As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024. What moved readers most? As part of a 12-day series, Waikato Herald reporter Danielle Zollickhofer looks at the top stories each month. Welcome to day 9: September. September 2024 was another busy month. Kīngi Tūheitia’s tangi was being held at Tūrangawaewae Marae and his daughter Ngā Wai hono i te pō was named as his successor . Members of the New Zealand Defence Force helped to form the honour guard that guided the late Kīngi Tūheitia on his final journey at the banks of the Waikato River, while behind the scenes hundreds of marae staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure food was never in short supply. Meanwhile, the Philip Polkinghorne trial came to an end as the retired eye surgeon was acquitted of the death of his wife Pauline Hanna.
By Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times A recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children’s toys and hair accessories. The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were “an order of magnitude lower” than the EPA’s thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it’s actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren’t enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn’t be in these products in the first place. “The math error does not impact the study’s findings, conclusions or recommendations,” said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they’re heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you’re wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. It’s nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That’s because these products that include recycled e-waste don’t disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it’s also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study “had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them,” she said. Anytime you’re looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you’re going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. There isn’t a definitively timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A call has been made to tradespeople and firms across the North as the construction of Spaceport Sutherland moves into its next phases. Contractor, Dynamic Concepts, has opened work packages for tender as Spaceport developer Orbex prepares to move forward with phases three and four of construction at its site on the A'Mhoine peninsula. A spokesperson for Dynamic Concepts said: “Exciting progress continues at Sutherland Spaceport, as Orbex move closer to establishing the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport on the north coast of Scotland. “Work packages for phases three and four of construction are now open for tender, marking another key milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art facility. “Sutherland Spaceport will play a crucial role in the UK’s space industry, supporting environmentally sustainable launches and fostering innovation in satellite technology. “This is your chance to contribute to a pioneering project that will position Scotland at the forefront of the global space sector.” The following trade packages are currently open for tender: Earthworks & Excavations Concrete Foundations and Slab Reinforcement to Concrete Items Drainage Steel Frame (supply only, install only, or supply and install) Roof and Wall Cladding Gutters, Downpipes, and Superstructure Drainage External Doors Windows Roller Shutter Doors Mechanical Installations (e.g., plumbing, ventilation, heating) Electrical Installations (e.g., lighting, power, data) Fencing External Concrete (similar to concrete foundations and slab) Interested parties are invited to contact Bryan McGhie by Friday, November 29 via email to bmcghie@nascentcc.co.uk.
December 4, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread by University of Surrey Urban green spaces are known to boost mental health. However, these benefits may not be equally shared, as new research from the University of Surrey suggests that women and gender minorities face unique barriers when it comes to enjoying these spaces. This could limit their ability to reap the psychological rewards of nature, contributing to mental health disparities. The research has been published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology . Dr. Anna Bornioli, senior future fellow, Environmental Psychology Research Group (EPRG) at the University of Surrey, and lead author of the research, comments, "It's time to rethink our urban green spaces . While we often celebrate the mental health benefits of nature, not everyone might experience these benefits equally. Women and gender minorities , in particular, may face unique challenges when it comes to accessing and enjoying urban green spaces." These can include: Safety concerns: many women feel unsafe in certain green spaces, particularly at night or in secluded areas. Lack of inclusive facilities: insufficient or poorly managed facilities, like restrooms and changing rooms, can deter women and gender minorities. Social norms and expectations: traditional gender roles and societal expectations can limit women's ability to spend time in nature and activities conducted in nature, for example when having caregiving responsibilities. Discrimination and harassment: gender minorities, in particular, may face discrimination and harassment in public spaces, including green spaces. "It's crucial to address these barriers to ensure that everyone can benefit from the restorative power of nature. This could involve initiatives such as improving lighting and signage in parks, creating more inclusive facilities, and challenging societal norms related to women 's use of public spaces. By making our green spaces more inclusive, we can help improve the mental health of all," concludes Dr. Bornioli. More information: Anna Bornioli et al, Sex and the city park: The role of gender and sex in psychological restoration in urban greenspaces, Journal of Environmental Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102476 Provided by University of SurreyMorgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.
