Mumbai: Measures to tackle unprecedented pollution in the city were a major highlight of the recently released BMC budget 2023-24. For starters, the civic body has lined up plans to set up vehicle-mounted air purification units at five of the most crowded localities in the city— Dahisar and Mulund Check Naka, Mankhurd, Kalanagar Junction and Haji Ali Junction —by the end of the coming financial year.
The units would filter Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and 10 and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Civic officials told TOI Rs 10 crore would be spent on the purification units project.
The BMC’s clean air plans come on the back of worryingly high pollution levels in the city. Data shared by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecast and Research (SAFAR) showed that out of the 92 days between November 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, Mumbai recorded poor or very poor air quality index (AQI) on 66 days. Also, in those 92 days, the city recorded satisfactory AQI on just one day.
The BMC thus also plans to set up an ionisation-based air purification system for dust mitigation. Following the budget announcement, BMC commissioner I S Chahal said, “The smog towers which have been proposed would be around 30 feet in height covering a 1km radius and there would be two per zone. The radio waves generated by these towers would enable dust particles to get ionised and thus further attract more dust particles.”
The technology would involve creation of highly clean air bubbles inside the canopy of free air and keep pollutants out. Further, it would create a barrier to prevent mixing of clean air with polluted air in ambient environmental conditions.
Setting up of smog towers could take a while though, said officials.
On the air purification units, the official said each would have two filters. “Pollution is more at the ground level and these units which are aimed to be around 5.5 feet from the ground should be able to tackle it. We would be able to remotely manage these units. In case of any maintenance issues like filters getting choked, we would get an alert through the online mechanism,” said an official requesting anonymity.
The BMC’s plans have not convinced many experts though. Bhagwan Kesbhat, founder of Waatavaran Foundation, a city environment group, said, “Mumbai’s rising air pollution has reached a level where it is not the time now to bandage the injury but rather to ensure a proper diagnosis.”
Civic officials have said they too are aware that air purifiers are not the only solution and under the city’s clean air initiative, they are working towards three broad goals—curb pollution concentration levels across various sectors, initiate a multi-level monitoring strategy for the city, and decentralise planning and increase community health awareness to reduce personal exposure.
The Maharashtra government’s former environment minister Aaditya Thackeray called the air purifiers an eyewash. “The ones put up earlier have failed and so have the ones put up in other states. This is purely vendor driven to exhaust the treasury. The real pollution stopper is to check it at the source—infrastructure works and building construction. But this government belongs to builders and contractors and doesn’t have the guts to go to them” said Thackeray, adding that the air purifiers are expensive and serve no real benefit.
“Also, a lot of building construction works have started simultaneously. None of these buildings follow 100% sound, dust or time rules. Plus, we don’t count the huge casting yards for metros/bridges as construction works. In addition, road works are going on as well,” said Thackeray.
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WASHINGTON — A “massive” methane cloud forming over Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.  

Noxious air pollution fouling Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. 

Herds of mule deer and pronghorn at risk of decimation at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Environmental problems like these are already resulting from fossil fuel extraction near four federally protected lands — and could become even wider problems if the federal government doesn’t bolster protections, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks said in a recent report.

Oil and gas development near parks could contaminate water and air, destroy habitat, hurt the visitor experience and exacerbate the impacts of climate change, Mike Murray, chairman of the coalition’s executive council, said in a Feb. 2 statement. 

“The Biden administration and Congress must take action to curb the adverse effects of energy extraction on parks, surrounding landscapes, gateway communities, park visitors, and national park resources,” he said.

Leasing of public lands to oil and gas developers grew significantly from 2016 through 2020, under the Trump administration, according to the report. During that time, the federal government leased 5.4 million acres to fossil fuel companies, according to a Wilderness Action report. 

The coalition said that while oil and gas leasing has slowed under the Biden administration, the U.S. Interior Department is still on track to lease thousands of acres to energy companies in 2023. 

“It is imperative that the Biden administration complete much needed reforms to the federal oil and gas program,” the authors said. 

Unsafe air in New Mexico

The coalition used four Western case studies to highlight the negative impacts of fossil fuel extraction on federally protected lands: Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Teton National Park. 

The authors said that in the region surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park, the Bureau of Land Management has leased more than 90% of public lands to oil and gas developers.

They added that more than 37,000 oil wells had been dug in the region, and a methane cloud covering more than 1,200 square miles has formed over New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. 

The coalition recommended federal legislation to protect Chaco Canyon, an area that’s culturally significant to the area’s Native American communities, and noted the Bureau of Land Management was considering withdrawing roughly 10 square miles of public land surrounding the region from mineral leasing.

Finalizing that proposal is “essential,” Jerome Lucero, vice-chair of the All-Pueblo Council of Governors, said in the report, as is legislation to permanently protect the area. 

Growing oil and gas development in the Permian Basin, near Carlsbad Caverns in southeastern New Mexico, are correlated with a rise in airborne ozone levels that violates National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the authors said. 

Ozone concentrations greater than 70 parts per billion can have detrimental effects on human health, including lung scarring and inflammation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

According to the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, ozone levels at Carlsbad Caverns first rose to unsafe levels in 2018, when they measured 71 parts per billion. These levels remained elevated into 2020, when they measured 73 parts per billion. 

As a large national park, Carlsbad Caverns has special air quality protections under the Clean Air Act. Yet the EPA paused its investigation to officially designate the area as violating those standards earlier this year. 

The top New Mexico environment official said this week a federal designation would come eventually, according to public radio news station KUNM.

An EPA spokesperson did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Interior’s decision to disallow mineral extraction on forest land surrounding the caverns and recent rewrites of state and federal methane laws are steps in the right direction, the report’s authors said. 

“However, a thorough assessment of the cumulative risks posed by oil and gas drilling on the wide-reaching cavern system connected to Carlsbad Caverns, and similar protections put in place, is greatly needed to protect these irreplaceable resources,” they said. 

A rocky future for Colorado, Wyoming wildlife

In Colorado, the authors of the report found oil and gas drilling in Weld County has contributed to Rocky Mountain National Park falling out of compliance with regional haze standards set under the Clean Air Act. 

The Bureau of Land Management plans to lease another roughly 60,000 acres of land west of the park for fossil fuel projects, which may interfere with overwintering elk populations, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

The authors added that other impacts of climate change affecting the park include more aggressive invasive species and more devastating wildfires. 

“Without additional planning and regulations to protect and improve air quality and manage the boom of oil and gas development near national parks, our climate and air remain at risk,” they said. 

In Wyoming, the authors found that impacts of oil and gas extraction were also affecting the survival of local wildlife.

Oil and gas development in the western half of the state has led to a decline in mule deer habitat that has dropped population numbers 46% below the state baseline for a healthy population, the authors said. A proposed 250,000-acre leasing project could alter migration patterns for the mule deer, further decimating their population, they added. 

The authors added that pronghorn herds face similar challenges in Grand Teton National Park, in which a 3,500-well project could “irrevocably alter the Path of the Pronghorn.” Hundreds of pronghorn use the route to migrate seasonally.

The authors cited a Center for Biological Diversity legal petition, which asserted that the park’s entire population of pronghorn could disappear with any alteration to the route.

“In order to ensure that the mule deer and pronghorn of Grand Teton remain protected, oil and gas development should remain far from national parks and migration paths,” the authors said. 

Protecting national parks 

The coalition proposed several legislative protections for national parks, including protecting animal migration routes from project development, and enhancing community air monitoring. 

The group also recommended the federal government create a stronger mandate to force energy companies to pay for environmental clean-up costs prior to drilling.

“Too often, oil and gas companies fail to fully pay for clean-up costs that result from drilling on public lands, which can pollute our air and water while leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab,” the authors said. 

In a tweet promoting the report, the group urged movement from the federal government.

“Much stronger action is needed from the Biden administration and Congress to better protect these extraordinary places from the impacts of oil and gas development,” the group said. 

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EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — It’s been two days since officials gave the all clear for residents to return to their homes in East Palestine following the fiery train derailment last week.

“We could just smell the chemical smell coming inside our house,” said resident Reegan Parker.

As the effects still linger, some in the community told 3News they are left helpless. 

“My mattress, my couches, they just smell like the chemicals,” Parker said. “My clothes, we’re in the midst of washing everything now trying to get the chemical smell out now.”

Parker said she lives just outside the one-mile radius that was established as the evacuation zone, but she was told by workers at the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center that she is not eligible for any reimbursement, or the $1,000 inconvenience payments being handed out.

“They basically just told me that because I wasn’t in the one-mile evacuation zone that the best that they could do for me was to have someone come into my house and clean,” Parker said.

Cleveland lawyer Michael O’Shea said he is representing a number of East Palestine residents impacted. He said he is worried the inconvenience payments could void any chance for residents to file additional claims down the road.

“We were worried that if someone got that check, took that check for that inconvenience fee, that they would be waiving any future right to make any claims which are totally impossible to determine at this time,” O’Shea said.

Norfolk Southern did inform 3News that “acceptance of these reimbursements and/or inconvenience compensation is not a settlement of any future claim.”

Parker said many of her neighbors are still grappling with the decision to return home, worried about what could be left behind.

“A lot of people are scared to come home, a lot of people haven’t come back yet. We really just didn’t have the funds to stay away from home anymore,” Parker said.

3News reached out to Norfolk Southern for comment on the payments and a spokesperson said:

“Norfolk Southern continues to provide reimbursement for expenses incurred by residents affected by the evacuation, in addition to compensation for inconvenience during the evacuation, through our Family Assistance Center. As part of this program, I can confirm that residents who live within the one-mile radius of the derailment are eligible to receive a $1,000 inconvenience fee.”

The EPA is offering voluntary residential air screening appointments offered through Norfolk Southern. As of Thursday night, the organization said it had screened indoor air at a total of 46 homes, with at least 400 more requests remaining. To speed up the screening process Norfolk Southern and the EPA are bringing in more teams and equipment.

The Ohio EPA is investigating impacts to water and possible remediation, collecting water samples from nearby water streams and Sulphur Run, where a dam was installed to prevent further contamination.

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Morning Journal/Morgan Ahart
The Salem Health District is “Rocking the Red” to raise heart health awareness this American Heart Month. Pictured from left are City Housing Inspector Sal Salvino, Health Commissioner Alanna Hughes, Public Health nurse Sheri Egli, Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics Rachel Bowen, Environmental Health Director Alan Masters and Accreditation Co-Ordinator Sara Houchins.

One of the leading causes of death in America is heart disease, but it doesn’t have to be. Changing your home environment can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease and improve your overall health. Healthy homes are a vital part of a healthy lifestyle — they protect from environmental hazards like air pollution or lead paint exposure and create a safe space for physical activity and relaxation that can help protect against cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease or stroke. This short article will explore how creating a healthy home environment can benefit our hearts by looking at what heart disease is, the benefits of a healthy home, and tips on making one. So let’s start understanding why healthy homes and heart health go hand-in-hand!

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a descriptive term for any condition that affects the heart. Genetic factors, lifestyle choices, or environmental exposures can cause it. Recognizable forms of heart disease include coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and arrhythmias, i.e., atrial fibrillation.

Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, causing the hardening of the arteries. If left untreated, this scenario can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack. Risk factors for CAD include high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertension.

Congestive Heart Failure is a heart condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body due to weakened muscles or damaged valves. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion or at rest, swelling in legs and feet, and coughing up frothy pink sputum from fluid buildup in the lungs. Risk factors for CHF are similar to those for CAD, including high cholesterol levels; however, age-related conditions such as valve problems also increase the risk for this condition.

Arrhythmias occur when there is an abnormal rhythm of electrical signals within the cardiac muscle, causing it not to beat normally. Arrhythmias can result in symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness due to a lack of oxygenated blood reaching vital organs like the brain and kidneys. Treatment depends on severity but often includes medications such as beta blockers or pacemakers/defibrillators, depending on the underlying cause.

• Key Takeaway: Creating a healthy home environment is vital to reducing your risk of developing heart disease. Tips include regularly cleaning air vents, maintaining smoke detectors, exercising regularly, cooking meals at home instead of ordering takeout food, and setting aside time each day to relax outdoors.

Benefits of a Healthy Home

Having a healthy home environment is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. A healthy home can help reduce stress, improve air quality, and promote physical activity. These benefits can positively impact overall health, including lowering the risk of developing heart disease.

Creating a healthy home environment has many benefits beyond just reducing your risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD) or congestive heart failure (CHF). Additionally, having access to clean air indoors free from pollutants reduces exposure-related respiratory issues, potentially exacerbating existing cardiac conditions and other compounding risks associated with them over time. Therefore, making sure ventilation systems are working correctly is essential too. Furthermore, having access to outdoor green spaces nearby allows one to take part in nature’s therapeutic effects, providing stress relief that directly impacts mental well-being, ultimately leading to a healthier life overall and helping ward off future ailments related to the cardiovascular system.

• Air Quality: Poor air quality in the home may pose respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies. By improving ventilation and using an air purifier, homeowners can reduce pollutants in their homes that may cause these issues. Additionally, plants filter out toxins from the air, which further helps improve indoor air quality.

• Stress Reduction: Stress has been linked to numerous health conditions and heart diseases, such as high blood pressure. Having a clean and organized space allows for better focus, significantly reducing stress levels over time. Furthermore, having a comfortable living space with natural light also helps create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation when needed most.

Creating an inviting outdoor area encourages people to get outside more often for exercise or leisure activities like gardening or playing sports with family members or friends, all of which contribute positively towards physical fitness goals while helping maintain good cardiovascular health at the same time. Additionally, having access to nearby parks or trails provides additional opportunities for regular exercise away from home if desired.

Studies have shown that poor sleep habits are associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease due to its effects on hormones related to metabolism and inflammation processes within our bodies. Poor sleeping can be easily prevented by creating a peaceful environment free from distractions such as electronic devices or television before bedtime.

Having a healthy home can lead to improved physical and mental health and decreased risk of heart disease. Now let’s look at how we can create a healthier home environment for ourselves and our families.

• Key Takeaway: Creating a healthy home environment can reduce stress, improve air quality, and promote physical activity – all of which are important for reducing the risk of heart disease. Steps include: improving ventilation; using an air purifier; adding plants; keeping a clean & organized space; getting outside more often; having access to parks or trails nearby; and creating peaceful sleeping environments.

Tips for Creating a Healthy Home

This section will provide practical tips for creating healthy home environments. This includes regularly cleaning dust particles out of air vents, maintaining smoke detectors, exercising regularly, cooking meals at home instead of ordering takeout food, and setting aside time each day to relax outdoors, amongst other activities.

Heart disease is a severe condition that can have devastating consequences, but maintaining a healthy home environment can be prevented or managed more effectively. Next, let’s explore the benefits of having a healthy home.

Clutter is one of the biggest enemies of a healthy home. Clutter can affect stress and anxiety, leading to an increased risk of heart disease. To reduce clutter in your home, try organizing items into designated areas or donating them if they are no longer needed. Additionally, decluttering regularly will help keep your home clean and organized.

Air quality is another crucial factor in creating a healthy home environment. Poor air quality may increase the risk of developing heart disease due to exposure to pollutants such as dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens that may be present in the air inside your home. To improve air quality indoors, consider using an air purifier or natural ventilation system like open windows or fans on low settings throughout the day.

Regular maintenance tasks around the house are also essential for maintaining a healthy living space. Regularly changing filters on heating systems and vacuuming carpets helps remove dirt particles from indoor spaces that could contribute to poor air quality and trigger allergies associated with heart disease risks. Additionally, cleaning bathrooms regularly helps prevent mold growth that could worsen existing respiratory conditions linked with cardiovascular diseases like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Creating a safe environment within your own four walls is vital for reducing stress levels associated with heart health risks; this includes removing any potential hazards, such as loose rugs or cords that could cause trips and falls, leading to injury-related complications down the line. Furthermore, installing smoke detectors in each room provides added safety measures against fires caused by faulty electrical wiring or cooking accidents. Both of these prior incidents have been linked with cardiac events due to prolonged inhalation of smoke fumes during evacuation attempts from burning buildings.

Finally, adding plants into interior spaces improves overall well-being while simultaneously providing cleaner oxygenated air indoors through photosynthesis processes carried out by these green organisms; this leads us back full circle towards healthier hearts.

Creating and maintaining a healthy home environment is vital for promoting heart health and overall well-being. Following these straightforward tips can make your home an oasis of health and comfort.

• Key Takeaway: Creating a healthy home environment is essential for reducing stress levels and protecting against heart disease risks. Tips include decluttering, improving air quality, regular maintenance tasks, removing hazards, installing smoke detectors, and adding plants.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening ailment that impacts millions of people around the world. Creating a healthy home environment can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by promoting physical activity, providing nutritious meals, reducing stress levels, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking. A healthy home should be filled with natural light, fresh air, clean water, and plenty of space for physical activities. Additionally, it should provide access to safe food storage containers and cooking utensils to ensure proper nutrition. Finally, families should make sure their homes are free from toxins like lead paint or asbestos that could cause health problems down the line.

Let’s make sure our homes are healthy and heart-friendly. Keep your home free from toxins, provide plenty of natural light and fresh air, and stock up on nutritious meals to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

FAQs about Healthy Homes and Heart Disease

• How does poor housing affect the cardiovascular system?

Poor housing can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Poor ventilation, dampness, and overcrowding can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. These conditions can lead to lung inflammation, increasing the risk of developing heart disease. Also, poor insulation and inadequate heating systems may cause people to be exposed to cold temperatures for prolonged periods, increasing their risk for hypertension and stroke. Finally, living in a low-income neighborhood is associated with higher levels of air pollution associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

• Can a healthy lifestyle reverse heart disease?

Yes, a healthy lifestyle can reverse heart disease. Along with a healthy home environment, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, quitting smoking and reducing stress can positively affect the heart. Making these changes to one’s lifestyle is not easy, but it is possible with dedication and support from family or friends. With proper guidance from healthcare professionals, anyone can take steps towards reversing their heart disease.

• What are three conditions that increase the risk for heart disease?

1. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease as it puts extra strain on the arteries and can lead to a buildup of plaque, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow.

2. Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease due to the higher sugar levels in their bloodstream, which can damage artery walls over time.

3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk for heart disease because excess fat tissue can increase inflammation in the body and cause fatty deposits to form in your arteries, narrowing the vessels that supply oxygenated blood throughout your body.

• Is caregiving linked to heart disease?

Yes, caregiving has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and depression, which can lead to a greater risk for cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack. Additionally, caregiving responsibilities may limit physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, increasing the likelihood of developing heart disease. Therefore, caregivers need to prioritize their health to reduce their risk of developing heart-related illnesses.

• Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a healthy home environment is a significant step in reducing the risk of heart disease. By making simple changes such as eliminating smoking indoors, eating nutritious meals, and exercising regularly, you can create a healthier home that will help protect your heart health. A healthy home not only reduces the risk of developing heart disease but also helps to improve the overall quality of life. With these tips for creating a healthy home, you can ensure your family has access to all the resources they need to maintain their cardiovascular health and reduce their risk of developing serious conditions like heart disease. Remember: Healthy homes are essential in protecting against heart disease!

It’s time to take action and create healthier homes for our communities. Heart disease is a foremost public health concern, and unhealthy housing conditions can contribute to its risk factors. We must prioritize improving air quality, reducing lead exposure in older buildings, creating access to safe drinking water sources, providing adequate ventilation systems that minimize mold growth, improving indoor air quality, and ensuring all living spaces are free from pests. We must come together now to ensure every home is healthy so everyone can have a better future with fewer heart-related illnesses!

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Winter’s chill means drier air, indoors and out. Cold air tends to hold less water vapor than warm air, and that can make the air drier, even indoors. An effective humidifier can restore moisture and stave off a host of problems.

For one, a humidifier can prevent or relieve dry skin. If you have a cold, a humidifier that emits cold air can help shrink swelling in your nasal passages and make it easier for you to breathe, according to the Food and Drug Administration. And higher humidity helps reduce static electricity, so you can avoid those annoying shocks you feel when crossing a carpet.

Humidifiers also can help keep the things you own in good condition. Without enough moisture in indoor air, leather goods can crack, wood floorboards can shrink and creak, and guitars and other musical instruments can quickly go out of tune.

Our tests have found that some humidifiers are much better than others at pumping out the amount of moisture the manufacturers claim they produce. And some humidifiers are quieter, more convenient to use and clean, or use less energy.

Another factor in how well a humidifier works: matching the unit to your room size. “Ensure that the humidifier you choose can handle the area of your space,” says Misha Kollontai, the engineer who leads Consumer Reports’ humidifier testing. Keep in mind, for instance, that open-plan rooms may require larger units. “Living spaces often have open doorways that effectively increase the square footage,” Kollontai says.

You’ll see dozens of models in our humidifier ratings. Most are cool-mist, the more widely used type. A handful are warm-mist, also known as steam vaporizers, which shouldn’t be used around children. (The humidifier tank contains hot water that can burn a child if they get too close or if the hot water spills.) And avoid warm-mist humidifiers if you have a cold. The warm moisture can cause your nasal passages to swell, making breathing more difficult.

Here’s a look at five top-rated humidifiers, one for each size we test. For more shopping advice, see our humidifier buying guide. For test results and more options, CR members can check our complete humidifier ratings, which include units that range from personal size all the way up to consoles that can humidify 1,000 square feet or more.

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With so many hotels along the strip or even in downtown Las Vegas, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for spring break. In fact, Sin City has more than 150,000 hotel rooms. 

While hotels with a party atmosphere are abundant, even travelers who aren’t into the party scene will find accommodations that fit their needs and lifestyle, too. Whether you’re a college student looking for a week of gambling, a foodie looking to indulge in some of the best dishes in the country, or a family looking for a getaway off the Strip, there’s a Vegas hotel for every type of spring break traveler.

Best budget-friendly hotel: MGM Grand Las Vegas

Travelers looking for a budget-friendly hotel option will want to check in at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, where room prices start as low as $69 a night. The Studio Tower at the hotel has been recently remodeled, and Studio King rooms are perfect for two people looking for a place to crash after enjoying the strip. Larger groups will enjoy the Grand Two Queen Strip View, which can accommodate four people and has a fantastic view of the city.

The hotel has four pools, a sports lounge, Topgolf, nightclubs and an onsite spa. When it’s time to hit the town, guests don’t need to go far because the hotel hosts plenty of entertainment including performances by Jabbawockeez, David Copperfield and Cirque du Soleil. Of course, no visit to Vegas is complete without dining at a restaurant that’s owned by a celebrity chef. At the MGM Grand Las Vegas, travelers can savor Asian cuisine by Masaharu Morimoto or California-inspired plates by Wolfgang Puck. 

Best luxury hotel: Wynn Las Vegas

Live in the lap of luxury at Wynn Las Vegas, and its hotel within a hotel concept, Encore Las Vegas. The hotel has 10 restaurants, including an Italian spot that serves as an homage to Frank Sinatra and a modern supper club called Delilah. Guests staying at the resort have access to multiple pools and hot tubs, which are more laid back than the typical Vegas pool party scene. Wynn Las Vegas also boasts two spas, an 18-hole golf course and a SoulCycle Studio. Those who are into wellness and fitness can also take part in TB12 classes, which were pioneered by football legend Tom Brady and his body coach Alex Guerrero. 

After exploring all that the hotel has to offer, get cozy in the recently redesigned rooms. The Wynn Panoramic View rooms give travelers a view of Las Vegas from the 28th floor or higher and are a whopping 640 square feet, making them some of the most spacious standard rooms in Las Vegas. 

Best foodie hotel: Caesars Palace

There’s no limit to the fantastic food in Las Vegas, but true foodies will want to stay at Caesars Palace, where there is an abundance of dining venues to choose from. Fans of Gordon Ramsay can dine at his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, where the chef’s famous beef wellington is on the menu. Other celebrity chefs who have restaurants here include Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis. The Bacchanal Buffet is always a hot spot for guests looking for a variety of food items ranging from dim sum to vegan options. 

The rooms at the hotel are spacious and have nods to Roman-inspired architecture. Many of the rooms have views of the strip or the fountains just outside of the hotel. Choosing a room should really be determined by what you want to do at the hotel, besides trying all of the food. The Laurel Collection rooms are close to the pool and lobby, while the casino is close to the Julius Deluxe Rooms. Along with spacious rooms and ample dining, there are seven pools, a fitness center, a spa, and WiFi available for guests. 

Best hotel for parties: The Cosmopolitan 

In the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, travelers will find The Cosmopolitan. Here, the party never stops. At the Marquee Dayclub, music, food and water all come together for an over-the-top experience. Day beds and cabanas are available for groups looking for a space that’s just for them at the party. And when night falls on Friday and Saturday, the day club turns into an outdoor lounge with a live DJ.  At The Chelsea, the resort’s concert venue, guests can see acts ranging from comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias to former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson. 

To keep the party going, book a three-story Bungalow room, which has an ideal poolside location. If being close to the party isn’t a necessity, the City Rooms offer a more relaxed experience with views of Las Vegas and space for four people. 

Best hotel for multi-generational travel: Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

Families looking for a hotel in Las Vegas that’s not on the Strip will want to look into Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. The resort is at the edge of Red Rock Canyon, where guests can explore the great outdoors before heading to the hotel for an evening of dining and gambling. Families will enjoy rolling strikes at Red Rock Lanes, where 72 lanes of bowling open for late-night play, or diving into the pool. When the adults need some alone time or want to hit the casino, drop the kids off at the Kids Quest center, where kids can play and enjoy time with other children their age. 

Rooms here range in size from single king bedrooms to villas and penthouses. Multi-generational families will find that the Grand Villa Suites offer an abundance of space at over 3,000 square feet. This villa also has a pool table, a 75-inch TV, a private patio and a plunge pool.

Best spa hotel: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Those looking for pampering while in Las Vegas will love the Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas. The all-suite hotel boasts rooms that are optimized for wellness. With the Stay Well Premier rooms, guests are privy to enhanced air purification, complimentary access to the Cleveland Clinic’s online programs, a vitamin C shower infuser, a sound machine and dawn simulation lights, plus the rooms are cleaned with non-toxic products.

The adults-only Spa at Vdara spans two floors of the hotel, and guests can pick from various treatments. Before any services, spa guests are able to use the spa lounge, steam room, sauna and whirlpool at their leisure. There is also a plunge pool with heated loungers, the latter of which will melt away any tension and help guests relax before treatment even begins. 

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England’s smallest clean air charging zone could be brought in to help a Derbyshire town with the county’s worst pollution hotspot. At a Derbyshire Dales District Council meeting last night (February 9) councillors from all parties approved a plan backing a clean air charging zone for Ashbourne town centre.

There is a complex and lengthy process involving Derbyshire County Council and central Government, along with extensive public consultation, before a scheme like this is considered and potentially approved. A clean air charging zone would see vehicles with higher levels of emissions made to pay to drive through Ashbourne town centre.

Cllr David Hughes, who put forward the clean air zone plan, said the scheme would target the source of the majority of Ashbourne’s pollution issues: HGVs – primarily linked to the county’s quarrying industry. He said the scheme would charge diesel commercial vehicles and taxis that are not Euro 6 compliant (the latest restrictions for cleaner vehicles, emitting lower levels of nitrogen dioxide), with an exemption for registered keepers within the Ashbourne civil parish.

Read more: Road past Ashbourne school could be closed at busy times to limit pollution

Cllr Peter O’Brien said just under half of the UK’s HGVs were Euro 6 compliant and that the Euro 6 restrictions reduced emissions by 50 per cent. He said 95 per cent of HGV operators complied with Euro 6 in order to avoid paying clean air zone charges.

There are currently six clean air charging zones in England in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead), with a zone in Greater Manchester under review and one in Sheffield to start from February 27 this year. A potential clean air zone for Ashbourne would be by far the smallest in the country if it makes it through the extensive public and Government approval processes.

At its worst point on Buxton Road, nitrogen dioxide has been recorded at 50 per cent higher than the deemed acceptable legal level. This is 57.4 µg/m3, over an accepted level of 40. At last night’s meeting, councillors pushed forward a potential clean air charging zone as a key interim measure to help mitigate air quality issues in the town, with the planned Ashbourne bypass still many years away from becoming a reality.

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Brand awareness

The awareness of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) is growing, and Airthings continues to strengthen its brand positioning as a leading company within IAQ. Powered by targeted marketing campaigns over the course of the year, the company attracted global PR attention from leading publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Good Housekeeping and Bob Vila.

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The www.airthings.com website reached 581k unique web visitors in the fourth quarter and 3,117k for the full year 2022. This represents a 30% year-on-year decline in 4Q22, and 48% year-on-year growth from 2021 to 2022.

Going into 2023, Airthings launched its new Airthings app at CES, a highly successful event drawing attention to the importance of indoor air quality and Airthings products such as the new Space CO2 Mini which was launched at the Expo Real in Munich in 4Q22. The launch

demonstrates our continued ability to enhance the value proposition of Airthings’ products and

services for customers and end-users.

Proving our sustainability profile

In the fourth quarter, Airthings received a Gold Medal for 2022 from EcoVadis, the worlds most trusted business sustainability ratings organization, underscoring the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in implementing sustainable practices. The accreditation places Airthings among the top 3% most sustainable companies globally.

Airthings is enabling businesses to reduce energy consumption using air quality data, saving thousands of tons of CO2 per year. In addition, the company is utilizing circular principles to ensure responsible manufacturing and usage of high-quality components and materials to ensure long-term shelf lives. Airthings also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using them as a framework for its ESG actions.

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People with banners “Protect our Children! Shutdown Quemetco” from the Clean Air Coalition stand in the hall during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and hazardous waste management. The meeting took place on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

A state environmental agency defended a court settlement with Quemetco, a lead-acid battery recycling plant in City of Industry, during a raucous meeting of about 200 people in Hacienda Heights Wednesday, Feb. 8, where many neighbors voiced concerns about toxic emissions and cancer clusters.

The state Department of Toxic Substances Control said after suing Quemetco for 29 violations of state hazardous waste laws and other areas in October 2018, the company agreed to a $2.3 million settlement last December in Los Angeles Superior Court.

• A woman speaks up during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and North Whittier, and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and toxic waste handling. She spoke during a two-hour meeting on the topic at the Hacienda Heights Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

• Meredith Williams Director of the DTSC speaks during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and North Whittier, and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and toxic waste handling. Williams spoke at the beginning of a two-hour meeting on the topic at the Hacienda Heights Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

• Members of the public listen to speakers during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and North Whittier, and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and toxic waste handling. Residents were in attendance during a two-hour meeting on the topic at the Hacienda Heights Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

• Maria Soria, Division Chief Enforcement Division of the DTSC speaks during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and waste handling on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

• A members of the public voices his concerns during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and waste handling on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

• Members of the public voice their concerns during a public meeting about the court settlement between Quemetco, Inc. battery-recycling company near Hacienda Heights and state agencies involving the release of cancer-causing air toxics and waste handling on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The DTSC reported nearly all of the violations have been rectified.

However, two outstanding violations potentially damaging to the environment and public health are pending, explained Maria Soria, DTSC division chief of enforcement during the meeting.

Quemetco, located on 15 acres at 720 S. Seventh Ave. and within 600 feet of many homes, has not established a working, detection system for toxic chemicals that could flow into the ground water, a source of drinking water in the San Gabriel Valley. The focus is on nearby San Jose Creek, a tributary into the San Gabriel River where water seeps into underground aquifers used for potable water, she said.

The company must remove five, old, non-working detection wells dating back to the 1980s, and drill new ones, to increase monitoring of wastewater for toxic chemicals, she said. The application for new detection wells is pending approval with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Second, a “batch house” used to store lead batteries does not have a properly working system that can detect leaks of chemicals, she said. If a chemical leak of say lead, benzene or arsenic, cancer-causing compounds produced in the recycling of car batteries, is detected, the entire plant must shut down “or it can contaminate the ground water,” Soria said.

Nonetheless, DTSC praised their work on fixing most violations and Soria said these were admitted to by the company. The admissions could be used to enforce higher penalties in the event of future violations, she said. “The settlement is a result of strong enforcement actions the department took. We are pleased with the enforcement action,” said Meredith Williams, DTSC director, who spoke at the meeting.

Quemetco said the company agreed to resolve past violations but also disputes many of DTSC’s allegations. It has invested $50 million in new pollution control equipment since 2008. “The company is proud to be the cleanest lead recycling facility in the world, and it continually meets or exceeds all applicable environmental standards and requirements,” according to a statement emailed on Wednesday.

Many residents of La Puente, Hacienda Heights, Avocado Heights, Bassett and North Whittier — predominantly low-income areas and communities of color — disagreed with the settlement and spoke with concern for their health regarding citations for previous excessive toxic air emission releases and hazardous waste mishandling.

In 2016, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) found that air emissions presented an unacceptably high risk for development of cancer. Between 2017 and 2019, the plant was issued five notices of violations by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, including two for going above permitted levels of arsenic emissions, the county reported.

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen and can be emitted are part of the breaking down of lead acid batteries into recyclable components. It is linked to skin, bladder, liver and lung cancers. Low levels of lead can damage a child’s nervous system, causing learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Lead has also caused tumors in laboratory animals and is listed as a probable carcinogen, according to DTSC.

“My nephew at age 35 died of a rare form of cancer. My sister has cancer. We didn’t know this was going on in our backyards,” said Saldana Quinones, a local resident, during the question and answer portion of the meeting.

Sofia Quinones asked whether DTSC could investigate cancer clusters in the area. No evidence of cancer cases has been presented by DTSC, nor other environmental or health agencies. She also wanted to have a DTSC attorney explain the settlement, but none was present.

The settlement is complicated and became a bone of contention for many Quemetco neighbors who spoke.

Quemetco has agreed to pay $2.3 million in fines, but that money does not go toward plant cleanup or future closure plans. Many said money should have gone to residents whom they called victims. Instead, $1.15 million goes to a state fund that helps pay for cleanup of “orphaned toxic sites” where there is no responsible party. The other $1.15 million went to hire two environmental nonprofits, Nature For All, and the California School-Based Health Alliance (CSBA), which is based in Oakland.

Williams said these two organizations will provide programs that benefit the entire community. Nature For All provides trips to beaches and the San Gabriel Mountains to underprivileged families. The CSBA is considering establishing a wellness center in a local school.

“I am not sure how these programs fixes the problems of Quemetco,” said Rebecca Overmyer-Vasquez, coordinator with a long-time watchdog group made up of plant neighbors called the Clean Air Coalition of North Whittier and Avocado Heights.

Gino Kwok, a trustee on the board of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, who attended the meeting, called the settlement “suspicious” and questioned why Quemetco could choose to apply part of the settlement fines to hand-picked environmental nonprofit groups.

Regarding the Oakland-based CSBA, Kwok said in an interview: “They parachute in but they have no connection to the community. They have no experience with toxic cleanup.”

The settlement does not affect the permit applications Quemetco has with the DTSC, a separate process that may be decided in March. It has been operating on an expired permit for several years. Quemetco anticipates the DTSC will issue a draft permit in March and that a finalized permit could come in October 2023.

Quemetco has applied for a permit with the SCAQMD to expand operations by 25%. If approved, the plant would increase throughput from crushing 600 tons of batteries per day to 750 tons. The LA County Board of Supervisors voted in 2019 to oppose any expansion of the facility.

Neither request has been decided.

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Allergies are never fun. Luckily, the Michigan allergy season doesn’t happen all year round — it’s typically from spring to fall. And while certain people are allergic to certain things, people with seasonal allergies will experience symptoms around the same time of year. Typically this timing is tied directly to what plants are blooming in Michigan at the time.

Let’s look at when allergies are likely to occur in Michigan and what plants they are typically associated with.

When Is Allergy Season in Michigan?

Michigan’s allergy season can last from the spring and into the fall.

©iStock.com/zdravinjo

Allergy season in Michigan starts as early as late March. If you experience allergies early in the season, it is likely linked to tree pollen, as many trees bloom in late March and continue blooming through June. Luckily, if you’re only allergic to tree pollen, your symptoms will taper off when summer starts.

However, grasses start to bloom in the summer and continue blooming until later in the fall. Those with grass allergies will experience symptoms throughout the summer and fall seasons.

If you thought fall was a safe season for allergies, you are wrong. Plants like wheat and ragweed often release tons of pollen in the fall. People allergic to these specific plants will experience allergies throughout the fall months.

Pollen can travel exceptionally far through the air, up to 400 miles in one direction. Therefore, you don’t need to be near any of the plants that cause your allergies. Simply being outside (or even inside) when these plants are blooming will cause problems for your sinuses. Plus, pollen is microscopic. Therefore, just because you can’t see the pollen doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Which Plants Cause Allergies in Michigan

Ragweed is one of the most common causes of allergies in Michigan.

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Almost every plant produces pollen for reproductive purposes. Therefore, practically every plant in Michigan can be linked to allergies. The type of pollen you’re allergic to will indicate when you have symptoms. Of course, some plants, such as ragweed, are more likely to cause allergies than others.

Tree pollen tends to be very specific. Therefore, you have to be allergic to that particular tree’s pollen to have an allergic reaction. Most people are allergic to only a few types of trees — not all trees. With that said, families of trees often have similar pollen; therefore, people tend to be allergic to all of them.

For instance, if you’re sensitive to one type of oak tree, you’re probably sensitive to all.

As soon as spring hits Michigan, flowers and grasses bloom and release pollen. If you get allergy symptoms when the ground starts to turn green again, you’re probably allergic to grasses and flowers. Again, just because you’re allergic to one of these plants doesn’t mean you’re allergic to all of them.

Luckily, this allergy is less common than others.

In the fall, ragweed ranks at the top of the list for allergies, according to the Allergy & Asthma Center of Rochester. Because of its allergy-producing effects, many people have tried eliminating ragweed from their yards or places of business.

Sadly, ragweed is nearly impossible to get rid of. It is a hearty plant, so regular herbicides don’t work. Trying to pull up the ragweed by hand often leads to more pollen being released. It’s a lose-lose situation.

There are many types of ragweed, but their pollen is all similar. Many people recognize giant ragweed, which reaches up to 12 feet and is easily seen from the roadway. However, short ragweed blooms when it is only a few inches tall and tends to go unnoticed.

Michigan Allergy Symptoms

No matter what plant you’re sensitive to, you’ll likely have the same symptoms. The technical word for seasonal allergies is rhinitis.

Sinus discomforts, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness, are the most common allergy symptoms. Your eyes, nose, and throat may itch. Many people develop puffy eyes. Symptoms may be very localized, or they can spread throughout your sinuses.

Best Allergy Treatments

Pollen is allergies’ worst enemy, and avoiding it as much as possible is key to avoiding allergies.

©iStock.com/Alkimson

There are many ways to treat seasonal allergies, from installing air filters to taking a shower. Here is a list of recommended tips and tricks to try:

• Remain indoors. You should remain indoors as much as possible during allergy season. If you know what plant you’re allergic to, stay indoors when it blooms. Avoid going outside in the morning, as this is when pollen is released.
• Shower. Take a shower after outside activities. Pollen can cling to your clothes and worsen your symptoms. When you come inside, take off any external layers and shower as soon as possible.
• Keep windows closed. Keep your windows closed as much as possible during allergy season. Open windows will let pollen into your home. However, keep in mind that the average indoor air is highly polluted, which can cause allergies and respiratory illness. Therefore, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons.
• Use electrostatic filters. These filters help remove pollen at a greater rate than standard fiberglass filters. Therefore, they can make all the difference.
• Keep an eye on the pollen count. Many local weather stations release a “pollen count.” Avoid going outside when this count is exceptionally high.
• Use medications. There are many medications you can take, including antihistamines, that can relieve your symptoms. Speak to your doctor for specific recommendations that are relevant and safe for you.

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