Emission of Diacetyl (2,3 butanedione) from Natural Butter,Microwave Popcorn Butter Flavor Powder,Paste, and Liquid Products

Abstract

Diacetyl (2,3 butanedione), a butter-flavored diketone, has been linked to a severe lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans. We tested a total of three natural butters and artificial microwave popcorn butter flavorings (three powders, two pastes, and one liquid) for bulk diacetyl concentration and diacetyl emissions when heated. Pastes and liquid butter flavors contained the highest amount (6% to 10.6%) while natural butter possessed up to 7500 times less diacetyl. All artificial butter flavors studied emitted diacetyl. Dry powders emitted up to 1.62 ppm diacetyl; wetted powders up to 54.7 ppm diacetyl; and pastes emitted up to 34.9 ppm diacetyl. The liquid butter flavor emitted up to 17.2 ppm diacetyl. Microwave popcorn flavoring mixtures emitted up to 11.4 ppm diacetyl. At least 93% of the dry powder particles were inhalable. These studies show that microwave butter flavoring products generate concentrations of diacetyl in the air great enough to endanger those exposed.     

Hypothesis to Explain Childhood Cancer near Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

As reported in this journal in 2009, the 2008 KiKK study in Germany found a 60% increase in all cancers and a 120% increase in leukemias among children living within 5 km of all German nuclear power stations. The KiKK study has triggered debates as to the cause(s) of these increased cancers. This article discusses the available evidence of leukemias near nuclear installations around the world. Over 60 epidemiological studies exist, the large majority of which indicate increases in leukemia incidence. The article also outlines a possible biological mechanism to explain the increased cancers, suggesting that doses from environmental nuclear power plant emissions to embryos/fetuses in pregnant women near the plants may be larger than suspected, and that hemopoietic tissues may be considerably more radiosensitive in embryos/fetuses than in newborn babies. The article concludes with recommendations for further research.     

Effectiveness of a Custom-fitted Flange and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) System in Controlling the Release of Nanoscale Metal Oxide Particulates During Reactor Cleanout Operations

Abstract

As the nanotechnology industry expands, facilities engaged in the production and use of engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) are challenged with determining whether their processes pose a risk for worker inhalation exposure. Although there are neither regulatory exposure limits specific to ENMs nor validated measurement standards for nanomaterials in the workplace, many facilities opt to be proactive in managing uncharacterized ENMs by reducing or eliminating the potential for exposure by controlling their release into the workplace atmosphere. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable, HEPA-filtered, local exhaust ventilation system equipped with a custom-fitted flange for controlling the emission of engineered nanoscale metal oxide particulates during reactor cleanout operations. On the basis of the findings of this study, it appears that a properly designed LEV system, coupled with good work practices can be highly effective in controlling nanoscale material emissions during processes of this type.