Composite electrospun membranes from cellulose nanocrystals, castor oil, and poly(ethylene terephthalate): Air permeability, thermal stability, and other relevant properties.

The study examined the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/castor oil (CO) electrospun membranes, focusing on how CNCs influenced membrane properties for aerosol filtration applications. PET membranes were fabricated using 5 wt% and 10 wt% of CNCs and 2.5 wt% CO to assess its effectiveness as a compatibilizing agent, under a solution flow rate of 25.

Evaluation of airborne asbestos concentrations associated with the maintenance of brakes on an industrial overhead crane.

Objectives: To evaluate potential airborne asbestos exposures during brake maintenance and repair activities on a P&H overhead crane, and during subsequent handling of the mechanic's clothing.

Methods: Personal ( = 27) and area ( = 61) airborne fiber concentrations were measured during brake tests, removal, hand sanding, compressed air use, removal and reattachment of chrysotile-containing brake linings, and reinstallation of the brake linings. The mechanic's clothing was used to measure potential exposure during clothes handling.

Evaluation of Airborne Asbestos Concentrations Associated with the Operation and Maintenance of Brakes and Clutches on Nonautomated Heavy Equipment.

This study evaluated the potential for chrysotile asbestos exposure during maintenance and operation of older, nonautomated heavy equipment with chrysotile-containing brake and clutch linings. Recent reports indicate that such equipment may be in current use in the U.S.

The challenge of predicting problematic chemicals using a decision analysis tool: Triclosan as a case study.

Manufacturers lack a reliable means for determining whether a chemical will be targeted for deselection from their supply chain. In this analysis, 3 methods for determining whether a specific chemical (triclosan) would meet the criteria necessary for being targeted for deselection are presented. The methods included a list-based approach, use of a commercially available chemical assessment software tool run in 2 modes, and a public interest evaluation.

Chemical assessment state of the science: Evaluation of 32 decision-support tools used to screen and prioritize chemicals.

The last decade has seen an increased focus on evaluating the safety and sustainability of chemicals in consumer and industrial products. In order to effectively and accurately evaluate safety and sustainability, tools are needed to characterize hazard, exposure, and risk pertaining to products and processes. Because many of these tools will be used to identify problematic chemistries, and because many have potential applications in various steps of an alternatives analysis, the limitations and capabilities of available tools should be understood by users so that, ultimately, potential chemical risk is accurately reflected.