particles Affect Climate Change  Apr 10, 2007
The NASA Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment study linked natural and human-made aerosol particles to how much the Earth warms or cools.

OSHA Offers Regulatory Flexibility Act Review of Excavation Standard  Apr 10, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is making available the "look-back" study for OSHA's construction standard on excavations.

ASHRAE Funds Operating Room Air Distribution Research  Apr 10, 2007
Given that research indicates that about 700,000 cases of surgical site infections occur each year - which can lead to time away from work, degraded life style, suffering and in some cases, death - the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) is funding research designed to decrease patient exposure to particles that cause these infections.

European Organisation for Security Launches  Apr 10, 2007
A group of European participants in the security sector announced plans to launch the European Organisation for Security (EOS).

ASHRAE to Certify Health Care Design Professionals  Apr 10, 2007
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) launched a program to certify health care facility design professionals.

U.K. HSC Backs New Approach to Worker Involvement  Apr 10, 2007
The U.K. Health and Safety Commission (HSC) endorsed the value of consulting and involving workers in improving health and safety performance, and commended the achievements on worker involvement delivered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to date.

IEC Releases Safety Requirements for Electromedical Equipment - IEC 60601-1-2  Apr 10, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released the latest edition of IEC 60601-1-2 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for safety - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests.

DHS Adopts NFPA First Responder Personal Protective Equipment Standards  Apr 10, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted eight National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) first responder personal protective equipment standards.

NIST: Conflicting Signals Can Confuse Rescue Robots  Apr 9, 2007
Prototypes and commercial models of sensor-laden urban search and rescue (US&R) robots will soon begin to work rubble piles across the country.

ASTM Int'l Homeland Security Committee Invites Participation in Proposed School Preparedness Guide  Apr 6, 2007
ASTM International Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications invites participation in the development of a proposed standard, ASTM WK8908 - Guide for School Preparedness and All-Hazard Response.

Frost: Water Treatment Market Riding on Wave of Health, Water Quality Concerns   Apr 5, 2007
The Southeast Asian residential water treatment equipment markets are experiencing steady growth, triggered by concerns about water quality, health scares due to metal poisoning and increasing pollution of potable water sources.

ANSI Proposes Consumer Product Safety Guidance Standard  Apr 5, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) submitted a proposal for a new consumer product safety standard.

Roland Berger: Euro Execs Urge EU to Take Role in Climate Protection  Apr 5, 2007
According to a recent survey from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Europe's top decision-makers are demanding stronger European leadership in the fight against climate change.

AAMI Revises Hemodialysis Water Treatment Standard - AAMI RDRD62  Apr 4, 2007
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Renal Disease and Detoxification Committee (RDDC) revised its standard for water treatment equipment, adding alternative and supplementary methods of removing toxic chloramines from water.

U.S., China Seek Uniformity in Energy Efficiency  Apr 4, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the China Standard Certification Center (CSC) agreed to work toward harmonizing information on their respective energy-efficiency labels for consumer electronics and office equipment.

EPA Issues 2005 National, State Toxic Chemical Release Reports  Apr 4, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report, which provides details about the amount of toxic chemicals released into the air, discharged into water, placed on the land or underground and disposed of as waste by facilities across the country.

ANSI, SFI Unite Behind Sustainable Forestry Accreditation Service  Apr 4, 2007
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) launched an accreditation service that will support forest management practices by authenticating the traceability of wood products.

AAMI Publishes Standard for Sterilization Containment Devices - AAMI ST77  Apr 4, 2007
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) released the first-ever standard that specifies requirements for container systems and containment devices that hold sterilized surgical instruments building on a record number of new and revised sterilization standards and guidance documents that have been released or published over the last year.

Snowboarders to Benefit from ASTM Int'l Step-In Binding Standard - ASTM F 2546  Apr 3, 2007
An ASTM International standard, ASTM F 2546 - Test Method for Snowboard Step-in Bindings will contribute to the safety of snowboarders by describing the steps required to evaluate a step-in snowboard binding-boot system.

ISO Standards Designed to Help Alleviate Global Water Issues  A[r 2, 2007
A number of international standards (both published and under development) from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have a practical contribution in alleviating a number of the world's water scarcity problems.

Frost: Need for Linked Health Care Network Promotes Uptake of Euro Hospital IT Solutions   Apr 2, 2007
The capabilities of information technology (IT) solutions coupled with domain expertise are crucial factors contributing to the growth of hospital IT systems.

GAO: DoE Int'l Radiological Threat Reduction Program Should Secure Most Dangerous Radiological Sources  Mar 30, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has not developed a long-term plan to ensure the security of sites in other countries that contain radiological sources, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

OSHA Issues Revised Guide to Help Protect Employees from Amputation  Mar 29, 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations, a revised guide to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.

EC Calls for Improved Safety of Medical Devices  Mar 29, 2007
The European Parliament is expected to adopt a new proposal by the European Commission (EC) that would significantly improve the safety of medical devices, such as surgical equipment or implants.

NSF Int'l Announces Protocol for Sanitizing Residential Clothes Washers - NSF P172  Mar 28, 2007
NSF International announced a protocol that will test and certify residential clothes washers to make sure they effectively sanitize laundry.

NSF Int'l, CARSO-LSEHL Sign Cooperative Agreement  Mar 28, 2007
NSF International and CARSO-Laboratoire Santé et Environnement Hygiène de Lyon (LSEHL) entered into a first-of-a-kind agreement to offer testing services for the French Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire (ACS) registration.

EPA, NSF Int'l Partner to Certify Water Efficiency of Toilets  Mar 28, 2007
NSF International is participating in a new certification program designed to verify the water efficiency and performance of high-efficiency toilets, which is designed to save up to 900 billion gallons of water each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA to Revise Definition of Solid Waste  Mar 27, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to modify the definition of the solid waste rule to streamline regulation of hazardous secondary materials.

EC Approves France's Emissions Trading Plan for 2008-2012  Mar 27, 2007
The European Commission (EC) approved France's national plan for allocating CO2 emissions allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

EC Reports More Effort Needed to Achieve Good Water Quality  Mar 23, 2007
The European Commission (EC) published its report on the performance of European Union (EU) member states in implementing the Water Framework Directive.

FAQ on European Water Policy  Mar 23, 2007
1. What is World Water Day?

EC Details Current Air Quality Research Projects  Mar 21, 2007
This background note provides details about the two research projects on sustainable transport (see IP/07/348) recently launched by the European Commission (EC).

EC Launches Projects to Study Sustainable Transport  Mar 21, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently launched two research projects to address the issue of sustainable transport.

ISO Draft Standard on Filter Testing - ISO/DIS 21220 - Available from IEST  Mar 20, 2007
The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) published the first document produced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 142 - cleaning equipment for air and other gases.

ASSE Releases Hearing Loss Prevention Standard for Construction, Demolition Workers - ANSI/ASSE A10.46  Mar 20, 2007
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) approved the new American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASSE hearing loss prevention standard.

Frost: EU Directives, Tech Advancements Drive Euro Water, Wastewater Sector  Mar 14, 2007
European Union (EU) legislation is the most important driver in the automation and control solutions market for the European water and wastewater sector.

EU Cites Importance of Integrated Climate Control and Energy Policy  Mar 13, 2007
A recent report by the president of the European Parliament summarizing the current status of the European Union (EU) cites energy policy and climate change as priorities, along with economics, better regulation, employment, the internal market, innovation and research (see DOC/07/1).

GAO: Energy Savings Lost Due to DOE Delays in Setting Efficiency Standards  Mar 9, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) missed all 34 congressional deadlines for setting energy efficiency standards for the 20 product categories with statutory deadlines that have passed, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

ISO Releases ISO TS 22003 for Certification of Food Safety Management Systems  Mar 9, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO TS 22003:2007, a technical specification (TS) in the ISO 22000 series, which gives requirements for the auditing and certification of food safety management systems (FSMS).

Performance Issues Addressed in New Edition of NFPA 1982  Mar 9, 2007
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released a 2007 edition of the NFPA 1982 Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS), which addresses performance issues of PASS certified to previous editions of the standard.

Smart Card Alliance Releases White Paper on Smart Card Benefits for U.S. Health Care  Mar 7, 2007
The Smart Card Alliance released a white paper, Smart Cards in U.S. Healthcare: Benefits for Patients, Providers and Payers, which describes the challenges within the health care industry and the clear opportunities for the use of smart card technology for security and privacy in health care.

NIOSH Seeks Comment on Draft Asbestos Research Roadmap  Mar 7, 2007
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued for public comment a draft research strategy document on asbestos and other mineral fibers.

Frost: Integration, Need for Single POC Drives Health Care IT Platforms Market  Mar 6, 2007
Increasing integration in the European health care industry is creating the need for a single point of contact (POC) for health care information technology (HIT) systems, which in turn, is driving the market for HIT platforms.

Frost: Changing Worker Profile Drives Growth in European PPE Market   Mar 6, 2007
The Western European personal protective equipment (PPE) market experienced many changes in 2006.

ASME Offers Online Seminars on Sustainable Engineering  Mar 1, 2007
In collaboration with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will present five virtual seminars on sustainable engineering, beginning March 15, 2007.

NIOSH Releases Nanotechnology Research Progress Report  Feb 28, 2007
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a new progress report, Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace.

ASTM Int'l Creates Subcommittee, Revises Silica Standard - ASTM E 1132  Feb 26, 2007
An important standard that is used to help protect the health of workers where there may be occupational exposure to quartz dust was revised by ASTM International.

ASTM Int'l 3rd Edition Standards on Emergency Medical Services Available on CD-ROM  Feb 24, 2007
The CD-ROM version of ASTM Standards on Emergency Medical Services, 3rd Edition, is available from ASTM International.

ISO's 26000 Social Responsibility Standard Reaches Positive Turning Point   Feb 23, 2007
The development of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26000 standard giving guidance on social responsibility reached a positive "turning point" in terms of consensus and trust among the broad base of participating stakeholders.

OSHA Issues Final Rule on Electrical Installation Standard  Feb 22, 2007
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration will publish a final rule in the Federal Register for an updated electrical installation standard.

Texas Instruments Power Converter Designed to Boost Battery Life in Portable Medical, Industrial Systems  Feb 21, 2007
Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) introduced a highly integrated boost converter that supports 27 volts of output voltage and is designed to improve battery life in portable industrial and medical applications such as portable diagnostic systems.

Relevance of ISO Network to Global Challenges Highlighted at Davos   Feb 19, 2007
A shift of power is at hand, according to economic and industry experts at this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Frost: Mature U.S. Artificial Heart Valve Industry Seeks New Opportunities   Feb 19, 2007
Improved manufacturing techniques and materials have enhanced the durability of tissue-based heart valves - extending them 20 years longer, far exceeding the performance of previous generations.

http://engineers.ihs.com/news/msu-ethanol-production.htmMSU: Careful Management Needed to Reap Environmental Benefits of Ethanol Production  Feb 19, 2007
Compared to gasoline, producing and using corn ethanol adds fewer greenhouse gases to the environment, but producing ethanol from corn grain requires careful management for the greatest environmental benefits to be realized, according to research from Michigan State University.

Biomedical Engineers Advance 'Smart Bladder Pacemaker' Research  Feb 19, 2007
Duke University biomedical engineering researchers announced research advances into a "smart bladder pacemaker" that might one day restore bladder control in patients with spinal cord injury or neurological disease.

ANSI Panel Needs Stakeholder Input on Identity Standards  Feb 19, 2007
The Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) is looking for input from interested stakeholders that will help form the panel's report and recommendations on how the marketplace can minimize the scope and scale of identity theft and fraud.

Frost: Remote Area Access Boosts Wireless Technology in Euro Health Care IT Market   Feb 19, 2007
Despite numerous restraining factors, the application of wireless technology will experience high growth in the European health care information technology (IT) market.

NIST Develops Air Contaminants Databases  Feb 19, 2007
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed searchable databases of relevant product emission studies in an effort to help estimate the seriousness of indoor air pollution sources as well as to devise ways to reduce possible health impacts.

Frost: Regulations Lead to Advances in Hazardous Waste Management  Feb 19, 2007
Due to stringent government regulations, the use of landfill and incineration is slowly decreasing, especially in the case of hazardous waste management.

NIST Uses Nanomagnets to Enhance Medical Imaging  Feb 19, 2007
Nanoscale magnets in the form of iron-containing molecules might be used to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - as long as the concentration of nanomagnets is carefully managed.

EC Urges Negotiations on Post-Kyoto Global Warming Agreement  Feb 16, 2007
The European Commission (EC) called for the international community to urgently begin negotiations on a comprehensive new global climate change treaty that would succeed the Kyoto Protocol when its targets expire in 2012.

FAQ on EU's Response to Climate Change Problem  Feb 16, 2007
What is the problem? Climate change is happening.

Frost: Fast Results Boost Euro Penetration Rates of Blood Gas Analyzers, Monitors  Feb 15, 2007
After overcoming restraining factors such as price, the hospital use of blood gas analyzers and monitors is increasing across Europe.

Canada's ecoENERGY Initiatives to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gases  Feb 15, 2007
Canada's $2B ecoENERGY Initiatives will reduce smog and greenhouse gas emissions that affect the environment and the health of Canadians, according to Canada's Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn.

EPA Rule Designed to Slash Toxics from Gasoline, Vehicles, Portable Fuel Containers  Feb 14, 2007
Toxic fumes from gasoline, vehicles and fuel containers will decrease significantly, further reducing health risks under tough new standards, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

U.S., EU Sign Pact on Common Environmental Challenges, Sharing Information  Feb 14, 2007
U.S. and EU scientists and researchers plan to work more closely in solving common environmental problems and sharing information on emerging issues such as nanotechnology under a new agreement.

ASTM Int'l Publishes Volume on Skiing Trauma, Safety - ASTM STP 1474  Feb 8, 2007
ASTM International released ASTM STP 1474 - Skiing Trauma and Safety: Sixteenth Volume.

GAO: EPA Actions Could Reduce Public Availability of Environmental Information  Feb 8, 2007
Although the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has not yet completed its evaluation, its preliminary observations indicate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not adhere to its own rulemaking guidelines in all respects when developing the proposal to change Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements, according to a report.

Adverse Event Reporting Section Proposed for NSF/ANSI 173  Feb 7, 2007
To reflect changes in federal policy, NSF International is proposing a new section on Adverse Event Reporting (AER) to be added to NSF/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard 173: Dietary Supplements.

Frost: Silicone Becoming Ideal Choice for Varied Medical Device Applications   Feb 6, 2007
With its long history of successful use in the medical industry and unique combination of properties, silicone is well-positioned to meet the ever-demanding material requirements of medical device fabricators.

Frost: Legislation, Work Processes Benefit Integration of Electronic Health Records, Clinical Trials   Feb 5, 2007
A favorable legislative environment supporting improved accessibility to patient data is encouraging the use of information technology (IT) and computer-based patient record systems across hospitals in Europe and North America.

Frost: Energy Efficiency, Environmental Concerns Spur Fuel Cell Market  Feb 5, 2007
Consistent R&D should yield dividends as fuel cells emerge as a preferred technology and a dominant player in redefining the European energy industry in the future.

ASTM Int'l Committee Approves ASTM E 2474  Feb 5, 2007
ASTM International Committee E55 on Pharmaceutical Application of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) approved ASTM E 2474 - Practice for Pharmaceutical Process Design Utilizing Processing Analytical Technology.

EPA Approves UL Drinking Water Laboratory for UCMR 2 Testing  Feb 5, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) to perform analyses for the 25 contaminants required under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 2 (UCMR 2).

EPA Completes Second Step in Ground-Level Ozone Air Quality Standards Review  Feb 2, 2007
A key document in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review of national air quality standards for ozone will recommend the administrator consider strengthening the current ozone standards to better protect public health, the EPA said.

EC Report on Global Warming Underlines Need for Urgent Action  Feb 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) called for an urgent start to international negotiations on a comprehensive new global climate change agreement, following the recent publication of alarming scientific evidence by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

OSHA Solicits Comments on NRTL Burden of Information Collection  Jan 31, 2007
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) wants comments on its proposed extension of information-collection requirements for nationally recognized testing laboratories.

HHS Accepts Health Care Information Technology Standards Panel Recommendations  Jan 31, 2007
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. Leavitt accepted 30 consensus standards recommended by the Health Care Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP), a move that puts the U.S. one step closer toward development of a nationwide health information network (NHIN).

Frost: Green Legislation Creates Prospects for Euro Air Pollution Control Equipment Market   Jan 31, 2007
Legislation is creating growth opportunities for the air pollution control equipment market in Western Europe.

Maryland Adopts NFPA Fire, Safety Codes - NFPA 1, NFPA 101, NFPA 70  Jan 30, 2007
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the State of Maryland adopted the latest editions of NFPA 1 - Uniform Fire Code and NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code, as well as the NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code and several other NFPA documents.

EC Promotes Renewable Energy in Future Energy Roadmap  Jan 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently proposed a long-term renewable energy roadmap as part of its new energy policy for Europe.

EC Energy Plan Targets Cleaner Coal  Jan 26, 2007
As part of its new energy policy for Europe, the European Commission (EC) adopted a communication on how to generate power from fossil fuels in a sustainable manner, with a focus on sustainable coal technologies - technologies that will enable coal to maintain its important contribution to secure and competitive energy supplies for Europe.

Frost: Innovation Boosts Commercialization of Fuel Cells in Japan  Jan 23, 2007
To quickly and effectively counter rising pollution levels and comply with the Kyoto Protocol (an amendment to the international treaty on climate change), Japan is increasingly turning to fuel cells as an alternate form of "green" energy in several applications - most prominently in households.

EC Decides on New Allocation Plans for Emissions Trading Scheme  Jan 17, 2007
The European Commission (EC) decided on two more national plans for allocating CO2 emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

ISO, U.N. Group Partner on Social Responsibility Standard - ISO 26000  Jan 15, 2007
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Global Compact Office (UNGCO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in development of the upcoming ISO 26000 standard, which will give guidance on social responsibility (SR) for public- and private- sector organizations worldwide.

EC Unveils its Energy Efficiency Action Plan to Save 20% by 2020  Jan 12, 2007
As a major step toward meeting the unprecedented energy challenges facing Europe, the European Commission (EC) presented its Energy Efficiency Action Plan in October 2006.

EC Proposes Integrated Energy and Climate Change Legislative Package  Jan 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed a comprehensive package of measures to establish a new energy policy for Europe to combat climate change and boost the energy security and competitiveness of the European Union (EU).

EC Proposes Strategic Energy Technology Plan  Jan 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) will invest approximately €1 billion annually between 2007 and 2013 in energy technology research and innovation as part of the first European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

ASTM Int'l Amphibian Toxicity Test - ASTM WK13030 - Will Aid Site Contamination Assessment  Jan 12, 2007
A concern about the ecology of wetlands on U.S. Navy and other U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) facilities guided the development of ASTM International standard, ASTM WK13030 - Guide for Conducting Whole Sediment Toxicity Tests with Amphibians.

Top Safety Standards

ANSI Z244.1 Control Of Hazardous Energy Lockout/ Tagout And Alternative Methods

ANSI Z400.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals - Material Safety Data Sheets - Preparation

ASHRAE STD 62.1 Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

OHSA 3079 Respiratory Protection

IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1-1: General Requirements For Safety Collateral Standard

Frost: Demand for Rapid Diagnosis, Treatment Drives U.S. Point-of-Care Testing Markets   Jan 11, 2007
As medical professionals grasp the value of the speed and convenience of point-of-care testing (POCT) for improved patient outcomes, analysts said the initial hesitance to adopt POC tests will decline, opening up lucrative market opportunities.

ASCE, AWWA Release Security Standard Guidelines for Water/Wastewater Utilities  Jan 10, 2007
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) released standard guidelines for protecting the public from potential malevolent acts and other threats by enhancing the physical security of water and wastewater infrastructure systems.

ASTM Int'l Excess Flow Valve Standard - ASTM WK12961 - to Provide Home Protection  Jan 10, 2007
Excess flow valves (EFVs) are important safety devices that can protect homes from unattended pipe disconnections and ruptures.

Frost: Plant, Personnel Safety Spur Mature Gas Detectors, Analyzers Market  Jan 10, 2007
The market for gas sensors, detectors and analyzers is growing from a global perspective, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Europe Outpaces U.S. on Chemical Safety  Jan 9, 2007
New, stricter European environmental policies may force even U.S.-based electronics and chemicals companies to change their ways, say policy analysts at Brown University and Boston University.

Frost: Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection Increase China's Demand for Emulsion Polymers  Jan 5, 2007
Due to increasing government emphasis on energy conservation and environmental issues, China's emulsion polymers markets are witnessing growth.

Frost: Landfill Legislation, Waste Disposal Capacity Promotes Need for Waste-to-Energy Plants  Jan 5, 2007
Waste-to-energy markets are experiencing enhanced political and environmental attention in Europe.

EPA Seeks Additional Toxic Emissions Reductions  Jan 5, 2007
To provide incentives for reduced air toxic emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to amend what are known as the "general provisions" to its air toxics standards.

EPA Rule Effective in January Updates Shipyard Fire Protection Standards  Jan 4, 2007
An updated direct final rule that is designed to incorporate more recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards into the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) fire protection standard for shipyards will go into effect Jan. 16, 2007.

OSHA Seeks Comments on Third Phase of Standards Improvement Process  Jan 4, 2007
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking comments until Feb. 20, 2007 on phase three of its Standards Improvement Project (SIPs III).

EPA Issues Final Rule on Oil Spill Prevention, Control, Countermeasures  Jan 4, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is amending certain requirements for facilities subject to the EPA's Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations.

Agreement Reached on New EU Chemicals Regulation (REACH)  Jan 2, 2007
The Environment Council of the European Commission (EC) unanimously adopted on Dec. 18 the REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation, the cornerstone of the new European chemicals policy (3664/06) that replaces around 40 legislative instruments currently in force.

EU, U.S. Sign New Agreement on Energy Efficiency of Office Equipment  Jan 2, 2007
The European Union (EU) and the U.S. signed a new agreement to continue the Energy Star programme for office equipment for another five years.

European Environment Council Takes Action on Chemicals, Climate Change, Marine Protection  Jan 2, 2007
The Environment Council of the European Commission (EC) adopted the new regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restrictions of chemicals (REACH) on Dec. 18.

NIST SRM 695 to Help Control Heavy Metal Content in Fertilizer  Dec 29, 2006
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 695 - Trace Elements in Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer, a reference material that can help the agriculture industry and state regulators monitor concentrations of several potentially hazardous heavy metal contaminants in fertilizers.

DOE Funds Six Hydrogen from Coal Projects  Dec 20, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded six research and development projects that will promote the production of hydrogen from coal at large-scale facilities.

RSSB Publishes Railway Safety Plan  Dec 19, 2006
The U.K. Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) published the 2007-2009 Railway Strategic Safety Plan for Britain's main line railway.

ASTM Int'l Proposes In-Situ Burning Standard - ASTM F 2533  Dec 18, 2006
The ongoing need to deal with oil in stranded ships, especially those in remote areas, is the impetus behind a standard being developed by ASTM International Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response.

ASTM Int'l Forms Vapor Intrusion Task Group  Dec 18, 2006
ASTM International Committee E 50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action approved a new task group - ASTM E 50.02.06.

ASTM Int'l Revises Environmental Site Assessment Standard - ASTM E 1527  Dec 18, 2006
ASTM International revised ASTM E 1527 - Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process.

ASTM Int'l Releases Snow Safety Publication - ASTM STP 1464  Dec 18, 2006
ASTM International released ASTM STP 1464 - Skiing Trauma and Safety, 15th volume.

U.S. Congress Approves Legislation to Prevent Pipeline Excavation Damage  Dec 18, 2006
The U.S. Senate passed the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 (H.R. 5782), which provides funding and direction for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) pipeline safety oversight programs.

European Parliament Approves New EU Chemicals Regulation  Dec 15, 2006
The European Parliament reached agreement on a wide-ranging regulation on chemicals - the REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation.

EC Takes Legal Action to Enforce Kyoto Protocol  Dec 15, 2006
The European Commission (EC) plans to send four member states final written warnings that they face court action unless they rapidly submit national allocation plans for the second trading period of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) from 2008 to 2012.

Frost: Continued Terrorist Threat Boosts World Chemical, Biological Detector Market  Dec 15, 2006
While chemical detection units have expanded their capabilities to include non-warfare agents, such as toxic industry chemicals (TIC) and toxic industry materials (TIM), warfare agents are still the greatest driving force in this market.

CSA Pilot Project Identifies Climate Change Education Needs for Engineers  Dec 15, 2006
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) announced a pilot project to identify specific areas of engineering curriculums and continuing education programs that can be updated to include new materials addressing the impact of climate change on civil infrastructure.

EPA Authorizes Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2007  Dec 14, 2006
In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final methyl bromide production and import critical use exemptions for 2007.

PMMI Publishes Revised Commercial Machinery Safety Standard - ANSI/PMMI B155.1  Dec 12, 2006
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) published the revised American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ PMMI B155.1-2006 - Safety Requirements for Packaging Machinery and Packaging-Related Converting Machinery.

NIST Test Studies PPV for High-Rise Fire Safety  Dec 12, 2006
A team of investigators from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) and the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) scheduled a controlled fire in November 2006 to study the effectiveness in multistory buildings of positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

Int'l Workshop Agreement - ISO IWA 5 - Guides Emergency Preparedness  Dec 12, 2006
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO IWA 5:2006 - Emergency Preparedness, a new International Workshop Agreement (IWA) that provides recommendations for emergency preparedness efforts and the common elements for a "family" of international standards that will address this global need.

ASTM Int'l Develops Disinfectant Standard - ASTM WK12880  Dec 11, 2006
To aid firms manufacturing drug products in demonstrating the efficacy of disinfectants used in controlled environments, ASTM International Committee E35 on Pesticides and Alternative Control Agents has begun to develop standard ASTM WK12880 - Guide for Evaluation of Clean Room Disinfectants.

ASTM Int'l Publishes STP 1479 - Flammability & Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres  Dec 11, 2006
ASTM International published ASTM STP 1479 - Flammability and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres.

EC Opens New European Laboratory for Food Contact Materials  Dec 8, 2006
The European Commission (EC) inaugurated the new Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) for Food Contact Materials to help implement European Union (EU) legislation requiring all materials that come into contact with food comply with food safety standards.

EU, Russia Join Efforts to Promote Energy Efficiency  Dec 8, 2006
The European Union (EU) and Russia agreed to work together to enhance energy efficiency, recognising there is a huge mutual challenge and potential for energy savings, which they estimate to be about 400 million tonnes each per year of oil equivalent by the year 2020.

EPA Draft Staff Paper Addresses Lead Air Quality Standards Review  Dec 7, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its first draft staff paper for the Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

NIST Offers Enhanced Air Quality Modeling Software  Dec 5, 2006
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that an enhanced version of its CONTAM indoor air quality modeling software is now available.

ASTM Int'l Thermal Measurements Test Method Determines Effective Thermal Conductivity  Dec 4, 2006
A need for a new test method to determine the effective thermal conductivity of fire resistive materials at high temperatures prompted ASTM International Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements to begin work on a proposed new standard, ASTM WK12643 - Test Method for Slug Calorimetry.

ASTM Int'l Develops HFC Blend B Standards  Dec 4, 2006
ASTM International Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents announced that it is developing standards to provide end users with an assurance of quality in fire extinguishing agents, as well as to ensure the safe handling, transport and storage of such agents.

SwRI Opens Indoor Large-Scale Fire Evaluations Facility  Dec 4, 2006
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) opened a 4,300-square-foot facility for fire engineering research and testing.

Frost: Multiple Benefits to Promote Growth of Point-of-Care Testing Market  Dec 4, 2006
Point-of-care testing (POCT) offers multiple benefits, particularly in improving result turnabout time and in supporting the prescription of earlier and more appropriate treatment.

ASTM Int'l Approves Complement Activation Standard - ASTM F 2567  Dec4, 2006
Understanding how blood within a human body will interact with any substance with which it comes in contact is a crucial part of any medical process.

ASTM Int'l Develops Infant Bath Tub Safety Standard  Dec 4, 2006
ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products invited manufacturers of infant bath tubs to attend and participate in meetings to continue the development of proposed standard ASTM WK12969 - Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Tubs.

NIST Creates Biomaterial Blend 'Library'  Dec 1, 2006
Biocompatibility of biomaterials in humans is the largest issue facing scientists in this field.

Frost: Aging Population Drives Growth of Euro Orthopedic Implant Market  Nov 30, 2006
Changing demographics are driving Europe's orthopedic implant market, according to Frost & Sullivan.

FDA Invites Input on Electronic Submission of Regulatory Information  Nov 30, 2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to hold a public hearing to solicit comments and information on the electronic submission of product information.

EPA Issues Secondary Containment Guidelines  Nov 30, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final secondary containment grant guidelines for states, which are intended to implement a key provision of the underground storage tank amendments of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

ISEA Releases Standard for High Visibility Public Safety Vests - ANSI/ISEA 207  Nov 30, 2006
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) released a standard to help protect emergency responders by providing increased visibility.

FAQ on EU Emissions Trading and National Allocation Plans for 2008-2012   Nov 29, 2006
1) What is the aim of emissions trading?

EC Decides on National Allocation Plans for 2008-2012 Emissions Trading Period   Nov 29, 2006
The European Commission (EC) recently decided on the first 10 national plans for allocating CO2 emission allowances to energy-intensive industrial plants for the 2008-2012 trading period under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

ASTM Int'l Publishes Two Environmental Standards Compilations   Nov 27, 2006
ASTM International published two compilations of environmental standards: ASTM Standards on Environmental Site Characterization, 3rd Edition and ASTM Standards on Environmental Sampling, 3rd Edition.

CSB Recommends Combustible Dust Hazards Standards  Nov 27, 2006
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) approved the final report from a two-year investigation of the hazards of combustible dust in industry, and recommended a new U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for avoiding combustible dust explosions and fires.

HITSP Delivers Interoperability Specs for Nationwide Health Information Network  Nov 26, 2006
The Health Care Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) recommended three interoperability specifications in the areas of electronic health records, biosurveillance and consumer empowerment.

HSE Withdraws Paper Industry Guidance - INDG 396  Nov 25, 2006
The U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) withdrew paper industry guidance INDG 396 - Transporting paper safely: Guidance for hauliers and others who transport paper and paper products.

EU Industrial Emissions Register Reveals Mixed Results for 2004  Nov 24, 2006
The European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) recently published updated emissions data from some 12,000 industrial installations across Europe, data that showed mixed progress since 2001 in combating pollution.

MCMIA, USP Agree to Promote Chinese Dietary Supplement Verification Program  Nov 21, 2006
Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) signed an agreement to collaborate on the verification of the quality of dietary supplement ingredients and products.

EU Praises Solid Results of World Climate Conference in Nairobi  Nov 20, 2006
The European Union (EU) welcomed the solid progress made at the United Nations conference on global warming, which ended in Nairobi on November 17.

Frost: Consumer Convenience Drives Flexible Food Packaging in U.S.  Nov 17, 2006
Rising resin costs, along with changing consumer preferences, are increasingly driving the growth of U.S. markets for flexible food packaging.

FAQ on Voluntary Eco-Management and Audit Scheme to Improve Environmental Performance  Nov 16, 2006
What is EMAS? EMAS, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, is a voluntary scheme designed to recognise and reward proactive organisations that go beyond what environmental laws expect of them and that constantly improve the way they interact with the environment.

European Researchers Cite Role of Eco-Technology to Fight Global Warming  Nov 16, 2006
New studies sponsored by the European Union (EU) report that current international protocols and national legislation designed to reduce air pollution need to go further to avoid more environmental damage from high ozone concentrations.

EC Plans Revisions to Emissions Trading Scheme for 2013  Nov 14, 2006
The European Commission (EC) adopted a new communication setting out plans for revising the European Union (EU) emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) in the light of experience gained since the scheme began operating in January 2005.

ASTM Int'l Releases Environmental Due Diligence Web Portal  Nov 13, 2006
ASTM International released an online database - ASTM Environmental Due Diligence Web Portal - which provides tools for environmental professionals to streamline their work and to partner with other professionals.

ASTM Int'l Develops Guide for Radiological Emergency Response Playbook   Nov 13, 2006
A proposed ASTM International standard is intended to emergency responders develop succinct, usable emergency response guidance in the event of a radiological event, which may include an intentional release involving a radiological dispersal device (also known as a "dirty bomb").

EC Backs Food Safety Decisions for Bulgaria and Romania   Nov 10, 2006
European Commission (EC) proposals on a number of food safety and animal health issues linked to the forthcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (EU) have been backed by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.

EPA Issues Rule Intended to Protect Underground Drinking Water  Nov 9, 1006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule that is designed to target utilities that provide water from underground sources and is touted as requiring greater vigilance for potential contamination by disease-causing microorganisms.

DOE Proposes Commercialization of Climate Change Technology  Nov 9, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved $450M over the next 10 years to support seven tests in the U.S. designed to advance carbon sequestration technologies.

FAQ on EU's Response to Climate Change Problem  Nov 7, 2006
What is the problem? Climate change is already happening and its impacts are expected to become progressively more severe as temperatures rise further.

EC Reports on Europe's Energy Future and Needed Investments  Nov 7, 2006
The High Level Group (HLG) on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment, part of the European Commission (EC), recently adopted its second report.

Frost: Regulations, Reforms Drive Chinese Municipal Water, Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market  Nov 6, 2006
Rapid industrialization, increasing public health concerns and shortage of fresh water are some of the key factors driving change within the Chinese municipal water and wastewater treatment equipment market.

Frost: Heightened Competition Galvanizes Euro Gas Detector Market  Nov 3, 2006
The European gas detector market is experiencing a period of renewed growth.

Frost: Nanomaterials, Cost-effective Manufacturing Key to Photovoltaic Technologies  Nov 3, 2006
There has been much concern over the emanation of harmful greenhouse gases from the use of fossil fuels, putting a heightened focus on developing renewable sources of energy and photovoltaics (PVs), which draw their energy from the sun and represent clean, easily renewable sources of energy.

NRC Approves National Source Tracking for Radioactive Materials  Nov 1, 2006
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a final rule implementing a National Source Tracking System (NSTS) to enhance controls for certain radioactive materials used in industry, academia and medicine.

AIIM, ASTM Int'l Join Forces to Advance Portable Healthcare Document Practices  Nov 1, 2006
The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) and ASTM International are joining with other industry leaders to develop a Best Practices Guide for the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) in the healthcare industry.

CSA, Canada Health Infoway Team for International Health IT Standards  Oct 31, 2006
Canada Health Infoway and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) issued a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together for the advancement of health information technology (IT) standards.

NIST, EML Conduct Laboratory Emergency Preparedness Radioactivity Tests  Oct 27, 2006
Working under severe time pressure, government laboratories can analyze radioactive samples in a matter of hours, but with variable accuracy and sometimes relaxed quality control procedures, according to two recent tests focusing on emergency preparedness.

Emergency Preparedness the Focus of ANSI Homeland Security Standards Panel  Oct 27, 2006
As part of the discussion on effective emergency preparedness, consideration must be given to "capability, capacity, proficiency and deployment" as standards are developed, according to Joseph W. Pfeifer, chief of counterterrorism and emergency preparedness for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

NIST Finds Firefighter Radios May Fail During High-Temp Fires  Oct 27, 2006
Firefighter gear and self-contained breathing apparatus allow firefighters to safely work in situations where temperatures can reach up to 500 F (260 C).

EC Proposes Ban on Mercury Exports in EU  Oct 26, 2006
The European Commission (EC) proposed legislation to ban all European Union (EU) exports of mercury effective July 1, 2011.

EPA Advisors Criticize New Air Quality Standards  Oct 25, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the national air quality standards for particle pollution to levels it says are the most stringent in the nation's history.

EC Welcomes Environment Council Agreements on Air Quality Directive, Hazardous Waste  Oct 25, 2006
The European Commission (EC) welcomed the recent political agreement by the Environment Council on the new, comprehensive European Union (EU) directive on air quality, as well as its conclusions on hazardous waste movements.

FDA Issues Final Manufacturing Quality Systems Guidance for Pharmaceutical Industry  Oct 23, 2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final guidance on quality systems, a set of formalized practices and procedures it claims will help ensure quality of human and veterinary drugs and human biological drug products during manufacturing.

EPA Emissions Trading Alternative Aims to Help Improve Visibility in National Parks  Oct 20, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized an emissions trading program for its Clean Air Visibility Rule.

EPA Adjusts Pollutant Monitoring Requirements  Oct 20, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changed its national air quality monitoring regulations as part of a strategy to update technology and keep pace with more advanced approaches to air quality management, according to the agency.

EC Unveils its Energy Efficiency Plan to Save 20% by 2020  Oct 19, 2006
As a major step toward meeting the unprecedented energy challenges facing the European Union (EU), the European Commission (EC) presented its energy efficiency action plan.

FAQ on EC Action Plan for Energy Efficiency  Oct 19, 2006
What is the problem? Change our electric bulbs, our boilers and our refrigerators, insulate our houses, buy low pollution cars, use public transport - these are some of the things we should do if we want to protect our environment and guarantee a stable supply of energy for our children.

ANSI Accredits NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist Program  Oct 17, 2006
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) program received International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO 17024 accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Personnel Certification Accreditation Committee.

U.S. Government Directs Federal Agencies to Adopt Health IT Standards  Oct 17, 2006
U.S. federal agencies that administer or support health insurance programs must adopt interoperable health information technology (IT) standards, develop approaches that promote efficient health care and increase the transparency of health care quality and price, according to recent government mandates.

EC Enforces Control of Radioactive Sources   Oct 16, 2006
The European Commission (EC) sent reasoned opinions to four member states that have not yet notified transposition measures necessary for complying with the directive on the control of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources.

EC Takes Action Against U.K. Food Safety Violations  Oct 16, 2006
The European Commission (EC) initiated infringement proceedings against the U.K. government due to its lack of response to identified food safety problems in a U.K. dairy establishment.

EC Proposes €100 Million Global Risk Capital Fund for Developing Countries to Boost Energy Efficiency and Renewables   Oct 10, 2006
The European Commission (EC) recently proposed creating a global risk capital fund to mobilise private investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in developing countries and economies in transition.

EC Investigates Proposed Danish CO2 Tax Reductions   Oct 10, 2006
The European Commission (EC) opened a formal investigation to examine whether Danish plans to grant CO2 tax exemptions to companies covered by the European Union (EU) emissions trading scheme (ETS) are compatible with EC treaty state aid rules.

EC Proposes €100 Million Global Risk Capital Fund for Developing Countries to Boost Energy Efficiency and Renewables  Oct 10, 2006
The European Commission (EC) recently proposed creating a global risk capital fund to mobilise private investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in developing countries and economies in transition.

Frost: Effective Health, Social Care Services to Promote Growth of European Social Alarms Market  Oct 9, 2006
Across Europe, the demographic tilt toward an aging population is increasing pressure on the health and social care sector.

DOE Releases Climate Change Technology Program Strategic Plan  Oct 6, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Climate Change Technology Program (CCTP) Strategic Plan, which details measures to accelerate the development and reduce the cost of new and advanced technologies that avoid, reduce or capture and store greenhouse gas emissions.

OSHA Seeks Comments on System of Chemical Classification, Labeling  Oct 4, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will publish an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

EPA Strengthens U.S. Air Quality Standards  Oct 4, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the strongest national air quality standards in the country's history.

Frost: Proteomic Revolution, Customized Drugs Market Drives U.S. Mass Spectrometer Demand  Oct 2, 2006
With the incorporation of technological advances in hardware design and computational power, dramatic improvements have been made in the reliability and design of today's mass spectrometers.

EC Voices Concern Over Amendments to Air Quality Directive  Sep 28, 2006
The European Commission (EC) expressed concern over the European Parliament's recent opinion on the thematic strategy to combat air pollution, saying that some of the parliament's first reading amendments to the air quality directive would weaken important elements of the EC's proposal.

Frost: Italian Laser Welding Equipment Revenues Expected to Double   Sep 25, 2006
Despite a varied application base, the Italian laser welding equipment market relies on a limited number of applications to produce a large proportion of its revenues.

Frost: Proficiency Leads Adoption of Smart Card Applications by Health Care Sector   Sep 25, 2006
The benefits of greater speed and accuracy will promote the use of smart cards across the European health care sector, according to Frost & Sullivan.

HSE Assumes Electricity Supply Safety Regulation Duties  Sep 22, 2006
The U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced it will act as the sole regulator for all safety issues associated with electricity transmission and distribution, following the transfer of some responsibilities from the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) Engineering Inspectorate.

OSHA Revises Respiratory Protection Standards  Sep 22, 2006
Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) for respiratory protection programs are being incorporated into the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) respiratory protection standard.

Cambridge Consultants Introduce NFC Medical Device for Management of Diabetes  Sep 22, 2006
Cambridge Consultants created a medical device for managing diabetes that uses near field communication (NFC) to integrate glucometers and insulin pumps.

NHS Connecting for Health to Pilot IT Specification for Blood Safety   Sep 22, 2006
NHS Connecting for Health, supported by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), is looking to work with one or more acute trusts in England to pilot a national information technology (IT) specification for blood tracking.

EPA Releases Guidance to Reduce Mechanics' Exposure to Asbestos  Sep 22, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating its guidance to protect the health of auto mechanics with the release of a draft brochure entitled Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers.

EPA Extends Time for Public Comment on Proposed Emission Control Plan  Sep 22, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the time period for the public to comment on the proposed Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for the Billings/Laurel Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Area to Nov. 3.

ICC Develops Fire Marshall Certification Program  Sep 21, 2006
The International Code Council (ICC) created the Fire Marshal Certification program for fire service professionals looking to demonstrate experience, knowledge and capabilities, according to ICC Chairman Tom Lariviere.

Frost: European Industrial Protective Clothing Market Sees New Opportunities  Sep 21, 2006
Niche products, such as chainsaw protective clothing, are presenting promising growth opportunities for industrial protective clothing, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Frost: Fashion, Function Key to Growth in Congested Western European Workwear Markets  Sep 21, 2006
Expansion in the highly fragmented and overcrowded workwear market in Western Europe will depend upon a manufacturer's ability to provide fashionable products and technical textiles, and to establish a solid marketing strategy.

Frost: Advancements, Safety Measures Drive Growth in European Antimicrobial Market  Sep 21, 2006
Synthetic antimicrobials are gradually being overtaken by natural alternatives due to increasing hype over the latter's health benefits.

Robotic Standards Focus on Safety; Conference Scheduled  Sep 20, 2006
The Robotics Industries Association (RIA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published TR R15.106-2006 - Safety Metrics, a technical report to offer additional safety guidelines and provide recommendations for teaching multiple robots.

Forum Focuses on Impact of Chemical–Related Regulations on U.S. Manufacturers  Sep 20, 2006
The impact of chemical-related regulations and standards on U.S. manufacturers will be the focus of Innovation and Competitiveness: A Strategic Approach to Emerging Chemical Issues, a forum to explore potential early-warning systems and processes that will facilitate effective dialogue about technical health, safety and environmental issues.

NSF Int'l Partners with Philippine Government to Improve Water Supply  Sep 20, 2006
In an agreement with the Philippine government, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International will help develop water treatment standards that will raise the quality of the nation’s water supply.

ASTM Int'l Releases Standards on Materials, Environmental Microbiology  Sep 19, 2006
ASTM International released a new edition of ASTM Standards on Materials and Environmental Microbiology, Fourth Edition.

Frost: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Has Greater Functionality Than Ever Before  Sep 19, 2006
The range of clinical applications performed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners is nothing short of astounding, according to Frost & Sullivan.

ASTM Int'l Offers French Translation of Cigarette Ignition Strength Test Method  Sep 19, 2006
An important ASTM International standard included in Canada's Tobacco Act is now available for purchase in French as well as English.

Global Healthcare User Group Chooses GS1 Standards for Healthcare  Sep 18, 2006
The GS1 Healthcare User Group (HUG) will begin using GS1 standards as the basis for its automatic product identification developments including bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID) product tags.

HITSP Recommends Core Requirements for Nationwide Health Information Network  Sep 15, 2006
Representatives of the Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel’s (HITSP) technical committees testified before the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) to recommend functional requirements needed to support the successful rollout of a nationwide health information network (NHIN).

UL Revises STP Regulations, Aims to Balance Membership  Sep 14, 2006
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) began implementing revised accredited procedures for development of its standards for safety, which will apply to new UL standards projects kicked off after the revised procedures are implemented.

EPA Releases New Energy Performance Standards  Sep 14, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released energy efficiency ratings for corn refineries and cement plants enabling those industries to cut energy usage, save money and prevent greenhouse gases.

NIST Workshop Addresses Biomedical Imaging Technology, Standards  Sep 13, 2006
Medical and pharmaceutical researchers are increasingly looking to biomedical imaging as a tool to track disease progress, speed drug discovery and improve patient outcomes.

ISO Standard Helps Organizations Communicate Environmental Performance  Sep 13, 2006
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 14063:2006 - Environmental management - Environmental communication - Guidelines and examples. This new standard in the ISO 14000 series is expected to help users increase business support and shareholder confidence, and promote their environmental credentials, achievements and performance.

Frost: U.S. Industrial Air Filtration Markets Need Improved Filtration Technology  Aug 15, 2006
The growing focus on minimizing health risks and increasing worker safety is improving indoor air quality across U.S. industrial establishments and subsequently driving demand for higher efficiency air filters.

EPA Proposes First Air Quality Permit Requirements for Indian Country Industry  Aug 15, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a plan to help protect air quality in areas under tribal jurisdiction, without slowing the areas' economic growth.

EPA Releases Underground Storage Tank Delivery-Prohibition Grant Guidelines, Tribal Strategy  Aug 15, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued two final documents that implement key provisions of the underground storage tank amendments of the Energy Policy Act of 2005: the delivery prohibition grant guidelines and a strategy for implementing the underground storage tank program in Indian Country.

Frost: Aging Baby Boomers Enlarge Potential Customer Base for Cardiac Device Markets  Aug 15, 2006
Increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries amongst a rapidly aging population is expected to spark further growth in the cardiovascular devices market.

Actions Needed to Improve EPA Chemical Review Program Effectiveness  Aug 14, 2006
The authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to obtain the data needed to assess existing chemicals does not facilitate its review process because the costly and time-consuming burden of obtaining the data is on the EPA, rather than chemical companies, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

FDA Seeks Comments on Use of Identifier System for Medical Devices  Aug 14, 2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking information on how the use of a unique identifier system for medical devices may reduce medical errors, facilitate device recalls and improve medical device adverse event reporting.

EPA Proposes to Cut Air Toxics Emissions from Degreasers  Aug 14, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing options to reduce air toxics emissions by up to 70% from halogenated solvent cleaning operations.

OSHA Launches Safety Page for Steel Product Manufacturing   Jul 12, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a safety and health topics page on its web site to assist employers and employees with information on OSHA workplace standards for steel product manufacturing.

OSHA Unveils Safety Page for Concrete, Concrete Products Industry   Jul 12, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a safety and health topics page on its web site for employers and employees in the concrete products industry.

OSHA Renews Alliance with the Construction Institute of ASCE   May 1, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Construction Institute (CI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) extended their alliance for two more years to continue focusing on safety and health issues in the construction industry.

OSHA Introduces VPP for Mobile Workforce in Construction   Jul 31, 2006
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled a nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative – "Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction."

OSHA Updates Construction eTool for Spanish-speaking Workers   Mar 3, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated the Spanish-version of its eTool de Construcción - La Prevención De Fatalidades and posted it to the administration's web site.

OSHA Revokes Slip Resistance Provision from Steel Erection Standard   Jan 23, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revoked a provision of the steel erection standard that addresses the slip resistance of walking surfaces of coated structural steel members.

Frost: EPA Regulations Help Drive Class 6-8 Truck Chassis Systems, Components Aftermarket   Jul 31, 2006
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for reducing emissions on class 6-8 trucks approach their final implementation phase in 2007, the trend of pre-buying trucks is becoming more prevalent.

New Compliance Options Available for Clean Diesel Passenger Vehicles   Apr 7, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released two voluntary interim compliance options for diesel manufacturers to meet EPA standards.

EPA Finalizes Guidelines to Assess Local Transportation Air Quality Impacts   Mar 9, 2006
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), finalized guidelines to help state and local transportation and air quality agencies ensure that future transportation projects support state and local efforts to meet and maintain federal air quality standards for fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particles.

International Effort to Harmonize Air Conditioning Standards in Cars   Feb 23, 2006
The European Commission (EC), in cooperation with the U.S. EPA Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Partnership and the California Air Resources Board, announced their intention to harmonize Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) testing and engineering standards.

Volvo Trucks Announces EPA-Compliant 2007 Diesel Engines   Feb 14, 2006
Volvo Trucks North America is presenting a new diesel engine family to meet the more stringent environmental requirements that come into force in North America on Jan. 1, 2007.

EPA Proposes New Test Methods for Fuel Economy Window Stickers   Jan 11, 2006
To provide consumers with more real-world fuel economy information when shopping for cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new methods to determine the city and highway mpg estimates that appear on the window stickers.

EPA Revises Standards for Recycling Cathode Ray Tubes   Jul 31, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) streamlined the federal hazardous waste management requirements for cathode ray tubes (CRT) and CRT glass set to be recycled.

Voluntary Standard Aims to Help Purchasers Buy Greener Computers   May 24, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEESA) released a voluntary environmental performance standard to help large computer buyers make environmentally sound purchases.

EPA Designates Group to Identify Green Computers   Mar 1, 2006
Responding to growing demand by large-volume computer purchasers seeking to buy more environmentally sensitive computers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Green Electronics Council to develop and maintain a list of computers, laptops and monitors that meet strict environmental criteria.

EPA Advances Ground-Level Ozone Standards Review   Jul 31, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a second draft staff paper on ground-level ozone.

EPA Issues Retrofit Guidance to Help States Calculate Air Quality Benefits   Jul 5, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance to states on how retrofit projects can be used in state plans to meet federal air quality standards and conformity determinations.

EPA Proposes Rule to Control Effluent from Large Animal Feedlots   Jul 5, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule that extends the requirement that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), such as large pig, veal, poultry, beef and dairy farms properly manage the manure they generate.

OSHA Announces Targeted Inspection Plan for 2006   Jul 5, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that its 2006 site-specific targeting (SST) plan will focus on approximately 4,250 high-hazard worksites in its primary list for unannounced comprehensive inspections over the coming year.

OSHA Renews National Telecommunications Safety Panel (NTSP) Alliance   Jul 5, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) renewed its alliance with the National Telecommunications Safety Panel (NTSP) for two years, continuing a cooperative effort to enhance workplace safety and health for telecommunications employees.

OSHA Signs Alliance with National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA)   Jul 5, 2006
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formed an alliance with the National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA) to foster safer and more healthful workplaces for employees in the marine cargo handling industry.

OSHA Renews Alliance with American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)   Jul 5, 2006
The U. S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) extended its alliance with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) for two years.

EPA Requires Labeling of Kerosene Dispensers   Jun 26, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that kerosene dispensers at retail facilities must now be labeled with the sulfur content of the fuel.

Communities Get New Tool for Clean Air Strategy   Jun 5, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the 8-hour Ozone Flex (8-O3Flex) program to give communities a new tool to maintain health-based ozone standards.

OSHA Releases Best Practices Guide for First Aid Programs   Jun 5, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First Aid Program, a guide to help employers and employees develop workplace first aid programs.

EPA Releases Report on Use of Innovative Technology Programs   May 24, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report that evaluates EPA's stimulation, facilitation and use of innovative technology programs to further the agency's mission to protect public health and the environment.

EPA Reviews Determine Current Air Toxics Standards for Four Industries   May 1, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued rules finding that additional reductions in air toxics emissions are not necessary for four industry categories: ethylene oxide sterilization plants, cooling towers, magnetic tape manufacturing operations and gasoline distribution terminals.

EPA Extends Public Comment on Implementing Proposed Particle Standards   May 1, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the public comment period for its proposal on how best to implement any new standards that may result from the recently proposed revisions to the particulate matter air quality standards.

Emissions of Fine Particles Exempted From Clean Air Conformity Rules   May 1, 2006
According to a direct final rule published in the April 5, 2006 Federal Register, any action by the U.S. federal government that results in emissions of 100 tons per year or less of fine particulate matter will be exempt from general conformity requirements under the Clean Air Act to minimize emissions.

OSHA Forms Alliances with BIA, CSDA   Apr 7, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formed an alliance with the Brick Industry Association (BIA) that will focus on reducing ergonomic-related injuries and preventing exposure to workplace hazards.

American Water Works Association Responds to Fluoride Report   Apr 3, 2006
A recent report from the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences - Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards - found that fluoride levels of 4 mg/L or higher may pose certain health risks.

EPA, NAFEM Programs Use ASTM Food Service Equipment Standards   Mar 16, 2006
Standards developed by ASTM International Committee F26 on Food Service Equipment became part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program, which helps businesses and individuals protect the environment and save money through energy efficiency.

OSHA Issues Final Rule on Roll-Over Protective Structures Standard   Mar 9, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a direct final rule that regulates the testing of roll-over protective structures (ROPS) used to protect employees who operate wheel-type tractors.

OSHA Issues Final Standard on Hexavalent Chromium   Mar 3, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final standard for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in the Feb. 28, 2006, Federal Register.

OSHA Endorses ISA 84 for Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals   Jan 25, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) endorsed a three-part Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) series of standards for use in achieving compliance with OSHA regulations related to the prevention and mitigation of accidents involving hazardous chemicals.

OSHA Resumes Regular Enforcement Along Most of U.S. Gulf Coast   Jan 25, 2006
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) resumed regular enforcement of job safety and health standards throughout most of the hurricane-affected U.S. Gulf Coast.

OSHA Issues Direct Final Rule on Roll-Over Protective Structures Standards   Jan 23, 2006
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a direct final rule to reinstate its original roll-over protective structures (ROPS) standards for the construction and agriculture industries after an evaluation of both the original ROPS standards and those implemented under a technical amendment in 1996.

EPA Reduces Allowances for Exports of Ozone-Depleting Substances   Jan 23, 2006
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final rule, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Adjusting Allowances for Class I Substances for Export to Article 5 Countries.

EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Particles   Jan 6, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to its national air quality standards for fine particle pollution (also called fine particulate matter) and for some coarse particles.

EPA Finalizes New Rules to Improve, Protect Drinking Water   Jan 6, 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized two drinking water protection rules. The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) reduces the risk of disease-causing microorganisms entering water supplies by increasing monitoring and treatment requirements for water systems that are prone to Cryptosporidium outbreaks.

Revised ASTM Int'l Environmental Site Assessment Standard Complies with EPA   Dec 22, 2005
ASTM International revised its environmental assessment standard to comply with a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation.

OSHA Seeks Comments on Product Safety Self-approval Proposal   Dec 9, 2005
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will accept public comments until February 13, 2006 to help it determine the best way to proceed on a proposal to permit certain manufacturers to self-approve their own products.

New Federal Rule Aims to Solve Florida Wastewater Problem   Dec 9, 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Underground Injection Control (UIC) rule that addresses disposal of wastewater, offers greater protection for underground sources of drinking water and offers potential savings for wastewater treatment facilities in Florida.

EPA Grants Additional Comment Time on the Clean Air Interstate Rule   Dec 9, 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is granting the public additional time to comment on certain aspects of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

EPA Issues First Draft Staff Paper on Ground-Level Ozone   Dec 9, 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft staff paper, "Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone," for public, technical and scientific input to ensure that federal air quality standards reflect the latest air pollution and health effects research.

EPA Finalizes Rule to Reduce Ozone Pollution   Nov 28, 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued rules and guidance to state, local and tribal governments on how to develop plans to reduce ozone pollution in areas that do not meet EPA health-based standards.

OSHA to Revoke Outdated Industry, Nat'l Consensus Standards References   Sep 16, 2005
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final ruling revoking references to outdated industry and national consensus standards on temporary labor camps, guarding of portable power tools, sawmills, flammable and combustible liquids, and arc welding and cutting.

OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module   Dec 15, 2005
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a new construction module for Compliance Assistance Quick Start, the agency's Web-based tool that introduces employers and employees to the compliance assistance resources on OSHA's Web site.

EPA to Revise Aircraft Engine Emission Standards   Nov 30, 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to adopt revised nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission standards for commercial aircraft engines to put U.S. regulations more in line with international standards, specifically, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.