Letters to the Editor.

Dear Editor:

My hat is off to Briley, Fowler, and Teel for the Learning from Experience column in the November 1999 issue of the Journal. In my 44 years as a sanitarian, I have probably seen more misunderstanding over the issue of primary versus secondary clients than over any other aspect of our profession. This is true not only for rookie sanitarians but also, occasionally, for veteran environmental health specialists. I hope you can keep generating similar articles.

Sincerely,

Fred Overstreet

Pfafftown, North Carolina 

Dear Editor:

As I read over the April 1999 issue of the Journal of Environmental Health, it occurred to me that this Journal stinks. I do not mean the written contents stink. I like the Journal and almost always find something interesting to read (as I did with this issue). The stink I am referring to is the odor of print chemicals that permeates the pages. I wonder if this question of environmental health ever has been raised by (or to) NEHA? Perhaps the Journal could run an article on who prints this publication, what processes and chemicals are used, and what responsibilities NEHA acknowledges. Those responsibilities might include environmental releases from the printers and the impact of chemicals transferred from the printed copy to the reader.

Sincerely,

Bill Taylor

Arlington, Virginia

The Editors Respond:

Bill Taylor's letter initiated an investigation into the pollution prevention (P2) practices of the Journal's printer, Cadmus Professional Communications (Cadmus). P2 practices are environmental management procedures recommended by the federal government. The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 made the following practices matters of national policy:

* Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible.

* Pollution that cannot be prevented should be recycled in an environmentally safe manner whenever feasible.

* Pollution that cannot be prevented or recycled should be treated in an environmentally safe manner whenever feasible.

* Disposal or other release into the environment should serve only as a last resort and should be conducted in an environmentally safe manner.

(See the Science Network's pollution prevention Web site at [less than]http://www.pollutionprevention.com[greater than].)

These guidelines are general, so they can be applied to a wide range of industries. NEHA contacted Kathy Winters, who is in charge of P2 for Cadmus, to discuss the company's practices. The Journal of Environmental Health uses 10 percent postconsumer recycled content. It also uses soy-based ink, which could contribute to the "stink" Mr. Taylor detected. Ms. Winters informed us that the plant recycles all paper, extras, and scraps. None of the chemicals used in the printing process pose known hazards to the consumer. Nothing from the plant is sent to the landfill, and Cadmus is compliant with the current laws on discharges to air and water, as well as with hazardous waste laws. The company applies the following P2 and recycling methods relevant to the printing industry:

* Image processing produces empty containers, used film packages, outdated materials, photographic chemicals, and silver. Cadmus recycles empty containers and spoiled photographic film, uses squeegees to reduce carryover, recovers silver, and recycles chemicals.

* Plate making generates acids, alkali, solvents, plate coatings, developers, and rinse water. The chemicals are recycled, silver is recovered, and, once again, squeegees reduce carryover. Improved operating practices also reduce wastes that must be disposed of.

* The finishing process results in damaged products and scraps. Cadmus reduces paper use to minimize scrap and recycles all waste paper.

* The actual printing of the Journal creates lubricating oils, waste ink, cleanup solvent, test production, bad printings, empty ink containers, rags, and used blankets. Cadmus tries to reduce this waste by preparing only the quantity of ink needed for a press run, using an automatic ink leveler and alternative cleaning solvents, scheduling runs to reduce color changeover, collecting and reusing of solvents, and properly storing ink. In addition, waste solvent is recycled, press performance is monitored to improve press practices, and automatic blanket cleaners are used.

NEHA would like to thank Mr. Taylor for his comments and insightful questions. The environmental practices of the Journal's printer are an important concern for NEHA and our members. All readers are encouraged to submit opinions and suggestions concerning the Journal. Write to Julie Collins, Content Editor, NEHA, 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 970, South Tower, Denver, CO 80246; fax her at [phone]; or e-mail her at [less than][e-mail][greater than].