#toxic substances

[destielmemenews]

"La Porte city spokesperson Lee Woodward told KTRK-TV that they don’t yet know what flows through the pipeline or how it will be shut down. People in nearby schools were told to shelter in place as law enforcement blocked off a wide area."

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[rjzimmerman]

Illustration of natural and anthropogenic sources, sinks and transport pathways of trace substances in coastal ecosystems that may interact with climate impacts. Red arrows indicate expected directions of change due to climate change. Zitoun et al. 2024

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

A new study is warning that trace metals like lead, arsenic and mercury that are present in ocean water can become more toxic over time as factors like ocean warming and acidity can increase the bioavailability of these trace elements.

Although these elements can naturally occur in coastal areas, their concentrations have increased due to human activities like agriculture and industrial manufacturing. Now, scientists warn that problems such as ocean acidification and warming are further strengthening the toxicity and spread of trace elements, both from natural and human sources.

“Human activities have increased the global flow of toxic metals such as lead by tenfold and mercury by three to seven times compared to pre-industrial levels,” Sylvia Sander, professor of marine mineral resources at GEOMAR, said in a statement. “Toxic elements like silver are increasingly detectable in coastal waters, originating from coal combustion and the growing use of silver nanoparticles in antibacterial products.” 

The researchers found that the effects of rising sea levels, ocean warming, melting sea ice, drying river beds and ocean acidification could all play roles in the transport and accumulation of trace elements, particularly those that occur naturally. The researchers published their findings in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

But trace elements from human sources are also contaminating the environment, with heavy metals coming into the oceans from fossil fuel and industry activities. Further, shipping and plastics can also introduce more trace elements into the oceans, especially because plastics can bind certain metals, including lead and copper.

As ocean temperatures rise, the bioavailability of trace elements increases, meaning it becomes easier for marine life to absorb the trace elements, the researchers explained. Trace elements, especially copper, also experience an increase in bioavailability and solubility in the presence of more acidic water. Copper can become extremely toxic to marine life in higher concentrations. 

In a recent report on planetary vital signs, a team of international scientists confirmed that ocean warming and acidification had reached record extremes in recent years.

[nando161mando]

Europe’s Cruise Ships Produce Toxic Sulphur Emissions Equivalent to 1 Billion Cars

https://www.ecowatch.com/europe-cruise-ships-sulphur-emissions-air-pollution.html

[loz3rliterature]

What you write, what you do, how you act; took no inspiration from what devours you, from what you despise most yet can't live without. Do not let it ruin what you hold dearest to you; for they had never had correlation.

[saraichinwag]

What Happens If You Mix Bleach and Vinegar?

[hennethgalad]

🤮

[neotechcreationsblog]

[gogh-insane]

What are they cooking?

How does the cauldron soup glow cyan?

Don't drink that.

Ralsei and Robert are behind a cauldron. Ralsei is stirring the mixture inside the cauldron with a long wooden stick, while Robert is holding a white frosted cake with three strawberries on top. The room is dark, but their figures are illuminated by the neon cyan glow coming from within the cauldron.

commission for wasbeer tinkerer <3

[chereesteinkirchner1950blog]

[luciennejabs1980blog]

[medimission]

Child and Pet Safety: Navigating Choking Hazards and Toxic Substances

@ https://environmentalnote.com/.../chemicals-and-toxics/

Creating a safe environment for our children and pets is paramount in ensuring their wellbeing and peace of mind for ourselves. The home, a sanctuary for family and furry companions, can harbor unexpected dangers.

[carlottaeichorst1960blog]

[ofrqrkobn3]

[retrorevolutionrhapsody32blog]

[frnwhcom]

The 1985 Paraquat Poisonings: Japan's Unsolved Mystery of the Vending Machine Murderer

In 1985, Japan was gripped by a series of chilling and mysterious paraquat poisoning murders, a case that remains one of the country’s most enigmatic and disturbing unsolved crimes. Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide known for its quick action and lethal potential, became the weapon of choice in a spate of indiscriminate killings that instilled widespread fear and paranoia across the nation. The…

[aidgc2023]

Navigating Toxic and Infectious Substances: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: In our modern world, the transportation and handling of hazardous materials, including toxic and infectious substances, is a critical concern. The Australian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC) plays a pivotal role in promoting safety and best practices in this domain. In this blog post, we delve into the complexities of toxic and infectious substances, discussing their characteristics, regulations, handling, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding Toxic and Infectious Substances: Toxic Substances: Toxic substances are materials that can cause harm to living organisms upon exposure. They can have acute or chronic effects, impacting human health and the environment. These substances can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, making proper handling and storage crucial.

Infectious Substances: Infectious substances, on the other hand, are materials containing pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that can cause disease in humans, animals, or plants. Handling infectious substances requires stringent precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses and protect public health.

Regulatory Framework: To ensure the safe transportation, handling, and disposal of toxic and infectious substances, a robust regulatory framework is in place. The AIDGC collaborates with organizations such as the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) to establish guidelines for classification, packaging, labeling, and transportation of these materials. Adhering to these regulations is essential to minimize risks and prevent accidents.

Safe Handling and Transportation:

Proper Packaging and Labeling: Toxic and infectious substances must be packaged in containers that can withstand leaks or breakages. Appropriate labels and markings should be used to indicate the nature of the material and necessary precautions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers handling toxic and infectious substances should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing, to minimize exposure risks.

Training and Education: Training programs should be implemented to educate workers about the hazards associated with these substances, safe handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Emergency Preparedness: Facilities handling toxic and infectious substances must have well-defined emergency plans in place, detailing procedures to follow in case of leaks, spills, or accidents.

Mitigation Strategies:

Substitution: Whenever possible, consider using less hazardous alternatives to toxic substances to reduce risks.

Engineering Controls: Implement ventilation systems, containment barriers, and other engineering controls to limit exposure to toxic and infectious materials.

Isolation and Containment: Isolate areas where these substances are stored or handled to prevent accidental exposure.

Waste Management: Develop proper waste disposal strategies to ensure that these substances do not pose long-term risks to the environment.

Conclusion: Toxic and infectious substances pose significant challenges in terms of safety, health, and environmental impact. The AIDGC’s dedication to promoting best practices in handling these materials is crucial for safeguarding public health and minimizing potential disasters. By adhering to regulations, implementing appropriate safety measures, and staying informed about the latest advancements, we can effectively navigate the complexities associated with toxic and infectious substances.