ACS News
^^aaamzq^ ACS gives views on implementing TSCA In general, the Environmental Protection Agency has handled well the early implementation phases of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Problems remain, however, and the American Chemical Society "welcomes the opportunity to continue participating constructively in the implementation of the act," says the society in a letter signed by ACS president Anna J. Harrison to Sen. Edmund S. Muskie (D.-Me.), chairman of the Committee on Environment & Public Works' Subcommittee on Environmental Pollution. In reviewing and commenting on proposed regulations for the Office of Toxic Substances, for instance, ACS says that it has difficulty in meeting the specified time requirements for comments and often has to request extensions. "When dealing with documents of a rather lengthy, detailed nature, which may request rather specific information, the society has generally found the comment period to be too short," the letter points out. For regulations under TSCA to be effective, they must have "credibility with the scientific community by being consistent with current scientific knowledge and with the general public by serving the public good," ACS says. Also, the regulatory process must be selective. "Even if the entire scientific resources of the nation were to be devoted to toxicological testing, only a relatively small portion of the large number of known substances could be subjected to a complete sequence of toxicological tests within the next 10 years," the society points out in its letter. ACS observes that, "from the standpoint of continuing innovation, part of the nation's scientific resources should be devoted to the extension of knowledge and the testing of new compounds, even at a reduced level of activity." As for actual implementation of the regulations, ACS is prepared, if EPA requests, to help identify chemists and chemical engineers who have specific capabilities in these areas. Also, the letter states, ACS recognizes that "some level of risk must be accepted in any activity including those involving chemicals and
MAN AND MOLECULES URBAN TECHNOLOGY Dr. Helmut Schulz Columbia University Each week C&EN announces the "Man and Molecules" program currently being released to radio stations. Check with ACS News Service for stations broadcasting in your area.
chemical processes." The society therefore urges EPA to "take a balanced view of proposed regulations during its administration of various phases of the act." Finally, the capacity of the scientific community to carry out the research and testing that will be required by TSCA is "severely hampered" by a lack of scientists adequately trained in toxicology, pathology, and related sciences. "We therefore again recommend that Congress as well as EPA support the expansion of education and training at the graduate level in these essential disciplines in order to meet the needs of the act," according to ACS. D
IEEE booklet on age discrimination in jobs Age discrimination in employment and the protection provided by law is the topic of a booklet recently prepared by the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. Federal law in this area, specifically the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, was strengthened and broadened this year. As amended, the act protects most workers age 40 to 70 from discrimination on account of age in hiring, job retention, compensation, or other terms and conditions of employment. The IEEE booklet gives some warning signs of impending discrimination, describes both federal and state statutes applying to age discrimination in employment, examines some actual court cases, and lists guidelines for action for individuals who believe they have encountered age discrimination and wish to do something about it. Copies of the booklet, entitled "You and Age Discrimination," may be obtained for $3.00 (check payable to the American Chemical Society) by writing to Earl Klinefelter, Office of Professional Relations, American Chemical Society, 1155—16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. D
Guidelines available Single copies of the 1978 edition of the society's Professional Employment Guidelines (PEG) are available upon request to Earl Klinefelter, manager of the Office of Professional Relations at the American Chemical Society, 1155—16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. These guidelines were prepared by the Committee on Professional Relations. They were adopted by the ACS Council on March 15,1978, and endorsed by the society's Board of Directors on June 10, 1978. D
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VACUUM SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY
A four and a half day basic Vacuum Technology course and eleven specialized courses will be offered in conjunction with the 25th NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM AND VACUUM SHOW OF THE AMERICAN VACUUM SOCIETY, which will be held at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California, on November 27December 1, 1978. These courses are intended for anyone working with, or interested in, vacuum science and technology, including scientists and engineers, laboratory technicians, production equipment operators, maintenance personnel and students. All courses will be taught by well qualified, experienced instructors. The basic course, "VACUUM TECHNOLOGY", will cover vacuum technology from fundamental theory through state-of-theart concepts. The specialized courses will start from basics and cover theory, equipment, and applications. The courses to be offered will be for either one or two days and will include:
' ' > . . . > • • -
SPUTTERING PARTIAL PRESSURE ANALYSIS LEAK DETECTION MICROCIRCUIT THIN FILM TECHNOLOGY SURFACE ANALYSIS (Two Days) FUNDAMENTALS OF EVAPORATION METHODS FREEZE DRYING APPLIED THIN FILM OPTICS CONTAMINATION CONTROL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THIN FILMS CRYOPUMPING
A special feature for all course participants will be an Exhibitor's Program. Special demonstrations and discussions of specific Vacuum Show exhibitor's equipment of interest to course attendees will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 1978 from 8:30AM to 10:00AM at the site of the Vacuum Show in the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, California.
Course outlines and application forms may be obtained from Nancy Hammond, Executive Secretary, American Vacuum Society, Station 3, 335 East 45th Street, New York, New York 11017.
For further information, call Nancy Hammond at (212) 6619404. Applications can be confirmed by phone and space will be held for 10 days. Applications and fees must be received by November 20, 1978.
Oct. 9, 1978 C&EN 35
