Joint Nordic screening of emerging pollutants
Joint Nordic screening of emerging pollutants

Author: Susanne Boutrup

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2014-10-24

Total Pages: 12

ISBN-13: 9289328150

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Strategy and results This brochure highlights the work conducted by the Joint Nordic screening group. The activities in the Joint Nordic Screening Group can be divided into three areas: 1) Joint screening studies, 2) Sharing knowledge by organizing seminars and 3) literature studies. The aim of the joint Nordic screening studies is to obtain a snapshot of the occurrence of emerging pollutants in the environment. A Nordic cooperation on screening studies is an advantage for increased representativity of the results since it is possible to include a larger number of samples in a larger area than normally in national studies. In addition, it is cost effective and makes it easy to compare results with neighbouring countries. The group has its own webpage, from where the reports can be downloaded.

PFASs in the Nordic environment
PFASs in the Nordic environment

Author: Anna Kärrman

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2019-03-15

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 9289360623

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This report describes a screening study of in all ninety-nine conventional and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Nordic environment. In addition, extractable organic fluorine (EOF) was analysed. The latter can provide the amount, but not identity, of organofluorine in the samples, which in turn can be used to assess the mass balance between known and unknown PFASs. The study was initiated by the Nordic Screening Group and funded by these and the Nordic Council of Ministers through the Chemicals Group.A total of 102 samples were analyzed in this study, including bird eggs, fish, marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, surface water, WWTP effluents and sludge, and air. Samples were collected by institutes from the participating countries and self-governing areas; Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Suspect screening in Nordic countries
Suspect screening in Nordic countries

Author: Martin Schlabach

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2017-10-26

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 9289352000

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This report describes the results of a suspect screening study in samples from city areas in the Nordic countries. In contrast to target analysis, suspect screening starts with a general sample preparation and identification including as much compounds as possible. The resulting list of recorded compounds will be identified by comparison with a list of suspected compounds. Suspect screening has shown to be very useful for identification of emerging environmental pollutants. It was possible to identify: Perfluorinated compounds (PFC), chlorinated and brominated compounds, flame retardants, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC), industrial additives, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP). This study was jointly performed by NILU, NIVA, and Umeå University on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The study was supervised by the Nordic screening group.

The cost of inaction
The cost of inaction

Author: Gretta Goldenman

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2019-03-17

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 9289360658

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PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkylsubstances) are known to be extremely difficult to degrade in the environment and to be bioaccumulative and toxic. Exposure to PFAS is suspected to increase the risk of adverse health effects, such as impacts on the thyroid gland, the liver, fat metabolism and the immune system. This study estimates the socioeconomic costs that may result from impacts on human health and the environment from the use of PFAS. Better awareness of the costs and problems associated with PFAS exposure will assist decision-makers and the general public to make more efficient and timely risk management decisions. Findings indicate that the costs are substantial, with annual health-related costs estimated to 2.8 – 4.6 billion EUR for the Nordic countries and 52 – 84 billion EUR for all EEA countries. Overall non-health costs are estimated at 46 million – 11 billion EUR for the Nordic countries.Upon request the excel spreadsheets used for the monetarisation and valuation in this report can also be provided along with a guidance on how to use the estimation of costs for value transfer. Please contact any of the consultants or members of the steering group from the Swedish Chemicals Agency or the Danish Environmental Protection Agency if you are interested in receiving these excel spreadsheets.

WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality

Author:

Publisher: World Health Organization

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 488

ISBN-13:

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This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of public health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazardousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmental exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards.

Screening of Chlorinated Paraffins, Dechloranes and UV-filters in Nordic Countries
Screening of Chlorinated Paraffins, Dechloranes and UV-filters in Nordic Countries

Author: Schlabach, Martin

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2022-03-30

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 9289372915

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Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-519/ On behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Screening Group, NILU and NIVA performed a monitoring study on selected environmental contaminants, namely UV-filters, dechloranes, and chlorinated paraffins. UV-compounds were frequently detected in samples related to the marine food web. In the group of dechloranes, dechlorane 602 was detected most frequently in samples related to the marine, freshwater, and terrestrial food web. Short and medium chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) were found in most of the samples, but long chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) with a slightly lower detection frequency. For nearly all biota samples, the concentrations of MCCPs were higher than the SCCP concentrations. LCCP-concentrations were as high or higher than the SCCP-concentrations.

Sustainable Development Action – the Nordic Way
Sustainable Development Action – the Nordic Way

Author: Halonen, Mikko

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2017-05-04

Total Pages: 175

ISBN-13: 9289349557

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The 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015, outlines an ambitious and universal plan of action for people, planet and prosperity as it seeks to strengthen universal peace and freedom. This report presents national and Nordic action on Agenda 2030 with the aim to inform and support the Nordic Council of Ministers in formulating a new Nordic Sustainable Development Programme. All Nordic countries are engaged and strongly committed to implementing Agenda 2030 and there is a broad societal interest in joint Nordic action. The existing Nordic Strategy for Sustainable Development and several other key initiatives within Nordic cooperation already contribute to the goals of Agenda 2030. A new Nordic Sustainable Development Programme can build upon a strong foundation and add further value to the national and international work done by the Nordic countries.