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ETI NEWS

OBLIGATION Macedonia will be eliminating of hazardous chemicals

		Mavrovo- Macedonia as a signatory of the Stockholm Convention is conducting several projects to protect the population against the 12 most hazardous organic chemicals (POPs) that contain carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. As stressed at the two days seminar dedicated to reduction and elimination of the Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Macedonia through POPs Unit under the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning provides foreign donations for elimination of the equipment that is still used in the industry and civil engineering, but is harmful for human health.

However, it should be emphasized that in Macedonia still exists contaminated equipment that is not inventoried. Identification, labelling and then disposal of the hazardous substances will last for decades. In the meantime, the population will be educated how to protect itself from the harmful effects of those chemicals. Among the most applied (spread) chemicals are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that could cause even cancer, used in capacitors and transformer oils in the el.power industry and also in constructing materials as additives in paints, varnishes, inks, paper etc.

According to the Stokholm Convention, as POPs Unit claim, all PCB equipment should be phased out till 2025, and disposed until 2028. In this respect, Macedonia is working on a 12 milions CHF worth project in cooperation with ETI, Switzerland . In the frames of this project, all low voltage capacitors contaminated with PCBs in the ESM distribution net were phased out. Also, in June this year PHD was released of 2,5 tones hazardous waste containing DDT widely used during the World War II.(S.N.)



Examinations of buildings for PCBs (in Switzerland)

	For several months ETI has been examining buildings for PCBs for private companies and public institutions. Apparently, owners tend to take the responsibility and request an assessment of their buildings.

	ETI’s statistics show that PCBs are often present; in about 50 % of the checked buildings PCBs have been detected in sealants. In some cases Chlorinated Paraffin (CP) has been found instead of PCBs. After the ban of PCBs, CP partially replaced them in the building industry. However, the danger potential of CP is similar.

Both PCBs and CP are hazardous wastes and have to be disposed of in a high temperature incineration plant. The laboratory of the Swiss Canton Aargau has published a report on the extension of CP in sealants in buildings in Switzerland.

New Price Lists for Measuring Instruments and Products

Our prices for test kits, portable meters and leakage stop products were reviewed and adapted in October 2004. Thanks to the decreasing Dollar, some of the prices could even be reduced! Our prices still largely depend on the ordered quantity. You can benefit from attractive prices when ordering larger quantities, especially. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask for a new quotation.

Resource Experts

Are you a public institution or a private owner planning to modify, extend or remove a building? Are you confronted with environmental tasks? Do you have knowledge or resources to deal with the problems? If no know-how is available, it might be worthwhile to assign these tasks to an experienced expert.

● Examinations of buildings:
It is worthwhile to check buildings for pollutants before a renovation, an extension or a removal takes place. Such examinations help minimise or even eliminate delays and additional works, that often exceed the budget. The examination parameters (PCB, CP, PCP, asbestos, etc.) are based on the actual situation and decided upon together with the client.

● Assessments of industrial and contaminated sites:
Construction projects, sales of industrial estates or incidents often demand an assessment of the contaminants on the site. ETI assesses the situation by means of historical site surveys and technical examinations. Recommendations and budgets for the further proceeding are provided if necessary.

You will find more publications in our archive!