This is an open letter to all those who might be afraid of getting their first mammogram. So, I want to be upfront with you now; I won’t be graphic in my description. However, if this topic doesn’t interest you, I invite you to go grab a snack and find out which places in the Lansing area are serving up some excellent paczki for Fat Tuesday.

I’m Scared of Getting a Mammogram

Okay, if you’re still with me, I’m glad to have you here!

I feel like subjects like these aren’t often discussed. It’s just one of those things we accept as being something we have to do one day. Inevitable.

But I wanted to openly talk about it because I feel like since it’s something everyone with breasts has to do at some point in their life, it should be talked about normally. It’s a normal thing we all have to do one day, and if my openness can help anyone else who might be feeling scared to feel less so, that would just be the best.

Also, it just so happened that “one day” for me was this week, and boy howdy, was I scared.

When Should You Get Your First Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society says that women ages 40 to 45 should get a mammogram if they wish, and says women should be getting annual mammograms starting at age 45.

I’m only 31 years old. But due to my family history (my mom and other family members), my doctors recommended early screening.

Does Getting a Mammogram Hurt?

*trigger warning: medical pain, trauma*

Without getting into too much detail, I was pretty traumatized in the past by a procedure that a doctor warned me would “only feel like a small pinch”…I have multiple tattoos and piercings, I’ve been poked, and prodded before. But that, was no. small. pinch. I didn’t just scream, I wailed and nearly passed out.

So because of that, I was pretty scared of getting my first mammogram. I was scared of how much pain it would be and if it was truly going to be like everyone had been telling me; slightly painful because of pressure, but nothing bad at all.

I asked friends and family I trusted, and I read up on what the procedure would be like from The Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society, but I still was left with some anxiety.

What Should I Expect During My Mammogram?

After it was all said and done; yes, it was slightly painful, but not nearly pain like the other procedure I mentioned. The first one was a 9, bordering on 10. For a mammogram, I’d say it was about a 2-3 out of 10, and only during the part of the procedure when your breast is actually getting compressed.

The whole mammogram process only took about 10, maybe 15 minutes. During which, your breast is only being compressed for a few seconds at a time. There is quite a bit of pressure for those moments during compression, but nothing that I would describe as being unbearable.

After everything was said and done, I think I was sore for maybe 20 to 30 minutes afterward, but nothing serious. I drove myself home and my seat belt didn’t bother me at all. Plus I treated myself to a Target run after because I did such a good job (what can I say, no one gave me a sucker or a sticker…). Screened for cancer and bought a cute sweater on sale? I call that a win-win.

So if you are feeling like I was, scared of getting your first mammogram, I hope this letter has helped ease your worries a bit. And just know that I’m rooting for you!

KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system

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Employees and advocates protest mold issue and “sick courthouse” outside of the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Springfield Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 15, 2021. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD — The state Trial Court has concluded repairs estimated at $91 million — not replacement — is the best solution to environmental and health hazards at the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse that serves Hampden County.

In part, that’s because replacing the 45-year-old building would be a years-long process that would include selection and acquisition of a new site as well as design and construction.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

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Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is a very popular houseplant. Known for its bold, glossy leaves. Your Rubber Plant will make a statement in any indoor space. There are many beautiful cultivars of Rubber plants. Ficus elastica variegata is a stunning ficus plant with magnificent white, green, pink leaves. Here are tips on how to take care of your Rubber Plant.

Rubber Tree Infographic

Rubber tree inforgraphic

9 Tips on How to Care for Rubber Tree Indoors

1. Your Rubber Tree is Happiest in Bright Indirect Light 

Rubber Trees will thrive in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Too much shade will result in poor growth. You can filter direct sunlight using sheer blinds or curtains. Filter intense afternoon sun. Direct sun from south facing windows will also need to be filtered.

2. Moderate Water is Best for Rubber Tree

Water your Rubber Plant when the soil feels dry. The best way to tell when it is time to water your Rubber Plant is to feel the soil. Stick your finger in the soil 1 inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your Rubber Plant. If the soil is wet, then don’t water your Rubber Plant. 

Also take into account the environment, if it’s in the middle of summer you can probably water your Rubber Plant more frequently. If it’s during winter you can err on the side of less frequent watering. 

3. Your Rubber Tree Needs Organic Soil

Rubber Tree needs a well-draining, organic potting mix. Only buy organic soil mix because the fertilizer is not as concentrated in organic soil. Non-organic soil should really only be used for outdoor plants. 

4. Fertilize Your Rubber Tree

Rubber Tree should be fertilized once a month when it is actively growing. When it’s dormant, during the fall and winter, don’t fertilize. 

5. Don’t forget to Repot Your Rubber Tree

Repot your Rubber Plant every year. Buy a large, heavy pot, around 4 inches larger (diameter) than the current pot. If you have a big Rubber Plant plant, get a heavy pot so it doesn’t topple over. Make sure you buy a pot that has drainage holes at the bottom so water doesn’t accumulate and cause root rot.

Know that repotting your Rubber Plant will make it grow larger. When it reaches the size you want it to be at, you should stop repotting your Rubber Plant. 

6. Drainage is Essential for Rubber Tree

After watering your Rubber Plant and you see water draining out of the pot’s drainage holes, make sure you empty out the accumulated water in the saucer. Don’t let your Rubber Plant’s pot sit in this puddle of water. It will cause root rot! 

7. Get the Temperature Right for Rubber Tree

Your Rubber Plant is a tropical plant. It needs to have daytime temperatures of 70F to 80 Fahrenheit (21-26C). Nighttime temperature should be at 60-70 Fahrenheit (15-21 C).

8. Keep Your Rubber Tree Dust Free

Dust accumulates on your Rubber Plant leaves overtime. The layer of dust decreases the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Periodically wiping down the leaves of your Rubber Plant with a damp cloth will help keep your plant healthy. You can also use a duster or dry duster cloth to wipe off the layer of dust on leaves.  

9. Humidity is Vital for Your Rubber Tree 

Your Rubber Tree is a tropical plant that thrives in humid conditions. Indoor air can be drying. Make sure you do your best to increase indoor humidity. You can do this by spraying your Rubber Plant with water twice a week. Turn on the humidifier. Keep Rubber Plant in a saucer filled with water. But make sure the pot is elevated with pot feet or pebbles so your Rubber Plant is not sitting directly on the water. 

Related Ficus Plants: How to Care for Your Fiddle-Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata) and How to Care for Your Ficus Audrey

3 Common Rubber Tree Problems 

The common problems for Rubber Tree are scale, leaf drop and root rot.

Rubber Plant Looks Wilted (Soil is Wet)

Problem: Your Rubber Plant looks wilted even if the soil is wet. Check for root rot by pulling the plant out and examining the roots. If the roots of your Rubber Plant plant look mushy (healthy roots are firm) and the roots are gray to black in color, these are telltale signs of root rot.

Root Rot

Cause: Root rot is caused by fungus and is a serious problem for your Rubber Plant. Root rot is a result of wet soil due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Solution: When your Rubber Plant is afflicted with root rot the chance of survival is slim. Your best course of action is to throw your Rubber Plant out and start over with a new plant. This time don’t overwater your Rubber Plant and make sure there is good drainage in the pot.

Leaves Falling Off Rubber Plant

Problem: The leaves of your Rubber Plant are falling off, that is a sign that something is wrong. It’s normal if one or two old leaves fall off your Rubber Plant but if a lot of leaves fall off all at once that is a sure sign that something is wrong.

Falling Leaves

Cause: It’s possible your Rubber Plant leaves are falling because it’s been overwatered. Moving your Rubber Plant to a new location where it is not happy can also cause the leaves of your Rubber Plant to fall. Your Rubber Plant can also drop leaves if it’s too cold.

Solution: You need to do a little bit of digging around. Did you overwater your Rubber Plant? What is the daytime and nighttime temperature of the room, is it suitable for your Rubber Plant? You can resolve the leaves dropping problem, once you pinpoint what is causing the leaves to fall from your Rubber Plant.

Many Small Brown Bumps on Rubber Plant Leaves

Problem: If you see little brown bumps all over the leaves and stems of your Rubber Plant, that can be a sign of scale. Try picking the bumps off, if it’s easily removed then that’s a telltale sign of scale. The little bumps can also be gray, yellow or black.

Scale on leaves

Cause: Scale is common on houseplants and is caused by scale insects.

Solution: You can get rid of scale by picking them off one by one. Or the easier way to get rid of scale is to spray your Rubber Plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Check out our article on how to make your own homemade pesticides using baby shampoo: How to Make Horticultural Oil and How to Make Insecticidal Soap

Rubber Tree: Frequently Asked Questions

What are Other Names of Rubber Tree?

Rubber Tree is also called rubber fig, rubber plant, rubber bush or Indian rubber bush.

Can You Use Cold Water When Watering Your Rubber Tree?

Don’t use straight cold water from the tap to water your Rubber Plant. Rubber Plant prefers cool water that is not hot and not cold. When you turn on the cold water from the faucet add a little bit of warm water.

You can also get to this ideal temperature by filling a watering can or pitcher with water and leaving it out overnight until the water is at room temperature. 

What Fertilizer Should You Use for Your Rubber Tree?

Use organic fertilizers with a higher ratio of nitrogen content. 

How Big Does Your Rubber Tree Get?

Rubber Tree plants are large plants that can grow to 12 feet tall indoors. You will need a heavy pot for your Rubber Plant so it doesn’t topple over. 

How Do You Propagate Your Rubber Tree?

Rubber Tree plants are difficult to propagate. One way to propagate your Rubber Plant is by air layering. It is not easy to propagate your Rubber Plant via air layering.

Facts About Rubber Tree 

Rubber Tree Varieties 

Fiscus elastica Robusta– Has round glossy, leaves

Fiscus elastica Abidjan– Underside of leaves are reddish/pinkish

Ficus elastica Variegata– Has beautiful variegated leaves

Ficus elastica variegata

Rubber Tree at a Glance

Name	Rubber Tree
Scientific Name	Ficus elastica
Light	Bright Indirect Light
Daytime Temperature	70 to 80 F (21-26C)
Night Time Temperature	60 to 70 F (15-21C)
Water	Moderate Water
Humidity	High Humidity
Potting	Well-draining, organic, all-purpose potting soil
Fertilizer	Once a month but not in the Fall or Winter

Rubber Tree Plant Information

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As the University of Toronto implements energy retrofits to buildings across its three campuses to meet its ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, one group of researchers will use the opportunity to improve the well-being of students, faculty and staff.   

The research project, titled “Wellbeing and The Built Environment: A New Framework for U of T Campus Building Performance Assessment,” will be co-led by Marianne Touchie, an assistant professor in the department of civil and mineral engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and aims to create a new standard for holistic building performance.      

“We want to inform the retrofit process by trying to link specific aspects of the built environment to wellness outcomes of the people living and working in these spaces,” says Touchie. “We plan to do this through pre- and post-retrofit assessments using indoor environmental quality measurements and inhabitant feedback.”  

The project is supported by U of T Engineering’s Dean Strategic Fund and includes John Robinson, a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the School of the Environment, Alstan Jakubiec, an assistant professor at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and Blake Poland, an associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The researchers will work alongside the facilities teams led by Ron Saporta, U of T’s chief operating officer, property services and sustainability.

The researchers will deploy sensors to measure indoor air quality and temperature, and employ an app that accepts real-time feedback from building inhabitants.  

“One aspect of the study that I am really excited about is testing the large-scale use of a technique called Photovoice,” says Touchie. “We will prompt respondents to take photos of aspects of the campus-built environment that add to or detract from their well-being.”  

Not only will the project assess environmental and economic benchmarks, but it also intends to measure the impact of these retrofits on people working and living in these buildings.   

“This is a complex topic with many distinct aspects of the individual, the space, the building and the broader community all impacting how the inhabitant feels,” says Touchie. “Previous research has tended to focus on thermal comfort, visual comfort or indoor air quality independently, and what we are really trying to do is to bring all those elements together into a common framework.”   

 

The Earth Sciences Centre, as seen from Huron Street, is among the locations on campus that researchers intend to study (photo by Chris Thomaidis)

Touchie and her collaborators will be developing the assessment approaches this year and plan to begin pre-retrofit evaluations in early 2023. They hope the project will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how aspects of the built environment influence people’s well-being, and that the assessment methods they develop can be integrated into U of T’s building retrofit process.   

“While these retrofits are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change and reach U of T’s climate-positive-by-2050 goal, through this project we are hoping to find ways to leverage these retrofits to also be ‘people positive’ by retrofitting spaces to improve comfort, productivity, health for students, staff and faculty,” Touchie says.  

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Originally Appeared Here

 

 

Oregon’s state of emergency to end April 1st (townsquare media)

Oregon’s state of emergency to end April 1st (townsquare media)

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has issued a statement saying the state of emergency will end April 1st…how appropriate.

Oregon will also ditch masks 2 days before WA

The Oregon Health Authority had originally said it would make March 31st the day for masks to be optional in schools, however, based upon their ‘evidence’ they have chosen March 19th as the day when mandatory masks will vanish.

Gov. Brown also issued the statement saying the dropping rates, rapid decreases from Omicron cases prompted the emergency conditions to end.

 No word on when Washington state will do so

While masks in WA state will be going away (non-mandatory) on March 21st, Gov. Inslee has given no date or idea of a date when our state of emergency will end.

Many legislators and GOP officials believe Inslee is hesitant, because once the state of emergency is officially over, there go his emergency powers.

 

KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system

 

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Originally Appeared Here

STEVE MAIER

4th in a series

Despite the recent rises in oil and propane prices, my wife and I are not paying more to heat our home this winter. That is because we use cold-climate heat pumps. We still have an oil burner, but it hasn’t been on for over two years.

Why aren’t we paying more? Because heat pumps use electricity, and electric rates remain stable over time. Electric utilities secure long-term contracts for the power they use to generate the electricity in the grid, so they are much less affected by worldwide energy price fluctuations. Also, an important control exists because Vermont’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates our electricity rates.

Yes, electricity prices go up over time, but they do so in slow and predictable ways. According to the Vermont Energy Action Network’s 2021 Annual Progress Report, running a heat pump cost around $15 per million BTUs  (MMBTUs) in 2010 and about $18-19/MMBTU in 2020. Electricity rates are typically steady for two to three years and then go up a few percentage points based on several factors that are reviewed and approved by the PUC.

Oil prices, on the other hand, fluctuate wildly. Between 2010 and 2020, the cost for heating with oil ranged from $17 to $40 per MMBTU based on factors largely out of our control, including global economics, politics and climate emergencies. Over the past decade, the average cost of heating with fuel oil has been significantly higher than heat pumps (the costs were about the same when oil prices were low in 2017-2018). This winter, the cost of heating with oil is approximately double the cost for heat pumps. In addition to the price differences, heat pump technology is more efficient than most oil burners at turning energy into heat, so that factors into heat-pump savings as well.

The electricity delivered to our home is also much greener than fossil fuels. There are social and environmental issues with every kind of energy that humans use, and the electricity grid is no exception. But there is no denying that the electricity that Green Mountain Power delivers to us in Addison County is much cleaner in terms of greenhouse gas emissions than any fossil fuel energy. Our electricity sources in Vermont include both in-state and out-of-state renewables, Hydro-Quebec, nuclear (from New Hampshire), and a small amount (6% according to the Energy Action Network) of fossil fuels. The power mix is much cleaner than it was 10 years ago, and further changes, such as more renewables and phasing out nuclear, are planned over the next decade.

We also love our heat pumps for other reasons. Our indoor air quality is much better than when we used our forced hot-air vent system and burned a lot of wood. We breathe much easier, literally. And a huge bonus is that heat pumps also efficiently cool in the summertime, a benefit that will only grow as the climate warms.

If you are interested in heat pumps, there is a lot of good information available at Efficiency Vermont (efficiencyvermont.com); just go to the website and search for heat pumps. They have information on the different kinds of heat pumps, and which are more appropriate in different settings. They also have rebates to offer and a list of approved contractors. Heat pumps don’t work as well or save as much money in every situation, so getting a professional involved is usually a good idea.

By the way, much of the information in this article also applies to electric vehicles. We plan to devote an entire column to EVs, but here’s a teaser. While the upfront costs of EVs are still a bit higher, the Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that electric vehicle operating costs in rural areas like Vermont will be lower by roughly $1,500 during the first year of ownership, and over $21,000 over a 14-year lifetime of the vehicle. And once you test drive one, there is no going back!

—————

Steve Maier, a former member of the Vermont House, currently serves on the Middlebury Energy Committee and is a founding board member of CEAC, the Climate Economy Action Center.

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Originally Appeared Here

(Even Keel Candle Co. Facebook)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Tribune News Service) — With a background in hazardous substance training, Savannah Kuntz is aware of the science behind candles and indoor air quality.

So when Kuntz, a Coast Guard lieutenant, started Even Keel Candle Co. in October 2020, she focused on sustainably sourced and ethically made hand-poured vegan soy candles.

“By making your own, I know exactly what goes into them and exactly what doesn’t,” Kuntz said.

Her candle-making dates back 10 years when she started it as a hobby. Friends and family members received candles as gifts and as her knowledge expanded, it kindled her interest in the clean candle industry.

During the pandemic, Kuntz, like many, spent more time in her Virginia Beach home and decided to create a side business.

Within the first three months of launching, Kuntz said she had shipped her products to every state in the U.S.

Although she maintains a busy schedule working full-time, Kuntz makes time on the weekends and off-duty for her role as a candlemaker.

She said social media tools such as Facebook Business Manager have enabled her to plan out her posts for weeks in advance.

Her collections include more than a dozen fragrances in winter, essentials, and apothecary scents. She also created a line of reed diffusers. The Even Keel website explains clean candles as “no unhealthy chemicals, additives, dyes, or funny business.”

Candles are sold in 8-ounce ($16), 14-ounce ($20), and 21-ounce ($30) jars. Customers can recycle candle jars for discounts on future purchases.

Her nod to the nautical term runs deep for Kuntz, who grew up in a small Ohio town on the South Shore of Lake Erie.

“My family runs a marina; I was always on the water and loved sailing,” she said.

By the age of 5, Kuntz donned a life jacket and soloed at the helm of an Opti sailboat.

A 2017 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, Kuntz majored in management and is working on her Master of Business Administration through the American Military University.

As a response officer, she said her primary job is to serve as a federal on-scene coordinator representative leading a team that provides investigations for pollution response, proper cleanup, and environment restoration along the Virginia coastal zone.

“We get to do some pretty amazing missions every day,” Kuntz said.

Erin O’Brien, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna, burns Even Keel candles at home and at her office. She said she loves to support locally owned small businesses and loves that Even Keel is owned by a member of the military.

“I love knowing that they are all natural and the time that Savannah puts in to making sure they are clean and sustainable,” O’Brien said.

As for Kuntz, it’s all just another part of her mission.

“It’s a great stress reliever for me because you’re creating something,” she said. “This is the chance that I get to step back and say, ‘We’ve got smooth sailing days ahead.’”

For more information, visit evenkeelcandle.com.

[email protected]

©2022 The Virginian-Pilot.

Visit pilotonline.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Originally Appeared Here

Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below.

There’s plenty of research showing that too much screentime can disrupt our sleep habits, make us less focused, and cause a host of other side effects beyond just tired eyes or a lack of in-person socialization. But did you know that even with our tech devices on the other side of the room, they could still be causing harm?

If you often suffer from poor sleep, chronic stress, irritability, and fatigue, It might be time to reduce the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your indoor space. What are EMFs?

Somavedic

View all Somavedic EMF mitigating devices here! 11% off with code USWeekly11 for a limited time until March 2!

An EMF is a type of invisible energy, also known as radiation, which comes from electrical power sources and man-made technology. EMFs could potentially lead to cellular and DNA damage for humans, pets, and even the plants inside our homes and workspaces. Combined with poor sleep, it’s possible that exposure to EMFs could lead to cardiac stress, impaired brain function, and a host of other health risks large and small.

This is why some of Hollywood’s top celebrities have all been vocal about taking steps to limit their exposure to wifi devices and the dangers of EMFs. Many of us know houseplants can help with cleaner indoor air quality, but now there is a product that works in a similar, but even more powerful, way to help neutralize indoor air smog — it’s the Somavedic!

Somavedic

View all Somavedic EMF mitigating devices here! 11% off with code USWeekly11 for a limited time until March 2!

Somavedics are frequency therapy solutions for indoor spaces like your home, office, or even your car. They’re designed on the principle of a controlled release of energy from precious and semi-precious stones that help mitigate the negative consequences of EMF radiation from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell phones. This means the Somavedic supports the body’s natural regenerative process to improve sleep, focus and concentration, maintain hydration, stay energized, reduce stress, neutralize free radicals, and enhance overall physical recovery – just to name a few potential benefits. Some Somavedic customers have even credited the device with eliminating bacteria, parasites and mold in their home.

Each Somavedic is crafted with the highest quality hand-blown glass. The latest “Vedic” and premium models offer the added bonus of being able to restructure your drinking water – making it more hydrating and easier for your body to absorb. Simply place your Somavedic next to your cup or bottle of water for 10 to 15 minutes and watch your water transform. Not only might you taste a significant difference, but even watering your houseplants with this restructured water has been shown to help them flourish as well!

Somavedic

View all Somavedic EMF mitigating devices here! 11% off with code USWeekly11 for a limited time until March 2!

No need to feel powerless about our increasing exposure to 3G, 4G and 5G networks! Simply plug in a Somavedic. Celebrities and wellness influencers are already singing the brand’s praises. Volleyball icon Gabby Reece says “they make me feel good. I keep one in my daughter’s room and in my bathroom to protect me from any electronic devices near where I sleep.” Influencer and artist Jesse Wellens says “one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed since having the Somavedic is that my stomach anxiety issues have gone away.”

Customers are also stunned by the results they’re experiencing from using their Somavedics. One reviewer says they were “blown away” — noting that they’re “sleeping better”, their “plants are thriving,” and their “mood has improved dramatically.” Another called it a “positive force” in their life. And another said they felt a “powerful physical, mental, emotional and spiritual alignment” — love that!

Somavedic also offers convenient, portable accessories like crystal and titanium pyramids, key chains and pendants to help protect you even on the go! The “TINY” model is small enough to fit perfectly in your pocket – take it with you on flights or just about anywhere out of the home! Check out Somavedic’s full collection on their site, and get ready to start feeling good again today!

View all Somavedic EMF mitigating devices here! 11% off with code USWeekly11 for a limited time until March 2!

Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Us Weekly assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Daycare centers for toddlers are notorious for spreading germs and perhaps the occasional cold. But the American Society for Microbiology reports a different pediatric threat lurking within most in-door daycare centers: mold and yeast. A new study finds these fungi are more common in indoor daycare centers than outside of them and may contribute mightily to rising adolescent chronic allergy and asthma rates.

Study authors add that several factors, such as specific building features or the number of children attending a particular daycare center, influence the presence of specific fungi species. This adds further evidence that molds and yeasts likely originate from indoor sources.

“This information is important to understand the alarming increase in chronic diseases like asthma and allergies in children,” says first author Eva Lena Estensmo, Ph.D., University of Oslo, Norway, in a press release. “Fungal growth can lead to poor indoor air quality, and some fungi are associated with allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms that may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.”

Citizen scientists collect evidence of fungi and yeast

These findings are based on data collected at 125 daycare centers in Norway. First, researchers analyzed each center’s indoor and immediate outdoor mycobiomes (fungal microbiome) by collecting dust samples of the insides and outsides of door frames. Then, they cross-referenced the findings against many variables, including the amount of attending children, their ages, the building type (single building, apartment, etc.), building materials (bricks, wood), ventilation systems, pest assessments, mold damage history, and year of construction.

Notably, a group of volunteer “citizen scientists” took charge of collecting dust samples and building/daycare data. These volunteers used materials mailed to them to collect the dust swab samples and answer a series of surveys on the daycare centers and buildings.

The team also considered environmental data such as indoor and outdoor temperature and moisture levels, distance from the nearest coast, and even longitude and latitude coordinates.

“Especially the high diversity of yeasts came as a surprise,” Dr. Estensmo comments. “We don’t fully know whether the yeasts are especially associated with children, but we have some indications—work in progress—that far more yeasts are present in daycares than in other indoor environments. In addition, the daycare environment with a lot of activity and high density of people is an interesting environment to study in relation to human influence on the indoor mycobiome.”

While it’s well-known that humans influence the indoor microbiome related to bacteria, researchers add there is less known about our effect on the mycobiome.

“Since young children often bring in organic materials such as soil and litter from nature, daycare centers may accumulate extra organic substrates promoting fungal growth, compared to other indoor environments,” the study reads.

The researchers published the study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

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Originally Appeared Here

Model Number	THC-#4533
Brand Name	Holtop
Origin	China

Key Specifications/ Special Features:

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) is the energy recovery process of exchanging the energy contained in normally exhausted building or space air and using it to treat (precondition) the incoming outdoor ventilation air in residential and commercial HVAC systems. During the warmer seasons, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies while humidifying and pre-heating in the cooler seasons. The benefit of using energy recovery is the ability to meet the ASHRAE ventilation & energy standards, while improving indoor air quality and reducing total HVAC equipment capacity.

High energy recovery efficiency

Holtop crossflow enthalpy exchanger is built in the full Eco-slim series Erv, heat recovery efficiency up to 82% in winter, the allowance of moisture exchange between fresh air and exhaust air make a soft indoor temperature and humidity.

Holtop Factory

Holtop headquarters is located at the foot of Beijing Baiwangshan Mountain, covering area of 30,000 square meters. The manufacturing base is in Beijing’s Badaling Economic Development Zone, covering an area of 60 acres, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 units of air heat recovery equipment.
Holtop builds a sound certificate system of ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS18001 as well as product certification systems. Moreover, it has a laboratory certified by national authority. As a well-known manufacturer in the field of heat recovery, Holtop has a strong R&D team and possesses dozens of national invention patents, and participated in the compilation work of several national standards, Holtop was also elected as Zhongguancun High-Tech Enterprise.

 

 

Holtop products stand for TOP quality in heat recovery ventilation filed in China, certificated by CE, CB, RCM, RoHs, FCC, ISO and other different approved tests like anti-flaming test, anti-mold test, energy saving product test. etc.

 

 

Holtop partner

Holtop cooperate with world famous brand or offer OEM service.

Product Certifications

Certificate Standard
Certificate Image	Click on the picture to see a larger one
Certificate Number	FI-45765
Issue Date	2020/08/03
Issued By	SGS Fimko Ltd.
Expiry Date	2025/12/30

Certificate Standard
Certificate Image	Click on the picture to see a larger one
Certificate Number	FI-45774
Issue Date	2020/08/03
Issued By	SGS Fimko Ltd.
Expiry Date	2025/12/30

Note:
product.certifyingTips

Shipping Information

FOB Port	Tianjin
Lead Time	7–30 days
Weight Per Unit	36.0 Kilograms
Dimensions Per Unit	112.5 x 102.0 x 32.0 Centimeters

US HTS Code	8414.59.30
Units per Export Carton	1.0
Export Carton Dimensions	112.5 x 102 x 32 Centimeters
Export Carton Weight	5 Kilograms

Main Export Markets

– Asia

– Australasia

– Central/South America

– Eastern Europe

– Mid East/Africa

– North America

– Western Europe

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