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CLEAN AIR

Four local agencies awarded CARES Act funding for facilities improvements

December 25, 2021 by Staff Reporter

A total of $430,000 will fund the construction of a new, year-round shelter house faculty at Smith Park in New Carlisle. The new shelter house will expand socially distant spaces for New Carlisle residents.

Funding will also go toward HVAC system upgrades for the Neighborhood Housing Partnership, United Senior Services and the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, the release said.

An HVAC system project for Neighborhood Housing Partnership will replace current HVAC with updated air purification and ionization technology in the facilities where the partnership provides public services, totaling $16,900.

ExploreIncreased COVID cases, staff shortage forces Northeastern schools to switch to remote learning

The HVAC projects for the United Senior Services and Clark County DJFS will involve the purchase and installation of air purification and ionization filters on their current HVAC systems in areas where there is interaction with the public, with each project totaling roughly $27,000.

Clark County will also receive funds for program administration, the press release said.

“We are excited to help these agencies provide their important services in a safer environment,” said Clark County Community and Economic Development Director Ethan Harris.

Clark County submitted its first application for CARES CDBG coronavirus funding in February, and the county was awarded $720,800 for five projects in partnership with Rocking Horse Public Health, Safe Harbor House, Citi Lookout and Second Harvest.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Holiday-Proof Your Fitness With These 10 Expert Tips | Chicago News

December 25, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Holiday-proof your fitness with these 10 expert tips: Fitness expert Dana Santas is seen here demonstrating a mountain climber, a high-intensity activity that will get your heart pumping. (Courtesy Dana Santas)

(CNN) – The holiday season can bring much joy, but it can be a challenging time for maintaining your health and fitness. Between the added pressure of social events and opportunities to overindulge, it’s all too easy to throw in the towel, resolving to get back on track in the new year.

But the holidays don’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. With the right mindset, you can enjoy the season without sabotaging your well-being.

To help you holiday-proof your fitness, I tapped the expert advice of my friend, celebrity trainer Don Saladino, who works with some of Hollywood’s heavy hitters, including Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway and John Krasinski. Since celebrities are no strangers to partying, I asked Saladino to share tips he gives his clients to sail through the season without wreaking havoc on their health-minded goals.

Celebrity or not, we all need to focus on smart strategies to keep holiday stress and indulgences from pushing us over the edge. Here’s advice you can put into action now.

1. Maintain a healthy mindset

“Your goal should be to actively appreciate the holidays, while fully in control of your choices,” said to Saladino.

This time of year is meant to be enjoyed, but too many of us lose sight of that and spend a lot of time beating ourselves up for celebrating. Enjoying seasonal treats is OK — so let go of those feelings of guilt.

You know those cookies Mom baked with love? No need to deny yourself. Remind yourself that you have control; you can eat one or two without devouring a dozen. Remember, you are happily — not guiltily — making decisions.

2. Do the math

Too many fit people spend time needlessly stressing about a small percentage of indulgent meals they eat during the holidays, Saladino said. He urges them to “do the math.”

From mid-November to January 1, there are about 45 days. If you eat an average of three meals a day, that’s 135 meals. Having a few brunches and several decadent dinners over the course of that time will not derail your fitness if your other meals remain healthy. Let’s say you had a dozen rich holiday meals — that’s still less than 9% of your overall meals.

3. Don’t punish yourself with exercise

This goes hand and hand in with keeping a healthy mindset. Exercise shouldn’t be used to overcome “bad” holiday behavior. In fact, Saladino said he cuts back his clients’ training volume and frequency during the holidays to help reduce the demand on their schedules while maintaining consistency. Keeping them in “the right frame of mind is most important,” he said, so he urges them to keep workouts under 40 minutes with the intent of simply breaking a sweat and helping them manage stress.

4. Stay satiated

Another tip Saladino said he gives all of his clients is to stay satiated so they don’t arrive ravenous at holiday events, where there are limited healthy options. If you’ve ever tried to grocery shop when you were hungry and ended up with lots of unhealthy snacks in your cart, you know why this is sound advice.

If possible, eat a healthy meal, or at least a filling snack, like nuts or yogurt, before heading to a party.

5. Hydrate

Staying hydrated also fills you up and keeps you from reaching for food when you’re actually thirsty. The biggest stressor dehydration puts on your body isn’t simply fluid loss, but the significant amount of electrolytes lost with it. Electrolytes are essential minerals responsible for electrical energy involved in bodily functions, like muscle contractions, including cardiac activity, and nerve impulses. Loss of electrolytes due to dehydration will make you feel rundown and contributes to that hungover feeling (if you also drink too much alcohol).

With the colder weather, dryer indoor air and increased likelihood that you are drinking festive cocktails, it’s easier to become dehydrated more quickly, so try to have a bottle of electrolyte-enriched water or other non-sugary drink readily available.

6. Imbibe strategically

Speaking of drinking alcohol, Saladino gives what he said is unpopular but effective advice:

“Instead of focusing on the calories in the drink, pick heavier drinks that you have to sip and will make you feel full, so you end up drinking less overall.” Think spiked eggnog over the candy cane martini.

According to Saladino, the biggest issue with alcohol isn’t so much the calorie intake as it is the overall intake – leading to lapses in self-control that can lead to making poor food and life choices.

7. Keep stress in check

Whether it’s the effects of shorter, darker days and increased schedule demands or family-related anxiety, the holidays can take a toll. Added stress can result in poor decision-making, stress eating and physical tension. That’s why it’s important to proactively practice self-care.

Carve out a few minutes a day away for meditation, breathing focus or gratitude. As little as five minutes of this mindfulness practice each day lowers stress and anxiety, research has shown. In addition to the workouts Saladino recommended, take steps to release even more tension with techniques like foam rolling and massage.

8. Sneak in consistent daily exercise

During this busy time of year, I also recommend training smarter not harder. That means choosing consistency over quantity by fitting in exercise every day where it makes the most sense in your lifestyle and schedule. One of the most effective ways to integrate exercise is by stacking it onto another daily habit. For instance, for years now, I’ve been doing push-ups before getting in the shower and body-weight squats while I brush my teeth — every time, every day.

9. Don’t cave until the new year!

With all the opportunities to overindulge, you might find yourself overdoing it at a holiday party and, in the moment, letting go of self-control. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “new year, new you.” But remember that the calendar has nothing to do with changing your health and fitness.

You get a fresh start every day — not every year. “Don’t give up. Get back on track the next day,” Saladino says.

10. Get enough sleep

Too often during the holidays, we spread ourselves thin keeping up with work and daily life responsibilities while also meeting the season’s demands. It’s crucial that you give your body and mind the time and rest needed to recover each night. Sleep is a key factor in the function of your metabolism and immune system; as such, not getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night can lead to weight gain, illness and other negative health implications.

To adequately process those holiday meals and avoid picking up a seasonal sickness, you need to prioritize rest. If you have trouble sleeping, try these breathing techniques to help.

Remember that being healthy is your lifestyle, not your resolution. Following the tips above, you can enjoy the holidays without derailing your health and wellness.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

The best house plant to get, according to your zodiac sign

December 25, 2021 by Staff Reporter

It can be hard to pick out a house plant for your home. This is why we’ve decided to seek the advice of the stars (kind of).

If you are planning to get a house plant to spruce up your interiors, how about one that will match your zodiac? This can help you find a plant well suited for your personality and one you can take good care of.

Read on to find out the best house plant that will match your zodiac sign:

Image: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

Aries (March 21 to April 19) – Succulents

A fire sign, Aries are known for their strength, bravery and pride. They are also low maintenance and you get what you see. Matching these traits, a succulent is a good choice for this zodiac. These cute house plants are easy to take care of and don’t demand constant attention. Water them occasionally, place them in an area with lots of light and you are good to go. Another plus, these are available in different colours too.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Kelsey Brown/Unsplash

Taurus (April 20 to May 20) – Fiddle leaf fig

Taurus is ruled by Venus and it is an earth sign. People who fall under this zodiac are known to be hardworking, caring, stubborn and tend to enjoy cosy and luxurious things. They also give their best to any assignment or task they may take up. So, a high-maintenance fiddle leaf fig will be a good fit in a Taurus house. This plant is both chic and luxe and will match its owner’s personality. This one needs its own space as it can grow up to 10 feet indoors.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Severin Candrian/Unsplash

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) – Air plant

Known to mingle easily with people around them, Gemini and an air plant are a match made in botanical heaven. These plants thrive on water and nutrients from the air and don’t require soil to grow in. Just like a Gemini, they are easy to be with and can survive in low light. The best part, you can keep changing their location and place them anywhere in the house.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Maria Eliz/Unsplash

Cancer (June 21 to July 22) – Peace lily

The peace lily is the Cancer sign in the form of a plant. A water sign, Cancers are intuitive, caring, sensitive and dedicated. They are known to have a meltdown or two, but if given a little attention they will be back to normal. A peace lily is a natural air purifier and its beautiful white flowers will accentuate your interiors. If you miss watering it for a day or two, the leaves will start wilting, but some quick TLC and it will bounce back to its sensitive self.

Image: Pixabay/Pexels

Leo (July 23 to August 22) – Bromeliad

In the realm of zodiacs, Leo is the royal sign. Leos are caring, warm, strong and have a fiery personality. The colourful and very Instagrammable bromeliad will fit well in a Leo home. This tropical house plant flourishes in warm temperatures and doesn’t need much care. Leos like being the centre of attraction and this plant’s bright flowers will definitely be a talk of your house party.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Mike Marquez/Unsplash

Virgo (August 23 to September 22) – Rubber plant

Virgos are very often misunderstood as narcissists because of their need to pay attention to every tiny detail. Perhaps, that’s one of the reasons why a rubber plant — that can be easily mistaken as artificial — will suit a Virgo well. Deep down people under this sign are caring and dependable and will be able to maintain this plant well which requires the right amount of light and water.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Huy Phan/Unsplash

Libra (September 23 to October 22) – Monstera

The need for balance and harmony is key for a Libra’s diplomatic nature. They are also known to like sophisticated things and activities in life and enjoy art and culture. So, monstera — a favourite of interior designers — is an obvious choice. The pretty leaves with symmetrical cuts will make the plant look like a piece of art in any corner of the house with moderate light.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Scorpio (October 23 to November 22) – Snake plant

Snake plants can almost survive on their own making them as independent as a Scorpio. This plant is pretty low maintenance and its leaves are straight and pointy that can grow up to 4 feet tall. Scorpios make sure to let their opinion be known and can still have an air of mystery around them.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Wikimedia Commons

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) – Maranta or Prayer plant

Impulsive and fun-loving, this fire sign is always in search of the next adventure. They will always have an interesting comeback to a question. A Sagittarius can be a good parent to a maranta — a plant that keeps changing positions in its pot during the day. The colours and bold patterns on the leaves make it a perfect decoration piece in a house. This plant thrives in medium to high indirect light.

house plant according to zodiacImage: David Brooke Martin/Unsplash

Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) – Jade plant

Resilient and patient, Capricorns are also known for their practical nature. They invest time in their ideas to achieve the desired goals. These traits make them a perfect parent for a Jade plant — it takes time to grow and requires good care. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall but it takes years to reach that height. Make sure you put these in a wide pot to avoid them from falling over as the top part of the plant can get heavier.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Severin Candrian/Unsplash

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) – Pothos

Easily mistaken as a water sign because of its name, Aquarius is actually an air sign. They are creative, eccentric and don’t like restrictions in way of realising their dreams. These qualities make Pothos a good match for an Aquarius. With leaves that look like a printed green and white design, this plant goes well with the creativity of people under this sign. Pothos also has air-purifying qualities and can survive in any range of indoor light.

house plant according to zodiacImage: Lucian Alexe/Unsplash

Pisces (February 19 to March 20) – Spider plant

Pisces are compassionate, empathetic and selfless. They are the people who will listen to your problems and be there with all the support you need. So, a Pisces needs an indoor plant that is self-sufficient and doesn’t require much attention making a spider plant a perfect choice. These are very low-maintenance and make for a pretty decoration anywhere in the house or office.

(Hero and featured image credit: David Brooke Martin/Unsplash)



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Bay Area Air District discouraging wood burning over weekend

December 24, 2021 by Staff Reporter

FAIRFIELD — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is strongly recommending that residents not burn wood in their fireplaces or woodstoves over the holiday weekend to keep air quality from becoming unhealthy.

A Spare the Air Alert will not be in effect and wood burning is not illegal. The district is just discouraging against wood burning at this time.

The air quality is expected to be good throughout the Bay Area, but wood burning during the holiday can significantly impact indoor air quality,  the district said. 

“While we are excited to gather with our loved ones this year, foregoing a fire in the fireplace will protect air quality for our families, friends and neighbors,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District, in a press release. “Increased wood burning around the holidays can lead to high levels of air pollution that can cause serious health effects to Bay Area residents. With your help, we can keep our air clean and enjoy a healthier holiday season.”

Decorative wrapping paper is manufactured using synthetic inks, plastic film, metallic finishes and other chemicals which release toxic and carcinogenic compounds into the air when burned. The smoke is released into your home and neighborhoods where family and friends will breathe it in. The district noted that it is always illegal to burn wrapping paper, trash and scrap wood.

Like cigarette smoke, wood smoke contains fine particles and carcinogenic substances that make the air unhealthy to breathe, according to the Air District. Wood smoke is the major source of air pollution in the Bay Area in the wintertime and is especially harmful to children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality and the global climate in the nine-county Bay Area, including Solano. 

Related



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Winter

December 24, 2021 by Staff Reporter

When the weather turns colder, indoor air quality tends to deteriorate. As a result, many people lock doors and windows to maintain the warm temperature. While this increases comfort levels, it also causes poor circulation of air inside the home. This leads to a buildup of pathogens, which can cause a variety of ailments, including headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Other sources of indoor air pollution include smoke, pets, and volatile organic compounds.

Keeping your indoor air quality healthy is important year-round, but during the cold season, your attention needs to be paid particularly to your home’s indoor air quality. The cold season creates a climate in which we huddle inside tightly-sealed buildings, trading ventilation for heating. The result is an increase in pollution and moisture inside the home. Tobacco smoke, VOCs, and other contaminants can wreak havoc on our health, making indoor air quality even more important.

The winter months bring more time indoors, which can result in increased exposure to indoor pollutants. Since windows and doors are typically closed, this means less air circulation and a higher risk of sickness. The cold weather can also lead to ventilation problems inside homes and businesses, so it’s especially important to pay attention to indoor air quality in winter. During the winter months, these conditions can worsen the effects of other pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, and even increase the likelihood of getting respiratory problems.

Although the short-term effects of air pollution are treatable, the long-term effects can be more severe. While poor indoor air quality during the winter months can aggravate existing respiratory conditions, it can also increase the risk of pneumonia. Furthermore, long-term exposure to indoor air pollution increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. It’s important to remember that if you’re experiencing symptoms of these conditions, you should immediately seek medical attention.

The winter months are also the time when people’s indoor air quality can deteriorate. As a result, it’s critical to maintain healthy indoor air in the winter. In addition to keeping windows open and windows, proper ventilation can also help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful indoor airborne pollutants. This can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. When the air quality inside the home is poor, there’s a higher risk of bacterial and viral infections, leading to increased health problems.

In addition to the season itself, the winter months can also lead to increased indoor air pollution. This is due to decreased ventilation, which can result in decreased ventilation. The winter season also puts pressure on the air-conditioning system, which may cause a decrease in comfort. In order to improve the quality of indoors, homeowners must install a good HVAC system. They must ensure that their heating systems are not only energy-efficient but also that their home’s windows are in a good condition.

More Info about why to buy an air purifier

Filed Under: Author, CLEAN AIR Tagged With: winter

Qivation TiO2 Wireless Charging Pad offers 24/7 air purification with an LED lamp » Gadget Flow

December 24, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Use one gadget that can perform four tasks: the Qivation TiO2 Wireless Charging Pad. Not only does it wirelessly charge your smartphone, but it also disinfects and purifies it. Using Qivation cutting-edge technology, this stylish gadget is a wireless charger, table lamp, mobile stand, and disinfecting device. Place any small personal items on top when you aren’t charging something, and it purifies them. This multifunctional gadget has a minimal design that’s great for any home and workspace and charges any device with the wireless charging function. Using Nano Photocatalyst technology of Japan—approved by PIAJ—and Qivation’s own technology, it safely purifies the surrounding air 24/7. During this disinfection cycle, it decomposes airborne, viruses, odors, and bacteria with visible light and absorbs them when there’s no light.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Climate Specialists Donates Air Purification Systems to Three Austin Area Daycare Facilities

December 23, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Climate Specialists Donates Air Purification Systems to Three Austin Area Daycare Facilities | ACHR News

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Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

Allergic to Your Christmas Tree? Here’s What an Allergist Suggests You Do

December 23, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Christmas trees bring exciting surprises, like presents you rest beneath them and the myriad ornaments they collect throughout the years. However, they can also bring a peskier surprise: If you get a real fir tree for your living room, you can experience allergy symptoms as a result. Below, an allergist breaks down how to tell if you’re allergic to your Christmas tree. Don’t worry; there are a handful of things you can do to prevent allergies from completely ‘grinching’ your holiday season. 

How to know if you’re allergic to your Christmas tree

“If soon after putting up the Christmas tree, you start to have sneezing, asthma, hives or any other allergic reactions, it’s the tree or what’s on it,” says Heather Moday, DO, is a leading immunologist/functional medicine doctor and the author of The Immunotype Breakthrough. It goes without saying that you should be cautious when it comes to experiencing things like sinus congestion, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, fever, and any other common COVID-19 symptoms. If these symptoms appear once you have come in contact with your tree, allergies are possible. However, getting tested for COVID-19 helps rule out the virus and protects those around you.

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That said, your tree might have residual pollen—picked up from other trees and weeds—from where it was grown, Dr. Moday says. There could also be microscopic mold spores on the branches. When trees are brought inside, these pollen and mold allergens can be released into the air and cause reactions to those who might be sensitive. “It’s uncommon to be allergic to pollen from pine and fir trees themselves. They just act as carriers,” Dr. Moday says.

Some people are sensitive to the sap or resin from touching fir and pine trees and may develop an allergic reaction on their skin. Topical antihistamine cream can help soothe a rash that arose after touching a tree. The best way to avoid this reaction is to avoid touching the tree. If decorating your tree is important to you, consider wearing long, thick sleeves, gloves if you get a rash from the tree, and a mask if you experience sinus symptoms. 

What to do if you’re allergic to your Christmas tree

If you’re experiencing allergies soon after setting up your tree or arriving at a family member’s home—you have some options. First things first, don’t touch the tree further and have someone else grab gifts so that you can keep a distance. Additionally, a HEPA air purifier could help reduce the potential irritants in the air,  Dr. Moday says. If symptoms are mild, antihistamines, nasal rinses, and corticosteroid nasal sprays should keep things at bay while the tree is around. If you experience any difficulty breathing that worsens over a short period, you may have a more severe interaction and should contact a provider or go to an emergency room. 

Another issue can arise from your holiday decor, Dr. Moday adds. Artificial trees, decorations, tree skirts, and lights are often stored in dusty, moldy basements and attics, so these can also add to the allergy burden. Try to shake the decor outside when you start to decorate. You can also let the allergens disperse further by leaving decorations in a dry area of your garage for a few days before bringing them in, Dr. Moday says. Make sure ornaments are kept in plastic containers and any fabric decorations washed before and after use. 

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Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

In a sealed room, would snake plants keep you alive? Study doesn’t say that

December 23, 2021 by Staff Reporter

Could a common houseplant keep you alive in a sealed room if you couldn’t open the windows? 

A Facebook post claims that the snake plant can.  

“According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the snake plant is so effective in producing oxygen that if you were locked in a sealed room with no airflow, you would be able to survive with just 6-8 plants in it. NASA recommends 15 to 18 medium to large size plants for 1,800-square-foot home for optimum air quality.”  

The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.) 

NASA did conduct a study, in partnership with a landscaping trade association, of how plants can solve indoor air pollution. But its study didn’t draw conclusions about whether plants could produce enough oxygen to keep people alive in a sealed room.  Other research has dismissed the idea of air-cleaning plants as impractical. 

The study covered two years of data and was published in 1989. It was supported by a division of the NASA Office of Commercial Programs and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. The landscaping group then used the study’s findings to promote the use of plants indoors. 

Study authors looked at a dozen plants, and how they reduce the presence of several toxins: benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. One of those plants was Sansevieria laurentii, also known as a snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue. 

The plants were placed in sealed Plexiglas chambers, which were contaminated by the toxins. Two chambers were 30-by-30-by-30-inch cubes, and two were twice the volume. Air samples were taken in timed intervals after the toxins were introduced. 

The snake plant was shown to remove TCE, benzene and formaldehyde, though other plant varieties removed more of these toxins, according to the study. Researchers wrote that the plants, along with activated carbon filters, “have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings.” They said that fans that move air through  activated carbon filters should be included in any plan to reduce indoor air pollution with plants. 

But the Facebook claim is about what would happen if a human was locked in a room with no airflow. The NASA study did not test how the introduction of humans into the chamber would change the results, and researchers acknowledged this. They wrote that scientists were looking into it, but as of the study’s publication in 1989, they said, research was limited: “NASA studies at Stennis Space Center, private studies by Biosphere 2 in Arizona, and USSR studies in Siberia are beginning to present a clearer picture of what man can expect to experience when sealed inside facilities with plants and soil as his major means of life support.”

We reached out to NASA several times about this claim. A spokesperson directed us to the clean air study, but attempts to obtain more information about it were unsuccessful. 

Other research

Since the NASA study, other scientists have looked into the effects of plants on indoor air pollution. 

In 1992, an official with the Indoor Air Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wrote a critique of the NASA study, and said that scaling up the number of plants used in the study for use in a house — the author estimates 680 plants would be required in a typical house — makes using them impractical, and would cause other problems, such as increased humidity.    

A study published by the American Society of Horticulture Science in 2009 found that snake plants were effective at reducing ozone in indoor environments, but that more study would be necessary to determine the number of plants required in an area. The study recommended inexpensive houseplants as a way to mitigate indoor air pollution in the developing world.  

In 2019, a review of a dozen studies over 30 years was published by scientists at Drexel University, and their findings show that plants are not effective at cleaning the air. 

“Plants are great, but they don’t actually clean indoor air quickly enough to have an effect on the air quality of your home or office environment,” said Michael Waring, an associate professor of architectural and environmental engineering at Drexel. 

Drexel researchers found that the natural air exchange that happens in buildings works faster than plants to remove volatile organic compounds. They also found that the number of plants required to remove such compounds makes it impractical to use them for this purpose. According to their calculations, it would take between 10 and 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space to compete with the air cleaning capacity of a few open windows or a building’s air handling system.

Our ruling

A Facebook post claims that according to a NASA study, six to eight snake plants could produce enough oxygen to keep humans alive in a room with no airflow. 

We found no evidence to support that claim. A 1989 NASA study found that snake plants could remove certain toxins from small sealed spaces under certain conditions. But it did not examine whether snake plants would be able to keep humans alive in sealed rooms. Other researchers have questioned the NASA study’s findings and found that relying on plants is an impractical way of cleaning indoor air. 

We rate this claim False.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

SafeTraces deploys anti-COVID aerosol tech to detect risky buildings – Times-Herald

December 23, 2021 by Staff Reporter

PLEASANTON — SafeTraces hopes to lend an assist to the wide-ranging battle against the coronavirus by deploying aerosol-based technologies to identify risky buildings imperiled by hazardous air circulation.

The biotech company’s liquid aerosol system uses DNA markers and software analysis to help property owners determine whether poor ventilation and air circulation might be allowing virus-like particles to remain in the air inside a building and its rooms.

“This technology is a way to learn if a room or an entire building is safe,” said Erik Malmstrom, chief executive officer of SafeTraces. “That is what everyone wants to know. We provide that answer.”

When the liquid aerosols are sprayed into the air, SafeTraces uses DNA markers in the droplets to track how they are circulating in a room and whether the air is being refreshed — changed — frequently enough to ensure that the building and its rooms are operating safely.

The United States, California and the Bay Area are battling to recover from the economic devastation unleashed by wide-ranging business shutdowns that government agencies imposed to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the huge uncertainties that loom over the economy: How safe is it for workers to return to the office, for shoppers to return to malls and movie theaters, for fans to return to concerts and sporting events?

“Polls clearly show widespread public anxiety about facility safety from offices to schools to retail locations,” Malmstrom said.

These are vital questions to answer, said Gary Dillabough, a busy Bay Area developer and commercial property owner who is especially active in downtown San Jose.

“We have to create better and safer environments for people to return to,” said Dillabough, a principal executive with Urban Community, a real estate firm that has teamed up with global developer Westbank on several major projects in downtown San Jose. “SafeTraces has the technology to help bring that about.”

Much of the concern over the coronavirus has been focused on the contamination of surfaces by the pathogen.

Malmstrom and Dillabough point out, however, that a key vector for the spread of the deadly bug is through virus-laced droplets that can remain in the air for hours and travel well beyond six feet.

The anxiety over enclosed spaces is fueled by the reality that the dangerous microorganisms can’t be seen, by definition, and viruses are traveling on paths that also can’t be seen.

“Air is invisible, but we help building owners to see the invisible,” Malmstrom said.

Pleasanton-based SafeTraces says its software-supported and aerosol-based system can provide precise analysis about how air is flowing through a building, whether that air is being changed sufficiently and what might be done to address any hazards within the structure.

During the current holiday shopping season, Eastridge Center in San Jose has turned to SafeTraces to ensure that the shopping mall meets top safety standards for indoor air and ventilation systems.

Eastridge is the first shopping center in the nation to undergo verification and assessment by SafeTraces, according to Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the principal owners of Eastridge Center.

“We are solidifying our commitment to ensure that our visitors can have a high degree of trust and confidence in a safe shopping experience at our retail locations,” said Najla Kayyem, senior vice president of marketing with Pacific Retail Capital.

The SafeTraces technology and software analysis is advanced enough that it can analyze a room of 1,000 square feet within two hours, according to the company.

The biotech firm says it can assess the playing surface and the seating areas of the SAP Center in downtown San Jose within a day.

“Companies and real estate operators are going to have to get over that bar to prove that their spaces are safe,” Dillabough said.



Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: CLEAN AIR

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