The 12, 700-square-foot Energy Star-certified house was crafted from low-toxic materials, withstood air tightness tests on the insulation, and has a water furnace geothermal system that provides hot water, radiant floor heat and air conditioning.

FORBES: Off-The-Grid Mansions

Researchers sponsored by them came up with a non-toxic, low-temperature glaze based on boron.

ECONOMIST: A battle for lead-free pottery

The military said smoke from the pit exposed troops to toxic emissions, including low levels of cancer-causing dioxins.

CNN: Congressmen want more info on 'burn pit' claims

For decades, the export of electronic waste from the United States and Europe to Asia has raised concerns about the impact on local environments and the low-paid workers who dismantle toxic-laden computers and other gear to recover valuable metals and parts.

FORBES: IBM Opens China's First Factory To Refurbish Old Computers, Tapping A $2 Billion Market

That's problematic because the therapy has a low success rate, and the highly toxic drugs often make patients sick.

CNN: 'Kitchen sink' therapy last resort for some HIV patients

"There is a toxic nexus between a lack of competitiveness, unsustainability, low potential growth and an ongoing recession, " he said.

CNN: O'Neill: Euro may not exist by 2020

Yet even with this large subsidy, PPIP's chance for success is low because of the substantial gulf between the bid and ask prices on the toxic assets, and the reluctance of investors to partner with the government.

WSJ: Banks Need Fewer Carrots and More Sticks