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Staff Reporter

EPA Fines Two Companies for Clean Water Violations at Hotel Construction Site in Luquillo, Puerto Rico

April 17, 2023 by Staff Reporter

April 17, 2023

PUERTO RICO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has taken an enforcement action against Northshore Management Corporation and Luquillo Hotel Company, LLC for failure to comply with permit notification requirements under the Clean Water Act. The companies will pay a total fine of $30,000 for the violations, which were related to the construction of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel & Casino project in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

This penalty settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions taken to address violations from construction sites throughout the island. EPA considers it a priority to assure compliance with the Clean Water Act due to increased construction activity across Puerto Rico, especially in coastal areas.

“Companies must comply with the Clean Water Act. Compliance prevents waterways from being contaminated by stormwater runoff and pollutants from construction activities” said Regional Administrator, Lisa F. Garcia. “It is critical that operators of construction activities requiring permit coverage apply for and adhere to permit requirements to ensure environmental impacts to our natural resources are effectively minimized,” added Garcia.

Under the CWA and implementing regulations, operators of construction activities that propose to discharge into water bodies are required to obtain permits and to follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or to follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.

The companies failed to submit a Notice of Intent for coverage of its construction activities at the project under EPA’s permit requirements and failed to implement and maintain effective stormwater and erosion controls at the project, as required by regulations. The Luquillo Hotel Company failed to timely apply for stormwater permit coverage for its construction activities at the project and accordingly, discharged pollutants without authorization into wetlands. As part of EPA working with the businesses to address the violations, the two companies have worked to implement erosion and sediment controls as well as soil stabilization in areas of the project. As a result, Northshore Management Corporation and Luquillo Hotel Company reached substantial compliance with the environmental requirements.

For information about the EPA construction general permit, visit NPDES stormwater program at https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.  

23-039



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Coway Drops Limited-Edition Air Purifier Featuring Dreamy Abstract Art Designs by Korean Artist Haily Hills

April 17, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Only 540 units of these colorful art versions of the Airmega 250, one of Coway’s top-rated air purifier models, will be released

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Coway, a leading wellness tech company, today launched the Airmega 250 Art, an air purifier designed to function as an eye-catching art piece while efficiently clearing the air. This is a limited edition model, with just 540 total units available in three abstract designs that fit seamlessly with any space’s decor.

Home, office, or anywhere in between—the spaces where you breathe air are the spaces where clean air is important. The all-new Airmega 250 Art is designed for open spaces where loved ones or coworkers gather, and to help keep all of us breathing clean, fresh air 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

From colorful refrigerators to TVs in picture frames, appliances are being transformed into statement pieces to create visual interest for homes beyond typical wall art. For the homeowner or renter who wants to create a healthier living space without sacrificing style, Coway partnered with Korean artist Haily Hills to treat the air purifier as a canvas, combining functionality with great design. Hills is known for her abstract paintings that make use of natural materials as motifs, and has attracted over 125K fans on Instagram. Her colorful collection of pieces for the collaboration are inspired by elements in nature: Vanilla Sky, Green Breeze, and Pink Pebbles.

“I thought that Coway’s design philosophy – which emphasizes the design of natural materials – would be a meaningful match with the motif of nature in my work,” Hills said. “As the home serves as the healing space from a tough daily life for many people, I hope my artwork will contribute to this healing process.”

At $499, the Airmega 250 Art shares all the features of the award-winning Airmega 250, including a washable pre-filter, activated carbon filter and certified Green True  HEPA™ filter technology that helps consumers breathe safer and cleaner air. The filter can remove 99.97% of airborne particles, such as bacteria, fungi, mold and pollen. It also efficiently inactivates various harmful sources and removes 99.999%1 of nano-size particulate matter down to 0.01 micron, which is even smaller than viruses and bacteria. Noted for its remarkable power despite its small size, the Airmega 250 is a favorite model of Gear Patrol and Design Milk.

The Airmega 250 Art offers additional convenient features such as:

  • Real-time air quality indicator with LED color display
  • Smart modes (auto, sleep, eco) that automatically adjust the three-level fan speeds based on space’s air quality conditions
  • Rapid Mode that activates when air quality needs a boost, running at maximum power until the air quality is clean
  • Filter replacement indicators
  • Compact size (Dimensions: 19.7 x 18.5 x 8.3 inches)
  • Covers up to 881 ft² (82 m²) (2 air changes/hr.) / 1,762 ft²(164 m²)(1 air change/hr.), more than the average US apartment size

You can now purchase the Coway Airmega 250 Art exclusively at cowaymega.com.

About Coway
Our obsession with home health began in Korea in 1989. Today, Coway is proud to bring our award-winning products and home health expertise to the US with Coway Airmega air purifiers, Coway Bidetmega for bathrooms, and Coway Aquamega water purifiers. Since our founding, Coway has become a global leader in intensive research, engineering, and innovation, amassing 6,737 intellectual property rights in all.

The Coway R&D Center, an environmental technology research institute, has 434 researchers, developing technologies around all aspects of life. The center also serves as our environmental quality, design, and cosmetics institute. Whether researching billions of data points to document air quality, conducting hundreds of tests to create the perfect seat for every body shape, or employing twenty-three certified water sommeliers—when we say we’re obsessed with health, we mean it.  For more information, please visit https://cowaymega.com or http://newsroom.coway.com.

About Haily Hills
Haily Hills is a graphic designer and artist who has been active in Korea and abroad for more than 15 years. Her work has received international accolades such as the Red Dot Communication Design Award, IF Communication Award, and Asia Digital Art Award. Haily graduated from Seoul National University’s College of Fine Arts. For more, please visit https://www.hailyhills.com/.

1 Coway air purifiers has been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested in a 30m³ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2018 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum fan speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE Coway USA Inc.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

How to improve indoor air quality with your HVAC system

April 17, 2023 by Staff Reporter

An HVAC system, or a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, is an integral part of any indoor environment. It regulates temperature, humidity levels, and air quality within the home. An HVAC system collects air outside the building and circulates it through its various components. Depending on the season or required temperature, the air is filtered to remove dirt, debris, and allergens before being heated or cooled. Finally, the air is sent back into the room through ducts or vents to ensure it has been treated adequately before entering your home.

Using your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality can significantly reduce air pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. By taking a few vital steps, you can dramatically reduce the amount of these harmful particles in your home or office environment. Here are some excellent tips on how to do this:

Change your air filters regularly

Regularly changing your air filters is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Most air filters should be changed every three months to keep them functioning correctly and trapping dust, debris, and other particles. Check with your HVAC manufacturer for specific instructions regarding when and how often you should change your air filters.

Clean or replace the air ducts

Your HVAC system’s air ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing air filtering efficiency. It is essential to periodically clean or replace these ducts to ensure they work correctly and do not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Install a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA)

In addition to changing your air filters regularly, consider installing a HEPA filter on your HVAC system. HEPA filters are designed to trap even smaller particles than regular air filters, further improving indoor air quality. However, these filters can be expensive and require routine maintenance, so it is essential to do your research before investing in one.

Install an ultraviolet light system

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems can be installed on HVAC systems to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants. They are relatively affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent option for improving indoor air quality. However, UV lights should be used carefully as they may cause skin or eye damage if exposed directly.

Check for gas leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) and other gases can build up in the home due to faulty furnaces or appliances. To ensure these dangerous gases don’t accumulate in your home’s air supply, have a qualified technician check the furnace and other gas-powered appliances for leaks.

Use a dehumidifier

High humidity levels can create an environment where mold and other allergens thrive, leading to poor indoor air quality. To reduce these contaminants in your home, consider using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, thus creating an environment unsuitable for mold growth and other pollutants.

Use a professional HVAC installer

Using an HVAC installer to install and maintain your HVAC system can ensure your system is running efficiently and effectively. Professional HVAC installers have the knowledge and experience to properly install, inspect, and maintain your system to meet your home’s comfort needs.

When you hire an HVAC installer, they can advise you on using your HVAC system most effectively. An experienced installer will also be able to diagnose any issues with your system quickly and accurately before they become significant problems. Furthermore, a professional installer will be up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and can incorporate them into your system if needed.

In addition, an HVAC installer can provide energy-saving tips that can help reduce energy costs while still keeping your home comfortable. They can show you how specific settings or techniques may maximize efficiency or conserve more energy over time. A professional installer may even suggest products that can improve air quality within the home by reducing allergens or other contaminants in the air supply.

A reputable HVAC installer should always provide warranties for their quality and any parts they install or use during maintenance or repairs. This type of guarantee ensures that the warranty covers any unexpected repairs or replacements should they arise in the future.

Using an experienced HVAC installer provides peace of mind knowing that someone with expertise is taking care of your HVAC system. With their help, you’ll have more confidence knowing that your unit is running at peak performance levels while saving money on energy costs and promoting improved indoor air quality for you and your family. 

Visit https://www.meadowair.com/cooling/professional-ac-replacement-in-arizona to find more information about HVAC installers in AZ. 

Conclusion

Following these simple tips, you can use your HVAC system to significantly improve the air quality inside your home or office. Not only will this reduce pollutants and allergens, but it could also improve overall comfort by making your living space more pleasant and healthy. Regular maintenance and upgrades to your HVAC system may also improve energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Caring for and maintaining your HVAC system ensures it works at peak performance while improving indoor air quality. The result could be a healthier living space with fewer allergies, fewer contaminants, and improved comfort all year round.

How to improve indoor air quality with your HVAC system

An HVAC system, or a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, is an integral part of any indoor environment. It regulates temperature, humidity levels, and air quality within the home. An HVAC system collects air outside the building and circulates it through its various components. Depending on the season or required temperature, the air is filtered to remove dirt, debris, and allergens before being heated or cooled. Finally, the air is sent back into the room through ducts or vents to ensure it has been treated adequately before entering your home.

Using your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality can significantly reduce air pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. By taking a few vital steps, you can dramatically reduce the amount of these harmful particles in your home or office environment. Here are some excellent tips on how to do this:

Change your air filters regularly

Regularly changing your air filters is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Most air filters should be changed every three months to keep them functioning correctly and trapping dust, debris, and other particles. Check with your HVAC manufacturer for specific instructions regarding when and how often you should change your air filters.

Clean or replace the air ducts

Your HVAC system’s air ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing air filtering efficiency. It is essential to periodically clean or replace these ducts to ensure they work correctly and do not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Install a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA)

In addition to changing your air filters regularly, consider installing a HEPA filter on your HVAC system. HEPA filters are designed to trap even smaller particles than regular air filters, further improving indoor air quality. However, these filters can be expensive and require routine maintenance, so it is essential to do your research before investing in one.

Install an ultraviolet light system

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems can be installed on HVAC systems to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants. They are relatively affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent option for improving indoor air quality. However, UV lights should be used carefully as they may cause skin or eye damage if exposed directly.

Check for gas leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) and other gases can build up in the home due to faulty furnaces or appliances. To ensure these dangerous gases don’t accumulate in your home’s air supply, have a qualified technician check the furnace and other gas-powered appliances for leaks.

Use a dehumidifier

High humidity levels can create an environment where mold and other allergens thrive, leading to poor indoor air quality. To reduce these contaminants in your home, consider using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, thus creating an environment unsuitable for mold growth and other pollutants.

Use a professional HVAC installer

Using an HVAC installer to install and maintain your HVAC system can ensure your system is running efficiently and effectively. Professional HVAC installers have the knowledge and experience to properly install, inspect, and maintain your system to meet your home’s comfort needs.

When you hire an HVAC installer, they can advise you on using your HVAC system most effectively. An experienced installer will also be able to diagnose any issues with your system quickly and accurately before they become significant problems. Furthermore, a professional installer will be up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and can incorporate them into your system if needed.

In addition, an HVAC installer can provide energy-saving tips that can help reduce energy costs while still keeping your home comfortable. They can show you how specific settings or techniques may maximize efficiency or conserve more energy over time. A professional installer may even suggest products that can improve air quality within the home by reducing allergens or other contaminants in the air supply.

A reputable HVAC installer should always provide warranties for their quality and any parts they install or use during maintenance or repairs. This type of guarantee ensures that the warranty covers any unexpected repairs or replacements should they arise in the future.

Using an experienced HVAC installer provides peace of mind knowing that someone with expertise is taking care of your HVAC system. With their help, you’ll have more confidence knowing that your unit is running at peak performance levels while saving money on energy costs and promoting improved indoor air quality for you and your family. 

Visit https://www.meadowair.com/cooling/professional-ac-replacement-in-arizona to find more information about HVAC installers in AZ. 

Conclusion

Following these simple tips, you can use your HVAC system to significantly improve the air quality inside your home or office. Not only will this reduce pollutants and allergens, but it could also improve overall comfort by making your living space more pleasant and healthy. Regular maintenance and upgrades to your HVAC system may also improve energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Caring for and maintaining your HVAC system ensures it works at peak performance while improving indoor air quality. The result could be a healthier living space with fewer allergies, fewer contaminants, and improved comfort all year round.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

REME HALO® In-duct Air Purifier | RGF | Air Purification & Duct Cleaning New Orleans LA Near Me | HVAC AC Air Conditioning Reapair Service Company New Orleans LA

April 17, 2023 by Staff Reporter

• U.S. Military approved for mold reduction in field hospitals.
• U.S. and International Hospital approval for the fight against infectious diseases: 99% reduction of Staph (MRSA).
• Major U.S. city school reports 20% reduction in absenteeism.
• Tested and approved by the Chinese Government for protection against the deadly SARS virus.
• Approved by the USDA, FSIS, and FDA for use in food processing plants. Employed to reduce microbial contamination of food being processed.
• Cruise lines use it as a safety measure against Norwalk Virus outbreaks.

The REME HALO® can be installed in a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial applications where a ducted HVAC system exists. Here are some examples:
• Single family homes, apartments, condos
• In hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and doctor’s offices
• Schools, daycare centers, colleges and universities
• Fitness centers, locker rooms, athletic facilities
• Office buildings
• Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, kennels,
• Hotels, motels, and resorts.
• Food processing and manufacturing plants/facilities
• Restaurants, diners, and bars

The award-winning REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the next generation of indoor air quality (IAQ) technology and capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches. Designed to eliminate sick building syndrome risks by reducing odors and air pollutants, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the best solution for the whole house and building air purification. Invented to recreate nature’s process of purifying the air, it’s like bringing fresh outdoor air inside without ever having to open your windows. And it’s effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: Particulates, Microbial and Gases. You can now reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Say goodbye to odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms.

• Dual ionizers to reduce airborne particulates (dust, dander, pollen, mold spores)
• Kills up to 99% of bacteria, mold and viruses
• REME® reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.
• New zinc ions kill 99% of viruses on surfaces
• Unlike portable units that are limited to the room in which they are placed, the REME HALO® provides whole home and building purification.
• Easily integrated with your existing HVAC system. The unit doesn’t take away living space and operates silently.
• Two (2) quick release features for easy, no tool, cell replacement
• Incorporates an adjustable shroud around the REME® cell, which allows customization of the advanced oxidation plasma output.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Deja Vu One More Time? What Will Happen If EPA Ignores CASAC Regarding The Ozone NAAQS? – Clean Air / Pollution

April 16, 2023 by Staff Reporter

16 April 2023

Foley Hoag LLP

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

Last week, Inside EPA (subscription required) reported
that the Clean Air Science Advisory Committee has pretty much
agreed that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone
must be made more stringent. Apparently, the panel is looking at
recommending that the primary standard be reduced from 70 ppb to a
range of 55-60 ppb. CASAC is also recommending a reduction in the
secondary standard.

1304702a.jpg

I’ve blogged numerous times about the role
that CASAC recommendations play in judicial review of EPA’s
decisions concerning setting the NAAQS. The short version is that
setting the NAAQS – any NAAQS – at a level consistent
with CASAC’s recommendations is both a necessary and sufficient
condition to surviving judicial review. In other words, if the
NAAQS set by EPA is consistent with the CASAC recommendation,
EPA’s rule will be affirmed. If EPA’s NAAQS is not
consistent with CASAC’s recommendation, EPA will lose.

This is not a hard and fast rule. Neither the Supreme Court nor
the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has ever said explicitly
that consistency with CASAC is either necessary or sufficient.
Still, it’s hard to read the decisions in cases challenging EPA
NAAQS decisions without coming to the conclusion that the CASAC
recommendation at the very least ways heavily on the scales of
justice.

CASAC’s likely recommendation is going to pose significant
problems for EPA. First, if CASAC recommends a range of 55 ppb to
60 ppb, that would be a significant decrease, making a decision to
stick at 70 ppb really awkward.

Secondly, in case you hadn’t figured this out, the stakes
are high. The cost of attaining a standard at or below 60 ppb would
be substantial. There isn’t much doubt that the GOP is already
preparing to attack Democratic candidates for continuing to support
job-killing regulations. Of course, they won’t mention in their
ads that none other that Justice Scalia, in his opinion in Whitman v. American Trucking
Associations, wrote that:

The text of § 109(b), interpreted in its statutory and
historical context and with appreciation for its importance to the
CAA as a whole, unambiguously bars cost considerations from the
NAAQS-setting process, and thus ends the matter for us as well as
the EPA.

A cynic might suggest that this is why EPA has stated that it
does not expect to finalize its decision whether to retain the
current ozone NAAQS or instead to revise it until December
2024.

Of course, cynicism is unhealthy and unhelpful and I don’t
believe in it.

To view Foley Hoag’s Law and the Environment Blog
please click
here

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.

POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Environment from United States

Certifications Matter

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Third-party environmental certifications are under misguided civil litigation attacks that will be counterproductive to environmental and social progress.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Bridging the IAQ Knowledge Gap

April 16, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Indoor air quality, to some degree or another, has been a concern since at least the 1960s, when the term “sick building syndrome” began making its way into the public health conversation. It refers to a list of “non-specific” illnesses brought on by time spent in a particular enclosed environment. It wasn’t a huge concern then, and frankly, even when it became a bigger part of the conversation in the ’80s, it still wasn’t. But that’s history. 

Today, nearly three years into a global pandemic brought on by a respitory illness, a heatlhy home and more specifically indoor air quality is at the forefront of homeowners’ minds. It’s a top priority now, according to a survey from Panasonic, which found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners consider a healthy living space a chief concern when it comes to their personal well being. And for people like Dr. John McKeon (pictured), a former ER doctor who in 2000 founded Allergy Standards, a organization aimed at improving air quality throughout the built environment, that line of thinking couldn’t have come soon enough.  

Unfortunately, there may now be a disconnect between what builders and remodelers think hurts and, further, improves indoor air quality, and what actually impacts it. The goal of Allergy Standards, at least in part, is to attempt to bridge that gap. 

We caught up with Dr. McKeon and asked him to tell us more about Allergy Standards, indoor air quality, home construction, and how it all fits together. 

Residential PRODUCTS Online (RPO): You are the founder and CEO of Allergy Standards. What led to that? 

Dr. John McKeon (JM): I was an emergency room doctor, and patients with allergies and with asthma would have to come in their moms, and the moms would ask, “Is there something we can do to stay well rather than having to come in and you treating us?”  

Being well isn’t just about the absence of disease. It’s about actually being well. Physically well. Emotionally well. It’s becoming a big part of our life. We all wear wearables. We talk about our steps. And with the pandemic, the whole concept of indoor air quality is very much on people’s minds. We spend about 80% of our time indoors in the built environment. Scrutinizing material science and ventilation is an idea we’re very tuned into. We’re spending more time in our homes, where, thinking about trigger factors, you’re talking about Bioburden allergens, mold, biological pollutants, and moisture mold in the indoor environment. You’re also talking about chemical irritants. 

I would answer parents’ questions and give them advice about how to configure their built environment. And they would write it down so they could rely less on doctors and less on medication. The problem is that the concept works, but it’s quite complicated.

You think about furthest filters in the textiles and the paint, and so not everything. We bring into it the incidental furniture now, the actual building envelope, and how we construct those buildings, the insulation and floor coverings and paint, and so forth. It was one of those eureka moments, where I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a logo? If somebody tested products to confirm if they’d help improve the indoor environment, and if they remove allergens, or don’t contain irritants? Then you can actually certify those products like kosher food or organic food, or any of those other kinds of food-related logo programs.”

So that was the model. 

RPO: And how now does that initial model look translated into real-world action? 

JM: We have third party testing verification protocols. We started by looking at all building materials in the built environment. Once we had the parts in place, we partnered with patient organizations—which in America is the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America—and launched the certification program. As we grew and developed, we started testing children’s toys and then later electrical and vacuum cleaners, air filters, and more and more things that are present in the built environment. 

We’re now actually looking at the built environment as a whole, and we’re doing training for building professionals. We did a joint venture with EEBA, the Energy Efficient Building Alliance, and we’ve done one with the ISSA, the facilities management people with BOMA, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, and more. 

And then we’re actually looking into doing some clinical studies. Answering the question: If you install and use all healthy products, build a healthy environment, and then people live in that environment, are they actually healthier? Can you measure health impact outcomes? 

RPO: Allergy Standards has proliferated quite a bit since its founding in 2000. You’ve got your logo in a lot of product categories. That growth seems to align with the public’s seemingly rising interest in indoor air quality. Have you felt that same increasing focus on indoor air quality? 

JM: The answer is yes. There’s no doubt about that. 

healthy home a top priority for homeowners

When asked what is most important to their personal well being, a majority of homeowners responded, “a healthy living space.”
Source: Panasonic Industry Survey

RPO: The pandemic clearly stoked that concern over the last few years, but it had been growing for decades before. What are the big, long-term influences driving that concern? 

JM: The whole concept of sustainability has moved beyond planet to people. If you think about it historically, it has largely been sustainability and the green certification systems. But now we’re analyzing a product’s lifecycle, the impact we have on the environment when we make something as well as the impact we have when we throw that something, or anything, away.

Of course it’s important to have responsible wood and not to damage the rainforest. We’re widely thinking about building the home out of sustainable materials that are good for the planet. But that’s almost table stakes, the basics. People are now starting to really ask, “is that home good for me?” I believe people have moved beyond planet friendly to include people friendly in that equation. 

Obviously, this has been accelerated by the pandemic. But it’s also a natural progression. If you have smart technology where your toasters are connected to your fridge, or whatever, people will say, “That’s great. It’s efficient and smart.” But now they may also ask, “Is it also healthy?” 

It was always a natural progression, but it was massively accelerated by the pandemic.

RPO: When you think of specifically building materials, where are the big pain points for builders? What what types of materials are really making the biggest, most negative impact on the home potentially?

JM: I’d say, in a slightly dodging your question kind of way, is that builders shouldn’t be thinking in isolated terms of specific materials, like just flooring as a paint point. We should be thinking of building as an integrated management system. Even the incidental furniture we bring in can break a build. 

RPO: Talking about indoor air quality. I think a lot of builders and remodelers aren’t necessarily up to speed on the science, or even the nomenclature, that links building materials and indoor air quality. Talk to us about some specifics, like the role humidity plays in air quality. 

JM: Well, first of all, you’re right there. There is a real gap in the knowledge. Last year I went to a building show in Orlando, and then two weeks later went to a major allergy-related medical event. 
There was a healthy home module at the building show, and there was also a healthy home module at the medical one. But there were no builders at the medical one, and no doctors at the build show. So there is a real problem, especially with the nomenclature. You’ve got a group of people actually designing and building homes that don’t know much about health. And you’ve got all of these doctors concerned with health, but they know nothing about the design industry. 

We’re trying to be a bridge between those two communities. 

But to answer your question, moisture is a big issue. Too little moisture leads to dry air and that’s an irritant to mucous membranes. Too much moisture can lead to dampness and eventually mold, which harbors bacteria. There are also indoor pathogens, which can make somebody very sick, very quickly—either through an infection or an allergy. So balancing moisture is really important. 

allergy standards certified products database

On its website, Allergy Standards features a database of its certified products, featuring selections from a range of popular categories, including 
Image: Allergy Standards

RPO: In what product categories is Allergy Standards most reviewing products? 

JM: You think of somebody’s home: You probably spend the most amount of time in the bedroom, and people are very switched on about sleep now—recharging, detoxing, avoiding chemicals and noise and things like that. So textiles and bedding, mattresses, pillows, those kind of incidental furniture are big for us—and definitely something that’s good for designers to know. 

Laundry is another big one. It’s really important for fabrics and textiles, removing allergens from your clothes, your pillows, sheets and things like that. 

We also do a lot with floor coverings, paints, furnaces, air handling, appliances, and whole-house filtration systems. We with a lot of manufacturers, like Trane, 3M, and LG, to name a few. 

RPO: I’ve seen a lot of products, a lot of paints and appliances especially, thatare now incorporating antimicrobial and antiviral coatings. Have you looked into any of the science behind those? Is that an effective strategy for making a home healthier? 

JM: There is a role for some of those products; though, I think more research needs to be done. Mostly to answer: are they really necessary? 

If you have a floor floor covering, for example, fairly basic cleaning chemicals will remove 80 to 90% of packages. And it’s unlikely you could have a really nasty MRSA or any of those hospital pathogens in a home. I’m not convinced that basic cleaning practices are so insufficient that these coatings are needed. More likely there is a role for them in specialty environments, such as for people that are immunocompromised.

RPO: To wrap us up, one thing you mentioned earlier was training professionals and  acclimating people to the science of it all. Can you just talk a little bit about the resources that are available to residential construction professionals who are more interested in this type of education? 

JM: Absolutely. We have a wide range of resources available through our website, including a database of certified products. We also offer a number of training programs available through our Allergy Standards Academy. 

Partnering is also an important part of what we do. We’ve partnered with Construction Instruction and EEBA, both of which offer additional resources through their respective websites. 



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

No plan to change 24-hour charging rule for Clean Air Zone after two years

April 16, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Birmingham City Council has no plans to make any changes to the Clean Air Zone’s midnight-to-midnight charging system. As the scheme’s second anniversary approaches on June 1, it said the current system provided ‘consistency’ with the rest of the country.

One might assume that if you were to cross the A4540 Middle Ring Road in a non-compliant car and be charged £8 for the privilege that you would have a 24-hour window in which to leave. But the way the scheme operates, the closer to midnight that you arrive, the sooner you will have to be on your way to avoid being charged twice.

Unlike a car park where you pay for however long you stay, usually by the hour, the Clean Air Zone does not take the length of your visit into account. The £8 fee for a non-compliant car is simply for crossing the line.

Read more: Birmingham Clean Air Zone shock on way for those living inside it as they face £8 daily charge

It does not take into account how long you are in town. Nor does it consider how far you might travel once inside the middle ring road boundary.

After publicly questioning whether there should even be a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham, Westside BID general manager Mike Olley said the charge had a disproportionate impact on ‘poorer’ drivers who couldn’t afford a more modern car. He said the policy also affected workers in, and visitors to, the BID’s bars, restaurants and other recreational facilities that were part of the night time economy.

One of the first road signs for the Clean Air Zone when it was being installed on the A4540 Dartmouth Middleway(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

Mr Olley said: “In Westside we spend more on security than anywhere else. Some of our staff might not start work til 7pm but then be working after midnight. If they have a non-compliant car, they end up paying twice – £16 instead of £8.

“One girl works two days a week across midnight and is then faced with four payments of £8 to be here. I think that is a regressive tax and quite detrimental to the area.

“Members of my own BID staff who work as street wardens aren’t the highest paid people in the city. They are all above the national minimum wage, for sure, but they also often work across midnight and how are they expected to get home when they’ve been doing more for society than anyone else?

Clean Air Zone signs at the Islington Row Middleway entrance to Tennant Street(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

“Even members of my own family in south Birmingham have to drive further than they used to in order to come to see me on the north side of Birmingham.”

Thousands of people have refused to pay their Clean Air Zone penalty charges notices. Birmingham City Council said it represented six per cent of the total issued.

What the council said

BirminghamLive asked Birmingham City Council if the driver of a non-compliant vehicle could be given a 24-hour window from the time of initial entry.

The city council said: “A chargeable ‘day’ (i.e. midnight to midnight) is in line with other similar schemes such as the other Clean Air Zones in operation in Bristol, Bath, Sheffield, Bradford, Newcastle and Portsmouth. It is also in line with London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

“On that basis this approach provides a level of consistency in approach for these types of schemes across the country.”

Traffic and car park signs welcoming visitors to Birmingham city centre via Horsefair off Bristol Street, with Centre City Tower in the background. In February 2023 it was named the ‘Ugliest building in the UK’ by photography company ParrotPrint who described the building as an architectural ‘disaster’(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

Compliant vs non-compliant cars

BirminghamLive also asked the city council if the ‘goalposts’ would be shifted in years to come in order to aim to keep a certain proportion of vehicles out of the city centre. Perhaps if they had narrowly passed the limit in 2021, might they be considered to be ‘non-compliant’ in, say, three more years’ time?

The city council replied: “The council publishes data about the operation of the Clean Air Zone on the Brum Breathes website: www.brumbreathes.co.uk/CAZdata.

“This data is updated on a monthly basis and includes the volume of unique vehicles that enter the Zone each day, the volume of vehicles by category and the number and percentage of compliant/non-compliant vehicles entering the Zone.

“Since the introduction of the scheme the percentage of the most polluting vehicles (i.e. non-compliant) entering the zone has reduced by over half since the introduction of the scheme – from June 2021 (15.2 per cent) to February 2023 (6.6 per cent). The test of whether or not a vehicle is compliant or non-compliant is based on NOX emissions from that vehicle and is in line with the Government’s Clean Air Zone framework.”

Birmingham Clean Air Zone signage and cameras on Bristol Road near McDonalds(Image: Birmingham Live)

Clarity of trends for decision makers

In the 2022 BCC Annual Status Report (ASR), Section 3.21 (Nitrogen Dioxide) said: “In 2021 the NO2 annual mean limit value was exceeded, by a small margin, at the automatic monitoring site BCA2 (St Chads Queensway). Annual means at all other automatic sites were less than 40 µg/m3 (the air quality target is to always be below that figure)… It is difficult to discern a clear trend from the data from the automatic monitoring sites.”

BirminghamLive asked: “Has a ‘trend’ now become clearer re the level of NO2 being used to justify the CAZ? When will the next official figures be published?”

Birmingham City Council said: “Following the declaration of a city-wide Air Quality Management Area in 2005 the Council has collated and published an Annual Air Quality Status (ASR) report, which is an annual requirement and sets out the strategies employed by the Council to improve air quality.

“The air pollutant of greatest concern to the Council is Nitrogen Dioxide because of the negative impacts of this air pollutant on human health and because the levels of this pollutant exceed the current legal limit in a number of locations – specifically in and around the city centre.

“The data included in the report is captured from a number of continuous analysers and diffusion tubes – in line with the approach to the monitoring and collation of air quality data provided to all local authorities by DEFRA.

“The data in the report is aggregated to provide an annual mean for each monitoring location. This approach smooths out the hour by hour and day by day variation that occurs and provides a comparator with other local authorities.

“The last ASR recognised that the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide have been reducing over time but that they remain above the legal limit in a number of locations. And that the Council is under an obligation (via a Ministerial Direction) to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide to within the legal limit in the shortest possible time.

“The Clean Air Zone is specifically designed to achieve this objective – accelerate a reduction in the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in order to reduce the impact of this air pollutant on human health. The next ASR covering 2022 is likely to be published in late Summer/early Autumn 2023 in line with the annual publishing cycle.”

Anyone who wants to install their own ‘indicative air quality sensor’ can find out more by emailing [email protected] but the council also warns: ‘Birmingham City Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of data presented on third party sites. There are many manufacturers of sensor systems and most do not have formal performance certification for ambient air quality measurements. Most sensors do not provide data that is as accurate as that obtained from a reference analyser’.

READ MORE:



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

La EPA propone nuevas normas para proteger la salud pública y reducir la exposición a la contaminación por óxido de etileno

April 16, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Las propuestas reducirían las emisiones de óxido de etileno en un 80% por año, y requieren protecciones más rigurosas para los trabajadores

April 11, 2023

WASHINGTON – Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) propone nuevas protecciones de salud para reducir la exposición al óxido de etileno (EtO), incluidas normas de emisiones atmosféricas más estrictas y protecciones adicionales para los trabajadores que se ven expuestos al gas utilizado para esterilizar dispositivos médicos y ciertas especias. Si se finalizan, se estima que las propuestas de la EPA reducirán las emisiones de EtO al aire de las instalaciones comerciales de esterilización en un 80% por año y aplicarán más normas de protección para controlar esas emisiones conforme a la ley. En conjunto, estas propuestas proporcionarán un enfoque integral para abordar las preocupaciones de contaminación de EtO, incluido el riesgo de cáncer, que aumentará la seguridad en las comunidades y para los trabajadores, ofreciendo a la vez un camino para mantener una cadena de suministro sólida de los equipos médicos esterilizados.

La propuesta promueve el compromiso del presidente Biden de acabar con el cáncer tal como lo conocemos como parte del Cancer Moonshot y el compromiso de la Administración de garantizar la justicia ambiental y proteger la salud pública, incluyendo a las comunidades que están más expuestas a productos químicos tóxicos.

“La prioridad número uno de la EPA es proteger la salud y la seguridad de las personas, y estamos comprometidos a tomar medidas decisivas que estén informadas por la mejor ciencia disponible”, señaló el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Estas propuestas se basan en la amplia difusión de la EPA a las comunidades de todo el país y refleja una estrecha coordinación entre los socios federales clave. En conjunto reducirían significativamente la exposición de los trabajadores y la comunidad a niveles nocivos de óxido de etileno. La EPA continuará utilizando todas las herramientas disponibles para proteger a las comunidades de nuestro país, incluidos los trabajadores, de la exposición a productos químicos tóxicos y para brindar importantes protecciones de salud pública”.

Las dos nuevas propuestas anunciadas hoy marcan un progreso significativo a medida que la EPA continúa aprovechando toda la gama de su autoridad reguladora conforme a la ley para proteger la salud pública al reducir el riesgo que representa el EtO. La exposición prolongada al EtO en el transcurso de una carrera laboral de 35 años o 70 años de vida en o cerca de un esterilizador comercial puede aumentar el riesgo de ciertos tipos de cáncer. Las personas que van a la escuela cerca de lugares donde se usa EtO también tienen un riesgo elevado de cáncer debido a los niveles de EtO presentes en el aire. Los riesgos reales varían según las medidas de control de una instalación para los trabajadores y miembros de la comunidad, así como la distancia y la cantidad de tiempo que las personas viven, trabajan o van a la escuela cerca de una instalación.

Estas propuestas fueron informadas por la colaboración en todo el gobierno federal para ofrecer reducciones de riesgos manteniendo a la vez las capacidades críticas de esterilización, incluida la consulta entre la EPA, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de los Estados Unidos y la Agencia para Sustancias Tóxicas y el Registro de Enfermedades, y la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional. Las propuestas incluyen controles que muchas instalaciones ya están utilizando, y que la EPA aplicaría en todo el país. La Agencia también ha emprendido un sólido compromiso público sobre este tema y continuará brindando al público, especialmente en las comunidades y lugares de trabajo afectados, acceso a la información que necesitan para evaluar el riesgo con criterio informado e independiente y alentar la participación pública en el proceso regulatorio.

“La misión de OSHA es garantizar condiciones de trabajo seguras y saludables para los trabajadores”, indicó Doug Parker, Subsecretario de Trabajo para Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional, “Continuaremos nuestra asociación con la EPA y otras agencias federales para reducir los riesgos para las personas que trabajan todos los días a fin de mantener la cadena de suministro vital de dispositivos médicos de nuestro país”.

Reducir las emisiones atmosféricas para proteger a las comunidades

Según la autoridad de la Ley de Aire Limpio de la EPA, la Agencia está emitiendo una regla propuesta que describe nuevos requisitos para 86 esterilizadores comerciales en todo el país. Si se finaliza, la propuesta reduciría las emisiones de EtO de estas instalaciones en un 80%, reduciendo los niveles de emisión para que el riesgo quede por debajo del punto de referencia de la Ley de Aire Limpio de la EPA para el riesgo elevado de cáncer.

Si bien muchas de estas instalaciones ya han tomado medidas para reducir las emisiones, la propuesta requerirá que las 86 instalaciones y toda instalación nueva cumplan con estos controles de contaminación más estrictos, que ya han demostrado ser efectivos y alcanzables. También se requerirá que todos los esterilizadores comerciales utilicen métodos avanzados de monitoreo de fuentes para confirmar que estos controles de contaminación están funcionando de manera efectiva. Se requeriría que las instalaciones reporten los resultados a la EPA dos veces al año. Según la propuesta, las instalaciones estarían obligadas a cumplir con estos nuevos requisitos en un plazo de 18 meses. Esto representa un cronograma acelerado bajo la autoridad de la EPA.

La propuesta de la EPA se basa en los últimos datos, la ciencia y la amplia difusión y tiene plenamente en cuenta la importante función de la esterilización médica para proporcionar un suministro seguro de dispositivos médicos para pacientes y hospitales. La EPA requirió que todos los esterilizadores comerciales presentaran información detallada sobre las emisiones de EtO y las tecnologías de control como parte de una Solicitud de recopilación de información de 2021. La EPA utilizó estos datos para estimar el riesgo para las personas que viven cerca de estas instalaciones. La EPA también realizó una amplia difusión antes de la propuesta en 2022, incluidas reuniones comunitarias y seminarios web, que apoyaron los esfuerzos estatales y locales destinados a proteger a las comunidades y generaron información que informó y fortaleció esta propuesta.

Nuevos resguardos para proteger a los trabajadores, las comunidades y reducir la exposición

Además de las nuevas normas de emisiones, la EPA propone un conjunto integral de nuevas medidas de mitigación que disminuirán el riesgo para los trabajadores que usan EtO para esterilizar productos y para otras personas en comunidades cercanas a las instalaciones de esterilización.

Según la Ley Federal de Insecticidas, Fungicidas y Rodenticidas (FIFRA, por sus siglas en inglés), la EPA aprueba el uso de pesticidas sujetos a ciertos controles a través de una decisión de registro, incluidos los pesticidas antimicrobianos como el EtO. La EPA propone ahora aumentar las medidas de control sobre el uso del EtO en la Propuesta de Decisión Provisional, tales como:

  • Prohibir ciertos usos del EtO cuando existan alternativas, incluido el uso en museos, entornos de archivo, apicultura, algunos cosméticos e instrumentos musicales;
  • Reducir la cantidad de EtO que se puede aplicar para la esterilización de dispositivos médicos cumpliendo a la vez con las normas aplicables para garantizar la esterilidad;
  • Exigir controles de ingeniería que reduzcan la exposición de los trabajadores al EtO, como la automatización o la tecnología de captura de emisiones; y
  • Hacer obligatorio el uso de Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP) en las instalaciones de esterilización cuando se detecta EtO utilizando tecnología de monitoreo de última generación.

Algunas instalaciones comerciales de esterilización ya han implementado con éxito algunas de estas medidas, incluida la reducción de la cantidad de EtO utilizada para la esterilización y la instalación de controles de ingeniería que reducen la exposición de los trabajadores y la comunidad. La propuesta de la EPA ahora requeriría estas medidas en todo el país para proteger aún más a los trabajadores en las instalaciones de esterilización comercial que usan EtO y los centros de atención médica, así como las personas en las comunidades cercanas a estas instalaciones. La propuesta incluye diferentes plazos para los controles en función de su complejidad y factibilidad. Por ejemplo, los trabajadores pueden usar respiradores mucho más rápido de lo que se necesita para rediseñar los sistemas de control.

La EPA propone un monitoreo en tiempo real sin precedentes del EtO utilizando tecnología que puede medir con precisión el EtO dentro de las instalaciones de esterilización hasta 10 partes por mil millones (ppb). Si los niveles superan las 10 ppb, los trabajadores deberán usar EPP. La EPA también está dando instrucciones a la industria de desarrollar tecnologías y métodos para identificar concentraciones más bajas de EtO, por debajo de 10 partes por mil millones (ppb), dentro de las instalaciones de esterilización por contrato.

La propuesta de la EPA también incluye nuevos requisitos de recopilación de datos y presentación de informes que ayudarían a identificar y mejorar las tecnologías de monitoreo de protección y evaluar la efectividad de las medidas de mitigación propuestas. Conforme a estos datos, la EPA tiene la intención de iniciar la próxima ronda de revisión de registro para el EtO antes del plazo obligatorio, incluida la evaluación de estas medidas y la incorporación de protecciones adicionales basadas en los avances tecnológicos que ocurran.

Propuesta de la EPA impulsada por la ciencia más reciente

La EPA está procediendo urgentemente para avanzar en estas nuevas protecciones basadas en la última evaluación de la Agencia sobre los riesgos de cáncer por la exposición a EtO en entornos ocupacionales, que son más significativos de lo que se entendía anteriormente. Cabe destacar que la EPA no ha encontrado que la exposición rutinaria al EtO de estas instalaciones cause riesgos de salud agudos o a corto plazo. El nuevo análisis de la EPA estima que el riesgo adicional de cáncer de por vida asociado con la exposición continua al EtO en el lugar de trabajo durante 8 horas al día, durante 240 días al año, durante un periodo de 35 años en un entorno ocupacional se halla entre 1 en 36 y 1 en 10 para los trabajadores que aplican EtO en instalaciones de esterilización, y entre 1 en 25 y 1 en 12 para los trabajadores que aplican EtO en centros de atención médica. Estos riesgos pueden reducirse mediante medidas que ya se han tomado o se pueden tomar inmediatamente aumentando el acceso a equipos de protección personal, ventilación adecuada y protocolos de seguridad para evitar el contacto directo con el EtO. Como se indicó anteriormente, muchas instalaciones ya han implementado con éxito estas medidas, reduciendo los riesgos.

En las instalaciones comerciales de esterilización, la EPA también encontró que la exposición continua y a largo plazo al EtO podría provocar un riesgo elevado de cáncer para los trabajadores que no manejan directamente el EtO pero trabajan en otras áreas de estas instalaciones. Las mitigaciones propuestas por la EPA reducirán el riesgo para las personas que pueden verse expuestas al EtO en o cerca de estos entornos y muchas instalaciones ya están tomando estas medidas o pueden tomar medidas adicionales de inmediato.

El año pasado, la EPA publicó la última información disponible sobre las emisiones atmosféricas de EtO de estas instalaciones y emprendió un amplio compromiso con las comunidades donde la EPA identificó el potencial de riesgos elevados de cáncer de por vida debido a la exposición a largo plazo al EtO. Si se finalizan las normas de la Ley de Aire Limpio que la EPA propone hoy, se reducirían los riesgos de cáncer de por vida para las personas que viven cerca de todos los esterilizadores comerciales.

Para obtener más información sobre los hallazgos de riesgo de la EPA, visite la página web de la EPA y/o lea el Anexo Preliminar de Evaluación de Riesgos de la EPA.

Próximos pasos
 

EPA alienta a las partes interesadas, incluidos los líderes de la comunidad, la industria y la salud pública, a participar en el proceso de comentarios del público para cada acción publicada hoy, ya que la Agencia se esfuerza por reducir el riesgo del EtO y al mismo tiempo garantizar la disponibilidad continua de dispositivos médicos estériles en los que confía el público estadounidense. La Decisión Provisional Propuesta por la EPA y el Borrador del Anexo de Evaluación de Riesgos de la EPA se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la EPA y pronto estarán en el expediente EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244 en www.regulations.gov. Las revisiones propuestas por la EPA a las normas de emisiones al aire para instalaciones de esterilización comercial se pueden encontrar visitando el expediente EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178 en www.regulations.gov. Ambos expedientes estarán abiertos para comentarios del público durante 60 días después de su publicación en el Registro Federal.

La EPA también organizará un seminario web público el 1 de mayo de 2023 a las 8:00 pm, hora local del Este, para discutir propuestas y evaluación de riesgos. La información para que el público se inscriba en el seminario web estará disponible en la página web de la EPA Contaminantes peligrosos del aire: óxido de etileno (EtO). Para quienes no puedan asistir, la EPA publicará una grabación del seminario web en el sitio web de la Agencia.

Además de las medidas propuestas anunciadas hoy, la EPA continúa tomando medidas significativas para abordar el EtO y avanzar en la investigación crucial del EtO. Estas acciones incluyen:

Además, la EPA anunció una acción separada la semana pasada a fin de reducir el riesgo de EtO para las personas que viven cerca de instalaciones que elaboran y usan EtO en la fabricación.

Para obtener más información sobre el EtO, visite el sitio web de la EPA



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Carbon Reform and Kajima Corporation Pioneer Carbon Capture Technology with Indoor Air Quality Sensor Installation at Kajima Technical Research Institute in Tokyo

April 16, 2023 by Staff Reporter

TOKYO, April 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Carbon Reform, a leading climate technology company specializing in decentralized carbon capture, has successfully installed its state-of-the-art indoor air quality sensors at Kajima Corporation’s Technical Research Institute in Tokyo. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Carbon Reform and Kajima, one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most respected construction companies with a strong commitment to decarbonizing their operations and supply chain.

Carbon Reform co-founders Jo Norris (CEO) and Nick Martin (COO) debuting indoor air quality sensors before installment at Kajima Technical Research Institute (KaTRI) in Tokyo, Japan.

Carbon Reform co-founders Jo Norris (CEO) and Nick Martin (COO) debuting indoor air quality sensors before installment at Kajima Technical Research Institute (KaTRI) in Tokyo, Japan.

Sensor installation is the first step in Carbon Reform’s business model. Carbon Reform’s upcoming plans for Kajima include the installation of the startup’s modular device, the Carbon Capsule®. The Carbon Capsule® is engineered for integration into commercial building ventilation systems, offering enhanced indoor air quality, significant energy savings for property owners, and the direct sequestration of CO2 each year.

Kajima’s Technical Research Institute, a hub for cutting-edge research and development, is the perfect location for this installation. The institute will serve as a demonstration site for Carbon Reform’s technology, showcasing the benefits of carbon capture to other companies and organizations interested in adopting sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.

“With this installation, we are excited to support Kajima Corporation in their pursuit of decarbonization and to demonstrate the benefits of our technology to a wider audience,” said Jo Norris, CEO of Carbon Reform. “Together, we are making great strides in reducing CO2 emissions and improving the overall air quality in commercial spaces.”

The partnership between Carbon Reform and Kajima Corporation highlights the growing trend of large corporations investing in eco-friendly technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet global sustainability goals. As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change, Carbon Reform’s innovative solutions are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the construction industry and beyond.

About Carbon Reform:

Carbon Reform is a clean technology company focused on democratizing access to carbon capture. By creating modular devices that can be easily integrated into commercial building ventilation systems, Carbon Reform helps building owners save energy, improve indoor air quality for occupants, and directly sequester tons of CO2 annually. For more information, visit www.carbonreform.com.

About Kajima Corporation:

Kajima Corporation is one of the oldest and largest construction companies in Japan. With a commitment to decarbonizing its supply chain and operations, Kajima Corporation is at the forefront of sustainable construction practices and innovative solutions. The company operates globally, with a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit www.kajima.co.jp.

Media contact:
Nick Martin
[email protected]
(302) 314-3410

SOURCE Carbon Reform, Inc.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Breathing Easy: The 10 Worst Places to Live in the US for Clean Air

April 15, 2023 by Staff Reporter

If you’re someone who values clean air, there are certain places in the United States that you should avoid. A recent analysis by The Guardian, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions, ranked the neighborhoods in the contiguous U.S. with the worst air pollution.

You might be surprised to learn that the place with the most polluted air in the U.S. isn’t a big city but a small town in California. Bakersfield, located in California’s Central Valley and about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has the most unhealthy air in the country. This is mainly due to the region’s oil and gas production and mining and petroleum refining. Unfortunately, the area has failed to meet the Clean Air Act’s target for most of the last 25 years.

But Bakersfield is one of many places with poor air quality. South Los Angeles ranked second on the list, with many landlocked neighborhoods surrounded by freeways, railyards, and warehouses. Compared to people who live across town in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood, South Los Angeles residents breathe 50 percent more polluted air.

Chicago’s south and west sides came in third, with neighborhoods like Back of the Yards and Riverdale that have been used to store toxic materials. North-west Indiana, Central Indianapolis, Houston, St. Louis, Central Pennsylvania, Central Atlanta, and Central Birmingham also made a list.

What’s concerning is that the analysis shows that neighborhoods with the worst air quality were predominantly Black and Hispanic. This highlights a more significant issue of segregation, with people and pollution being segregated.

So, what can we do about it? While individuals can make choices that reduce their carbon footprint, such as driving less and eating a plant-based diet, systemic change is needed to address the root causes of air pollution. This includes supporting policies and legislation prioritizing clean energy and reducing emissions from industries like oil and gas. We can also support community-led initiatives to reduce pollution and promote environmental justice.

It’s important to remember that air pollution affects everyone but disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. By advocating for cleaner air and supporting solutions that benefit everyone, we can help create a more just and sustainable future for all.

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Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

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