Presents results of an Environmental Protection Agency survey aimed at detecting and quantifying the presence of organic chemicals in U.S. drinking water supplies. The studies have turned up some surprising contaminants such as nicotine and vinyl chloride. (Author/GS)

The nations of the Caribbean region have agreed under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to draw up an action plan to manage growth and pollution in the region. The draft plan and associated issues are described. (RE)

Special responsibility for chemical firms are delineated in three areas: (1) chemical processes that are toxic to man; (2) use best available technology to monitor the safety of effluents; (3) when any doubt of safety exists, the firm should halt operations at once and take preventive action. (DF)

In response to tightening emission standards imposed by the government, Japanese industry will increase its capital spending on pollution control equipment to account for about 20 percent of all industrial capital spending. Preferential treatment and loans from government-affiliated financial institutions are available for projects. (Author/MLH)