Toxic Mold Syndrome Also Known As Sick Building Syndrome

Toxic mold syndrome can manifest itself in many different ways. Some of the symptoms associated with toxic mold include such things as itchy, watery eyes, being well when you are away from the building, pregnancy problems and incidences of cancer. The list of symptoms is quite far ranging and shows that they can be associated with other health problems as well. This is why it is often hard for doctors to diagnose toxic mold syndrome and why it is necessary to look at measures for decontamination and remediation.

Toxic mold syndrome can sometimes be called sick building syndrome. This is because the building is what is making people sick. Although you may not be able to see, feel or smell anything, the building may still have symptoms of toxic mold and this is what is making you feel miserable. Unless the owners of the building undertake to do toxic mold decontamination and remediation, the syndrome will continue to worsen. You probably wont even realize that you have symptoms of sick building syndrome until you are away from the building for a while and then return.

Some of the things in office buildings that cause toxic mold syndrome are fungal mold spores that spread through the heating ducts. If you have a sensitivity to smells, you may be able to smell the toxic mold, but in most cases your co-workers dont smell it. This means that the company wont bother with toxic mold decontamination and remediation. The only way to get rid of the toxic mold that is causing the syndrome and your symptoms of illness is to take steps toward decontamination and remediation for toxic mold removal.

If the building is airtight or has a poor ventilation system, you have a greater chance of developing toxic mold syndrome. Another of the symptoms of toxic mold is stained ceiling tiles. This is because the tiles have gotten wet and mold has formed on the cardboard of the tiles. This is one of the most obvious signs that toxic mold decontamination and remediation should be a high priority for the health of those working there.

You may not think so, but when you have reason to believe you have toxic mold syndrome, there are actions you can take. You can take pictures of the stained tiles and make a complaint in writing to your supervisor. This puts a record on file that you have complained about the presence of the symptoms of toxic mold and that you are asking the company to do something about toxic mold decontamination and remediation. There are government agencies that deal in studies about toxic mold decontamination and remediation. They can also answer any questions you might have about toxic mold syndrome.

Of course, some of us live in areas where we get plenty of rain all year around, maybe even too much. However, in other areas water supplies can run low quickly, especially in summer.

So, it is all of our responsibilities to conserve this essential natural resource when we can. And even if we are a little careful with our water usage habits, we can make a big difference. Here is some advice on how you can conserve water around the home.

In the kitchen

* See if you can redirect waste water from the kitchen sink to the garden. Also, use a bowl when washing dishes so you don’t just leave the tap running.

* If you have a dishwasher wait until you have a full load and use the economy cycle, again reducing the amount of water used. Also before putting the dirty plates etc. into the dishwasher, scrape the leftovers into the bin rather than rinsing under the running tap.

* Wait until there is a full load before washing your dirty clothes and front loaders use less water than top loaders.

In the garden

* Water your garden early in the morning or just before sunset. This allows the water to be absorbed into the ground instead of evaporating in the hot sun if you water during the day. Also the water droplets left on the leaves from the watering can damage your plants if the sun is too hot, so better wait until it cools down.

* If you have directed your bathroom and kitchen water to the garden and connected to garden hoses around the garden, puncture the hoses with holes which will allow the water to filter out from various places instead of from one end only. This lets the water to penetrate to a deeper level and encourages the plant roots to grow longer and stronger, and therefore enhances the plants’ own search for water.

* Water sprinklers are time-savers but do use huge quantities of water if left on for long periods of time. It is said they use 300 650 litres of water an hour. If left on over night, thats a minimum of 2,400 litres! So, if you have to use them, please try only to use them for shorter periods of time and look for alternatives if possible.

* Rain water is a free, natural and easy source of water. Get a large tank or water butt and place it where the roof water from your home runs off. This will fill quickly in a big rain and provide a great source of water for the garden, or even for washing.

In the bathroom

* Flushing a toilet can use between 12 – 20 litres of water, so put a brick or a plastic bottle filled with water into the toilet cistern and this will reduce the water you use. Or you can install dual flush toilets where you can opt for a small or a large flush.

* Up to 4.5 litres of water is wasted when we brush our teeth because most people leave the tap running. Turn the tap off when cleaning your teeth or, even better, have a bottle of water and a glass near the basin and use these to rinse instead of running the tap every time you brush.

* Showers are much more environmentally friendly than baths. Even if you use the shower, you may still be able to reduce the amount of water you use. Install a low-flow shower head if you can get one. Also, spray taps release smaller amounts of water but do the same job as a normal tap and these can be fitted to your bathroom and kitchen sinks.

* Throw your rubbish in the bin and not down the toilet.

* Consider ways to get water from the shower to the garden and use this water for your plants.

These tips are not only directed at private households but to businesses as well. If you own or manage a business, or even if you feel your employer could do better when it comes to conserving water, try to use some of these methods at work. It is in all our interests that we have a plentiful and reliable supply of water.

If you introduce these habits and measures slowly into your routine you will find that it really will have no impact on your day-to-day life, but you will save a lot of water.

Bamboo is a unique alternative as a flooring option. Both beautiful and durable, bamboo floors can add beauty to any area of your home and can withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

Here are my top five reasons to choose bamboo flooring for your home:

1. Aesthetic Beauty

Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is actually a grass not a wood product. Because of this difference, bamboo has a different look than your typical hardwood floors. Color can be determined by the manufacturing process (length of time carbonized) and your typical order of bamboo flooring will be rather uniform in color and easy to match when installing. Also, staining is now possible for bamboo floors resulting in over thirty different styles and colors being available. With this many choices, youre sure to find something to perfectly fit your style.

2. Durability

Bamboo is not only beautiful, it is also quite durable. Bamboo has received hardness (strength) ratings higher than many hardwoods. In addition to its hardness rating, bamboo is also resilient. This means it bounces back after most impacts and doesnt dent. This resiliency is also better for your feet and back since the floor will tend to give slightly and not be so hard to walk on everyday.

3. Moisture Resistance

Bamboo is also a naturally water resistant material. In addition to its natural resistance, part of the manufacturing process includes lamination which increases its resistance to warping. Because of this moisture resistance, bamboo flooring can be used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms where hardwood and laminate floors shouldnt be used.

4. The Environmental Benefits

Bamboo is a sustainable material. This means it can easily and quickly be re-grown in a reasonably short time. Bamboo is typically harvested every four to five years without actually destroying the plant. Also, because of its resiliency, bamboo doesnt have to be refinished as often as hardwood. This cuts down on the chemicals necessary to maintain the floor.

5. Easy Cleaning

Bamboo floors, like most hard flooring materials, are easier to clean than carpet. No vacuum required, just a dust mop to keep things nice and clean. And, unlike tile, there is no grout to worry about keeping clean.

Summary

Bamboo is a great addition to any home. It is an eco-friendly, easy to maintain flooring material that can match any style you choose for your home.

One portable solar electricity generator we looked at comes in three different models. The first version is 12 amp AC with an inverter of 150 watts. The other two versions, both DC are either 12 or 30 amps. All these portable solar electricity power generators come with 20-foot long 12/2 cable and DC plugs for input. What are not included are batteries or modules.

These portable solar generators come factory tested and fully assembled. They are easy to use plug and go systems. The AC model has an inverter switch on the outside; they all come with PV module type accessories for mounting. Other features of these solar generators are 120 VAC sockets equipped with outdoor covers for the AC models. These same models also have 150-watt internal inverters.

You’ll always know the condition of your charge with these portable solar generators, thanks to their battery meters. Protective safety and durability features include separate fusion of all sockets, enclosures that are nonbreakable, rugged and resistant to weather and corrosion. The solar panels of these portable generators make them DC chargeable as well as friendly to the environment. Each of these made for your home power generators come with 2 DC sockets that can accommodate loads as high as 90 watts each.

This made for home portable power generator can be recharged from a solar module or an AC battery charger, an optional accessory. The unit is fully integrated and generators AC or DC electricity quietly. It is ideal for running lights, fans, laptops, and small televisions or power tools.

April is Earth Month, a time for people to stop and think about how they can do their part to help the environment.

According to Environmental Defense, a leading nonprofit organization committed to protecting the environment, the United States is ranked the No. 1 global warming polluter. What can you do to help change that? Here are some small steps that you can take every day toward becoming a more conscious consumer:

* Buy in bulk. It’s cheaper in the long run, and you buy more of the product and less of the packaging.

* Look at the businesses you buy from. Does your coffee shop recycle? Does your rental car agency have hybrids? Businesses take note of consumers’ questions; your inquiry could be the one to tip the scale and make a change.

* Make an appointment for the Earth. At participating Aveda salons, a minimum of $1 will be directed to Aveda’s Earth Month partners when customers make appointments for a haircut, style, massage or facial.

* Support your local farmers. Farmers’ markets are where some of the healthiest and freshest food can be found. By supporting farmers in your own community, you’re doing your own body good and cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions of food transportation.

* Recycle! Plastic comes from crude oil and paper comes from trees. By recycling just these two items in your household, you’re helping to save two of the Earth’s valuable resources and reducing your home’s carbon dioxide emissions.

* Pay your bills online. It saves stamps, paper, fuel for mail transport and ultimately saves you money.

* Purchase thoughtful gifts. Aveda’s limited edition Light the Way candle, for example, is made with certified organic rose geranium and helps support organic farms in South Africa. All proceeds from the candle will go to organizations working to save threatened and endangered species.

* Think “eco-fashion.” A number of designers are now using clothing materials that go beyond organic cotton, such as biodegradable fabrics and fibers made of recycled plastics.

* Spread the word. If you find a “green” product or company that you like, tell your friends. Consumers can use their collective purchasing power to spearhead change.