The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "vapor" ...
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C-HIT: Toxic Laundry Emissions
Industrial laundries in New England have recently come under intense scrutiny by the EPA, ever since the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) found that volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were being released at a facility in Waterbury, CT. According to Steve Rapp, Chief of the Air Technical Unit, EPA Region 1, the problem is widespread and significant. “The industrial laundries are grossly under-reporting their VOCs,” said Rapp. “It’s a total sleeper.” The problem stems from the process of laundering shop towels, which are often contaminated with toxic solvents. When improperly cleaned, the solvents are vaporized and emitted to the surrounding air. This article investigated this little-known source of air pollution, shedding light on the industry’s practices and its impact on air quality and public health.
Tags: Volatile organic compunds; VOC's; DEEP; air quality; public health
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A Sudden Explosion
Millions of red, consumer gas cans are sold each year and stored in homes across America. Most people know that gas can be dangerous, but they don't think of the cans as ticking time bombs. The report looks at several gas can explosion and the children who were severely burned.
Tags: gas can; Wal-Mart; explosion; manufacturer; vapor; flame arrester; flammability; Consumer Product Safety Commission
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Home Deadly Home: Toxins in Air
The Environmental Protection Agency and many states ignored or downplayed the health threat posed by toxic chemicals that vaporize from groundwater and enter homes. The formula the EPA used to assess the ganger is demonstrably inaccurate. Colorado, having failed to address such problems in the past, now is one of the few states that ignores the inadequate EPA guidelines and tests individual homes."
Tags: Environmental Protection Agency; toxic chemicals; pollution; contamination
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No title (id: 13935)
The Houston Press investigates the Exxon refinery in Baytown, where cutbacks in personnel and maintenance budget and the increased use of outside contractors has turned the plant into a catastrophe waiting to happen. Major disasters have been narrowly averted several times in the past two years after escaping vapors formed explosive clouds near open flames. (April 18, July 11, 1996)
Tags: Burtman The fire next time? The fine this time Contest entry Safety Inspections GCIWU OCAW 9 pgs.