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