There is a lot of talk in recent years about the concept of a "sick building". Obviously, buildings don't get sick. What this term refers to is a buildings ability to make its residents sick. This can happen for a variety of reason, but generally it all boils down to indoor air pollution which some people have allergic reactions to. The amount of indoor pollution depends on the materials a home is constructed with and how much ventilation it has.

I am not a doctor by any means, and have no idea why more and more people are having allergic reactions to their homes. But if you are a sensitive type, or have a compromised immune system, it might be a good idea to give some thought to avoiding sources of indoor pollution.

Some indoor air pollution comes from heating systems. Furnace ducts can become dusty or even moldy. When air blows through them it can spread mite feces and mold spores throughout the home. As disgusting as this sounds it is actually quite common. Ducts should be cleaned at least once a year, or anytime you notice a feeling of stuffed up sinuses whenever your furnace is on.

Laminate flooring, counter tops and cupboards can be the source of some problems as well. Formaldehyde and adhesives used to preserve and hold together particle or fiber-board can gas-off toxic fumes. These fumes can result in headaches and an overall weakened immune system. New carpets often produce these fumes, as well as harboring more dust than other floors. To avoid these fumes, choose natural flooring such as wood or tile, install tile or granite counters, and look for cupboards made of real wood instead of pressed-board.

There are a lot of chemical additives that are used to treat things like upholstery fabrics. If you find yourself getting head-aches ever since you got new living-room furniture and drapes, it could be from the flame retardant and stain resistant chemicals that these products are often treated with. Some manufacturers are now choosing safer, less toxic flame-retardants, and if you suspect you are sensitive, it might be best to look for these alternatives.

If you are planning to paint your home, look for low VOC paints. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, toxic chemicals which, again, can gas-off into the air. Low VOC paints are just that, paints made with few or no toxic compounds.

Sometimes, the building materials mentioned above are hard to avoid. In cases like this, ventilation may help. If you are moving into a brand-new home, try to give the home some time to release all its gasses before you move right in. Leave the doors and windows open as often as possible. Keep a fan on even when you aren't there. If you feel like you need extra help, look into the variety of air purifying devices available. These measures will help minimize the amount of indoor air pollution in your home.

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With the number of people suffering from asthma and other breathing problems increasing weekly it is important that you know just how many indoor pollutants there are in your home. Years ago people believed that just by keeping your home clean you were getting rid of anything harmful that could cause you to be ill, this is not the case today. There are many different things that can all contribute to illness and breathing problems and they are polluting the air you breath inside the cleanest homes constantly.

If you suffer from breathing difficulties or someone in your family does you might be shocked to learn just how many pollutants could be lurking in your home such as:

-Dust mites: These tiny microscopic creatures live in bed mattresses, fabric and carpets all around your home and they feed on human and pet skin, discarded food particles and any other organic products in your home. Dust mites then produce faeces which are inhaled and can be a major irritant for people who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems.

-Pet dander: This is basically pet dandruff which is produced much in the same way that human dandruff is produced. However as animals groom themselves they will get saliva onto their fur and skin and this contains protein which can produce allergic reactions in some people.

-Cockroach droppings: These can induce allergic reactions in certain people and as they mix with other irritants they can become even more potent.

-Mold: Mold thrives in damp, warm conditions and will grow at an alarming rate if left alone. Mold produces spores which are tiny and can float in the air which means they can easily be breathed in. Certain types of mold are actually poisonous so if you have a mold problem in your home you should get it treated as soon as possible to avoid any major problems.

-Tobacco smoke: Everyone knows how dangerous tobacco is and it makes sense not to allow people to smoke in your home as passive smoking can be deadly. If you smoke yourself make an effort to do it outside so that you do not pollute the air in your home for yourself and others.

-Radon: This is a naturally occurring gas which can be sucked into house through the basement and can lead to lung cancer. Get your home checked to see if there is any radon present.

-Carbon monoxide: This is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that is produced in appliances that use combustion such as air conditioners and heating. CO poisoning can kill so you should fit CO detectors in your home to alert you to any potential leaks.

-Pollen: This can get into your house and aggravate certain conditions such as hay fever and asthma. When the pollen levels are high in your area make sure that you keep doors and windows closed and if possible have your air conditioning on to eliminate the risk of pollen.

One of the best ways to combat pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings make sure that you clean all surfaces including upholstery regularly and change bed sheets each week. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system - this will eliminate 99.995% of all airborne particles from the air - keeping you healthy. Invest in a HEPA vacuum which will trap all particles caught in carpets and upholstery, you can then safely dispose of them in the trash.

Contact your local HVAC technician for advice on making your air conditioner pollutant proof and help you with any aspect of improving your air quality. HVAC technicians work with residential and commercial properties and will work with you to bring you a clean air solution that meets your needs.

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Tom Lehrer on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Lehrer/e/B000AQ1ECM/ref=ntt_dp_mus_hqp

Again, Lehrer was ahead of his time. Pollution was not a hot topic in the sixties. But if Lehrer thought the world was polluted many years ago, I really wonder what he thinks today.

Music video by Beck performing The New Pollution
with Beck Hansen [Video Director], Bart Lipton [Video Producer], Eric Zumbrunnen [Video Editor]
(C) 1996 Geffen Records

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The ants' perspective of how human beings have forgotten their place in the universe.

For more information visit:
http://www.pinkyshow.org/

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from rockstar movie

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Unbelievably, the air within modern homes can be upwards of five times more polluted than outdoor air. When you also consider that we can spend up to ninety percent of our lives indoors, the term sick building syndrome should require little explanation. Outside air, unlike inside, is recycled repeatedly with pollutants such as tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, dust and pet dander all adding towards asthma and allergies.

There are various symptoms associated with so called sick building syndrome including sinus congestion, watery or itchy eyes, headaches, lethargy, lack of concentration and nausea. However, because several of these symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, it is not always easy to ascertain if indoor pollution is the cause or if it is because of some form of virus.

If you find that, the symptoms fade when you outside, you should try to discover inside air sources, which might be possible causes and endeavour to get rid of them. As luck would have it, indoor air pollution is one health hazard that you can do something about.

Here are seven easy measures you can take to improve the air quality in your home.

1. Banish Smoking Inside the Home

Ideally, you should ban smoking anywhere inside the home but if this is not possible, try to confine it to one place. In our case, if friends or family, who are also smokers, visit, they are either banished to the back yard or the kitchen area. If you have an extractor fan installed in the kitchen, make sure that it is turned on and try to have smokers stand reasonably close to the fan so that the fumes are sucked out.

2. Open Your Windows Once In a While

If it is not freezing cold or blowing a gale outside, let some outdoor air in by opening your windows and doors every now and then. Doing so will also remove some of the pollutants that have built up within your house.

3. Chuck out Those Chemical Cleaners

If you have ever taken the time to study the labels on household cleaning products, most of them will include a warning about how harmful the chemicals are for your health or skin. Every time you use that product, fumes from whatever is in the bottle are released into the air for you to inhale. I have quite often started coughing after spraying counter tops with so called anti-bacterial cleaner. Not any longer though, as my natural housecleaning products of choice are now baking soda, washing soda, vinegar and pure lemon juice. These are all non-toxic, environmentally friendly and can tackle the majority of cleaning chores, either separately or combined with one another.

4. Clean and Dust Your Home on a Regular Basis

Although it might seem obvious to some folks, regularly vacuuming your carpets and flooring can go a long way in controlling airborne allergens and dust. It is claimed that some 70% of all household dust is composed of dead skin, which we humans shed day in and day out. Dust mites in turn feed upon the dead skin that falls from our bodies. They then grow and shed their own skin and it is this together with their faeces that cause allergic reactions in people.

5. Pet Dander Triggers Allergies

If you have a family pet, they will shed dander that can trigger allergies and asthma. Something needs to be done if you suspect that either you or another household member is allergic to pet dander. Ideally, it is best to keep pets out of the house altogether although that is seldom possible. As a viable alternative, try to restrict the rooms that the pet is allowed into. One definite area to keep them out of is the bedroom.

6. Reduce Indoors Air Humidity

If the climate where you live is either very humid or just plain damp (as in too much rainfall), you will no doubt be aware of just how much moisture levels within your house can increase. This excessive moisture or humidness is the ideal breeding conditions for mold. For anyone with allergies, mold spores can cause as many health problems as airborne dust. Dehumidifiers can be a godsend in a humid environment since they are capable of removing excess dampness from the surrounding air; thereby keeping mold and the resulting spores at bay.

7. Get an Indoor Air Purifier

Home air purifiers or room air cleaners do as their name suggests and clean the air of pollutants and allergens such as mold spores, pollen, cigarette smoke and pet dander. Besides being used to reduce the concentration of these airborne contaminants, they are especially useful for people who suffer from allergies and asthma attacks. Air purifiers and room air cleaners are quickly increasing in popularity because they make indoor air healthier and cleaner.

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Pollution!!!
Awesome pics of our earth. It is so awful to destroy ourselves. I am sure that this video will receive negative comments and will NOT go on the most viewed list because it says the true. Our future is on our hands. WE MUST SAVE EARTH!!!
Pollution IS killing of animals.

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Pollution , the modern killer, is very openly playing death-game in Asia and Africa. India has been becoming the worst victim of it. People’s physical and biological needs make the Indian several times a day aware that India is very much a part of Nature. But to day the conflict between Indian and Nature has reached a critical stage. The U.N. O. has disclosed the evils of pollution as disease, dirt, hunger, flood, famine and malnutrition that has been threatening life in India. The urban life, with it’s emphasis on unplanned and unscientific organised industrial activity, unplanned development of township, abrupt deforestation and fumes and smoke have been contributing to a crisis in life of India. It influences our thinking, culture, and behaviour. The importance of clear

surroundings has seen supplemental by economics of industry. In industrial cities, people drink putrefied sewage water. Less than 5% of population has treated-water for drinking. Mercury poisoning comes from pesticides, insecticides,. the use of chemical fertilizers and industrial wastes. The western countries have to shoulder the lion’s share of polluting the fabric of 3rd.world countries. Their up-going development, growth of civilisation, aware of their own environment along with high lure and last for consumption have drove the last nail in the coffin of Indian environment. They themselves do not produce health-hazarding and poisoning products in their own country , but in the countries of 3rd world. The hopeless, innocent people of India harvest the poison that West and America germinate to have their elixir. The Swedish scientists , of late, have researched that indiscriminate use of Nitrogen based fertiliser, that is used to get more harvest, pollutes the environment in a very high dose. The experts of the globe fear lung and skin cancer, bronchitis, cardiac problem, diabetics, mental disorder ,and lead poisoning will attack

India such an increasing rate within 25 to 30 years , that no measure will be adequate to save the country from oncoming attack of diseases come as an epidemic .India has introduced new technology that creates problem but not the institutions for controlling or checking. Now the hopeless Indian and people of poor countries only await their hard –fate and are exposed to be easy prey of painful death. There may have some laws and salaried men to impose those laws . May have some fund also to protect people and to prevent the mush-rooming of unplanned industries and town-ship, but where goes only God knows. There are Industrial Safety Department, Safety Officer and laws & rules but where do they operate is not known to ordinary Indians. The Indian people run the risk of consuming poison

through vegetables and food grains, they earn in return of hard toil.

Now the State Governments of the country invite the private investors and industrialists to set up new plants and industries almost in return of nothing. That is another aspect of Government. We have nothing to say in this respect In what easy and embracing terms and conditions they are called is also the business of the people of United States of India to know, but now, ‘ pollution and health hazard are the need of the day, the cry of the soul of the Indian people. The Central and State Governments jointly have been ignoring the advice and warning both ,though they know well that the common people can’t effort to fly to abroad for their own or kiths and kin’s treatment.

The most staggering matter is that India has not any fruitful Health Policy after having been freed from British bondage of hundred years and has failed to set up a solid infrastructure in sixty years, with which she can fight out the odd. None can imagine in any civilised country that dogs, cats and boars share the bed of the dead-tired patients. The new born baby is lifted or snatched by either dogs or flesh- eating animals. The government hospital refuses the ill-patient to admit ,if not is bribed. This is the democracy of the common people of free India. The dead must commit suicide if will be told to take rebirth in this volatile country. The government hospitals are death-trap. Once, one enters on his own foot must comes out on four shoulders. The fortunate few, who have got the key to enter the world of all-gots, get the chance of curing head-ache in abroad.

Now all those taking pave for not that India is a poor country, or her natural resources are limited. India, in true sense, is richer than most other countries in the world That’s why she has been snatched of her wealth form the Muslim period. The proper planning, just utilisation of her natural resources, honest thinking for her citizen, love for country and open-hearted fore sighting political leaders are lacked in the country . The men on the top forget that human force is the root strength of a nation. They go to China, or Japan, write article being enthusiastic on their opposite summersault but never think to implement that design. Not that they are idiot, but intensely greedy, selfish, and remain busy to reap their own ends.

The rotten place is here; where from the corruption is started.. The other countries have been trying utmost to fight against pollution , to eradicate it and to de -pollute the environment. Where as Indian Pathfinders are seeking chance to criminalise the politics and politicalise the criminality.

None can escape the demand of time. Indian people are timid ,endurable, calm in nature. They have dog-like endurance, horse like loyalty, but to certain extent. Every thing has had its last limit. They will not convince themselves that pollution is a God given ill luck and judgement for long..

By: sunilchatterjee

About the Author:

The great debate of the 21st century is whether or not you believe that global warming is occurring or whether you believe that the planet is cooling. No matter what side of the fence you are on, there is no doubt that the actions of humans are generating a tremendous amount of greenhouse gases. The burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas is having a negative effect on our planet. The long term environmental, social and economic effects that these greenhouse gasses cause will be catastrophic to our planet if not controlled.

It's Everyone's Problem.

In the highly industrialized nations, most people don't want to give up their high standards of living in order to reduce greenhouse gasses. Developing countries feel it is their right to raise their standard of living, despite the cost. Underdeveloped countries are paying the price for high standards of living with polluted and contaminated ground water.

Until everyone realizes that the changes to this planet from pollution affect the entire planet, reversing the pollution problem will be difficult. Everyone needs to cooperate and learn ways to reduce energy consumption and to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they emit.

As a business owner, the benefits of these reductions are many. The biggest benefit is that they save money in the long run, adding to your profitability. More energy efficient practices can often increase productivity, and going "green" often generates more business from people wishing to help the environment.

Maintenance as a Way to Save Money

One of the most basic ways to save energy is by properly maintaining your equipment. Dirty equipment often uses more energy to run and results in higher operating costs. Simple acts such a vacuuming air vents on appliances and computers, and cleaning dust from light bulbs can save energy and money. Major cleaning, even if it needs to be contracted out, can save enough money to offset the cost.

Routine maintenance will also prolong the life of your equipment, help them operate more efficiently, be less likely to break down, and keep them out of landfills longer.

Staff Cooperation

If your business has employees, the better they understand how the business runs the better they are able to see how properly maintaining equipment can save energy and money. Getting employees involved in being "green" to help the planet, will ultimately help your bottom line. Have employees suggest ways in which energy and resources can be saved. Reward employees who demonstrate a willingness to participate in energy savings practices.

Suggested Maintenance Tasks

There are thousands of tips and tricks that can be implemented to reduce your businesses energy consumption. Listed here is a starting point of simple maintenance tasks the can be implemented at little or no cost.

Thermostats

One of the easiest ways to save money on heating and cooling costs is to install a programmable thermostat. Once installed, regularly check the adjustments to be sure they are properly set for the time of day, the season and for daylight savings time (if applicable.

Hot water heaters

For peak efficiency, hot water heaters should be cleaned and drained on a regular basis. Buildup of hard water minerals inside the hot water heater reduces efficiently. Replacing an old hot water heater with a modern Energy Star rated unit will pay for its self in a short amount of time.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

Often neglected, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system should be checked on a regular basis. Preventative maintenance is a way to keep the system in top operating condition and lowers the cost of operation. An added benefit is that clean duct work prevents the build-up of mold and allergens that can cause respiratory problems and lost days of work.

Water Leaks

Water Leaks can be costly. Toilets and faucets that leak can not only waste water, but add considerable costs to the water bill. Monitoring the water bill can often pick up increased water usage caused by a less obvious leak.

Refrigeration Units

Regular cleaning of refrigerator coils will allow refrigeration units to operate more efficiently. In dusty environments, this preventative maintenance should be done more frequently. Another area to check is the door seals. Place a piece of paper between the door and the gasket. If the paper slips out easily, it's time to check the seal. Another energy saving tip is to leave space between the refrigerator and the wall to allow for adequate ventilation of the motor.

Mechanical Equipment

All mechanical equipment such as power tools, compressors, and any equipment that operates with a motor should be checked on a regular basis. Hoses, valves, drains, relief valves, drive belts, hoses and fittings should be under a routine maintenance schedule. Again this prolongs the life of the equipment, allows them to function at peak performance and may even prevent an injury that results in lost time from work.

Motor Vehicles

It goes without saying that motor vehicles should be serviced on a regular basis. In service vehicles, remove all unnecessary supplies. Added weight in a vehicle results in more fuel consumption.

The Bottom Line

"To keep business equipment well maintained, a comprehensive maintenance schedule should be established. Having an energy audit will be of significant help in determining ways to save energy.

"Regular maintenance will reduce operating expenses.

"Properly maintained equipment will result in a safer work environment and less time loss from work due to injury or ill health.

"Running a business in an energy efficient way will reduce operating expenses.

"Employees will be happier and more productive in a safe well maintained environment.

By: Beverly Saltonstall

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Green Living Guide