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At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Emission of odors from composting of biological waste].

Results of qualitative and quantitative detection of odour substances during the process of composting of biowaste are shown. Olfactometric measurements were carried out beside detection of odour substances by gaschromatography--mass spectroscopy. Some odour relevant substances were set in relation to odorant concentration. 158 volatile substances could be identified by GC/MS. The occurrence of odour substances demonstrated a characteristic dynamic. As a consequence of analysis of odour substances, detection of odorant concentration and odour quality the composting process could be divided in 3 main phases. For the start phase substances from anaerobic degradation like alcoholes and esters of carbonic acids played an important role in odour generation. Sulfur containing compounds dominated the characteristic odour during thermophilic phase of composting process. The importance of ammonia during later composting process could be shown. The concentration of dimethyl disulfide and limonene was set in relation to odorant concentration and both substances are discussed as indicator compounds.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1997

Sterilization of slide sheath anesthetic injection systems placed within sharps containers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that two steam autoclaves and an unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer had on killing bacterial endospores present on commercial spore strips or applied to sterile anesthetic injection systems placed within sharps containers. Three types of sterilizers were used: a gravity steam autoclave, a high vacuum steam autoclave and an unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer. The microbial challenge for the sterilizers were Bacillus stearothermophilus spores present on commercial spore strips or drawn into and applied onto sliding sheath anesthetic injection systems with anesthetic carpules attached. Spore-soiled items were placed into the middle of sharps containers three-quarters-filled with representative clinical waste and sterilized. If, after culturing, sterilization of all test items in a group was not achieved, additional sterilization time was applied. Spore strips were killed within a single cycle of each sterilizer. Spore-soiled injection systems and carpules could not be routinely sterilized in the gravity steam autoclave or unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizers, even after three consecutive sterilization cycles. These items, however, were sterilized by exposure to a single-treatment cycle in a high-vacuum steam autoclave. Results indicate that routine sterilization of spore contaminated anesthetic carpules or injection systems could not be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time using sterilizers commonly found in dental offices.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMed1996

Potential public health risks related to mercury/amalgam discharge from dental offices.

Mercury is a toxic and bioaccumulative metal. It exists in elemental, inorganic and organic forms. The use of mercury by the dental profession represents approximately 6 percent of the total annual domestic consumption and is estimated to contribute significantly to the discharge of mercury (14 percent in one study) to waste-water streams. Publicly owned treatment works (POTW) must obtain and comply with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System waste-water discharge permit. When minimal mercury discharge limits into surface waters are exceeded, an upstream search for contributors of mercury to the waste stream may result. Given the present sociopolitical environment, mercury discharge from dental offices will increasingly receive scrutiny. Strategies to minimize discharge of mercury/amalgam waste include engineering controls such as changes in the discharge process, changes in the composition of commercial products, and changes in control equipment. Governmental strategies include an outright ban, the setting of discharge standards, and educational efforts. Study of these strategies with evaluation of effectiveness is needed.

Dental Amalgam↗