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)

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)

Proposed are various indexes of pollution which attempt to determine priorities in removing environmental stresses. (CP)

Discusses technological, legislative, and administrative problems facing the implementation of the 1972 air and water pollution control acts. Indicates that a congressional reworking on the pollution laws appears to be in the offing which could lead to a softening of environmental deadlines and a change in spending for pollution controls. (CC)

Discusses the fact that the acidity of rain and snow falling on parts of the U.S. and Europe has been rising. The reasons are still not entirely clear and the consequences have yet to be well evaluated. (MLH)

Discusses the increased environmental activities of the National Bureau of Standards which include the development of standard reference materials (each containing a known concentration of a pollutant or pollutants), accurate methods of measurement, and pollution monitoring instruments. (JR)