By LARRY KAHN
40 students moved to another site
High levels of mold have been found at the Frederick Douglass Child Development Center in Key West, forcing the 40 students there to be moved to another school.
The center, at 103 Olivia St., is operated by Wesley House Family Services.
Wesley House Chief Executive Officer Doug Blomberg says "we were doing some testing" and the results that came in Friday forced the closure.
A "remediation" plan will now be developed -- and that could mean something as small as "cleaning the surfaces" or completely "redoing the building," Blomberg says.
In the meantime, the 40 students, who range from infant to age 5, have been moved to the Inez Martin Child Development Center at 1100 Varela St. That Wesley House center has just recently been renovated.
"Inez will have about 100 students now," Blomberg says. "And it's capable of handling beyond that because we just renovated the Inez Martin facility. And we moved the teachers over from Douglass."
The Douglass center will be closed "for an undetermined period of time."
For More Information: Mold
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination
On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.
The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.
At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,000 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.
In addition, the FDA is advising consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from internet sites or from other sources.
The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.
This sampling and testing is done when these ingredients or products are imported into the United States or found during visits to Asian markets. If the products are adulterated because they contain melamine and/or a melamine analog, the FDA will take action to prevent the products from entering the U.S. food supply.
In addition to state and local governments, the FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, and foreign governments.
For More Information: FDA
The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.
At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,000 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.
In addition, the FDA is advising consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from internet sites or from other sources.
The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.
This sampling and testing is done when these ingredients or products are imported into the United States or found during visits to Asian markets. If the products are adulterated because they contain melamine and/or a melamine analog, the FDA will take action to prevent the products from entering the U.S. food supply.
In addition to state and local governments, the FDA is working in close cooperation with Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, and foreign governments.
For More Information: FDA
Contaminated Infant Formula
Melamine is in the news and in food again, this time in infant formula sold in China, and is responsible for the death of three babies and for sickening 6,244 others.
The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.
Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.
Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.
Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.
In the U.S., parents may be a little more concerned about melamine dishware; see "Dirty Dishes: Finding Alternatives to Melamine."
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information: Chemicals
The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.
Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.
Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.
Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.
In the U.S., parents may be a little more concerned about melamine dishware; see "Dirty Dishes: Finding Alternatives to Melamine."
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information: Chemicals
Saturday, September 20, 2008
10 Tips For Going Green!
by Mr. Artemiss
It can be easier then you think because there are a lot of little things we can do to live a greener life.
1. Recycle the items you would normally throw in the garbage. Plastic water bottles is a good example.
2. Reuse the plastic grocery bags you get when you go shopping. Buy one of the canvas bags most retailers are offering in the stores.
3. Unplug electronic items not being used that are consuming electrics. Example: Digital clocks you rarely even look at.
4. Buy your produce from the local farmers market to encourage green business practices.
5. Participate in a local Recycling Program to help Save The Earth.
6. Gardening: use compost instead of buying traditional chemical based fertilizers.
7. Raise the thermostat 2 Degrees to lower your Energy Costs which cuts oil consumption.
8. Shut the TV off one night a week and have a Family Night with games and fun together. Try it, you will be closer.
9. Replace the door seals to prevent air leakage through the door edges.
10. Use cold water when washing your clothes. Add a Peroxide based cleaner such as Oxi-Clean.
Green Living is not a difficult transition. Just little things that can save you money in the long run. These things will help save you money now and save our environment for years to come.
For More Information: http://www.green-glass.com
It can be easier then you think because there are a lot of little things we can do to live a greener life.
1. Recycle the items you would normally throw in the garbage. Plastic water bottles is a good example.
2. Reuse the plastic grocery bags you get when you go shopping. Buy one of the canvas bags most retailers are offering in the stores.
3. Unplug electronic items not being used that are consuming electrics. Example: Digital clocks you rarely even look at.
4. Buy your produce from the local farmers market to encourage green business practices.
5. Participate in a local Recycling Program to help Save The Earth.
6. Gardening: use compost instead of buying traditional chemical based fertilizers.
7. Raise the thermostat 2 Degrees to lower your Energy Costs which cuts oil consumption.
8. Shut the TV off one night a week and have a Family Night with games and fun together. Try it, you will be closer.
9. Replace the door seals to prevent air leakage through the door edges.
10. Use cold water when washing your clothes. Add a Peroxide based cleaner such as Oxi-Clean.
Green Living is not a difficult transition. Just little things that can save you money in the long run. These things will help save you money now and save our environment for years to come.
For More Information: http://www.green-glass.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools is Vital For Children To Learn
by Mr. Artemiss
For a child to learn, it is important for School Administrators to prevent poor Indoor Air Quality. It can have a negative impact on students in our schools' nationwide. The sad state that our Educational School System is due to budget cuts that prevent maintenance repairs. These repairs are needed so that the nations children can go on and learn.
The Air Quality is not always being maintained due to budget cuts and poor maintenance policies. The EPA reports that poor Indoor Air Quality will increase student absenteeism, affect the student and staff concentration, Performance is also affected due to the risk of Indoor Air Quality related health conditions such as Asthma and Respiratory illnesses. The EPA's "Tools For Schools" Program shows schools how to implement a practical plan to improve Indoor Air problems at little or no-cost using practical methods and in-house staff. The program is complete with the best practices, industry's latest guidelines and a plan to help do it.
The EPA's Reference Guide also gives a common-sense approach for preventing, diagnosing, and solving most Indoor Air Quality problems. They even show you how to institute them with minimal cost. It also helps the School System Administrators to understand how IAQ problems begin, why you must have good Indoor Air Quality and its impact on all the building occupants.
The new school year is commencing, Safe Homes Environmental Consultants recommends that parents, teachers, and administrators try to provide an optimal learning and teaching environment by making sure that the HVAC Systems are being maintained properly to improve the indoor air quality of schools.
It is important that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in good working order with no mold present to affect the learning abilities of the children. The systems should be in top working order.
To Insure Good Learning In School, Safe Homes recommends the following:
1. Call a professional to inspect the systems to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
2. The filters should be changed on a regular basis to prevent contaminants from reaching the children.
In Conclusion, parents should get involved with their schools Indoor Air Quality Program. This will insure that our children receive a good education in a clean environment. The EPA has a program which can be instituted to help called the "Tools For Schools".
It is available from the EPA website. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/toolkit.html
For More Information: Asthma
For a child to learn, it is important for School Administrators to prevent poor Indoor Air Quality. It can have a negative impact on students in our schools' nationwide. The sad state that our Educational School System is due to budget cuts that prevent maintenance repairs. These repairs are needed so that the nations children can go on and learn.
The Air Quality is not always being maintained due to budget cuts and poor maintenance policies. The EPA reports that poor Indoor Air Quality will increase student absenteeism, affect the student and staff concentration, Performance is also affected due to the risk of Indoor Air Quality related health conditions such as Asthma and Respiratory illnesses. The EPA's "Tools For Schools" Program shows schools how to implement a practical plan to improve Indoor Air problems at little or no-cost using practical methods and in-house staff. The program is complete with the best practices, industry's latest guidelines and a plan to help do it.
The EPA's Reference Guide also gives a common-sense approach for preventing, diagnosing, and solving most Indoor Air Quality problems. They even show you how to institute them with minimal cost. It also helps the School System Administrators to understand how IAQ problems begin, why you must have good Indoor Air Quality and its impact on all the building occupants.
The new school year is commencing, Safe Homes Environmental Consultants recommends that parents, teachers, and administrators try to provide an optimal learning and teaching environment by making sure that the HVAC Systems are being maintained properly to improve the indoor air quality of schools.
It is important that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in good working order with no mold present to affect the learning abilities of the children. The systems should be in top working order.
To Insure Good Learning In School, Safe Homes recommends the following:
1. Call a professional to inspect the systems to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
2. The filters should be changed on a regular basis to prevent contaminants from reaching the children.
In Conclusion, parents should get involved with their schools Indoor Air Quality Program. This will insure that our children receive a good education in a clean environment. The EPA has a program which can be instituted to help called the "Tools For Schools".
It is available from the EPA website. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/toolkit.html
For More Information: Asthma
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Contaminated Infant Formula
Melamine is in the news and in food again, this time in infant formula sold in China, and is responsible for the death of two babies and for sickening 1,253 others. The FDA has announced that no infant formula made in China should be consumed and instead should be replaced with U.S.-made formula from one of these companies: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals and Solus Products LLC. If your infant drinks formula either at home or at a day care facility, check to ensure that it comes from one of these companies.
Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.
Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.
Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information: http://www.allergy-safehomes.com
Last year, melamine-contaminated pet food killed 2,200 dogs and 1,950 cats in the U.S. So why would anyone use it? Unscrupulous milk collection centers cut costs by diluting milk with water and then mix in melamine, which appears to add protein, to pass quality tests. Melamine, which is used in fertilizer and plastics, has no nutritional value and can damage the kidneys. Reports indicate that dozens of the afflicted babies in China have kidney stones.
Although no Chinese formula manufacturers meet U.S. requirements to sell here, the FDA is still determining if any Chinese products have made their way to our shores. In 2004, when formula killed 13 babies in China, FDA officials found Chinese formula on the shelves of an ethnic retail store in the U.S.
Sanlu Group, the manufacturer of the contaminated formula, has recalled all formula produced before August 6, but fingers are pointing in all directions concerning the delay in starting this recall. So far, two people have been arrested.
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information: http://www.allergy-safehomes.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Radon Gas
By Debbie Gilbert
Last week, the city of Helen shut down one of its five wells after a radioactive gas, radon, was detected in the water.
Helen city manager Jerry Elkins said the city should be able to get along fine with its remaining four wells. But the situation is a reminder that radon can be found not just in the air but also in water, and at high levels it can be a threat to human health.
"We voluntarily shut (the well) down, just to be on the safe side," said Elkins, adding that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has asked the city to retest the well, to make sure the initial reading was correct.
Though located directly on the Chattahoochee River, Helen does not withdraw water from it and relies on wells for its water supply.
The affected well, located in the Innsbruck subdivision, is by far the lowest producing of the five, Elkins said.
"We only get about 5,000 gallons out of it every three days," he said. "None of that water is pumped to downtown, and only about 10 percent of the water that goes to Innsbruck is produced from that well."
He said the Innsbruck community has approximately 200 homes. But even if the well contains radon, Elkins said he believes the health risk to residents is low. "The water is mixed with water from other wells, so by the time it reaches people's houses it is very diluted," he said.
If the well is proven to be contaminated, Elkins said, the city will probably shut it down permanently rather than spend money trying to fix the problem.
He said Helen is already testing sites for a new well.
"We will have a new elevated water tower, and we'll be putting in a booster pump to move water from downtown to the Innsbruck tank," he said.
Elkins said Helen is in no danger of running low on water, even with Oktoberfest beginning this week. In an emergency, he said, the city would be able to connect with a pipeline from the White County Water Authority.
Communities that get their water from a surface source, such as a river or reservoir, don't have to worry about radon in the water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most of the gases in surface water dissipate into the air even before the water reaches a treatment plant.
But residents whose water comes from a well may have reason to be concerned. Radon gas, which is invisible, odorless and tasteless, is created by the breakdown of uranium in rocks underground.
Usually, radon gets into a home by seeping up from the soil into the air. But radon can also dissolve into
groundwater. If your house uses well water, radon can be released from the water into the air every time you shower or wash dishes.
These radioactive particles can become lodged in your lungs when you breathe. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., surpassed only by smoking. According to the EPA, radon kills about 20,000 people a year.
And the longer you live in a radon-contaminated home, the greater your exposure.
"It's cumulative, permanent damage," said Ginger Bennett, radon educator for Hall County's Extension office. "But radon doesn't produce any symptoms until lung cancer develops."
If the air in your home tests negative for radon, she said, there's probably not any radon in your water.
"It's expensive to test well water," she said. "We recommend that you test the air first."
Bennett's office distributes free, easy-to-use kits for testing household air quality, available to anyone in Northeast Georgia.
"In five years, we've given out about 30,000 kits," she said. "But only about 30 percent are actually used."
Some residents may believe there's no point in testing their home for radon if there's nothing they can do to fix the problem when it's found.
"The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Surgeon General recommend that every home be tested," said Bennett. "The biggest problem is there's no financial aid available to homes that test high."
She said radon mitigation in the average home can cost about $2,000. If radon is coming up directly from the soil, a certified radon mitigator can install venting systems to direct the gas out of the house.
If radon is coming from a well, there are two types of devices that can make the water safer. Granulated activated carbon filters can capture the radon, and aerators can release radon from the water and carry it outside via an exhaust fan.
Either way, the resident will have to spend money, Bennett said.
"Filtering water is expensive," she said. "There's also the problem of how do you dispose of the radioactive filter."
And for people who don't own their homes, there may be little they can do about radon other than to relocate.
"Radon is not regulated in Georgia, and there is no central place to report," said Bennett. "A landlord is not obligated to test for radon, to reveal test results, or to fix it."
Bennett said she wishes she could do more to actually help people whose homes have radon problems.
"So far, about one in five homes in Hall is testing high," she said, meaning they exceed the threshold at which the EPA recommends mitigation should be done.
"But there is no safe level," she said. "It's radiation."
Last week, the city of Helen shut down one of its five wells after a radioactive gas, radon, was detected in the water.
Helen city manager Jerry Elkins said the city should be able to get along fine with its remaining four wells. But the situation is a reminder that radon can be found not just in the air but also in water, and at high levels it can be a threat to human health.
"We voluntarily shut (the well) down, just to be on the safe side," said Elkins, adding that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has asked the city to retest the well, to make sure the initial reading was correct.
Though located directly on the Chattahoochee River, Helen does not withdraw water from it and relies on wells for its water supply.
The affected well, located in the Innsbruck subdivision, is by far the lowest producing of the five, Elkins said.
"We only get about 5,000 gallons out of it every three days," he said. "None of that water is pumped to downtown, and only about 10 percent of the water that goes to Innsbruck is produced from that well."
He said the Innsbruck community has approximately 200 homes. But even if the well contains radon, Elkins said he believes the health risk to residents is low. "The water is mixed with water from other wells, so by the time it reaches people's houses it is very diluted," he said.
If the well is proven to be contaminated, Elkins said, the city will probably shut it down permanently rather than spend money trying to fix the problem.
He said Helen is already testing sites for a new well.
"We will have a new elevated water tower, and we'll be putting in a booster pump to move water from downtown to the Innsbruck tank," he said.
Elkins said Helen is in no danger of running low on water, even with Oktoberfest beginning this week. In an emergency, he said, the city would be able to connect with a pipeline from the White County Water Authority.
Communities that get their water from a surface source, such as a river or reservoir, don't have to worry about radon in the water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most of the gases in surface water dissipate into the air even before the water reaches a treatment plant.
But residents whose water comes from a well may have reason to be concerned. Radon gas, which is invisible, odorless and tasteless, is created by the breakdown of uranium in rocks underground.
Usually, radon gets into a home by seeping up from the soil into the air. But radon can also dissolve into
groundwater. If your house uses well water, radon can be released from the water into the air every time you shower or wash dishes.
These radioactive particles can become lodged in your lungs when you breathe. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., surpassed only by smoking. According to the EPA, radon kills about 20,000 people a year.
And the longer you live in a radon-contaminated home, the greater your exposure.
"It's cumulative, permanent damage," said Ginger Bennett, radon educator for Hall County's Extension office. "But radon doesn't produce any symptoms until lung cancer develops."
If the air in your home tests negative for radon, she said, there's probably not any radon in your water.
"It's expensive to test well water," she said. "We recommend that you test the air first."
Bennett's office distributes free, easy-to-use kits for testing household air quality, available to anyone in Northeast Georgia.
"In five years, we've given out about 30,000 kits," she said. "But only about 30 percent are actually used."
Some residents may believe there's no point in testing their home for radon if there's nothing they can do to fix the problem when it's found.
"The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Surgeon General recommend that every home be tested," said Bennett. "The biggest problem is there's no financial aid available to homes that test high."
She said radon mitigation in the average home can cost about $2,000. If radon is coming up directly from the soil, a certified radon mitigator can install venting systems to direct the gas out of the house.
If radon is coming from a well, there are two types of devices that can make the water safer. Granulated activated carbon filters can capture the radon, and aerators can release radon from the water and carry it outside via an exhaust fan.
Either way, the resident will have to spend money, Bennett said.
"Filtering water is expensive," she said. "There's also the problem of how do you dispose of the radioactive filter."
And for people who don't own their homes, there may be little they can do about radon other than to relocate.
"Radon is not regulated in Georgia, and there is no central place to report," said Bennett. "A landlord is not obligated to test for radon, to reveal test results, or to fix it."
Bennett said she wishes she could do more to actually help people whose homes have radon problems.
"So far, about one in five homes in Hall is testing high," she said, meaning they exceed the threshold at which the EPA recommends mitigation should be done.
"But there is no safe level," she said. "It's radiation."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Asbestos found in Special Education School
A Department of Education report recently revealed that Public School 265 in Rockaway, NY contains dangerous levels of asbestos. Rockaway, New York (JusticeNewsFlash.com – Asbestos News Report) –Most kids play hooky when they don’t want to go to school, but the at the Public School 265, students are actually getting sick from the school building itself. Cracked floor and ceiling tiles, crumbling walls and peeling paint are just a few ways the special needs children are being constantly exposed to asbestos, lead and mold. The asbestos becomes particularly dangerous when it becomes airborne. The particles are inhaled and stuck to the inner lining of the lungs, forming deadly cancer.
It is appalling that federal law officials have let the school get this bad. Where were their regular school inspections? Where was the plan and implementation of action to clean up the contaminated area so that these children could learn in a safe environment? How can this be permitted? It is shocking that although many inspectors knew about the condition of the school, 60 staff and 120 children were still allowed to stay in the site until the end of the summer session. It is completely unfair to these children, many of whom are dealing with autism and other disabilities. They are already at such a disadvantage; they do not need to be visiting the hospitals more than they already do. There needs to be stricter regulations and inspections conducted in these schools. The school board and officials will meet to discuss the course of action.
To learn more about Asbestos exposure / about mesothelioma cancer Check out following links:
About Mesothelioma Cancer - Covering:
The Law in Regards to Mesothelioma & Finding Mesothelioma lawyer
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Types
Research on Mesothelioma
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
Exposure to Asbestos
More Mesothelioma News
JusticeNewsFlash.com Free news source on Asbestos by legal news expert, Mesothelioma lawyers from: Boston, Chicago, New York, Dallas, west Palm Beach.
For more information: Asbestos
It is appalling that federal law officials have let the school get this bad. Where were their regular school inspections? Where was the plan and implementation of action to clean up the contaminated area so that these children could learn in a safe environment? How can this be permitted? It is shocking that although many inspectors knew about the condition of the school, 60 staff and 120 children were still allowed to stay in the site until the end of the summer session. It is completely unfair to these children, many of whom are dealing with autism and other disabilities. They are already at such a disadvantage; they do not need to be visiting the hospitals more than they already do. There needs to be stricter regulations and inspections conducted in these schools. The school board and officials will meet to discuss the course of action.
To learn more about Asbestos exposure / about mesothelioma cancer Check out following links:
About Mesothelioma Cancer - Covering:
The Law in Regards to Mesothelioma & Finding Mesothelioma lawyer
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Types
Research on Mesothelioma
Filing a Mesothelioma Claim
Exposure to Asbestos
More Mesothelioma News
JusticeNewsFlash.com Free news source on Asbestos by legal news expert, Mesothelioma lawyers from: Boston, Chicago, New York, Dallas, west Palm Beach.
For more information: Asbestos
Monday, September 8, 2008
After the floods, mold is a growing problem
By Charlie Breitrose/Daily News staff
With the remnants of Hurricane Hanna hitting Massachusetts this weekend, some area homeowners may find themselves facing a basement filled with water or a leaking roof, either of which could lead to the growth of harmful mold.
Quick action must be taken to prevent the growth of the spores, said Hopkinton's Peter Seltzer, who has been in the business of cleaning carpets and dealing with flooded basements and such situations for three decades.
"The first 48 hours are critical," Seltzer said. "If your basement is wet, the first thing you want to do is to get as much of the water out as possible, and get a professional in with a moisture meter."
According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, molds can cause allergies, be an irritant and even be toxic and lead to death.
John Mitchell, who works with ATA Fire and Flood Restoration in Franklin and has 23 years experience, said he sees a lot of people who wait to take action.
"I saw it with the storm that just went through, a couple weeks ago. A lot of people sit and wait and not do anything about it when water comes into their house," Mitchell said. "They wait a week or so and have another problem, that's mold."
Mold will not start forming for two days, but when it does, it can be tough to find and costly to remove.
Friday, Seltzer put the finishing touches on a mold removal project in a home in Sudbury. The carpet of the finished basement had been removed, and the bottom couple feet of dry wall had been ripped out to get inside the wall.
Seltzer spent a few days drying the basement with industrial dehumidifiers, and cleaned the air with HEPA filters to remove spores in the air.
He removed the water-damaged drywall and scrubbed other surfaces with a biowash that kills the mold.
"People are under the misconception that bleach kills mold. That's not the case," Seltzer said. "Biowash breaks the shell of the mold spores so they can't grow."
Before he closes up a wall or finishes with a wooden frame, Seltzer tests the inside of the wood to make sure the inside and outside are dry.
Finally, the affected areas must be sealed so moisture cannot get in again.
Seltzer also recommends hiring a third-party inspector, known as an industrial hygienist, to make sure the job has been done correctly.
Mitchell said homeowners should keep an eye out for potential areas where moisture can build.
"If you have growth of mold on house on the outside, nine times out of 10 there is mold inside," Mitchell said.
In some instances, the water does not come from outside the house. Mitchell said a small leak from an ice maker in a refrigerator can start the build up of mold, and sometimes there is no leak at all.
"Last week, I did one job where a bathroom fan goes into the attic and there is nowhere for it to go," Mitchell said. "Mold grew and you have to sand it down and seal the wood, which is expensive."
Preventing or cleaning up mold is important for homeowners because regulations require houses to be mold-free before being sold, Mitchell said.
New laws will make it even tougher, Seltzer said, allowing buyers to back out of deals if a home has ever had a mold problem, Seltzer said.
Stopping a leak or flood before it occurs is the best way to prevent mold.
"Twice a year, people should walk around the house and look for potential problems," Seltzer said. "Look at the condition of the roof and see if shingles are missing. Make sure the gutters are clear and the water sheds away from the house. And make sure the chimney is attached tight."
To prevent water getting in a basement, Seltzer said there should be at least 24 inches of clearance from ground to the the top of the foundation, as well as to the top of the basement bulkhead.
Not taking precautions could be costly for home owners, Mitchell said.
"A lot of it's not covered by insurance," Mitchell said. "But it's expensive and times are tough so that is one of the main things why they wouldn't (take preventative action)."
(Charlie Breitrose can be reached at 508-626-3964 or cbreitro@cnc.com.)
Free EPA Mold Report: Mold
With the remnants of Hurricane Hanna hitting Massachusetts this weekend, some area homeowners may find themselves facing a basement filled with water or a leaking roof, either of which could lead to the growth of harmful mold.
Quick action must be taken to prevent the growth of the spores, said Hopkinton's Peter Seltzer, who has been in the business of cleaning carpets and dealing with flooded basements and such situations for three decades.
"The first 48 hours are critical," Seltzer said. "If your basement is wet, the first thing you want to do is to get as much of the water out as possible, and get a professional in with a moisture meter."
According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, molds can cause allergies, be an irritant and even be toxic and lead to death.
John Mitchell, who works with ATA Fire and Flood Restoration in Franklin and has 23 years experience, said he sees a lot of people who wait to take action.
"I saw it with the storm that just went through, a couple weeks ago. A lot of people sit and wait and not do anything about it when water comes into their house," Mitchell said. "They wait a week or so and have another problem, that's mold."
Mold will not start forming for two days, but when it does, it can be tough to find and costly to remove.
Friday, Seltzer put the finishing touches on a mold removal project in a home in Sudbury. The carpet of the finished basement had been removed, and the bottom couple feet of dry wall had been ripped out to get inside the wall.
Seltzer spent a few days drying the basement with industrial dehumidifiers, and cleaned the air with HEPA filters to remove spores in the air.
He removed the water-damaged drywall and scrubbed other surfaces with a biowash that kills the mold.
"People are under the misconception that bleach kills mold. That's not the case," Seltzer said. "Biowash breaks the shell of the mold spores so they can't grow."
Before he closes up a wall or finishes with a wooden frame, Seltzer tests the inside of the wood to make sure the inside and outside are dry.
Finally, the affected areas must be sealed so moisture cannot get in again.
Seltzer also recommends hiring a third-party inspector, known as an industrial hygienist, to make sure the job has been done correctly.
Mitchell said homeowners should keep an eye out for potential areas where moisture can build.
"If you have growth of mold on house on the outside, nine times out of 10 there is mold inside," Mitchell said.
In some instances, the water does not come from outside the house. Mitchell said a small leak from an ice maker in a refrigerator can start the build up of mold, and sometimes there is no leak at all.
"Last week, I did one job where a bathroom fan goes into the attic and there is nowhere for it to go," Mitchell said. "Mold grew and you have to sand it down and seal the wood, which is expensive."
Preventing or cleaning up mold is important for homeowners because regulations require houses to be mold-free before being sold, Mitchell said.
New laws will make it even tougher, Seltzer said, allowing buyers to back out of deals if a home has ever had a mold problem, Seltzer said.
Stopping a leak or flood before it occurs is the best way to prevent mold.
"Twice a year, people should walk around the house and look for potential problems," Seltzer said. "Look at the condition of the roof and see if shingles are missing. Make sure the gutters are clear and the water sheds away from the house. And make sure the chimney is attached tight."
To prevent water getting in a basement, Seltzer said there should be at least 24 inches of clearance from ground to the the top of the foundation, as well as to the top of the basement bulkhead.
Not taking precautions could be costly for home owners, Mitchell said.
"A lot of it's not covered by insurance," Mitchell said. "But it's expensive and times are tough so that is one of the main things why they wouldn't (take preventative action)."
(Charlie Breitrose can be reached at 508-626-3964 or cbreitro@cnc.com.)
Free EPA Mold Report: Mold
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tidal power projects move forward in eastern Maine and around the world
By: The Canadian Press
EASTPORT, Maine — Workers spent the past winter tinkering with high-tech turbines slung beneath a barge in the cold waters off the Maine coast before getting them to produce a modest 20 kilowatts, enough electricity to power a half-dozen homes.
Far from discouraged, Ocean Renewable Power Co. is spending the summer preparing to deploy larger turbines capable of producing up to five megawatts, enough electricity to power 5,000 houses.
Eventually, the company envisions producing enough electricity to power 22,000 homes by harnessing the power of Passamaquoddy Bay, where twice each day the tide rises and falls upward of six metres, the greatest tide change in the continental United States.
"This is our beachhead opportunity to enter the market," project manager John Ferland said.
Even before energy prices surged, a study conducted by the electric utility industry concluded that tidal power could be produced at a cost competitive with wind power and power plants fired by natural gas.
Companies raced to file permits with the Federal Energy Regulation Commission, but Ocean Renewable Power has moved a step forward by using its turbine generating unit to produce power. It is one of dozens of developers positioning for a lead role in tidal power technology.
"Basically, the technology is here. It's just a matter of engineering it for the lowest cost, the highest reliability and the longest survivability in a hostile and corrosive environment," said Roger Bedard, who led the study for the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, Calif.
The experiment taking place in the 37-metre-deep Western Passage represents the latest advance in an emerging technology that seems to be moving forward in baby steps, but could one day help meet the growing worldwide demand for electricity.
Ocean Renewable Power was the only developer with turbines in U.S. waters that generated electricity this year, Bedard said. He said tests are also being run elsewhere, including the British Isles, Canada and Italy.
As the nation seeks to wean itself from foreign oil and curb global warming, alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are becoming more attractive.
Tides hold a number of advantages. Winds can turn calm and clouds can obscure the sun but the immutable tides turn twice a day, no matter what, providing a steady and predictable source of power.
Because of water's greater density, the technology requires fewer turbines to produce the same amount of electricity as wind. Underwater turbines also are unlikely to draw complaints about spoiled views or disrupted tranquility from coastal residents.
But tidal power still has a long row to hoe. Bedard figures that tidal is more than 15 years behind wind, which today has an installed capacity of 80,000 megawatts worldwide.
Eastport was the site of a previous effort to harness the region's powerful tides, back when Franklin Roosevelt was president and America was mired in the Depression.
Down the block from Ocean Renewable Power's office and across from the tall wooden pilings that expose the magnitude of Eastport's tides, a museum on Water Street features a scale model of the last effort.
Bob Lewis helped to restore the model, which was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to pinpoint the location of the huge dams and impoundments that were part of Roosevelt's Passamaquoddy Bay Tidal Power Project.
"It helps put what we're doing in perspective," said Lewis, a military retiree who now supervises Ocean Renewable Power's onsite operations.
Systems under development today rely on tidal stream turbines that are powered by current flows, just as windmills are spun by moving air.
Known as tidal in-stream or hydrokinetics, the process is a far cry from old-style tidal barrages that are more akin to dams and cost much more to build. The best-known plant of that type, built on France's Rance estuary, has been producing power for more than 40 years.
Ocean Renewable Power tested its prototype with different types of blades for much of the past winter in the frigid waters of Deep Cove. The tests were done aboard the barge Energy Tide 1, which is equipped with devices to measure turbine speed, tidal flow rate, voltage and electrical current.
A bigger test came in April, when the barge was towed to the Western Passage between Eastport and Canada's Deer Island, where it generated electricity for the first time. While the output was modest, the purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility of the turbine generator unit and Ferland said it passed that test with flying colours.
The commercial model would be roughly three times the size of the prototype and be placed in the water for testing as early as next year. By 2011, if all goes well, output could expand to five megawatts. Ocean Renewable Power's long-term goal is an array of turbines that would generate 80 to 120 megawatts.
Only a handful of sites in the lower 48 states lend themselves to utility scale tidal generation, according to Bedard, including Eastport and a few areas along Washington's Puget Sound. Alaska, he said, has 95 per cent of U.S. tidal resources and Canada also has huge potential, but the challenge lies in transmitting that power to markets where it is needed.
While Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy in the U.S. and Canada are prime proving grounds for tidal power, tests are also being run at other sites. The largest, a 1.2 megawatt generator, was deployed this year by Marine Current Turbines at Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland.
Another developer, Verdant Power, placed turbines in New York's East River last year to test delivery of tidal power to a local supermarket and parking garage. The test was a success but the project experienced problems with broken blades and has since installed new ones. Another urban site being explored is beneath San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
In Maine, Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power is looking to generate revenue in three ways. It can provide its technology to other permit holders, generate power at its own sites, and take on the role of project developer for others who enter the market.
Because the technology is still in its infancy, techniques for building and deploying turbines are still being shaped.
"What we're doing is not in the shop manual," Lewis said. "We're writing the shop manual."
For More Information on Environmental Issues: www.safe-homes.com
EASTPORT, Maine — Workers spent the past winter tinkering with high-tech turbines slung beneath a barge in the cold waters off the Maine coast before getting them to produce a modest 20 kilowatts, enough electricity to power a half-dozen homes.
Far from discouraged, Ocean Renewable Power Co. is spending the summer preparing to deploy larger turbines capable of producing up to five megawatts, enough electricity to power 5,000 houses.
Eventually, the company envisions producing enough electricity to power 22,000 homes by harnessing the power of Passamaquoddy Bay, where twice each day the tide rises and falls upward of six metres, the greatest tide change in the continental United States.
"This is our beachhead opportunity to enter the market," project manager John Ferland said.
Even before energy prices surged, a study conducted by the electric utility industry concluded that tidal power could be produced at a cost competitive with wind power and power plants fired by natural gas.
Companies raced to file permits with the Federal Energy Regulation Commission, but Ocean Renewable Power has moved a step forward by using its turbine generating unit to produce power. It is one of dozens of developers positioning for a lead role in tidal power technology.
"Basically, the technology is here. It's just a matter of engineering it for the lowest cost, the highest reliability and the longest survivability in a hostile and corrosive environment," said Roger Bedard, who led the study for the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, Calif.
The experiment taking place in the 37-metre-deep Western Passage represents the latest advance in an emerging technology that seems to be moving forward in baby steps, but could one day help meet the growing worldwide demand for electricity.
Ocean Renewable Power was the only developer with turbines in U.S. waters that generated electricity this year, Bedard said. He said tests are also being run elsewhere, including the British Isles, Canada and Italy.
As the nation seeks to wean itself from foreign oil and curb global warming, alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal are becoming more attractive.
Tides hold a number of advantages. Winds can turn calm and clouds can obscure the sun but the immutable tides turn twice a day, no matter what, providing a steady and predictable source of power.
Because of water's greater density, the technology requires fewer turbines to produce the same amount of electricity as wind. Underwater turbines also are unlikely to draw complaints about spoiled views or disrupted tranquility from coastal residents.
But tidal power still has a long row to hoe. Bedard figures that tidal is more than 15 years behind wind, which today has an installed capacity of 80,000 megawatts worldwide.
Eastport was the site of a previous effort to harness the region's powerful tides, back when Franklin Roosevelt was president and America was mired in the Depression.
Down the block from Ocean Renewable Power's office and across from the tall wooden pilings that expose the magnitude of Eastport's tides, a museum on Water Street features a scale model of the last effort.
Bob Lewis helped to restore the model, which was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to pinpoint the location of the huge dams and impoundments that were part of Roosevelt's Passamaquoddy Bay Tidal Power Project.
"It helps put what we're doing in perspective," said Lewis, a military retiree who now supervises Ocean Renewable Power's onsite operations.
Systems under development today rely on tidal stream turbines that are powered by current flows, just as windmills are spun by moving air.
Known as tidal in-stream or hydrokinetics, the process is a far cry from old-style tidal barrages that are more akin to dams and cost much more to build. The best-known plant of that type, built on France's Rance estuary, has been producing power for more than 40 years.
Ocean Renewable Power tested its prototype with different types of blades for much of the past winter in the frigid waters of Deep Cove. The tests were done aboard the barge Energy Tide 1, which is equipped with devices to measure turbine speed, tidal flow rate, voltage and electrical current.
A bigger test came in April, when the barge was towed to the Western Passage between Eastport and Canada's Deer Island, where it generated electricity for the first time. While the output was modest, the purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility of the turbine generator unit and Ferland said it passed that test with flying colours.
The commercial model would be roughly three times the size of the prototype and be placed in the water for testing as early as next year. By 2011, if all goes well, output could expand to five megawatts. Ocean Renewable Power's long-term goal is an array of turbines that would generate 80 to 120 megawatts.
Only a handful of sites in the lower 48 states lend themselves to utility scale tidal generation, according to Bedard, including Eastport and a few areas along Washington's Puget Sound. Alaska, he said, has 95 per cent of U.S. tidal resources and Canada also has huge potential, but the challenge lies in transmitting that power to markets where it is needed.
While Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy in the U.S. and Canada are prime proving grounds for tidal power, tests are also being run at other sites. The largest, a 1.2 megawatt generator, was deployed this year by Marine Current Turbines at Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland.
Another developer, Verdant Power, placed turbines in New York's East River last year to test delivery of tidal power to a local supermarket and parking garage. The test was a success but the project experienced problems with broken blades and has since installed new ones. Another urban site being explored is beneath San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
In Maine, Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power is looking to generate revenue in three ways. It can provide its technology to other permit holders, generate power at its own sites, and take on the role of project developer for others who enter the market.
Because the technology is still in its infancy, techniques for building and deploying turbines are still being shaped.
"What we're doing is not in the shop manual," Lewis said. "We're writing the shop manual."
For More Information on Environmental Issues: www.safe-homes.com
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Do Your Own Real Estate Inspection Like A Pro
Real estate roperty, like any other good for sale, comes in all conditions. But the average home or real property costs 8-10 times or more the amount of other high ticket items. That’s what makes it an investment rather than merely a purchase. Essential to ensuring it’s a sound one is getting a thorough inspection. Write right into the deal that any offer is contingent on a satisfactory inspection. And what constitutes ’satisfactory’…?
Assuming the property contains wood, first and foremost is a separate termite and pest inspection. Most ‘home inspectors’ don’t check for this, concentrating instead on mechanical and others aspects. Termites, carpenter ants, even mice can weaken walls and floors, chew through wiring, and ruin attics and shelving.
Professional inspectors check every aspect of a property and structure.
Starting with the foundation, they look for large cracks (almost all have minor ones), check for level ground, and influx of water. Evidence can show up as efflorescence ?a white powdery material which indicates penetration points, mold or mildew (black stained areas). Some will use lasers to check level and cracking and some even use meters to check for radon gas concentrations.
Houses sit on top of foundations and that flooring has to be inspected for proper joints, angles, and materials used. From those floors rise walls which are similarly subject to incorrect framing and potential water damage. Inside the walls, plumbing and electrical systems are inspected for damage, non-code compliant construction, or simple age or wear. Any leaks are noted and pipes inspected for rust, lead, or other chemical concerns. Flow rate and pressure are sometimes measured.
Electrical systems get a thorough review, checking for faulty wiring, uncovered switches or receptacles, incorrect grounding, inadequate circuit breakers, or bad GFCI trips. The latter are those little red buttons often seen in the middle of outlets. They are somewhat like miniature circuit breakers built into the receptacle itself.
Working up to the attic, framing is checked for angles and strength and the area checked for air or water leaks or damage. The underneath of the roof is examined for tears or holes in papering and proper seal where vent pipes protrude outside.
Up on the roof the inspector will check for holes, loose tile, bad flashing or any other weakness that leads to lack of protection against the elements.
Around the house outside all faucets are tested for leaks and proper flow, inside all heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for duct leaks, filter condition, and adequate capacity and flow. Thermostats get a thorough going over.
Any inbuilt appliances, such as stove and water heater are checked for compliance with standards. Installed propane or wood stoves and piping are checked for physical integrity and proper function.
Carpets are checked for inappropriate levels of wear or damage and tested for mold or water damage. Any paint damage, particularly due to water infiltration, get noted.
All these items, and many more, are noted on a report available to whomever ordered and paid for the inspection. To the potential buyer, defective items can be used as bargaining chips when negotiating price and other terms of sale. But the inspection can also benefit the seller by allowing for the opportunity to repair or improve items before putting the property on the market.
To either party, an inspection for a few hundred dollars can save thousands during the process. Information isn’t just power, it’s money, too.
Brian Walker is a freelance Internet writer. You can find more real estate investing resources online on http://www.erealestatepro.com.
For More Information on Mold Inspections: http://www.safe-homes.com
Assuming the property contains wood, first and foremost is a separate termite and pest inspection. Most ‘home inspectors’ don’t check for this, concentrating instead on mechanical and others aspects. Termites, carpenter ants, even mice can weaken walls and floors, chew through wiring, and ruin attics and shelving.
Professional inspectors check every aspect of a property and structure.
Starting with the foundation, they look for large cracks (almost all have minor ones), check for level ground, and influx of water. Evidence can show up as efflorescence ?a white powdery material which indicates penetration points, mold or mildew (black stained areas). Some will use lasers to check level and cracking and some even use meters to check for radon gas concentrations.
Houses sit on top of foundations and that flooring has to be inspected for proper joints, angles, and materials used. From those floors rise walls which are similarly subject to incorrect framing and potential water damage. Inside the walls, plumbing and electrical systems are inspected for damage, non-code compliant construction, or simple age or wear. Any leaks are noted and pipes inspected for rust, lead, or other chemical concerns. Flow rate and pressure are sometimes measured.
Electrical systems get a thorough review, checking for faulty wiring, uncovered switches or receptacles, incorrect grounding, inadequate circuit breakers, or bad GFCI trips. The latter are those little red buttons often seen in the middle of outlets. They are somewhat like miniature circuit breakers built into the receptacle itself.
Working up to the attic, framing is checked for angles and strength and the area checked for air or water leaks or damage. The underneath of the roof is examined for tears or holes in papering and proper seal where vent pipes protrude outside.
Up on the roof the inspector will check for holes, loose tile, bad flashing or any other weakness that leads to lack of protection against the elements.
Around the house outside all faucets are tested for leaks and proper flow, inside all heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for duct leaks, filter condition, and adequate capacity and flow. Thermostats get a thorough going over.
Any inbuilt appliances, such as stove and water heater are checked for compliance with standards. Installed propane or wood stoves and piping are checked for physical integrity and proper function.
Carpets are checked for inappropriate levels of wear or damage and tested for mold or water damage. Any paint damage, particularly due to water infiltration, get noted.
All these items, and many more, are noted on a report available to whomever ordered and paid for the inspection. To the potential buyer, defective items can be used as bargaining chips when negotiating price and other terms of sale. But the inspection can also benefit the seller by allowing for the opportunity to repair or improve items before putting the property on the market.
To either party, an inspection for a few hundred dollars can save thousands during the process. Information isn’t just power, it’s money, too.
Brian Walker is a freelance Internet writer. You can find more real estate investing resources online on http://www.erealestatepro.com.
For More Information on Mold Inspections: http://www.safe-homes.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Clear the Air
By Solvie Karlstrom
Diesel exhaust from school buses contains asthma-triggering particulates and 40 microscopic chemicals that the Clean Air Act classifies as hazardous air pollutants.
Keeping the air clean is especially important for children--pound for pound, they breathe in more air and more pollutants than adults. You can reduce the problem by lobbying to bring new technologies to your school, like the propane-powered buses developed by Blue Bird Corporation, which eliminate particulates and can halve fuel costs, among other benefits. Diesel buses may also be retrofitted with technologies like diesel particulate filters; for a complete list of verified technologies, see the EPA's website.
If your school district doesn't yet have the resources to make big changes, you can still cut your emissions by reducing idling outside of schools and motivating others to do the same. Turn off the car or put it on standby when waiting to pick up or drop off children, and encourage kids to walk or ride bikes whenever possible (if you're concerned about safety, talk to other parents in the neighborhood about having the kids bike together). You can also work with your school's PTA or PTSA to request a no-idling zone for buses. Airwatch Northwest's Anti-Idling Program has toolkits to help reduce idling in your school, including letters to parents and faculty members and a "No Idle Zone" sign to display in your parking lot.
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information on Air Quality: http://www.air-testing.com
Diesel exhaust from school buses contains asthma-triggering particulates and 40 microscopic chemicals that the Clean Air Act classifies as hazardous air pollutants.
Keeping the air clean is especially important for children--pound for pound, they breathe in more air and more pollutants than adults. You can reduce the problem by lobbying to bring new technologies to your school, like the propane-powered buses developed by Blue Bird Corporation, which eliminate particulates and can halve fuel costs, among other benefits. Diesel buses may also be retrofitted with technologies like diesel particulate filters; for a complete list of verified technologies, see the EPA's website.
If your school district doesn't yet have the resources to make big changes, you can still cut your emissions by reducing idling outside of schools and motivating others to do the same. Turn off the car or put it on standby when waiting to pick up or drop off children, and encourage kids to walk or ride bikes whenever possible (if you're concerned about safety, talk to other parents in the neighborhood about having the kids bike together). You can also work with your school's PTA or PTSA to request a no-idling zone for buses. Airwatch Northwest's Anti-Idling Program has toolkits to help reduce idling in your school, including letters to parents and faculty members and a "No Idle Zone" sign to display in your parking lot.
© The Green Guide, 2008
For More Information on Air Quality: http://www.air-testing.com
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