Mit der Deutschen Umweltstudie zur Gesundheit (GerES) ermittelt das Umweltbundesamt Informationen zu korporalen Schadstoffbelastungen der Bevölkerung in Deutschland und untersucht chemische, biologische und physikalische Belastungen im häuslichen Bereich und in der Wohnumgebung. Die letzte GerES-Datenerhebung bei Erwachsenen fand vor 20 Jahren statt. Es war daher dringend angezeigt erneut Erwachsene zu befragen und zu untersuchen. Das RKI und MRI führten gemeinsam eine Vorstudie für die große bundesweite Gesundheits- und Ernährungsstudie (gern) durch. Diese Studie soll in der Hauptphase mit der Studie des Umweltbundesamts (UBA), GerES VI, verknüpft werden. Bisher wurde GerES immer in Anbindung an die Gesundheitssurveys des Robert-Koch-Institutes (RKI) durchgeführt. Da der nächste Gesundheitssurvey für Erwachsene vom RKI zusammen mit der Ernährungsstudie des Max-Rubner-Institutes (MRI) durchgeführt wird, galt es diese neuen Konstellationen in Pilotstudien zu testen. Es wurde entschieden bei dem Pretest ein Convenience Sample zur Teilnahme einzuladen und eine Fallzahl von 120 Personen anzustreben. Der gern-Pretest fand statt von 03. September bis 17. Dezember und die Pilotstudie zu GerES VI erstreckte sich vom 7. bis zum 27. Januar 2019. Hauptziel dieses Forschungsvorhabens war die Prüfung, ob GerES VI in der neuen Konstellation erfolgreich durchgeführt werden kann. In dem vorliegenden Bericht werden sowohl die Ergebnisse des gern-Pretests als auch der Pilotstudie zu GerES VI vorgestellt. Die gewonnenen Informationen und Erkenntnisse der beiden Vorstudien werden gemeinsam bewertet, und sollen für die Planung der gern- und GerES VI-Hauptstudie und für die Integration von GerES VI in gern genutzt werden. Quelle: Forschungsbericht
Statement of Principles I. Foreword by the Management Board of the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung Acting on behalf of the federal government, the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH (BGE) is responsible for selecting the best possible location for the final disposal of high- level radioactive waste materials and for the permanent storage of radioactive waste deep underground. With this Statement of Principles pursuant to section 6(2) sentence 2 of the Supply Chain Act (LkSG), we, the Management Board of the BGE, stipulate the handling of human-rights and environmental risks in our own area of responsibility and for the BGE’s supply chains with respect to all of our sites. At the same time, with this Statement of Principles, the BGE sets out the expectations of employees, suppliers and business partners in terms of respect for human rights throughout supply and value chains. II. Commitment of the BGE to respect for human rights Against this background and as enshrined in its compliance programme, the BGE is committed to respect for human rights and the prevention and remediation of violations in these areas. The BGE’s commitment to the upholding of human rights is based on the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights of the United Nations (UN) and is also shaped by the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (ILO Core Labour Standards), with its four basic principles regarding freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour, and the prohibition of discrimination in employment. To this end, the BGE obeys applicable national rules, such as the Basic Law as well as labour and social laws and regulations. The BGE expects its employees to follow the guidelines set out in this Statement of Principles, as well as the BGE’s Mission Statement, when making business decisions. This includes respectful and appreciative cooperation and fair collaboration with our business partners. The BGE also expects suppliers and business partners to commit to and abide by the respect for human rights and internationally recognised labour and environmental standards expressed in this Statement of Principles. At the same time, they are called upon to pass this expectation on to their own suppliers and business partners. III. Approach of the BGE to implementing human rights due diligence Implementation forms part of the BGE’s integrated management system approach. In particular, the existing occupational safety and health and the risk- and compliance- management system help to prevent or minimise harm to the reputation and credibility of the BGE in terms of the avoidance of any violations of human and environmental rights. In this way, the BGE builds trust and contributes to fair cooperation. For the handling of risks within the supply chain and within its own area of responsibility, the BGE has implemented a multistage process in which overall responsibility ultimately lies with the Management Board. LkSG risk management is covered by the uniform corporate risk management and is monitored by the Compliance/Anti-Corruption staff unit. Negative impacts, whether they relate to human rights or the environment, are systematically identified and remedied both at the BGE and at suppliers. The process described in detail in chapters IV to VII forms the basis for the BGE’s holistic and continuous LkSG approach. The arranged activities are regularly reviewed in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness and undergo continual further development. The processes and results are documented and stored accordingly and are incorporated into the annual report to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) in accordance with section 10(2) of the LkSG. IV. Risk analysis in our own area of responsibility and in the supply chains With this in mind, the BGE continually checks where particular risks of human-rights and environmental violations exist within its own area of responsibility and its supply chains. This check is based on an annual and also ad hoc risk analysis process that is carried out both for our own business activities and for direct suppliers. This process, which is also carried out for the BGE’s indirect suppliers where necessary, begins with an abstract consideration of risks and serves, in particular, to identify industry-, raw material- and country-specific risks for individual supplier groups with a view to the subsequent risk analysis. In the second step, suppliers that are subject to an increased risk are examined in relation to priority human-rights and environmental risks as part of a specific risk analysis. This process incorporates the expertise and experience of the relevant employees, who are in constant contact with the suppliers. The following areas are identified as being particularly sensitive: child and forced labour, income, working hours, discrimination, respect for freedom of association, and occupational safety and health. The results of the risk analyses are continually incorporated into business decision-making processes in relation to internal business strategies as well as the BGE procurement processes, which are regulated by procurement law. The risk analysis also provides a basis for the identification of appropriate preventive and remedial measures. V. Preventive measures At suitable points, the integrated management system approach involves using the completed risk analyses as the basis for defining aims and measures. These are then adapted and scrutinised in light of new results or findings. Corresponding measures are implemented on different levels in order to minimise the priority risks: • • • VI. Human-rights and environmental topics are enshrined within the BGE’s own area of responsibility by means of guidelines, internal awareness-raising, and staff education, as well as by continually reviewing measures with regard to their suitability. On entering into a contract, suppliers are obliged through supplementary contractual terms to respect the values and expectations arising from this Statement of Principles and to apply them when selecting their own suppliers. Furthermore, the BGE reserves the right to implement different risk-appropriate control mechanisms (e.g. spot checks and rights to information) in its supplementary contractual terms. Moreover, in formal procurement procedures exceeding the value limits set by the BGE, suppliers are called upon to include information on violations of the LkSG that are punishable by a fine in a self-declaration. Complaint procedure An appropriate and effective complaint procedure is available to employees, suppliers and business partners, as well as potentially affected parties, allowing them to report violations or negative impacts on humans and the environment in their own area of responsibility and in the supply chain and then to prevent or counteract them accordingly. Reporting individuals can contact the BGE’s Compliance and Anti-Corruption Officer with their complaints/reports not only by phone but also via the internet (https://www.bge.de/en/compliance/) and by post. This process is strictly confidential, and the reporting individual can also submit their complaint anonymously. The complaint procedure is impartial and respects the principle of the presumption of innocence. All complaints and reports relating to human rights violations and relevant violations of environmental obligations are processed in a transparent and predictable procedure. The findings provide the basis for the identification, introduction and monitoring of effective measures. The sequence of complaint procedures is described in the procedural rules (https://www.bge.de/en/compliance/).
The occurrence of microplastic (MP) in food products, such as beverages in plastic bottles, is of high public concern. Existing analytical methods focus on the determination of particle numbers, requiring elaborate sampling tools, laboratory infrastructure and generally time-consuming imaging detection methods. A comprehensive routine analysis of MP in food products is still not possible. In the present work, we present the development of a smart filter crucible as sampling and detection tool. After filtration and drying of the filtered-off solids, a direct determination of the MP mass content from the crucible sample can be done by thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (TED-GC/MS). The new filter crucible allows a filtration of MP down to particle sizes of 5 (micro)m. We determined MP contents below 0.01 (micro)g/L up to 2 (micro)g/L, depending on beverages bottle type. This may be directly related to the bottle type, especially the quality of the plastic material of the screw cap. Dependent on the plastic material, particle formation increases due to opening and closing operations during the use phase. However, we have also found that some individual determinations of samples were subjected to high errors due to random events. A conclusive quantitative evaluation of the products is therefore not possible at present. © Taylor&Francis Online
In August 2019, three dogs died after bathing in or drinking from Mandichosee, a mesotrophic reservoir of the River Lech (Germany). The dogs showed symptoms of neurotoxic poisoning and intoxication with cyanotoxins was considered. Surface blooms were not visible at the time of the incidents. Benthic Tychonema sp., a potential anatoxin-a (ATX)-producing cyanobacterium, was detected in mats growing on the banks, as biofilm on macrophytes and later as aggregations floating on the lake surface. The dogsâ€Ì pathological examinations showed lung and liver lesions. ATX and dihydroanatoxin-a (dhATX) were detected by LC-MS/MS in the stomachs of two dogs and reached concentrations of 563 and 1207 Ìg/L, respectively. Anatoxins (sum of ATX and dhATX, ATXs) concentrations in field samples from Mandichosee ranged from 0.1 Ìg/L in the open water to 68,000 Ìg/L in samples containing a large amount of mat material. Other (neuro)toxic substances were not found. A molecular approach was used to detect toxin genes by PCR and to reveal the cyanobacterial community composition by sequencing. Upstream of Mandichosee, random samples were taken from other Lech reservoirs, uncovering Tychonema and ATXs at several sampling sites. Similar recent findings emphasize the importance of focusing on the investigation of benthic toxic cyanobacteria and applying appropriate monitoring strategies in the future. © 2020 by the authors
Background<BR>At Holi festivals, originally celebrated in India but more recently all over the world, people throw coloured powder (Holi powder, Holi colour, Gulal powder) at each other. Adverse health effects, i.e. skin and ocular irritations as well as respiratory problems may be the consequences. The aim of this study was to uncover some of the underlying mechanisms.<BR>Methods<BR>We analysed four different Holi colours regarding particle size using an Electric field cell counting system. In addition, we incubated native human cells with different Holi colours and determined their potential to induce a pro-inflammatory response by quantifying the resulting cytokine production by means of ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and the resulting leukocyte oxidative burst by flow cytometric analysis. Moreover, we performed the XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and Propidium iodide cytotoxicity tests and we measured the endotoxin content of the Holi colour samples by means of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test (LAL test).<BR>Results<BR>We show here that all tested Holi colours consist to more than 40 % of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 ìm, so called PM10 particles (PM, particulate matter). Two of the analysed Holi powders contained even more than 75 % of PM10 particles.<BR>Furthermore we demonstrate in cell culture experiments that Holi colours can induce the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-á(Tumor necrosis factor-á), IL-6 (Interleukine-6) and IL-1â(Interleukine-1â). Three out of the four analysed colours induced a significantly higher cytokine response in human PBMCs (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) and whole blood than corn starch, which is often used as carrier substance for Holi colours. Moreover we show that corn starch and two Holi colours contain endotoxin and that certain Holi colours display concentration dependent cytotoxic effects in higher concentration. Furthermore we reveal that in principle Holi colours and corn starch are able to generate an oxidative burst in human granulocytes and monocytes. In Holi colour 1 we detected a fungal contamination.<BR>Conclusions<BR>Some of the observed unwanted health effects of Holi colours might be explained by the high content of PM10 particles in conjunction with the possible induction of a pro-inflammatory response and an oxidative leukocyte burst.<BR>Quelle: http://occup-med.biomedcentral.com
The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC requires monitoring of organic priority pollutants in so-called whole water samples, i.e. in aqueous non-filtered samples that contain natural colloidal and suspended particulate matter. Colloids and suspended particles in the liquid phase constitute a challenge for sample homogeneity and stability. Within the joint research project ENV08 "Traceable measurements for monitoring critical pollutants under the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/ECŁ, whole water test materials were developed by spiking defined amounts of aqueous slurries of ultra-finely milled contaminated soil or sediment and aqueous solutions of humic acid into a natural mineral water matrix. This paper presents the results of an European-wide interlaboratory comparison (ILC) using this type of test materials. Target analytes were tributyltin, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the ng/L concentration range. Results of the ILC indicate that the produced materials are sufficiently homogeneous and stable to serve as samples for, e.g. proficiency testing or method validation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that ready-to-use water materials with a defined amount of suspended particulate and colloidal matter have been applied as test samples in an interlaboratory exercise. These samples meet the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive. Previous proficiency testing schemes mainly employed filtered water samples fortified with a spike of the target analyte in a water-miscible organic solvent. <BR>Quelle: www.scopus.com
K; l S. ^ l LB2023/022 Laborbericht / Test report Auftraggeber: customer: Auftrag vom order from: Auftrag über: contract re uirements: Prüflabor: test laborato : Produktbezeichnung product type: Rollen- / Chargennummer: roll- / batch number: Material / Zustand der Proben (Rezeptur falls bekannt): material / sample condition (formulation if known): 30. 04. 2024 2 A4 Stücke Ursuplast EN Naue Ursuplast EN 2, 5mm unbekannt 2 Platten in A4 Größe, einseitig Salzablagerungen durch Salzwasserkontakt Besteht aus Rohstoff Vestolen A 3512 R Probenahme: sam lin date: Prüfguteingang im Labor: Laborato recei t: Prüfdatum/Zeitraum: test date / eriod: Prüfgutverbleib: storage of the test material: 30. 04. 2024 03. 05. 2024 wird 3 Monate aufbewahrt Verteilung des Laborberichtes an: Distribution of the Lab Re ort to: Gesamtzahl der Seiten: total a e number: Ersteller Creator 3 1^1 Prüfergebnisse QS / Compilation of results LB2023/022 Prüfung test Norm EinheitErgebnis unitresult Anforderung nach Z-59-21-29 vom 11. 12. 1995 * Dicke thickness EN 1849-2 2,5 mm2, 58N/mm218,915+-15% %12,813+-15% N/mm219,215+-15% EN ISO527%1213+-15% EN 1107-2%-0,62<= 3,0 Dimensional stability after warm storage, mdEN 1107-2%-0,22<= 3,0 MFI(190°C5kg) MFR (190°C 5kg)DIN ISOj/10min.1,51, 6+-0, 15 DichteEN ISO 1183g/cm30, 9460, 942 +.0, 004 Streckspannung md tensile strength at yield md Streckdehnung md elongation at yield md EN ISO 527 Streckspannung cmd tensile strength at yield cmd Streckdehnung cmd elongation at yield cmd Maßänderung, md 2h/120°C Dimensional stability after warm storage, md Maßänderung, cmd -5%+10% 2h/120°C density 1133 Normen weichen mit Ausnahme des MFI voneinander ab In der Zulassung wurde nach folgenden Normen geprüft.. Dicke nach DIN 53353 Streckspannung / Streckdehnung nach DIN 53455 Dichte nach DIN 53479 Verfahren A Maßänderungnach DIN 16925 au Prüfergebnisse QS / Compilation of results LB2023/022 Prüfung test Norm EinheitErgebni units result Anforderung nach Z-59-21-29 vom 11. 12. 1995 * Seite mit Salzablagerungen
Radioactive waste must be packaged in approved containers for disposal. In addition, the filled containers must be checked and monitored. All production and inspection protocols must be kept. To ensure safety, the loaded containers undergo a variety of examination procedures prior to disposal. Here, a combination of checking the conditioning (packaging suitable for disposal) and spot checks has proven to be effective. This product control includes a check of whether the waste is packaged according to the applicable disposal conditions. Responsibility for the control procedure lies with the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (BGE). Independent expert bodies then check the containers on the BGE’s behalf. Product control of the waste containers can be carried out in two different ways – either by applying a packaging procedure certified by the BGE or through spot checks of already-packaged waste containers. The principles underlying the conditioning specifications stem directly from the Atomic Energy Act and the Radiation Protection Ordinance. In principle, before applying a procedure for the treatment and packaging of radioactive waste, the applicant must demonstrate that the resulting waste products meet the requirements of the final disposal conditions, which are a key part of a repository’s license. The process itself is accompanied by independent expert bodies. This ensures that the waste is treated and packaged in a manner suitable for final disposal and that everything is documented in accordance with the regulations. The information provided by the waste producer in relation to the radioactive waste is randomly verified by means of independent analyses. This procedure is primarily intended for so-called old waste, whose conditioning was not subject to accompanying checks by independent expert bodies. Non-destructive techniques are used to examine the containers from the outside without damaging them. For example, this can be achieved by means of dose rate measurements at the container surface, computed tomography, or the analysis of gas samples. Other methods result in damage to the container. For example, it is possible to drill into a container in order to obtain a core for further analyses. The expert bodies commissioned within the framework of product control must have the necessary expert knowledge for their task and be independent. Among other things, they check the presented descriptions of waste products and packaging, the conditioning technique, the containers used, and the composition of the waste inside the container. Finally, experts from the BGE check whether the statements from the expert bodies are complete and correct and meet the specifications of the planning approval.
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) are multi-purpose organic solvents in<BR>industry. Both are developmental and teratogenic toxicants in rodents. NMP is classified as a REACh substanceof very high concern. Because of their toxicological profile and their broad application resulting in a possibleexposure of the general population, NMP and NEP were chosen as target substances for the cooperationproject between the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and NuclearSafety (BMUB) and the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) aiming to establish human biomonitoring(HBM) methods for "newŁ substances of interest. NMP and NEP are metabolized to 5-hydroxy-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones (5-HNMP, 5-HNEP) and 2-hydroxy-N-alkylsuccinimides (2-HMSI, 2-HESI). We analyzed thesespecific metabolites in 24-hour urine samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank. For thispurpose, 20 randomly selected samples collected in 1996 and in 2012, respectively, were analyzed by asensitive and specific GC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution quantification. We detected NMP metabolites in100% and NEP metabolites in 95% of all samples. Despite the considerable differences in the elimination halftimesof the alkyl pyrrolidone metabolites, the correlations between the metabolites were rather strong (NMP:r=0.51; NEP: r=0.67). An exposure determined through one metabolite is thus confirmed by the other129metabolite. Median NMP metabolite levels were comparable between 1996 (5-HNMP 50 ìg/L, 2-HMSI 46 ìg/L)and 2012 (5-HNMP 39 ìg/L, 2-HMSI 41 ìg/L). Surprisingly, urinary levels of NEP metabolites were approx. 10times higher in 1996 (5-HNEP 14 ìg/L, 2-HESI 42 ìg/L) as compared to 2012 (5-HNEP ~1 ìg/L, 2-HESI 5ìg/L). We would have expected a reverse trend for NEP since NEP has only recently been introduced into themarket as a substitute for NMP. The sources of past and present exposures to NMP and NEP warrant furtherinvestigations. <BR>Quelle: 24th Annual Meeting ofThe International Society of Exposure Science: Exposure Science Integration to Protect Ecological Systems,Human Well-Being, and Occupational Health; Abstrct Book ISES 2014 / International Society of Exposure Science, Cincinnati: 2014, S. 128
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