Coal ash to blame for cancers in PA prison: Report

A high rate of cancer among inmates at a southwestern Pennsylvania prison is linked to a nearby coal ash dump, and the correctional facility should be closed down, according to a recent report.

Black dust was seen settling on prison
grounds, experts say.

Eleven prisoners died of cancer from 2010 through 2013, and six others have been diagnosed with cancer at the State Correctional Institution Fayette, said the report, released by the Abolitionist Law Center, a public interest law firm based in Pittsburgh, and the Human Rights Coalition, a national prison reform group.

SCI Fayette has a higher inmate death rate than all but two other prisons in the state, both of which have high geriatric populations, it said.

A 12-month investigation found that blowing coal ash was the most likely cause of the inmate cancers as well as other illnesses at the facility.

Inmates quoted in the report described black dust blowing from the dump and settling onto the prison and its grounds.

The report calls for SCI Fayette, which houses 1,986 inmates and has 677 staff, to be shut down. The medium security facility was built for $119 million and opened in 2003. All of the state’s license plates are made there.

Coal ash, also known as fly ash, is the residue of burning coal in a power plant. It was used extensively in Pennsylvania in the 1960s and 1970s in mine reclamation projects, notably in the effort to control a mine fire under the town of Centralia.

Its carcinogenic components, including lead, arsenic and mercury, were revealed in a 2010 report by a public interest group, Physicians for Social Responsibility.

“There is a strong correlation between confinement at SCI Fayette and the onset of serious health symptoms,” said Bret Grote, an author of the prison report. “There needs to be an independent and comprehensive study of the health of people at the prison and in the surrounding community.”

Officials at the state Department of Corrections are reviewing the report, a spokeswoman said.

“We take the health of our inmates and staff seriously,” said the spokeswoman, Susan McNaughton.

David LaTorre, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania State Correctional Officers Association, said it too would review the report carefully.

“We are aware of some officers from SCI Fayette who are suffering from illness,” he said.

Fly ash from two regional power plants was dumped at the Fayette County site for 60 years, said John Poister, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection.

No one answered the telephone at Matt Canestrale Construction Inc in Elizabeth, which owns the dump site.

Source: Reuters

Concerned about poor indoor air quality at the workplace? Electrocorp has designed a wide range of industrial and commercial air cleaners that help remove dangerous airborne pollutants such as chemicals, odors, particles, mold, fumes and more. Contact Electrocorp for more information.

Bosses must stick to consequences to stop employees from wasting time online, researcher finds

Are your employees watching cat videos, shopping online and updating their Facebook statuses?

A Kansas State University researcher studied cyberloafing -- wasting time at work on the Internet -- and the effects of Internet use policies and punishment on reducing cyberloafing.

Joseph Ugrin, assistant professor of accounting at Kansas State University, and John Pearson, associate professor of management at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, found that company policies are not enough to stop workers from wasting time at work and that sanctions with policies must be consistently enforced for policies to be effective.

The study will be published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.

Cyberloafing results in lost productivity and could put companies in legal trouble when workers conduct illegal activity or unacceptable behavior like viewing pornography on work computers. Between 60 and 80 percent of people's time on the Internet at work has nothing to do with work.

Although organizations benefit from positive aspects of the Internet like improved communication, some have trouble addressing cyberloafing, Ugrin said. Companies spend time, money and effort trying to monitor computer usage, detect what employees are doing online and write policies for employees on acceptable Internet behavior.

The researchers, who surveyed office workers and university students, found that both older and younger workers find ways to waste time on the Internet -- but in different ways.

"Older people are doing things like managing their finances, while young people found it much more acceptable to spend time on social networking sites like Facebook," said Ugrin, who studies behavioral and ethical issues related to accounting and information systems.

Threats of termination and detection mechanisms are effective deterrents against activities such as viewing pornography, managing personal finances and personal shopping, according to the study. However, that may not be enough.

Policies must be enforced to discourage activities like excessive personal emailing and social networking.

"We found that that for young people, it was hard to get them to think that social networking was unacceptable behavior," Ugrin said. "Just having a policy in place did not change their attitudes or behavior at all. Even when they knew they were being monitored, they still did not care."

Researchers discovered that the only way to change people's attitudes is to provide them with information about other employees who were reprimanded.

But that strategy can have negative consequences in the workplace and can lower morale, Ugrin said.

"People will feel like Big Brother is watching them, so companies need to be careful when taking those types of action," he said.

The study allows questions for further study, Ugrin said.

"We don't want to make everyone at work upset because the corporate office is watching over their employees' shoulders," he said, "but what if workers are wasting all of their time online? Where's the balance?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for other ways to improve workplace productivity? Cleaner indoor air raises productivity and reduces absenteeism. Visit www.electrocorp.net for commercial and industrial air quality solutions.

Volcanic air pollution -– a hazard to workers in volcanic regions

Volcanic eruptions release toxic gases
and substances in the air.

With volcanic eruptions disrupting the lives of residents in Chile, Iceland, Hawaii and other regions, Electrocorp’s air quality experts have been receiving e-mails and calls about air filtration systems for volcanic smog (VOG).

Volcanic eruptions release noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which react with the oxygen and atmospheric moisture to produce volcanic smog (VOG) and acid rain.

The ash clouds do not only affect flight traffic – they can pose serious health risks for the people living and working in the affected regions.

Health effects of volcanic smog

VOG has been shown to aggravate pre-existing respiratory ailments, while acid rain can damage crops and leach lead into building water supplies. It consists of gases as well as tiny liquid and solid particles. VOG is composed of sulfuric acid and other sulfate compounds and it can also contain toxic metals.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2, the main component of VOG) is a poisonous gas that can penetrate deeply into the airway and cause respiratory distress in some individuals. The tiny aerosol particles in volcanic smog can also penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the tissue.

People living and working in areas downwind of active volcanoes have complained about a wide range of health effects, including skin irritation and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Source: US Geological Survey (USGS)

Air cleaners for VOG

Electrocorp and AllerAir have designed air purifiers for VOG that remove dangerous airborne chemicals, gases and particles associated with VOG. Electrocorp is the industrial division of AllerAir Industries.

The specially designed air cleaners feature a custom blend of deep-bed activated carbon for enhanced adsorption of noxious chemicals and gases, as well as a medical grade HEPA or Super-HEPA for the removal of fine particles.

Suggested air purifiers from AllerAir for homes and offices affected by volcanic smog include the 5000 VOG and Air Medic+ VOG.

Electrocorp’s in-house technical design team works with environmental consultants, government agencies and IAQ professionals to provide complete air cleaning solutions to a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Suggested air filtration systems from Electrocorp are dependent on the size of the indoor space and include the RAP Series, RSU Series and I-6500 Series, among others. The systems can help clean the air in spaces ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 500,000 sq. ft. (SSU Series).

For more information, contact an Electrocorp exec rep at 1-866-667-0297. Ask about the special carbon blend for VOG and other groundbreaking features.

Note: Always follow public advisories and evacuation orders.

Chemical safety in the laboratory: The dehydration, embedding and staining process

Histology lab technicians work with
many potentially harmful chemicals.

Many histology laboratories employ complex dehydration, embedding and staining processes that involve harmful chemicals.

Ethanol
During the dehydration process, laboratory technicians may pass the tissue through an ethanol bath. Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic, agreeable odor. It may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and central nervous system. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and birth defects.

Xylene
After the ethanol, the tissue is often passed through xylene to remove the alcohol.
Xylene is a clear, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is often used as a solvent and in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. In histology, xylene is used for clearing the tissues following dehydration in preparation for paraffin wax infiltration. It is also used after sections have been stained to make them hydrophobic so that a coverslip may be applied with a resin in solvent.
Long-term exposure to xylene is said to cause "organic solvent syndrome", which negatively affects the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as headaches, depression, irritability, insomnia, extreme fatigue, tremors and short-term memory loss.

Paraffin
Paraffin wax is used for light microscopy. During the embedding process, dimethyl sulfoxide is often added to paraffin wax. Dimethyl sulfoxide has been linked to cancer, while molten paraffin wax creates droplets that are capable of damaging lungs.


Laboratory safety supply

Many laboratories have installed fume hoods that are ducted directly to a station and expel the fumes outdoors, or they may filter and redistribute the air. The safety equipment includes biosafety cabinets and snorkel exhaust.

Biosafety cabinets generally feature a HEPA filter, a UV light and a blower. They can filter out microorganisms, airborne pathogens and particles, but they are not recommended for protection against chemicals.


How you can improve indoor air quality in laboratories

An industrial-strength air filtration systems featuring activated carbon and HEPA filters (plus UV) can trap many gases that escape fume hoods.

The air cleaners can be portable, stand-alone units, or they may be attached to existing fume hoods to provide cleaner air.

Contact an Electrocorp IAQ expert to find out more about air filtration systems for laboratories and research facilities. Always consult a chemical or environmental expert when dealing with hazardous materials.
  
 
Related posts

• Chemical safety in laboratories: Tissue preservation
• Indoor air concerns in the healthcare industry
• Health and safety lawsuits: US drug firm pleads guilty in lab worker's death
• Air purifiers for xylene and formalin exposure

Chemical safety in laboratories: Tissue preservation

Chemical safety is important for
laboratories and research facilities.

When it comes to laboratories and chemical safety, companies, managers and workers have to be extra vigilant to avoid health and safety problems.

Histology and pathology technicians are exposed to numerous laboratory hazards during the course of a day.

That is why laboratory safety is imperative; technicians must know and adhere to health and safety procedures that often include:

• Emergency procedures
• Disease reporting
• Work safety instructions for equipment and work stations
• Existing hazards and the controls in place to address them
• Workers' rights under occupational health and safety guidelines
• Laboratory safety and protective equipment needed to perform work safely

What do histology laboratories do?

Histology is the backbone of medicine; it involves the study of tissue. Histological stains are used to magnify microscopic structures to better study the tissue of animals and plants.

Fixation, dehydration, sectioning and staining are all part of a histology technician's tissue processing procedure, and it involves contact with highly toxic chemicals.


Chemicals used for fixation

Fixation is about tissue preservation. To maintain cell structure, chemicals like formalin (formaldehyde) are used for light microscopy. For electron microscopy, technicians need chemicals like glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate to make small structures visible.

Formaldehyde
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation to the nose, throat and eyes, and it can also lead to coughing, nausea, wheezing. Studies have linked formaldehyde to cancer, including leukemia in humans.

Glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde inhalation can cause coughing, choking, shortness of breath, nausea and headache. Exposure to this chemical has been linked to lung and respiratory tract damage as well as asthma.

Osmium tetroxide
This chemical is toxic and emits fumes even in its solid form. Exposure can lead to headache, wheezing, pulmonary edema and in extreme cases, death. Long-term low level exposure can cause insomnia larynx and pharynx damage. The chemical has also been linked to kidney damage.

Uranyl acetate
Inhaling this chemical can cause headaches, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes as well as kidney and liver damage. This chemical has also been classified as a carcinogen.


Air cleaners with activated carbon remove dangerous chemicals

Electrocorp specializes in customized air quality solutions and versatile units that effectively remove a wide range of serious contaminants to maintain safe, healthy and comfortable working environments that support scientific investigation.

Electrocorp's air filtration systems for laboratories include the RSU Series, the RAP Series, the I-6500 and the 6000 Series. Some units can be attached to the fume hood for extra protection against airborne chemicals.

Contact us to find the right indoor air quality solution for your laboratory or healthcare environment.


Related posts:

• I-6500 Series: Superior air cleaning for polluted environments
• RSU Series: Versatile air purifiers for odor removal
• Hospital workers and patients breathing poisoned air
• Indoor air concerns in the healthcare industry
• Health and safety lawsuits: US drug firm pleads guilty in lab worker's death
• Air purifiers for xylene and formalin exposure

   

EPA’s goals to curb coal plant pollution – will they improve air quality?

Air pollution - a valid concern
outdoors and indoors.

Air pollution has always been a hot topic -- especially for people living close to industrial complexes and in urban environments -- and if the turnout at a recent public comment session is anything to go by, then it will be an important issue for many years to come.

Several hundred people came together in Philadelphia last week to share their expertise, opinions, experiences and concerns about coal plant pollution in a meeting with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The people who testified included environmentalists, physicians, mothers and fishermen, among others. Worried about emissions of mercury, arsenic, nickel, chromium and acid gases, they urged EPA to update the standards that limit the amount of air pollution that coal-fired plants can release into the atmosphere.

Mercury, for example, builds up in ocean and freshwater fish and can be highly toxic for people who eat them.

"Young children are uniquely vulnerable to the toxic effects of environmental poisons such as mercury and arsenic," said Dr. Kevin Osterhoudt, medical director of the poison control center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, in an article  from AP. "These compounds are especially dangerous to the developing brain and nervous system."

Opponents to new standards argue that the costs would force some plants to shut down and electricity prices to rise.

According to the article, the regulations would require power plants to install technologies that would limit the emissions, resulting in what the EPA said would be a 91 percent reduction of the mercury in burned coal from being released into the air.

The rules would also further limit other pollutants, including particles such as dust, dirt and other fragments associated with a variety of respiratory ailments.

EPA researchers estimate that the proposed emission limits would annually prevent up to 17,000 premature deaths, 11,000 nonfatal heart attacks, 12,200 hospital and emergency room visits and 120,000 asthma attacks. The updated standards would give coal-fired facilities up to four years to reach compliance.

If you are concerned about this subject, you can voice your opinion in writing. The EPA will accept written comments from the public until July 5.

Source: Associated Press

 
Take control of your indoor air quality

Electrocorp's RAP Series

While industrial pollution is still being debated, businesses and workers can take simple steps to make sure they breathe the purest air possible indoors - after all, we spend more than 90 percent of our time in enclosed spaces.

These steps include controlling sources of indoor air pollution (for example, chemical cleaners, contaminated ventilation systems, etc), regular maintenance and using an air cleaner to purify the air and avoid sick building syndrome.

Electrocorp air filtration systems remove a wide range of airborne pollutants with a deep bed of activated carbon for chemicals, gases and odors as well as particle filters (pre-filters, medical-grade HEPA or Super-HEPA), the safest and most effective filtration technologies on the market today.

Contact one of our air quality experts for more information.
  

Boost productivity with green cleaning practices

Reduce your exposure to chemicals
by using natural cleaning products.

According to a recent article, several studies on indoor air quality demonstrate a connection between green cleaning and productivity.

Green cleaning, which means using cleaning products with natural ingredients and low (or zero) chemical count, has been shown to reduce absenteeism and boosting worker and student productivity. Many commercially used cleaners emit toxic fumes, which can lead to headaches or asthma-like symptoms as well as rashes from exposure to cleaners.

Natural ingredients ensure that workers and students are healthy enough to spend more time at work and in school.


Better air means improved work performance

According to data gathered by researchers at the California-based Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank, “Work performance may be improved from a few percent to possibly as much as 10 percent by providing superior indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The economic benefits of the work performance improvements will often far outweigh the costs of providing better IEQ.”

Better IEQ is linked to well-ventilated air at the right temperature (around 70 degrees), free from mold, dust and other allergens, with no chemical fumes or particles to cause headaches or other ailments.

When employers at a workplace or school make an effort to create this environment, morale goes up – and, therefore, productivity. On the other hand, when the indoor air quality is uncomfortable and filled with toxic fumes, it may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and medical care, according to estimates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Statistics cut across both schools and workplaces. For example, poor indoor air quality in school buildings has led to an increased diagnosis of asthma in children, whose bodies are still developing. Asthma attacks are one of the top reasons children are absent from school, according to several educational studies.

But teachers and other school workers also become ill from dust and other particles in the air, and from breathing in fumes from cleaning supplies and mold. In fact, in a 2002 study of teachers in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, more than one-third of teachers in Chicago and more than one-quarter of teachers in D.C., reported health problems from their school buildings, which also meant missed workdays.

Data from the Berkeley National Laboratory also points to a measured difference in performance – from four percent to 16 percent -- on office tasks such as typing and addition when indoor “pollutant sources” were removed.


Sick Building Syndrome often connected to toxic cleaners and poor ventilation

Green building and green cleaning significantly improves the environment, the building itself and its inhabitants: A 2002 study by the Lawrence Berkley National Design Laboratory found that the improved air quality by use of green design, building materials and technologies can lower sick building symptoms by 20 percent to 50 percent, while cold and flu are reduced by nine percent to 20 percent, and allergies and asthma drop by eight percent to 25 percent.

Though cleaning in general certainly helps with dust and mold, it often is what is used to clean that results in “sick buildings” and sick people. Therefore, less toxic substances such as vinegar, citrus and water make for purer cleaning choices – which keep workers’ lungs and bodies pure as well.

Source: MNN


Boost productivity with better indoor air quality

Bold numerical series combines
activated carbon + HEPA filters.

Worker absenteeism doesn't just stem from toxic cleaning chemicals. Office printers, building materials and furniture can emit pollutants that can affect workers and students over time. Besides a well-maintained ventilation system, portable air purifiers can help clean the air in schools and universities and for facility management.

Electrocorp's powerful RAP Series and Numerical Series air filtration systems feature activated carbon and HEPA filtersto remove a wide range of chemicals, fumes, odors and particles from the air.
Contact us for more information: Info@electrocorp.net.

Demand for purer air and water on the rise

Portable air cleaners like the
RAP Series are in demand.

Consumer demand in the US for water purification and air cleaning systems will increase 5.2% per year to US$1.7 billion in 2014, according to a new report.

This is a result of a projected rebound in consumer spending on durable goods and in residential construction spending, which both suffered during the 2007-2009 recession, says The Freedonia Group, Inc in its Consumer Water Purification & Air Cleaning Systems study.

Consumers will also have increasing concerns about the quality of the air and water in the home and increased awareness of the health and aesthetic benefits of these systems, it suggests. In general, the market size depends on the quality, or the perceived quality, of local tap water supplies. 

Water purification systems incorporating conventional filtration media accounted for the majority of demand for water systems in 2009, with 76% of sales value. Faster growth will be registered by higher-value reverse osmosis and distillation systems.

In 2009, point-of-use (POU) systems, which are installed at a single outlet, had the larger share of demand for water purification systems and sales of these types of systems are expected to grow faster through 2014, albeit from a very low base, due in part to the rebound of single family home construction.

Among air cleaners, conventional filtration systems accounted for the largest share of value demand with 47% in 2009, while electrostatic air cleaners, which often operate more quietly and efficiently, are projected to achieve faster gains through 2014.

Portable air cleaners accounted for the larger share of air cleaner sales in 2009 and sales of the cleaners are expected to continue to grow at a rate faster than that of whole-house air system sales.

Source: Filtration + Separation

Secondhand smoke in casinos a health risk, study reveals

Casinos: A gamble for money and health?

A new study by scientists from Stanford and Tufts universities published in the journal Environmental Research shows that indoor air pollution from secondhand smoke significantly increases health risks for casino patrons and workers.

Researchers tested the air quality in 66 smoky casinos in five U.S. states and three smoke-free casinos and compared their findings to the air quality outdoors.

The study focused on two types of pollutants – fine particulate matter, which can enter deep into the lungs, and a group of chemicals called particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs), which include at least 10 different carcinogenic compounds.

New study identifies health risks
of secondhand smoke in casinos.

The results show that people frequenting smoky casinos are exposed to particulate air pollution that is 10 times higher than those who go to smoke-free casinos. Even the non-smoking areas, including family areas where children spend their time, showed a pollution level seven times higher than outdoors, due to smoke seeping in.

The health threats caused by the poor indoor air quality include heart attacks and cancer. The secondhand smoke affects 50 million nonsmoking casino-goers and 400,000 casino workers each year.

Even just 2 hours of exposure to secondhand smoke in most of the casinos was enough to impair the heart’s ability to pump blood, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.

The study’s researchers raised red flags for children and seniors who are among the most vulnerable when it comes to health risks. Many casinos have started to offer more family activities in an effort to attract more gamblers.

According to the article, most casinos in the United States allow smoking, while smoke-free casinos remain rare. About 88 percent of commercial casinos and 100 percent of tribal casinos allow patrons to light up.

Source: Standford Report


Worried about the indoor air quality in your casino or establishment?

The 9400 CM can be mounted to the ceiling
to remove smoke particles and chemicals

Electrocorp offers air filtration systems for the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants and casinos. Recommended units include the 5000 and 6000 Series, 8000 Series, I-6500 Series and the 9400 CM (Ceiling Mount).


Our system’s deep beds of activated carbon + HEPA filter combinations and special carbon blends turn our air purification systems into some of the most effective air cleaners for smoke management and mitigation.

Contact us today for a customized product recommendation: 1-866-667-0297.

Schools plagued by air problems and carbon dioxide

Indoor air pollution affects the
learning ability of students.

When dozens of students sit in a closed-off classroom, breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide (CO2), then the air ventilation system better be good, or the CO2 levels will quickly rise.

In many schools, unfortunately, ventilation systems are in dire need of an upgrade or repairs, making elevated CO2 levels one of the most common problems in the school environment.

"Higher levels of carbon dioxide make a person sleepy and it also decreases their learning ability," said David Gettinger, a facilities manager, who was interviewed for An Eyewitness News Investigation about air quality in Indiana schools. "More carbon dioxide means there's not enough oxygen in the classroom and you don't think as straight."

Apart from CO2 levels, poor ventilation also means that other indoor pollutants such as mold spores, chemicals from art supplies, particles and odors are more concentrated and may affect the students.


Bad indoor air quality linked to poor academic performance

A study by chemical engineers at the University of Tulsa suggests that increasing classroom ventilation rates toward recommended guidelines translates into improved academic achievement.

Conversely, bad indoor air quality can lead to poor academic performance, more sick days and absenteeism and less productivity. Poor IAQ has also been linked with increased diagnoses of asthma and allergies.

Inferior indoor air quality naturally affects teachers and other personnel in schools as well.
Often, it’s up to parents, children and teachers to complain about the air quality before any kind of test or inspection is carried out.


Guidelines help facility managers control pollution levels

In the U.S., the guideline for CO2 levels in schools is based upon a recommendation from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

It sets the maximum CO2 limit for classrooms at no more than 700 ppm above the current carbon dioxide level of outside air. Because outdoor CO2 levels are usually in the 300-400 range, CO2 levels inside a school are considered elevated if they exceed 1100 ppm.

While fixing problems with the ventilation system often alleviates the problem, older ventilation systems may not be enough to supply students with an adequate amount of fresh air. 

Our air quality experts recommend using powerful air purifiers as well, either attached to the HVAC system or portable, free-standing units that can be plugged in and moved around according to need.

Suggested units for schools and universities include the RAP and RSU series and the 6000 Series for classrooms. Contact us today for more information.

Source: http://www.wthr.com/story/13966870/whats-in-the-air?clienttype=printable

Don’t ignore indoor air concerns at ice rinks

It’s the last thing owners, facility managers and users of ice rinks want to think about – poor IAQ at indoor ice skating rinks, perpetuated by the emissions from Zambonis and other machines as well as inadequate ventilation or safeguards.

But when you hear stories of entire hockey teams falling ill at a Rhode Island arena or more than 130 people suffering some form of carbon monoxide poisoning at an ice rink in Colorado, it soon becomes obvious that this is an issue that needs to be taken seriously.

Watch out for the air quality in ice arenas.
Photo by Sandtrooper (own work)

Lack of regulations in arenas

Most North American states and provinces do not regulate indoor air quality at ice rinks and sports centers.
Most air quality issues are caused by ice-resurfacing machines, or Zambonis, and ice edgers running on gasoline, natural gas or propane. Electric machines do not contribute to IAQ problems.

The machines can cause high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are life-threatening gases in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas and can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the concentration level.


Poisonous gases a threat to rink users

There may be an indoor air concern in the arena near you if you notice the following symptoms after spending time in one:

• Headaches
• Breathing problems
• Nausea, fatigue, vertigo, disorientation
• Increased heart beat
• Vision loss
• Stomach pains

Exposure to NO2, a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive gas, causes a slight irritation to the lungs and throat, but the effects worsen after 48 hours and can include fluid and bleeding in the lungs. Weaker lungs increase the chances of getting pneumonia and developing long-term breathing problems.

The pollutant level is highest just after the resurfacing machine has gone through. Athletes are at a greater risk because their activity level makes them breathe in large amounts of harmful gases.

People should be extra careful at tournaments or competitions when the ice is resurfaced more often than usual.

Facility managers need to control IAQ at ice rinks

There are many ways ice skating facilities can ensure safe levels of indoor air pollutants.

1. Be knowledgeable about potential safety hazards and IAQ problems
2. Educate workers on their role in protecting users (espec. Children) and IAQ; let occupants know that they should pay attention to warning signs, inform arena management and consult a medical professional
3. Set up carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility
4. Schedule regular tune-ups and emission-checks for the ice-resurfacing machines 
5. Install a state-of-the-art exhaust system that pumps fresh air into the arena and locker rooms
6. Use an industrial-strength air purifier in spaces where IAQ is of particular importance, e.g. in public areas and locker rooms
7. Check the ventilation systems regularly. Problems are often easily fixed, but they have to be detected first
8. Establish procedures and guidelines on what to do with complaints and how to handle emergency situations
9. The International Ice Hockey Federation recommends two ventilation units in arenas, one over the skating rink and one in public areas

Questions or concerns? Talk to one of our air quality experts toll free at 1-866-667-0297.

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/icearenas.html
http://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/117219963_Zambonis_clear_the_ice__then_rinks_clear_the_air.html?page=all

Protect yourself from explosive chemicals

Minimize risks when working with chemicals.

Remember the chemical disaster in Bophal, India, in the 1980s or the 2008 Bayer CropScience explosion in the U.S.?
For industries and laboratories that handle toxic chemicals, there is a constant threat of dangerous developments and near-accidents.
The National Academies Press says that “prudent execution of experiments requires not only sound judgment and an accurate assessment of the risks involved in laboratory work, but also the selection of appropriate work practices to reduce risk and protect the health and safety of the laboratory workers as well as the public and the environment.”

Be extra careful when dealing with chemicals
They outline four fundamental principles that all laboratory workers dealing with chemicals should keep in mind:

• Plan ahead. Determine the potential hazards associated with an experiment before beginning it.
• Minimize exposure to chemicals. Do not allow laboratory chemicals to come in contact with skin. Use laboratory hoods and other ventilation devices to prevent exposure to airborne substances whenever possible.
• Do not underestimate risks. Assume that any mixture of chemicals will be more toxic than its most toxic component. Treat all new compounds and substances of unknown toxicity as toxic substances.
• Be prepared for accidents. Before beginning an experiment, know what specific action to take in the event of the accidental release of any hazardous substance. Know the location of all safety equipment and the nearest fire alarm and telephone, and know what telephone numbers to call and whom to notify in the event of an emergency. Be prepared to provide basic emergency treatment. Keep your co-workers informed of your activities so that they can respond appropriately.

I-6500 series

Electrocorp has developed a range of air purifiers for laboratory workers, including the RAP series, the RSU series, the I-6500 series and Fume Hoods. Where high concentrations of flammable vapors (according to the MSDS) pose a threat of ignition, the I-6500 Explosion Proof promises to keep things safe.  It removes the toxic chemicals from the air and comes with explosion proof motor and switch, an after-filter housing, special carbon blends and particle filtration. The unit must be hard-wired by a certified electrician.

Traveling? Take note of the indoor air quality in your hotel

Poor indoor air quality is a common complaint in public lodging establishments such as hotels, apartments and motels. 

Websites like tripadvisor feature many warnings by concerned hotel guests about issues such as poor housekeeping and mold. A search for “mold” brought up hotels in the U.S., Italy, Taiwan, Mexico and Thailand.

Hotels often suffer from poor indoor air quality because they have a greater density of people per square foot than office or apartment buildings and cannot control environmental conditions in rooms.

Hotel guests can be sensitive to mold and mildew

Mold spores are a natural part of the environment and they will settle down and thrive when they find a spot with enough moisture or humidity. Many people will notice a bad smell in rooms that harbour mold.

According to mold remediation professionals, typical causes for mold in hotels or motels are deficient air conditioning systems and air and water leaks in the building walls. Most hotel rooms have little fresh air exchange and let mold and bacteria thrive in an environment of vinyl wall paper and shower steam.

Reported health problems to mold exposure include breathing difficulties, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal ailments, skin rashes, severe allergic reactions and neurological damage.  

Mold growth a costly concern in public lodgings

Mold problems not only turn off visitors, they can also be expensive. Insurance companies are catching on to an increase in mold claims and are raising their prices accordingly.

When a hotel in Hawaii had to close 453 rooms in 2004 to take care of a mold problem, the estimated cost for finding the source of the mold and removing it was $10 million.

Thankfully, more and more hotel administrators and public health authorities are addressing mold abatement concerns. For example, the Florida Department of Health  has set up a division where people can call or write in to lodge complaints about indoor air quality in hotels and motels.

Industrial air cleaners offer additional protection against the effects of mold

If a mold problem already exists, an industrial-strength air purifier is an important tool in the mold abatement process. Improper clean-up practices may result in health and liability issues, especially if hazardous materials are released in the air and contaminate neighboring areas.

For a list of powerful air scrubbers, click here. Electrocorp has designed industrial air cleaners for the hospitality industry.

In terms of mold prevention and improvement of overall experience, hotel owners and managers are starting to make improved indoor air quality, air exchange systems and other IAQ services a priority.

Some hotels have realized that better, cleaner air is an important part of their business and even offer a free-standing indoor air purifier in certain rooms, on top of well-maintained ventilation systems. The best air cleaners feature a combination of activated carbon, HEPA and a UV light to remove odors, chemicals, gases, particles, dust, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air.

Hotels are in the business of keeping customers happy. The more people realize the dangerous effects of mold and demand rooms with top indoor air quality, the more hotels will listen and act accordingly.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and the best air cleaners for your hotel, motel, inn or hospitality business.
  

When buildings make you sick

Because of modern building materials and airtight constructions, the indoor air quality (IAQ) in many commercial buildings can have an adverse effect on people’s health and productivity.

This building sickness has been termed “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS) and its cause cannot easily be identified.



Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome:

- Headache
- Eye, nose or throat irritation
- Dry cough
- Dry or itchy skin
- Dizziness and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to odors

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these complaints can stem from other causes, including allergies and other illnesses, but studies show that symptoms may be caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality.

What to do when you suspect Sick Building Syndrome

Step 1
Identify possible causes
Sick Building Syndrome has been associated with environments that feature inadequate ventilation. Does your building have a ventilation system and does it provide enough clean, outdoor air for every person in the room? Familiarize yourself with the recommended ventilation standards by organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Building sickness can also be caused by chemical pollution released by building materials and furnishings in the building. Examples include adhesives, carpeting, copy machines and cleaning agents. Many modern-day products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. Often, chemical pollutants also enter the building from the outside, through poorly placed air intake vents.
Another possible cause for sick building syndrome is biological in nature. Bacteria, molds and viruses plague many interior spaces, and they thrive in moist and humid environments.
Keep these possible causes in mind during the initial walk-through.

Step 2
Introduce measures to improve indoor air quality
Source control: If the source of the pollution has been identified, you can take the appropriate steps toward removal and future protection. These steps depend on the specific problem in the building and may include periodic cleaning and maintenance of the filters in heating and air conditioning systems, fixing water leaks promptly as well as repairing any affected materials and using less pollutant products or limiting exposure to building occupants.
Ventilation: See above.
Air cleaning: EPA recommends using an air purification system as an adjunct to the two previous measures to capture smaller particles as well as chemicals and gaseous pollutants that are floating through the air. Many industrial and commercial settings have specific requirements when it comes to cleaning the air. You can find the right air purification system for offices, printing environments, workshops and other applications on Electrocorp's website.

Step 3
Collect information about indoor air quality
It’s better to know too much than to be ignorant, right? There are many useful resources out there that can help sort out your indoor air quality problems, provide odor control solutions and make workplaces healthier. Standards often change and air quality tests can provide helpful information.

Minerals in new building materials reduce indoor air pollution

A groundbreaking new method using minerals in particleboard could significantly reduce formaldehyde emissions indoors.
Formaldehyde, one of the many VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that have been classified as dangerous to human health by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), can be found in the adhesives that are commonly used for gluing particleboard. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pressed wood products that use adhesives with urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins are one of the most significant sources of formaldehyde in homes.

Formaldehyde emissions reduced
According to an article published in January 2011 on the website ScienceDaily, researchers in Germany have developed a new method using mineral compounds with zeolites that were modified with amino groups to boost adsorption rates. When they put the zeolite powder into the sample particleboard, they measured a reduction in formaldehyde emissions of 40 percent in both long-term and short-term tests.
This technology could potentially reduce indoor air pollutant levels, the researchers say.

Air purifiers with carbon filter remove VOCs from the air
The development of the mineral compound method is great news for the improvement of indoor air, but until it is commercialized and available for builders and contractors, it’s up to powerful air purifiers with highly adsorbent activated carbon to remove VOCs such as formaldehyde from the air.

Electrocorp offers a wide range of commercial and industrial air purifiers, and if you are looking for powerful air filtration units for the home or office, check out AllerAir’s assortment of units.

Bed bugs: Cleaning up after the cleanup

Firm fined, ordered to clean up homes it treated with hazardous chemicals to combat bed bugs

Sometimes, doing wrong comes back to bite you.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Jan. 31 fined a pest control company $860,000 for using hazardous pesticides to combat bed bugs in residential homes.
TVF Pest Control used dangerous chemicals in at least 50 homes in the first half of 2010, according to the report in The Jersey Journal.

Pesticides not approved for indoor use
The DEP investigation found that the company used Malathion and Carbaryl in the homes, even though the two pesticides have not been approved for indoor use. They can be absorbed through the skin and cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, muscle twitching and vomiting.

Exposure has been linked to chronic health effects
Pesticides are among the most widely used chemicals in the world, and also among the most dangerous to human health, as said by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. Exposure to pesticides can lead to chronic health effects. In this case, the firm used two widely used insecticides that are deployed in agriculture and residential landscaping. They should not have been used indoors, and it’s sad to think that the residents of these 50 homes were exposed to them in the first place.

Health organizations warn against using pesticides to treat bed bugs
The US Environmental Protection Agency recently released a stark warning against using pesticides to treat bed bugs, saying it is dangerous for humans and doesn't solve the problem.

Companies that use any kinds of chemicals inside of buildings have to make sure that the air is clean and not laced with dangerous contaminants. Industrial-strength air purifiers from Electrocorp have been used successfully by contractors in various applications.

Contact us today for a customized product recommendation: 1-866-667-0297