BUYER'S GUIDE ANALYSIS Microarray technology. The Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology is spearheading microarray use in toxicological research, particularly in analyzing how the body's genetic code responds to chemicals by using small biological samples. Instead of testing for changes in one gene by a specific chemical, this tool allows researchers to analyze for effects on thousands of genes simultaneously. 120
ability of its free Clean Air Fact Book, designed to enable manufacturers to provide a safe and healthy work environment. The book discusses clean air regulations and how to comply, air-cleaning technologies and how they work, maintenance factors, and guidelines for making informed decisions. 122
LABORATORY Syringeless filters. Whatman, Inc., introduces the Mini-UniPrep syringeless filters that replace syringe-coupled filtration devices and autosampler vials with a single disposable unit. Each unit has a capacity of up to 0.5 mL and can process samples in one-third the time of conventional syringe filters. 123
MANAGEMENT
CONTROL Pressure regulator. Fisher Controls International, Inc., introduces the Type EZR pressure regulator, an internally actuated, metal-plug style regulator featuring advanced flow technology; smooth, quiet operation; and tight, reliable shutoff in all service conditions. This pilot-operated unit is available in the 2-in. size and can handle pressure ranges from 1500-psig inlet to 7-in. w.c. outlet. 121
INFORMATION TOOLS Clean air fact book. United Air Specialists, Inc., announces the avail-
Risk management. Trinity Consultants announces the availability of the Breeze RMP Advisor, a wizardsbased program that guides environmental and safety personnel through risk management planning under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments' Section 112(r) Risk Management Program. The PC-based software determines off-site consequence distances for potential accidental atmospheric releases, according to the revised "lookup tables" published by EPA. The software then generates contour plots for visualizing off-site impacts. 124
MEASUREMENT Indoor environmental chamber. Air Quality Sciences, Inc., has finished construction and validation of its third large environmental chamber for testing chemical emissions from
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indoor products such as large office furniture and equipment. The finel; polished stainless-steel chamber simulates airflow patterns and envi ronmental conditions that would b< experienced in a realistic indoor set nario. The equipment measures trace levels of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, particles, formaldehyde, and ozone. 125
SAFETY Spill containment. Can-Ross Environmental Services Ltd. offers the Spill Busters line of absorbent products for spill containment and cleanup. "Oil only" or "universal" sorbent materials are available in cleanup pads for minor spills, booms for high-efficiency spill containment, spill kits for rapid cleanup, pillows for tight or hard-to-reach areas, and rolls for any size cleanup. 126
TREATMENT Wastewater treatment. Bioscience, Inc., announces the successful reseeding of a municipal wastewater treatment plant with a microbial nitrifier concentrate, called MICROCAT-XNL/XNC. After a toxic shock loading caused the plant to nearly exceed ammonia permit limitations, this special blend of microbial strains was added to each aeration basin, facilitating rapid recovery in the nitrification process. After two days, the ammonia concentration in the basins was reduced from 17 ppm to 3 ppm. At the end of five days, the concentration had fallen to 0.1 ppm. 127 For more information on products and services mentioned in "Buyer's Guide," use the Electronic Reader Service System found on ES&T's Web site.
