Industry
Chemicals
Some businesses thrived, many lagged during pandemic in 2020
Here are the lists of winners and losers
Three hurt at Texas chemical plant hit by two massive explosions
TPC would form an investigation team to determine what led to the explosions.
Action needed as microplastics accumulate in Great Lakes: researcher
Problem mirrors that of the oceans: small organisms mistake microplastics for plankton, and work their way up the food chain.
Class action proposed over alleged carcinogenic herbicide
Alleges Monsanto and new owner Bayer acted with reckless disregard for the safety of Canadians by selling Roundup.
Overhauling toxic chemicals law should be priority: advocate
Needs to be more restrictive about “chemicals of high concern.”
Canadian plastics, chemistry associations create plastics division
Combining aims to strengthen their voice about urgent plastics issues with important stakeholders.
Aerosol manufacturer fined $170,000 for environmental offences
Failed to comply with a protection compliance order, and to implement and test emergency plans on time.
Dow agrees to US$77M environmental settlement in Michigan
Deal between the company and government agencies calls for improvements to fish and wildlife habitats.
CO2 converted to methanol using ‘artificial leaf’ process: Study
University of Waterloo researcher mimics photosynthesis to convert solar energy into fuel.
No injuries from chemical plant blast in Louisiana: Dow
Company says affected production unit shut down, the rest of the complex continues to run safely.
Nova Chemicals becomes first Canadian-based company to participate in OCS Blue
OCS Blue is an international product stewardship program aimed at the prevention of plastic pellet, flake and powder leakage to the environment.
China chemical plant explosion kills 4
Similar accidents have occurred in recent months.
Investigators on site of France’s huge chemical plant fire
About 130 complaints have been filed mostly over potential health risks following the Sept. 26 fire.
Study finds some premium tea bags leach billions of microplastics
McGill research shows levels far higher than what other studies have found in other foods.
Paris streets near Notre Dame to be decontaminated from lead
Cleanup work inside Notre Dame, suspended last month for safety reasons, will resume next week.
5 hospitalized after cleaning product spill at Tyson plant
Roughly 1,200 employees work at the poultry plant in Arkansas.
Alberta government looking to speed up job accreditation for foreign workers
Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia already have similar laws.
New Hampshire sues 3M, DuPont, other chemical companies
PFAS used in coatings meant to protect consumer goods have potential links a range of illnesses.
Jury: Monsanto to pay US$2B in weed killer cancer case
Third such courtroom loss for Monsanto in California since August.
Chemical plant worker’s permanent injury results in $100,000 fine
Employee fell into a blow-moulding machine while checking for an exhaust blockage.
UPDATED: Three, likely four dead in Illinois factory blast
Explosion at plant that makes specialty silicone chemical materials for adhesives, sealants and coatings.
Montreal wants to ban single use plastics, polystyrene foam containers
Will hold consultations on the bylaw and move slowly to help businesses transition.
All workers ‘accounted for’ after tower collapse in Sarnia: Imperial Oil
It was out of service at the time of the incident, being prepared for maintenance.
2 Kansas companies indicted over noxious chemical cloud
The three-count indictment alleges that Midwest Grain Products Inc. and Harcros Chemicals Inc. violated the Clean Air Act.
Pembina proceeding with polypropylene plant venture with Kuwaiti firm
Plastic pellets will be sent to manufacturers around the world for use in the production of recyclable products.
Quebec paint manufacturers seize on Sico’s exit to grab market share
US company plans to close its plant in Quebec City and distribution centre in the Montreal area next September.
Judge upholds Monsanto verdict, cuts award to US$78M
Lawsuit is among hundreds alleging Roundup weed killer caused cancer, but it was the first one to go to trial.
Saint John residents warned of possible flare ups at Irving refinery
Explosion sent flames and black smoke into the sky but caused only minor injuries.
Canada’s economy surges in second quarter on higher exports: StatCan
Economy rocketed to an annualized pace of 2.9 per cent in the period from April 1 through June 30.
Statistics Canada says retail sales fell 0.2 per cent to $50.7B in June
Economists had expected an increase of 0.1 per cent in June.
Calls for action on toxics White House called ‘PR nightmare’ [UPDATED]
Significant amounts of toxic chemicals have been found in public water supplies in 33 US states: these compounds have been moved up as a national priority.
Plastic degrading in the ocean produces greenhouse gas: study
Canadian-led researchers in Hawaii found emissions phenomenon is intensified by sun exposure.
