Latest news with #VOCs
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Road lines fading faster after environmental rule, say local politicians – raising costs and safety concerns
Municipalities across the country say a government regulation that limits a group of chemicals used in painting road lines is hitting their budgets hard. Without the chemicals, they say, road lines fade more quickly, putting drivers at risk and forcing municipalities to repaint them more often. 'It seems like something small but it's actually something that affects every municipality across the country,' said Tim Tierney, vice-president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and an Ottawa city councillor. The federal regulations limit the allowable concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) − chemicals in paint products used for road markings − to 150 grams per litre in those products from 450. VOCs are also found in nail polish and hairsprays. The lower limit is required only from May 1 to Oct. 15, when the weather is mild and air pollution is a concern. These are the months during which most municipalities paint their road lines. The regulations by Environment and Climate Change Canada were put forward because VOCs contribute to the formation of both particulate matter and ground-level ozone, which are the two main components of smog. 'Health impacts from smog include irritated eyes, nose and throat. Smog can worsen existing heart and lung problems or may cause lung cancer with regular long-term exposure,' spokesperson Brandon Clim said in a statement. Gary LeRoux, president of the Canadian Coatings Association, said a steep drop in VOC concentration results in 'inherent issues with adhesion and durability.' Councillors across the country say the regulations overlook safety concerns on roads. They say municipalities now require multiple rounds of repaints a year as fading road lines continue to put drivers, pedestrians and motorists' lives at risk. Clark Somerville, councillor for the Town of Halton Hills and the region of Halton, said the regulation is ultimately costing Canadian taxpayers more, with their money being spent 'unnecessarily.' 'As the road painting is disappearing quicker, we are now spending taxpayers dollars to go out and repaint the roads more than what we had to before,' Mr. Somerville said. Rural municipalities say it's particularly an issue for them because their roads are darker and more dangerous at night. 'Anyone that gets behind a vehicle knows how important and key it is to have those lines on the road,' said Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and councillor for Brazeau County. 'Especially when you're in rural areas where we don't have [adequate] street lighting.' Ms. Westerlund, who represents 69 rural municipalities in Alberta, said it's not just councillors or elected officials who have been raising this issue. She said first responders, police services and volunteer firefighters are pointing to disappearing road markings to explain some road accidents. 'It's really tough because everyone wants to be a good steward to the environment, but I just think we have to pick and choose our battles,' said Mr. Tierney, the Ottawa councillor. 'And safety is a real one.' While councillors such as Mr. Somerville are calling for more funding to cover the cost of keeping up road lines, arguing that municipalities do not have the necessary 'wiggle room' in their budgets, Ms. Westerlund said more attention should be paid to the paint. 'Before throwing more funding at crews to paint the lines, let's get to the root of the issue and that is the paint itself,' Ms. Westerlund said. 'Let's find solutions there and move forward from there.' Mr. Clim, the Environment Canada spokesperson, said other factors also determine how long road markings last – traffic volume, weather conditions and how snow and ice are managed. The department 'has not received any technical information indicating that the VOC limits for traffic markings affect the product's performance,' Mr. Clim said. David Saucier, director of issues management at the Canadian Coatings Association, said the federal government should go back to the drawing board and consult industry experts. 'What are we compromising here?' Mr. Saucier said. 'If we're going to compromise health and safety for pedestrians and motorists, what are we saving?' Mr. Tierney said the regulation has had a positive impact when applied to products such as hairsprays or nail polish, 'even wall paint.' 'But when it comes to road painting specifically there doesn't seem to be a magic formula to make it work yet.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd. And POSCO INTERNATIONAL Sign Exclusive Sales Agreement for Thailand on a Core Technology for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in the Petroleum Energy Sector
SEOUL, South Korea, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era of escalating climate crisis, the world is placing 'carbon neutrality' at the forefront of global discourse. Countries around the world have pledged to submit detailed action plans to the United Nations by establishing Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. They continue to make steady efforts by expanding the adoption of renewable energy and implementing various alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. However, despite the global trend toward energy transition, the demand for petroleum as a major fossil fuel remains solid. In particular, because gasoline, which is the most widely used, has a boiling point of only 23°C, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are inevitably released during storage and transportation. These VOCs contain carcinogens like benzene and toluene that can cause serious illnesses once they enter the human body. In the midst of this challenge, a groundbreaking technology that reduces the emission of VOCs and carbon dioxide has been developed in South Korea. The company behind this innovation is ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd., recognized as a leading enterprise in the field of eco-friendly renewable energy and carbon reduction projects. For the past 11 years, ECOMAGIC has been dedicated to developing the 'Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System', a technology that ensures gasoline can be used wisely, without threatening human life and instead contributing positively to the environment. Together with POSCO INTERNATIONAL, a company with a global network, ECOMAGIC has taken a significant step toward advancing carbon neutrality practices. POSCO INTERNATIONAL is steadily developing greenhouse gas and carbon emission reduction projects in response to climate change and is moving forward with the goal of reinvesting corporate profits back into society through its ESG initiatives. Interview with Mr. Wooho Kim, Head of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Thailand 1. We heard that you made significant efforts to introduce ECOMAGIC's Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System into the Thai market. Could you share the background behind it? "POSCO INTERNATIONAL Thailand has been continuously monitoring the Thai government's efforts to strengthen environmental regulations and achieve carbon neutrality goals. In particular, vapor emissions generated during the storage and distribution of gasoline have become a major cause of air pollution and health issues, creating a clear need for effective solutions. ECOMAGIC's Vapor Liquefaction Treatment System is an innovative product capable of addressing these challenges. It significantly reduces vapor emissions compared to conventional methods and helps prevent gasoline losses, offering notable economic benefits as well. As part of our strategy to strengthen ESG management and expand our sustainable energy business in the Thai market, POSCO INTERNATIONAL decided to actively promote the introduction and sales of this product." 2. What is your outlook on the market potential for vapor liquefaction recovery systems at gas stations in Thailand? "Thailand is one of the major petroleum-consuming countries in ASEAN, with annual gasoline consumption exceeding 30 billion liters. As a result, vapor emissions generated during the gasoline distribution process have become a serious issue, and the Thai government is actively promoting various policies to reduce air pollution. Major refiners and gas station operators in Thailand are strengthening their ESG management and showing strong interest in adopting new technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency and protecting the environment. In particular, vapor recovery and liquefaction technologies are effective in reducing fuel losses and responding to tightening environmental regulations, which suggests there will be strong demand in the Thai market moving forward. POSCO INTERNATIONAL plans to strengthen collaboration with major gas stations and petroleum distributors in Thailand through its partnership with ECOMAGIC." 3. What other projects is POSCO INTERNATIONAL pursuing to support carbon neutrality? "As a global integrated business company, POSCO INTERNATIONAL is promoting a wide range of eco-friendly projects aimed at building a sustainable future. We are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the energy transition through solar and wind power generation, and supporting the shift to green energy by establishing supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen and eco-friendly ammonia. In addition, we are advancing carbon emission reduction initiatives by utilizing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, moving one step closer to achieving carbon neutrality. Through these diverse ESG initiatives, POSCO INTERNATIONAL is committed to pursuing sustainable growth and will continue to strengthen its efforts toward carbon neutrality in both the Thai and global markets." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ECOMAGIC Co., Ltd.
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Innovation Helps This CleanTech Company Weather The Current Market
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - April 9, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Dennis Calvert, President & CEO of BioLargo Inc. (OTC: BLGO), was recently a guest on Benzinga's All-Access. BioLargo is a cleantech and life sciences innovator and engineering services solution provider. Its core products address Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) contamination, achieve advanced water and wastewater treatment, provide safe, long-lasting battery energy storage, control odor and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), improve air quality and control infections and infectious diseases. Mr. Calvert spoke of his company's ability to weather turbulent markets through its technological innovation. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.
