Are Odors Just Bad Smells?

What are odors? Why is it a concern for IAQ? First of all odors are an indication of something else going on. For instance: musty odors could signal mold growth and off gassing. Rotting odors could signal bacteria growth. Odors signal something beneficial or harmful in our indoor environment. Odors can signal VOC off gassing which is harmful to the occupants. Odors can signal mycotoxins as small organisms digest their food source of dust, skin cells etc. All of which cause our bodies to have to react to the invaders in our breathing passages. Odors are to be taken seriously, not just a bother.
Closely related are the bio-pollutants which we will cover next time.

7 Facets of IAQ

What are the 7 facets affecting indoor air quality? Particulates, odors, bio-pollutants, gases, temperature, humidity, and comfort. What does this mean? We are going to break it down over the next couple of posts.
 Particulates--particles of matter floating in the air that we breathe. What are these particles?
Some of it includes dirt, small insect parts, smoke (if fireplace is present or smoker in home), pollens, and what we all refer to as "dust". What is dust in our indoor environment? Scientists tell us over 80% of dust floating around in homes is dead skin cells from humans and pets. On those dead skin cells are dust mites eating the cells and digesting them. What happens after digestion? Well you know what it is and we wind up breathing it. Since our homes are more energy efficient we are kind of living in a bubble as far as air is concerned. Our pets put off 5 times as many skin cells as we do--resulting in--pet dust mite--well "stuff" that we breathe-politely called dander. Great huh? Next time we'll discuss odors and why it is a concern.

Hurricane Sandy-Recovery & Illnesses

The thing that flooding brings to a community is the mixture of all the wrong things together to the breathing environment and the drinking water. The bacteria from sewage and the mold that starts to propagate makes the area affected quite contaminated. See this story from Hurricane Sandy   http://alturl.com/aghnj
 But what about the rest of us?  What goes on in our environment? Look around you right now, see the dust on the table, the cobweb in the corner, the little black bug looking things by a closet. Look at your HVAC filter, see any dust? What is living on that dust right now? Is your home energy tight? Or does it "breathe?"
Do you know our pets put off 5 times the amount of dead skin cells that we do? Are they indoors? Can we clean it up? Does it cost much? How much is indoor health worth?
 I think it's time to take a serious look at things affecting us indoors, and look for solutions. We also need to think in terms of how much is it saving us in health care to have a solution, instead of what does the solution cost.

Airborne Pathogens Discussed in New Video

We have come across a new video discussing some of the airborne pathogens we could wind up breathing. Our indoor environments contribute to illnesses everyday. I am in the process of obtaining my IAQ Mold Inspector Certification. I have learned more detail of what I already knew and it can be alarming how many things in our indoor air can cause illness.I am going to start a new series for a couple of months discussing the things we breathe.
http://www.prlog.org/12020731

What is indoor air pollution?

What is indoor air pollution? There are several factors: particles, bio-pollutants, odors, temperature, humidity, gases, and discomfort.
Watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z6Y-I-LJsU

We'll discuss these in more detail.

Is Your Furnace Leaking Carbon Monoxide?

Heating season has started and furnaces are firing up all over the country. If you use natural gas or propane fuel you may want to make sure the furnace is not leaking  CO (carbon monoxide). The most common way this happens is by a fracture or hole in the heat exchanger. However it can occur from unbalance in the air pressure on even a new installation. Make sure the negative pressure side of the furnace (return air side) is sealed properly. It can actually suck combustion gases into the air flow. Check that all penetrations into the return air side of the furnace cabinet are sealed (i.e; electrical, low voltage wires etc.)
 Have an HVAC professional check for CO in the air flow and check gas pressure, proper combustion etc.
For more info contact us @ rick@rlenvirocare.com   or 417-942-2451

A Little Insight on the Laundry Room.

There are many ways to deal with allergies. Here is another way we can help in your laundry room.
http://vollarajournal.com/2012/02/water-101-help-save-one-billion-gallons/
Contact us with any questions. 417-942-2451 or 800-526-4978 ext.1

Hand Washing

It is amazing how something so simple as hand washing can mean so much in today's world. Read the attached article here:

 http://www.hygienecentral.org.uk/pdf/What%20can%20handwashing%20do%20for%20the%20world_Oct2012.pdf

Learn how our indoor air technology can help kill these viruses and bacteria on surfaces in our homes:


http://www.vollara.com/v_content/media/SV_FreshAir.html

What are the symptoms that you may have CO escaping from your furnace?
We'll look at that next time. 

Fall Furnace Tune-Up Ideas

Fall is here and there will be an occasional chilly night and morning and you may wind up firing up the furnace before winter. I have already had the fireplace going a couple of nights.
How do you get your furnace ready for winter? The easy answer is call your HVAC professional and have them do a maintenance on your heating system. If things are so strapped financially there are a couple of things you can do.
 1.-Change filter.--obvious but overlooked.
 2.-Vacuum combustion area in front of burners and burners themselves.
 3.-Blow out the same area after vacuuming.
Note: You have to careful not to damage a spark probe or the silicon steel hot surface ignitor.
 4.-Clean out blower section.
 5.-Clean flue pipe.
 6.-Fire up unit and visually inspect flame and cycle of system.

For more info send us an e-mail rick@rlenvirocare.com

What Is Third Hand Smoke?

    We've previously heard about second-hand smoke (which is the smoke that comes off the end of the cigarette or cigar combined with the smoke exhaled by the person who is smoking) and the dangers.  According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure for secondhand tobacco smoke.  Considering that tobacco smoke contains 7,000 chemicals and compounds, and more than 70 of them can cause cancer, it is not surprising.

 Which brings us back to the question what is third-hand smoke?  Third-hand smoke is that smell of smoke you get from places where individuals have smoked.  Third-hand smoke consists of the chemicals which remain in a room after the smoking has stopped.  Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can cling to walls, ceilings, & other surfaces or can absorb into carpets, drapes, & other fabrics.  A scientific study in 2002 showed that these chemicals can "offgas" back into the air & even re-combine to form harmful compounds that stay at high levels long after smoking has stopped. 
  If you have these problems in your building contact us on how to solve them.
www.yourbestair.com/rickvstein

Indoor Air Quality Contest

This week I want to start a contest for the worst indoor air quality problem you have run across. The prize will be a FREE one room air purifier.
Go to our Facebook page and register there.
www.facebook.com/rlenvirocare

During this time of erratic weather, I thought I'd post some information from Vollara.

What is a Power Surge?

By admin, on April 12th, 2012

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What is a power surge? Perhaps you’ve heard this term and now you’re wondering exactly what it is and why it is so important to prepare for them.  A power surge occurs when something boosts the electrical charge in the power lines.  When this happens, there is an increase in the electrical potential energy, which can increase the current flowing to your wall outlet.
Power surges can be caused by any number of things including lightning, though lightning is not a very common cause.  High-powered electrical devices like elevators, air conditioners, and refrigerators are a common cause of power surges.  Turning these devices on and off creates sudden, brief demands for power.  This can upset the steady voltage flow in the electrical system, causing a power surge.  Faulty wiring, downed power lines, or other problems with the utility company’s equipment can also cause surges.
How can power surges be harmful?  Many modern electronic devices like DVD players, computers, and microwaves contain components that are sensitive to current increases.  Computers and any other home appliances that contain microprocessors are particularly sensitive to power surges.  These devices depend on a steady flow of power at the correct voltage.  Power surges can shorten the life of computers, and potentially wipe out saved data or destroy the whole system.
In order to protect your appliances from these unavoidable power surges, it is a good idea to use surge protectors.  Surge protectors help maintain the constant flow of power that appliances like computers and entertainment systems rely on.  Surge protectors can help minimize or eliminate the damage from small fluctuations in voltage flow, which can extend the life of your appliances.  It can be a hassle to use small surge protector power strips for all of your appliances, especially if you own many electronics.  To be sure that your whole home is protected from power surges, whole home surge protection should be used.

Duct Insulation Part 2

Last weekend we spent time at a Healing Arts Festival. There were various health and healing venues and a couple of technology type booths. We displayed our green technology for the home showing air, water, and laundry solutions for a cleaner environment. It was educational and successful.
 This week we will discuss two of the alternatives for duct insulation other than fiberglass.
One is a product called Reflectix, which is a bubble wrap coated on both sides by a foil coating. It is very clean and easy to use and relatively inexpensive. It is used for wrapping as well as lining the ducts. The insulation value is achieved through the air bubbles in the material. I recommend this for homeowners to wrap any metal ducts exposed to unconditioned space. It is easy to work with and clean-(you won't itch afterward). Be sure to use spray adhesive.
 The other product is a rubber type similar to the black insulation on the suction line of your home air conditioner. It comes in various thicknesses for lining the ducting. It is fairly clean but used mainly by HVAC contractors in their fabrication shops.
For more info e-mail us. rick@rlenvirocare.com

See Ya Next Week

This week we are participating in a Healing Arts Festival sharing our Green Technology Healthy Living Products in Springfield Missouri. For more info see www.ecobusiness.com/rvs/products.
Have a great weekend.

Duct Insulation

This week we take a look at the various duct insulation material. The most common in use of course is fiberglass. This is the least expensive so far but has the obvious drawbacks. Most of us recognize the 1" thick wrap that looks like batt insulation but thinner, or the foil backed 1" thick wrap. These have good insulating properties but the obvious discomfort and health issues with installing them. The rectangular ducting in most small and large commercial applications has duct liner on the inside of the duct. For the first couple of years after a system is installed the liner remains intact after the initial blowout of fibers upon start up. However the fiberglass does deteriorate over time and fibers start to come loose. Yes on the supply side we are breathing this. On the return air side if it is pre-filter it can be captured. This does cause a problem when dealing with IAQ issues and the VOC's in the indoor environment. There is a common practice over the last 10 years or so to have schools and hospitals with exterior wrap insulation, done by professional insulators. This has worked out very well. However in the small commercial and residential market it has not been cost effective to this point. There are alternatives and we will look at some of those next time.

Faulty Filter Racks

I was going to write about duct insulation, but after an air filtration project I just completed, I had to address the common problem of filter racks in both residential and commercial applications. This particular furnace was a downflow unit with the filters on top. The home owner is expected to slide a pair of filters up past the blower and fit them in a "V" configuration with the little rack in the top of the furnace. It is convenient for the manufacturer and installer but not for the homeowner. The problem is the filters never go in correctly and there is an air gap around the frame for dirty air to bypass the filters. I suggest a better approach.
Contact us at www.rlenvirocaremo.comm

Insulation

I'm not going to get too technical on this issue since I'm not an insulation specialist. I think the bottom line is we need insulation in our structures, and around our air ducting. Like most people I don't like fiberglass, but it is a very cost effective form of insulation.
Let's just mention a few structure insulating methods. For attics and under floors fiberglass batt insulation seems to work well and homeowners can do it themselves. Fiberglass and cellulose blown in insulation is effective because of time factor of installation. It can be added to existing structures fairly easily without too much intrusion.
For a real clean and effective job foam works really well. I really like the application in attics where it can be sprayed on the roof rafters so the attic space can be used for comfortable storage area.
Any insulators reading this please send comments or your info so we can help inform our followers.
Next time we'll cover duct insulation.

Proper Ventilation Part 3

Last time we covered a primitive but effective ventilation system in an older home. Today we will discuss a design of one in a newer type home. Since homes built since 1970 have been guided by energy efficiency codes they are "tighter" as far as allowing "free ventilation", so we have to work a little harder to get them to "breathe".
We will start with the attic. First we need intake air. Since we want the hot air that builds near the top of our roof to exit, we need cooler air to enter--lower in the attic. The most common way of doing this is vents in the eaves. However the most common mistake is to cover these openings with insulation. The best way to handle this is to create a duct from the opening to above the insulation level to allow free intake air.
The next step is to have an exit for our attic air and that would be as high as possible in the roof and an active rather than passive source. I recommend a solar attic fan. It will actively pull the air out with no energy consumption. This system has the potential of keeping the attic no higher than the ambient or outside temperature. Attics have gotten as high as 180 degrees on a 105 degree day if they are not ventilated.
On homes I have installed these systems on we have seen a minimum of a 10 degree drop inside of the home with no active air conditioning or indoor ventilation turned on. This has occurred no matter what the insulation value was in the attic.
Next time we will discuss insulation options.

Proper Ventilation-con't

Last time we touched on what proper ventilation is. The recommendation is 25% outside air introduced into the home's comfort system. There are many ways to introduce fresh air into the home. Today we will give my home as an example. We have an older farm house built in 1876. Right now I do not have a central system installed as there are many remodeling projects going on in the home. We have baseboard electric heat (very inefficient) and window units for A/C (also very inefficient). For the mild weather we open windows (with screens) and because the home is built facing proper directions the cross ventilation is great! During the winter the home is closed during very cold periods and slow fans help move the heat. During the summer we run the window units with fans moving air to other rooms (noisy). In the evenings I turn the A/C off open windows at strategic points in the home and use box fans to pull air in and expel air out upstairs. We also have a solar attic fan to pull ventilation through the attic. This is a primative but cost effective way to move air, and it is comfortable for us. Next time we'll discuss the improved design for the system going in.

What is Proper Ventilation?

Our "energy efficient" sealed up homes create the need for us to be dependent upon air conditioning and of course electricity. Environmental design is not the norm in design. So this of course affects our health long term since most of Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. One step to consider is to let fresh air into the home as much as possible as well as sunshine. The prime times we are able to do this is during mild weather, or we would make our homes uncomfortable. Being comfortable and healthy inside of our homes is an active task!
It takes planning and action but the results in energy savings as well as health are worth it.
Yes the simple way is windows and doors with screens. Another way is an ERV in your home comfort system.
Homes should have a 25% fresh air introduction in the comfort system as well as exhaust to ventilate the structure. For more info contact rick@rlenvirocare.com

Is Cleaner Environment Protocall Too Extreme?

Last time we finished the list of 36 items for Sanitizing Protocall. When I first looked over the list it seemed a bit extreme, some of you probably thought so too. When you really look at it closely though the list makes sense especially for those with extreme allergies and those with the possibility of mold. Most of these steps are common sense, and are good for your indoor environment. The others could be avoided with just a few simple steps and the right kind of technology for prevention.
First of all, just making sure your home can have the right type of natural fresh air would be the best. Having "cross ventilation" while keeping out the undesirable items would be perfect, but not so attainable for those with extreme allergies. We'll go into a bit more detail next time.

Create A Better Breathing Environment (Part 3)

This week we will cover the final points 21-36 of this list:
21.- Use household cleaners ( we prefer bio-degradable enzyme cleaners) on any hard surface.
22.- Remove any moldy or rotting food.
23.-Remove garbage regularly.
24.-Wipe down any and all visible signs of moisture.
25.-Regularly scan the ceiling for evidence of roof leaks.
26.-Periodically check the air conditioning vents to be sure they are clean.
27.-Change air conditioning filter regularly (we recommend minimum every 60 days, 30 days preferred)
28.-Perform scheduled maintenance on your air conditioning system, including but not limited to, cleaning the evaporator coil.
29.-Wipe down windows and sills if moisture is present.
30.-Regularly inspect for leaks under the sinks and around the base of water closets, around the base of washing machines, and base of water heater.
31.-Check all washer hoses and outside garden hose connections.
32.-Regularly empty dehumidifier.
33.-Clean behind the refrigerator and around the furnace or air handler.
34.-Empty the refrigerator condensation pan where possible.
35.-If possible, pour a small amount of biocide in the drip pan of the air conditioning air handler to decrease the potential for mold growth.
36.-Answer this question regularly and check for signs of  mold: " If I were mold and liked moisture, where would I feel most comfortable to set up a home and build a family?"
Sounds overwhelming doesn't it?
Next time we will go over the basis of all of this. 

Create A Better Breathing Environment (Part 2)

Last time we covered steps 1-10 on creating a better indoor breathing environment.
Today we'll cover steps 11-20.
11.-Wipe down bathroom walls and fixtures after bathing or showering.
12.-Wipe down any vanities or sink tops.
13.-Avoid drying clothes by hand drying indoors.
14.-Avoid air drying dishes.
15.-Open blinds, curtains to allow sunlight into premises.
16.-Wipe down floors after any water spillage.
17.-Hang shower curtains within bath while showering.
18-Securely close shower doors, if present, while showering.
19.-Leave bathroom and shower door open after use.
20.-Use dryer to dry wet towels, or hang outside.

Next time we'll cover Steps 21-36.

Create A Better Breathing Environment

What steps can we take to make our indoor environment more healthy for our breathing?
If you can bring in fresh outside air by windows or ERV that would be ideal. If you have your home or office totally controlled by an indoor comfort system (i.e. HVAC system) then there are manual steps you can take to keep the indoor environment clean. For a free copy of  "Sanitation Protocol" send request to rick@rlenvirocare.com
We will cover all 36 over the next couple of weeks:
1.-Keep premises clean and regularly dust, vacuum, and mop.
2.-Install an efficient air purifier in the home to maintain good indoor  air quality and reduce dust. (This should also include IAQ solutions for the HVAC system.)
3.- Use hood vents when cooking, cleaning and dishwashing.
4.-Keep closet doors ajar when possible to increase airflow in the closets or install vented doors.
5.-Avoid excessive amounts of indoor plants.
6.-Use exhaust fans when bathing/ showering.
7.-Leave exhaust fans on long enough to remove moisture from room.
8.-Use ceiling fans.
9.-Water all indoor plants outdoors when possible.
10.-Wipe down any moisture and/ or spillage.

We will cover 11-20 next time.

Curing Those Dirty Coil Blues

Last time we discussed the nasty stuff that can gather on your cooling coil. The impact this can make on your indoor environment are significant. The dirt will block the coil, or gather in the drain pan. If it blocks the coil it affects the air flow and output of the unit. If it gathers and mixes with the natural spores in the air we have a fungus or bacteria "soup" that can spawn great breathing problems or at the very least block the drain.
The first act of prevention is to clean the unit and filter compartment! This can be done by compressed air, shop vac or you may need to call in a professional to tackle the job. We can list various duct cleaning firms that are reputable.
Next install a good filter--at least a pleated one--and change it every 30 days. We can set up an automated system for you as well.
Next time we will cover some more detailed ways of securing your indoor breathing.

Help Prevent Allergies Indoors

There are many allergens in our indoor environment. How do we keep it at bay so we can enjoy our homes?
Keep the filters clean on your HVAC system, regular dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning will help.
For more info visit this link:  http://vollarajournal.com/2012/03/help-prevent-allergies-indoors/

Appreciating The Ability To Breathe

We sometimes take for granted the simple things of life. I recently noticed when I picked up a cold from being in the hospital with my Mom that hospitals are germ and virus havens. I had been wearing my Fresh Air Buddy most of the time, but forgot to put it on 2 days I was there, and BINGO got a nasty cold that plugged my sinuses up but good. I wasn't able to breathe correctly for a couple of days. I lost my voice, had terrible drainage and was coughing at night. I really missed the simple pleasure of breathing normally. Fortunately, thanks to good nutrition, our Fresh Air Surround, and some sleep I recovered. Go outside after a rainstorm, take a deep breath and enjoy life. I am so thankful I can breathe.

How You Get Rid of Second Hand Smoke?

The odor and health issues raised with second hand or third hand smoke are many. Is there a way to get rid of the odor and smoke in the environment if there has been smokers? What about our fireplaces? Wood stoves?
Even pellet stoves put out a smokey odor at times. There is a machine which takes care of this and more.
Watch this video http://www.vollara.com/v_content/media/SV_FreshAir.html
Then contact us for more details.

Third hand smoke???

[Future Environment Designs] Fact Sheet About Third-Hand Smoke, Hookahs, & E Cigarettes

"Angelo Garcia, III" <angelo3@futureenv.com> Feb 23 09:30PM We recently read a fact sheet on Third-Hand Smoke, Hookahs, and Electronic Cigarettes that will eventually be available on the website: www.smokefreeapartments.org. Some Kills Image via Wikipedia We found this fact sheet fascinating because this was the first we heard about "third-hand smoke." We've previously heard about second-hand smoke (which is the smoke that comes off the end of the cigarette or cigar combined with the smoke exhaled by the person who is smoking) and the dangers. According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure for secondhand tobacco smoke. Considering that tobacco smoke contains 7,000 chemicals and compounds, and more than 70 of them can cause cancer, it is not surprising. Which brings us back to the question what is third-hand smoke? Third-hand smoke is that smell of smoke you get from places where individuals have smoked. Third-hand smoke consists of the chemicals which remain in a room after the smoking has stopped. Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can cling to walls, ceilings, & other surfaces or can absorb into carpets, drapes, & other fabrics. A scientific study in 2002 showed that these chemicals can "offgas" back into the air & even re-combine to form harmful compounds that stay at high levels long after smoking has stopped. The fact sheet is even more interesting when discussing Hookahs which has become because of the false notion that it is safer than smoking cigarettes. Studies have shown that secondhand hookah smoke contains the same cancer-causing chemicals found in secondhad smoke from cigarettes & cigars, along with delivering three times more carbon monoxide, about the same amount of nicotine as cigarettes, and 40% more smoke by volume than cigarettes. While it seems their is not enough information available yet on e-cigarettes. As a whole the fact sheet was very interesting and the website gives resources on banning smoking in apartments, which based on the fact sheet, we would highly recommend building owners develop procedures and rules on handling secondhand and now third-hand smoke. Related articles Secondhand smoke results in graft rejection (eurekalert.org) The "New" Cigarette We're All Smoking (Myself Included) (fancyayancey.wordpress.com) What exactly are Electronic- Cigarettes? (boldstate.com) Second hand smoke in cars still big risk for kids, study says (parentcentral.ca) Cigarettes and Smoking Should Be Illegal (thusspokejon.wordpress.com) Enhanced by Zemanta -- Posted By Angelo Garcia, III to Future Environment Designs at 2/23/2012 04:30:00 PM

New State Dept initiative - Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

Will this help our indoor pollution?

New State Dept initiative - Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants

Dan Campbell <dacampbell@fhi360.org> Feb 16 12:34PM -0500 *The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants* Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 16, 2012 ------------------------------ *THE PROBLEM* Pollutants that are short-lived in the atmosphere such as methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) together account for approximately one-third of current global warming, have significant impacts on public health, the environment, and world food productivity. *THE POTENTIAL* Fast action to reduce short-lived climate pollutants can have a direct impact on global warming, with the potential to reduce the warming expected by 2050 by as much as 0.5 Celsius degrees. At the same time, by 2030, such action can prevent millions of premature deaths, while also avoiding the annual loss of more than 30 million tons of crops. Moreover, many of these benefits can be achieved at low cost and with significant energy savings. *THE RESPONSE* Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, a new global initiative to seize the opportunity of realizing concrete benefits on climate, health, food and energy resulting from reducing short-lived climate pollutants. The coalition will focus efforts on reducing black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and methane. The founding coalition partners are Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States, together with the UN Environment Programme. The new coalition is the first effort to treat these pollutants together, as a collective challenge. It will catalyze new actions and highlight and bolster the work of existing efforts such as the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, the Arctic Council, the Montreal Protocol, and the Global Methane Initiative (GMI). The Coalition’s work will augment, not replace, global action to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2). The coalition will reduce short-lived climate pollutants by driving the development of national action plans and the adoption of policy priorities; building capacity among developing countries; mobilizing public and private funds for action; raising awareness globally; fostering regional and international cooperation, and; improving scientific understanding of the pollutant impacts and mitigation. The United States is already actively engaged in efforts to reduce these pollutants on the national and international levels. Here at home, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency addresses these pollutants through robust programs that protect public health and the environment. Work on the international level is taking place through the Global Methane Initiative, the Montreal Protocol, the Arctic Council and the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, which was launched by Secretary Clinton in 2010. *ABOUT SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS* The pollutants targeted by this initiative remain in the atmosphere for only a few days to a few years after they are emitted. This is very short when compared to CO2, which remains in the atmosphere for approximately a century. This “shorter” atmospheric lifetime means that actions to reduce emissions will quickly lower atmospheric concentrations of these pollutants, yielding a relatively rapid climate response. Of the pollutants that will be targeted by this initiative, methane and black carbon stand out for their significant contribution to climate change, while HFCs are a rapidly increasing climate threat. *Methane* Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that is more than 20 times more potent than CO2, and has an atmospheric lifetime of about 12 years. It is produced through natural processes (i.e. the decomposition of plant and animal waste), but is also emitted from many man-made sources, including coal mines, natural gas and oil systems, and landfills. In addition to the climate benefits, reducing methane emissions has other important public health and agricultural benefits. Reducing methane emissions can avoid the health effects and premature deaths associated with unhealthy ozone levels. Methane also is the primary component of natural gas. Thus, capturing and utilizing methane as clean-burning natural gas can promote sustainable development and energy security. *Black Carbon* Black carbon, which is a part of a mixture called soot, is emitted from a wide variety of sources that burn but do not fully combust fossil or plant-based fuels. Common sources include diesel trucks and buses, agricultural burning, and inefficient cookstoves, among others. Of the three pollutant types, black carbon remains in the atmosphere for the shortest amount of time, depositing on the ground only days to weeks after it is emitted. Reducing black carbon will have an important impact on air quality and public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that currently more than 3 million premature deaths each year can be attributed to the effects of urban outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution. Fine particles, which include black carbon, contribute significantly to these adverse impacts. Widespread adoption of advanced cookstoves and clean fuels that reduce black carbon emissions, for example, has the potential to prevent millions of premature deaths. Black carbon in the atmosphere also directly contributes to climate change by absorbing sunlight when it is emitted in the atmosphere. It also contributes once it is deposited on surfaces such as snow and ice, causing them to melt faster because of its black color. As a result, reducing black carbon is particularly important to address climate change in snow- and ice-covered regions such as the Arctic and the Himalayas. *Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)* HFCs are man-made greenhouse gases used in air conditioning, refrigeration, solvents, foam blowing agents, and aerosols. Many HFCs remain in the atmosphere for less than 15 years. Though they represent a small fraction of the current total greenhouse gases (less than one percent), their warming impact is particularly strong and, if left unchecked, HFCs could account for nearly 20 percent of climate pollution by 2050.

Laundry Tips

Readers Today a Great Tip from Vollara:

How to Clean a Washing Machine

By admin, on January 19th, 2012

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It is important to know how to clean a washing machine, in order to keep your washer running at peak performance. You depend on your washing machine to clean your laundry, but it cannot do an efficient job if it is not kept clean. Fortunately, keeping your washing machine clean is not difficult, as long as you keep up with maintenance.  Begin by cleaning the washer, inside and out, once a month.

• Wipe down the exterior. For this, you can use an all-purpose cleaner, or just some vinegar. Never use any abrasive cleaners, because they can scratch the surface.
• Clean out the tub. To remove odors, stains, and build up of detergents and fabric softener, pour two cups of white vinegar or lemon juice into the tub and run it through a complete cycle on the hottest setting.
• Scrub the lid or door. White vinegar is also good for removing mildew and detergent buildup around edge of the door and around the window on front load machines.
• Do not forget the bleach and fabric softener dispensers. Remove these, if possible and scrub them in the sink, drying them thoroughly before returning them to the machine.
• Some hidden places that people forget to clean are the inlet hose filters. These are found inside the water inlet connections, and they keep minerals and debris in the water from getting inside the washer. If they are clogged, they will impede the flow of water into the machine for the wash cycle or cause the washer to not operate at all.

While you are cleaning the washer, inspect the hoses to make sure they are firmly connected and if signs of cracking are found, the hoses should be replaced.  The entire cleaning process should take less than thirty minutes, and afterwards, the cleanliness of your washer is easy to maintain. Remove laundry promptly after the cycle completes, and leave the lid open afterwards, to prevent mildewing. Consider switching from commercial fabric softeners to white vinegar, since adding too much fabric softener may cause spotting on clothes.
On the other hand, for even less buildup, consider using no detergent at all! Try investing in a detergent-free laundry system, which uses oxygen, peroxide, and other oxidizers to lift dirt and odors from clothing without leaving residue in your washer or allergens in your clothes. Hospitals and hotels have used similar technology for years.
Learning how to clean a washing machine is crucial in keeping your laundry clean and extending the life of your machine. Using eco-friendly products can help in this regard, too, because they help your machine to stay clean and free of buildup, while helping to keep your water and clothing free from harmful chemicals. A global leader in natural health and eco-friendly technologies, Vollara is part of a family of companies that has been helping consumers choose products that benefit their homes and the environment, for over eighty years. Visit our website for more information, or become part of our online community by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

Mild Winter

So far 2012 has had a mild winter. Many have a sigh of relief for lower fuel costs, but many worry about the possibility of drought conditions for the spring and summer. What does this mean for indoor air quality?
Dry dusty conditions will cause a higher rate of airborne particles infiltrating our homes and businesses causing havoc on our filtration systems. The other issue is what are we breathing in our environment?
The dry conditions help alleviate the mold and pollen count but cause higher levels of the dust, dirt, and dust mites to be suspended in the air. What is needed of course is a way to clean our indoor environment on a constant basis. For a free report contact us rick@rlenvirocare.com
Till next time.