Analytical study on the RoHS of plastic from waste electrical and electronic appliances

This study was conducted to identify emission characteristics of certain hazardous substances contained in the plastic of used home electrical and electronic appliances keeping in view compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances [RoHS] Directive and to estimate the possibility of safe recycling practices. According to the results, the concentration of cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium were found below than Maximum Concentration Value [MCV] of RoHS, while the concentration of total bromine [T-Br] was exceeded the standard limitations in the samples of plastic from e-waste. Over 90% of the plastics used in housing cover of display electronic products were composed of Polystyrene [PS] 53.9% and PS-flame retardants 36.4%.Peak of each hazardous substance in total samples also showed higher values of bromine, cadmium and lead. In order to enhance cleaner recycling of waste electronic appliances in accordance with the allowance of RoHS Directive, the use of brominated flame retardants in plastic and chrominated synthetic resins should be restricted and applications of metal surface finishing such as coating and painting of high molecules synthetic resins should be minimized

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the gallbladder after transcatheter arterial embolization

Currently transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE) is widely used in Korea as a palliative treatment inpatients with inoperable heptocellular carcinoma. Embolization of cystic artery is frequently unavoidable in TAE but the effect on gallbladder, its significance and sonographic findings have not yet been fully as certained. We analyzed 29 cases of gallbladder in post TAE state by means of sonographic evaluation. The results were as follows. 1. Initial change was observed on the 1st day of TAE. 2. Maximum enlargement of the gallbladder occurred within 3 days. 3. Relief of pain was mostly noted in one week. 4. Ultrasonographic findings are: a) Enlargement ofthe gallbladder: 27 cases b) Sonolucent layer within the wall: 5 cases c) Thickening of the wall: 27 cases d)Sludge formation: 6 cases e) Pericholecystic anechoic area: 3 cases 5. No surgical intervention was necessary for complication of gallbladder, if ever: some medical treatment was sufficient. 6. Non-visualization of gallbladder was experienced, possibly due to atrophic changes. 7. Even in the case of cystic artery salvation, mild gallbladder changes were still observed. 8. No significant difference as sonographic findings was descernable inuse of various embolic materials