An extension project sold 4,000 radon kits; 46% were returned for testing and 23% of homes were at risk. Interviews with 100 of those at risk found that only 41% believed they had a problem; women and college graduates were more likely than men and high school graduates to believe it. Of those who believed they had a problem, only 63% took any…

This paper reports on a study of pupils' knowledge and understanding of atmospheric pollution. Specifically, the study is aimed at identifying: 1) the extent to which pupils conceptualise the term "air pollution" in a scientifically appropriate way; 2) pupils' knowledge of air pollution sources and air pollutants; and 3) pupils'…

The Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxins (ARET) Challenge was a voluntary program initiated in 1994 by the Government of Canada. Unlike the U.S. 33/50 Program, ARET involved industry partners in negotiation and cosponsorship of the program, with the intention that early involvement would yield stronger commitment to voluntary reductions. We…

A conference was held to improve the environmental awareness of colleges in such areas as energy conservation, waste management, transportation policy, and use of grounds. This document contains the presentations of speakers who attended the conference. Chapter 1, "Greening Further and Higher Education" (Shirley Ali Khan), discusses the…

The elimination of poisonous metals possessing chemical or radioactive substances, from soils and waters, and chemistry's contribution towards efficacious and environmentally suitable removal methods are discussed. Various original tactics are studied and compared.

This activity has been designed to help students understand a variety of concepts related to water use, efficiency, and students' own impacts on their watershed. It is intended for use both in the classroom and at home. The first concept covered in this exercise is, "What is a watershed?" Ideally this concept will be conveyed in the context of the…

Despite opposition by environmental organizations, Japan plans to import plutonium from France and Great Britain. Interviews Toichi Sakata, director of the nuclear fuel division of the Science and Technology Agency, who explains why Japan needs the radioactive substance. (MDH)

Although some communities welcome environmental cleanup, others reject official advice about the hazards of living in a high-lead environment. Discusses a predictive model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and its ability to provide new guidance. Examines mechanisms for human exposure to lead, in particular, the risk to children.…

Environmental training updates employees on state and federal environmental regulations. It helps to keep companies in compliance with regulations, keeps communities safe from hazardous waste, and keeps employees healthy. (JOW)

Discusses health risks and environmental repercussions associated with household disinfectants and cleaners. Provides alternatives that meet the "Green Cross" certification for biodegradability and safety. A chart lists hazardous ingredients in common household cleaning products. (MCO)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate approximately 1.6 million tons of hazardous household waste every year. When most people think of hazardous waste, they generally think of materials used in construction, the defense industry, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Few people think of hazardous substances…

Military munitions are the silent giant of hazardous waste management and cleanup in the United States. Toward the end of the first Clinton administration, the Navy and Air Force prevailed upon the Army--the armed service with the biggest ordnance problem--to consider co-sponsoring a formal dialogue on military munitions facilitated by the…

The United States Government is concerned about asbestos-containing products in the home because sometimes asbestos fibers can be released from these produces. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, certain types of cancer may later develop. Asbestos in homes poses several problems. Household members have little or no protection from exposure to asbestos…

Describes problems related to old underground storage tanks (USTs) that may leak toxic contents, focusing on relevance for American Indian reservations. Discusses design, installation, and upgrading of UST systems; federal definitions and regulations; leak detection; legal responsibility; and education for public awareness. Includes Environmental…

Examines recent journal literature about medical wastes and examines definitions, risks, and methods of minimizing risks. The consensus in the recent articles on medical waste is that medical waste is no more dangerous than nonmedical waste. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/MDH)