Steel Jupiter, a Minority-Owned, specialty coating manufacturer, announced today it has leased a 13,000-square-foot facility in Sahuarita for its manufacturing, research and development facility. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2022, initially creating 15 jobs in the community.

“Steel Jupiter’s mission is to help make indoor air as free from viruses as possible,” said Carlos Tellez, Chairman and President of Steel Jupiter. “Our product, developed by leading scientists, has the promise to significantly improve the effectiveness of HVAC filters and masks in filtering viruses from the air we breathe. We evaluated other locations and we are thankful to have found the Sahuarita Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology facility (SAMTEC). Sahuarita is a great community, and the facility and location are perfect for us. We are thrilled to call Sahuarita our home base for our continued growth and innovation long into the future.” 

READ ALSO: 18 of Arizona’s most influential minority business leaders

Steel Jupiter chose Arizona for several key reasons including the technical resources at Arizona’s universities. In addition to its depth in science and engineering, the University of Arizona is uniquely qualified to conduct independent testing of Steel Jupiter’s product as a result of its virus testing capabilities highlighted during the pandemic. Steel Jupiter also chose Arizona because of the quality of the state’s workforce and the innovative, growing business sector. 

“Steel Jupiter’s innovative manufacturing and research facility is a valued addition to Southern Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are grateful Steel Jupiter is establishing its manufacturing facility in Sahuarita, bringing quality jobs while furthering Arizona’s reputation as a national innovation and manufacturing leader.”

“The establishment of this new facility will have an economic impact of $27 million over the next five years,” said Joe Snell, President and CEO, Sun Corridor Inc., the region’s economic development group. “The ripple effect of these high-paying jobs advancing Steel Jupiter’s technology will be felt across Southern Arizona.”

“It’s exciting to sign another tech firm to a lease at SAMTEC. This vision is many years in the making,” said Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. “I know that Sahuarita is becoming a hub for excellence in innovation. We’re laying the groundwork for that right now. Attracting companies like Steel Jupiter, and PowerPhotonic is just the beginning.”

Steel Jupiter’s new facility adds to Southern Arizona’s recent economic activity. In March, PowerPhotonic announced it selected Sahuarita for its new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility at SAMTEC, and in December, Leonardo Electronics announced plans to expand its regional presence in Oro Valley, adding 200 jobs.

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Originally Appeared Here

HVAC systems have two types of coils: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. They are where an air conditioner does the work needed to manage the air temperature in your home or business.

You’ve got a company to run and a life to live, so you probably don’t want to become an expert in the physics of climate control. But having a basic understanding of how the coils function and how you or an HVAC technician must care for them helps ensure that the system can meet your cooling needs for many years.

This article describes how the evaporator and condenser coils work together to cool your indoor spaces. It also explains how best to keep those coils clean and operating at peak efficiency.

Understanding HVAC Evaporator Coils

People often think of air conditioners as generating cool air. That’s not entirely incorrect. It’s more accurate to say that they cool warm air. Specifically, they extract heat from warm air and move that heat outside of your home or business. They do this by using a refrigerant (also called coolant) to absorb heat and then circulating it in a way that enables it to release that heat to the outside environment.

What does the evaporator coil do? Also called the evaporator core, the evaporator coil is made of copper, aluminum or steel tubing in repeating “U” shapes set within a panel. The evaporator also has what are called fins. They bring as much air as possible into contact with the tubing, where the removal of heat (i.e., the heat transfer) takes place.

The evaporator coil utilizes refrigerant in approximately a 75% to 25% mix of liquid and gaseous states respectively to capture the heat and cause a phase change to a 100% gaseous state. Just like it takes heat to change water to steam, this heat transfer and phase change is why the air feels cold on the supply side.

Understanding HVAC Condenser Coils

A condenser coil works in tandem with an evaporator coil to maintain the desired temperature in your indoor environment. The condenser coil is housed in what people commonly refer to as an air conditioning unit (or the condensing unit)—the big “box” outside your home or business.

After the evaporator coil does its work, coolant carrying the heat it absorbed from your indoor spaces travels to the condenser unit outside. There, a compressor pressurizes it before sending it into the condenser coil.

That is when a second phase change occurs. At the condenser, the system pulls air over coils, removing the heat from the refrigerant as it changes from a gas to a liquid/gas mixture. This mixture is then sent back to the expansion valve and evaporator coil, completing the cycle.

By using these two-phase changes and the associated heat absorption/expulsion, the system removes heat from inside and disperses it outside. The cycle continues until the indoor temperature control (thermostat) is satisfied. At that time, the system cycles off until the temperature rises and exceeds the set point again.

How Dirty Coils Impact HVAC System Functioning

As you can see from the description above, the process your HVAC system uses to remove heat from indoor air relies on multiple physical factors. The most important of them is the degree of contact between moving air and the system’s evaporator and condenser coils. To keep your system operating efficiently and effectively, you must ensure the coils are clean.

If you fail to keep your evaporator coil clean, you will experience problems like:

• Reduced heat absorption and cooling capacity
• Higher energy use and associated costs
• Lower pressures and temperatures that can damage system components
• Unwanted frost/ice accumulation due to reduced airflow across the coil

The last problem on this list occurs when the coil temperature is below freezing. Because the coil is below the air’s dew point it “sweats,” resulting in ice build-up.

And it doesn’t take much to cause the issues above. Even a thin layer of dust acts as an insulator and reduces the efficiency of the heat transfer process and, as a result, the system’s cooling capacity. That means that the system has to run longer to achieve and maintain your desired indoor temperature and that you have higher energy bills as a result.

For the outdoor condenser coil, the enemy tends to be an accumulation of things like “cotton” from cottonwood trees, grass, leaves, pet hair and other debris on the air conditioner’s fins. This buildup makes it harder for the condenser to release heat.

As with the evaporator coil, if you fail to keep your condenser coil clean, the first issue is decreased performance. However, mechanical stress and resulting damage to system components are not far behind.

Keeping Your Coils Operating Efficiently

There are steps you can take to keep your coils clean and your system operating efficiently. They include carefully wiping down the evaporator coil and using a utility vacuum cleaner to remove debris from around the condenser coil or cleaning it with water.

However, it’s easy to damage fins and other system components on cooling systems. And this work should always be performed on de-energized equipment. If you’re not sure how to de-energize the unit, you shouldn’t proceed. A better approach for preventing damage or injury is to contact Timberline Mechanical and have a trained technician service the inside and outside components of your system.

Not only can they clean the coils, but they can also inspect all of the other components to look for small leaks and other minor problems that can turn into significant expenses if not addressed properly.

How often should you have a technician clean your evaporator and condenser coils? That depends on several factors, including how much you use the system, the indoor and outdoor environments at your business or home and others. But a good rule of thumb is to have Timberline inspect your cooling system at least once a year and ensure your filters are changed on a regular basis.

Our skilled and experienced technicians can complete their work quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to your regular routine. This can help prevent major problems and system failures, which can be costly and leave your family members or employees uncomfortably warm until repairs can be made. It also helps increase the lifespan of your equipment.

Our goal in an annual cooling inspection is to share our findings with you and develop the best solutions for any challenges we encounter.

Trust the Pros To Maintain Your HVAC System Properly

To ensure your HVAC coils are clean and protect your system, all you have to do is get in touch with Timberline Mechanical. We can perform a one-time service or provide regular system maintenance. Contact us at your convenience to learn more.

About Timberline Mechanical
Timberline Mechanical is a Boulder HVAC Contractor located in Boulder, CO, and serving the Colorado Front Range, including Broomfield, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior and Erie. We are dedicated to providing the intelligent solutions necessary to keep your Boulder Commercial HVAC equipment running efficiently and at its peak performance. Whether we are completing a service call request, providing Commercial HVAC Preventive Maintenance or conducting Special Projects work, we offer intelligent commercial HVAC solutions to ensure that your business needs are met. You can focus on your business while we make sure your commercial HVAC equipment is running smoothly. https://www.timberlinemechanical.com/

Timberline Mechanical Media Contact
John Kuepper

Owner

+1 303-258-3589

Release ID: 246614

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Originally Appeared Here

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder, violence prevention, and suicide prevention funding opportunities

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 10, 2022 | 9:30 AM

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program (LRP)  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

Who May Apply: Eligible practitioners with the capacity to provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and can demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as a service commitment of two additional years.

Use: To support the supply, distribution and retention of individuals delivering SUD treatment and SCA funded case management services.

Funds: Varies by award.

Application Deadline: May 26, 2022

More Information: Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-02%20LoanRepayment_applicationguidance.pdf.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Enhancing Services to Culturally Specific Populations Program  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

Who May Apply: A nonprofit organization for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities: 1) American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 2) Asian Americans; 3) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; 4) Blacks; and 5) Hispanics.

Use: To establish, expand, or maintain culturally relevant core services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are from culturally specific communities.

Funds: Up to three years of funding, with projects not to exceed a total of $375,000.

Application Deadline: June 20, 2022

More Information: Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 

U.S. Department of Justice: FY 2022 Improving Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Outcomes for Adults in Reentry  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

Who May Apply: City or township governments, County governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Special district governments, and State governments.

Use: To establish, expand, and improve treatment and recovery support services for people with substance use disorders during their incarceration and upon reentry into the community.

Funds: Varies by award.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2022

More Information: Click on https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2022-171096.

U.S. Department of Justice: FY 2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

Who May Apply: Category 1: Local or Tribal Applications: City or township governments, County governments, City, township, or county governments in rural areas (as defined in solicitation), and Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); Category 2: State Applications: State governments.

Use: To develop, implement, or expand comprehensive programs in response to the overdose crisis and impacts of illicit opioids, stimulants, or other substances.

Funds: Varies by award.

Application Deadline: June 13, 2022

More Information: Click on https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2022-171280.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control: Expansion of Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Across the U.S.  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

Who May Apply: Any incorporated organization or government entity.

Use: To support the implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention in the U.S.

Funds: Awards between $600,000 and $1,000,000.

Application Deadline: June 6, 2022

More Information: Click on https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=337047.

UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES:

DCNR Volunteer Fire Assistance Program: May 12, 2022  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Local firefighting entities in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. – To support training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.

PA Environmental Council 2022 Water Trail Mini Grants: May 27, 2022  (Funding Source: Community Conservation Partnership Program Funding)

• Non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency). – To advance program goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Water Trails; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.

CFA Act 13 Grant Programs: May 31, 2022  (Funding Source: Marcellus Legacy Fund)

• Counties, municipalities and commonwealth agencies. – To support initiatives that will include abandoned mine drainage abatement; abandoned well plugging; sewage treatment; greenways, trails and recreation; baseline water quality data; watershed restoration; and flood control.

DEP Growing Greener Plus Grants: June 24, 2022  (Funding Source: Environmental Stewardship Fund)

• Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of government, educational institutions, and other authorized watershed organizations. – To support watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation, and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects.

DEP Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants: June 24, 2022  (Funding Source: Federal Funding – US EPA)

• Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of government, educational institutions, and other authorized watershed organizations. – To improve and protect Pennsylvania’s waters from nonpoint source pollution associated with AMD, energy resource extraction, agricultural activities, stormwater runoff, streambank, and shoreline degradation, along with verifying and demonstrating efficacy with enhanced data collection and distribution.

DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: June 30, 2022  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)       

• Pennsylvania agricultural producers. – Rebates for LED lighting (interior or exterior), variable frequency drives for milk vacuum pumps, and variable frequency drives for ventilation fans.

DDAP/DCED Pennsylvania’s Recovery Housing Program: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Any entity registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State which is able to provide recovery housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). – To provide safe housing for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD).

Agriculture Farm Vitality Planning Grants: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: General Fund)

• Farmers and prospective farmers. – Organic transition planning assistance, as well as professional services to assist with business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, product diversification, and financial and technical expertise in order to enhance the long-term vitality of PA farms.

DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants Fund)

• Pennsylvania residents who purchase/lease a new or used alternative fuel vehicle with a purchase price of $50,000 or less.  Businesses are not eligible. – To defray costs of purchasing a battery electric vehicle (BEV), hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, electric motorcycle, natural gas vehicle, or propane vehicle.

DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: Recycling Fund & Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund)

• Registered Pennsylvania for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and which are taxed as a for-profit business. – To purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment or adopt waste reduction processes.

DHS Indoor Air Management Strategies for Long Term Care: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Funds)

• Long term care nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes. – Indoor air management strategies in long-term care facilities aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of and occupant exposure to COVID-19.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Statewide Creative Catalyst Grants: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: General Fund)

• Nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations, a unit of government; college or university; school district or non-arts nonprofit providing arts programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania. – To strengthen Pennsylvania communities through the arts, connect and increase Pennsylvanians’ access to lifelong learning through the arts, and to champion public awareness and appreciation of the arts in Pennsylvania communities.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program: Until funds are expended.  (Funding Source: General Fund)

• Creative entrepreneurs must operate in the creative industry, be at least 18 years old, a current resident of PA for one year, and (if applicable) manage a business with gross revenue of less than $200,000. – To pair access to existing small business consulting services with financial resources for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business.

Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program: No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Fund)

• Fire and emergency medical services companies. – To support the acquisition, rehabilitation, or improvement of apparatuses, facilities, and equipment.

DHS Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Households that are in emergency situations maintain essential water access. Crisis situations include: past-due water bills; termination of water service; or, threat of termination of water service in the next 60 days. – To help families who have overdue water bills or at risk of losing water service for their home.

PA Governor’s Office/United Way of PA Local Innovations in Vaccine Equity in Pennsylvania project (LIVE PA): No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Any faith-based and non-profit organizations with a goal of administering COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as COVID-19 education and outreach. – To host and promote vaccination events. Additional vaccines may also be requested.

PEMA Public Assistance Program: No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• State agencies, local government organizations, and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs or damages as a direct result of a federally declared disaster. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania serves as the direct liaison between the federal government and all applicants requesting federal disaster assistance. – To provide cost reimbursement aid for incurred costs or damages as a direct result of a federally declared disaster.

DHS American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Long-Term Care Providers: No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences in DHS’ Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) system. – For COVID-19-related costs.

PHFA Homeowners Assistance Fund: No Deadline Provided  (Funding Source: Federal Funding)

• Owner-occupied homeowners who experienced a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020. – To assist Pennsylvania homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Originally Appeared Here

The Delos WISE Initiative — an acronym for Wellness Innovation in Senior Environments — combines the company’s indoor space expertise with insights from global leaders in senior living.

A collaboration with investment firm Harrison Street, the WISE initiative will focus on multiple aspects of the industry to advance research, education and innovation to build communities that offer healthier, safer environments for residents and staff alike.

Sabra, a healthcare real estate investment trust will also be joining Harrison Street as inaugural participants in the initiative. Current and future collaborators will join Delos in assessing, proposing and supporting research from different perspectives based on their expertise within the senior living sector.

The announcement of WISE comes at the cusp of a seismic shift in the senior living industry. With the median age of the U.S. population having steadily increased over the last two decades, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about one-fourth of the U.S. population will be 65 or older by 2030.

People are also living longer, on average, and are more health-conscious than ever before, seeking living environments that enable better health and well-being throughout their retirement years.

According to Delos, the goal of WISE is to identify and encourage implementation of innovative approaches that will enhance senior health and well-being.

“We know from extensive research that older adults are particularly susceptible to health risks associated with indoor environmental hazards, such as poor air quality,” said Peter Scialla, President and Chief Operating Officer of Delos.

“We also know indoor elements, such as optimal lighting, can improve cognitive function and may help with disturbed sleep for people with dementia. We created WISE as a forum to explore healthier indoor environments for seniors in collaboration with top industry leaders who are committed to drive positive change.”

WISE Initiative Announces Inaugural Research into Health and Wellbeing

The current research agenda includes in-field studies that will be conducted in senior living communities including:

• Harrison Street: The first of several studies will initially investigate ways in which circadian lighting can improve health and cognitive function of older adults in senior living communities.
• Sabra: Investigate how to improve skilled nursing facility (SNF) indoor air quality via portable air filtration. A second phase aims to examine how building improvements may reduce SNF employee stress and burnout and potentially lower incidence of resident falls while improving cognitive health.

Healthy aging is gaining increasing importance as people worldwide live longer; however, many scientific questions related to aging remain unanswered.

The Well Living Lab has established a research program to generate insights and science-based solutions to help optimize health and well-being in seniors. Collaborations with industry leaders such as Harrison Street and Sabra mark the beginning of a broader initiative to conduct studies that can be applied to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Related: Research Shows Consumer Enthusiasm Toward Wellness Technology Remains Highly Positive

“The Well Living Lab broke new ground with our study about how portable air filtration can improve air quality and lower the risks of viral transmission in a simulated classroom environment. Now, we are extending that investigation into senior living environments,” said Barbara Spurrier, Executive Director of the Well Living Lab.

“By conducting field studies with these outstanding industry leaders, we hope to further advance our understanding of how to help improve the health and well-being for older adults related to air quality, lighting and cognitive health.”

This article premiered on our sister site, Design Well.

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Originally Appeared Here

You use an air fryer, right? This info caught my eye on the NextDoor app and I found it to be interesting…

This neighbor writes:

“My wife cooked some chicken in her new air fryer and our upstairs air quality monitor went nuts, showing a PM (Particulate Matter aka POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR) level of 2.5 out of 91… and you are in the RED ZONE of DANGER at 25! A web search says these air fryers are hazardous if used in an unventilated area, so we’ve moved this out of the house and into the garage!”

Well, I went and looked into this myself… and here’s what I found.

1) Yes. INDOOR AIR FRYER USE can pose risks to your health an wellness. They do indeed raise pollution levels in the air.

2) Nobody seems to care very much about the risks.

There’s more to this story, too. Using a range hood (like over an oven) doesn’t help matters much. So now, I’ve gotta know…

AIR FRYER YES or AIR FRYER NO?

What say you??

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Originally Appeared Here

The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners is set to take up conversation on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 2023 budget request on Tuesday afternoon.

The request includes funding for improvement projects district wide and support to hire more staff at underperforming schools.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMS Board unanimously approves district’s proposed budget; heads to Meck County

Last month, the CMS Board of Education unanimously voted to ask the county for a $578 million budget — a $40 million increase from last year. The district’s total budget is $2.1 billion, but the county only needs to approve $578 million of it.

Plans for a new school, a major focus on English learner students and efforts to recruit talented educators to Mecklenburg County are among the district’s budget requests.

CMS is asking for $3.7 million to hire 32 English learning teachers and create a special academy with extended hours that would open in the fall of 2023. Another $5 million would go toward preventative maintenance and indoor air quality initiatives.

An additional $1.7 million is earmarked to support student wellness and academic support, as well as $400,000 for a new early college high school and $400,000 more for teacher professional development and support.

Along with teacher support, CMS hopes to hire top-tier principals and teachers to help students who are struggling in 10 schools consider to be low-performing by district standards.

Allenbrook Elementary, Military and Global Leadership Academy, Martin Middle, Turning Point Academy, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Academy, Bruns Avenue Academy, Renaissance West STEAM Academy, Sedgefield Middle, Harding High and Garinger High would be among the targeted schools.

ALSO READ: CMS board approves another round of retention bonuses

The distrit said the schools will continue to use the same curriculum as other CMS schools, but will get extra support by hiring the right staff for the challenges.

CMS is proposing to offer principals an $18,000 signing bonus and will be eligible to receive and additional $18,000 a year as long as they meet foals for student achievement and school climate.

Story continues

Principals would also be eligible to receive a $7,500 bonus for staff recruitment. The plan also calls for bringing in strong assistant principals who support improvement.

(WATCH BELOW: CMS Board to hold emergency meeting Monday on ‘former superintendent’s personnel file’)

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Originally Appeared Here

4 in 5 people believe ‘fresh air’ from outside is key to improving air quality in their homes, but this could actually be counterproductive and worsen indoor air quality, research has today revealed.  

The new research by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) found homeowners are ignoring the impact of surrounding pollution sources such as busy roads on their indoor air quality.

In the study of 2,000 households across the UK, over half defined fresh air as simply air from outside their home.

This understanding of what is ‘fresh air’ is played out in the actions that households take to improve the quality of air in their homes, with 80% of people believing that simply opening a window is key to creating good ventilation in a home.

Findings from the research also revealed that almost four-fifths (78%) of people regarded the air near their home as very or fairly clean. This is despite many people living close to highly polluting infrastructure, with the majority of people not linking the impact that these pollutants can have on the quality of air in their homes.

For people living within a mile of an A-road, 76% of people regarded the quality of air as clean, while this was 74% for a train station, 73% close to a motorway and 70% for those living close to an industrial plant.

However, while many pollutants do come from outside of the home, there are many products and activities within the home that are a significant cause of poor indoor air quality. The research suggests people are generally aware of some of the causes of poor indoor air quality, with four in five (81%) indicating mould as a key cause, 74% highlighting wood burning, 68% fresh paint and 63% cleaning products.

BESA Chief Executive David Frise commented: ‘In many circumstances homeowners are quite rightly looking to improve the indoor air quality of their homes by opening a window and bringing in new, “fresh” air. However, it is critical that people do understand the realities of the wider air pollution issue and that for millions of households, opening a window could actually have a negative impact on the quality of air in a home.

‘Our research indicates that many people feel that the quality of air near their home is fairly clean. But these facts ignore the reality that for millions of people, they will live within a couple of miles of an A-road or a motorway, a train station or even an industrial plant. All of these create millions of tonnes of highly damaging air particles which enter our bodies and can remain for up to three months. These pollutants can also develop or irritate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or lung cancer.’

The findings come as part of BESA’s campaign to raise awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, especially in our homes.

BESA encourages households to take simple steps such as monitoring their local pollution levels as part of its awareness campaign.

Frise added: ‘When it comes to opening windows, people should rightly open these, particularly as a way of dispersing the toxic air particles that build up inside the home. However, if living close to areas of high pollutants outside of the home, such as a busy road, people should limit the length of time that they keep windows open. This is critical on days where there are high levels of pollution in the surrounding area. Monitoring your local pollution levels needs to become as common as checking the weather!’

In related news, new research has found that mechanical ventilation systems significantly reduce the levels of particulate matter, carbon dioxide and monoxide, and formaldehyde from indoor air, reducing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness.

Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem

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Originally Appeared Here

The weapons screenings will be conducted randomly on campus by school safety officers, usually in the morning.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at Philadelphia schools will now be periodically screened for weapons.

The change in policy, which went into effect on Monday, was announced on Thursday in a letter to parents, reports Chalkbeat Philadelphia. The new security measures are being implemented in response to the recent increase in gun violence and weapons found at the city’s middle school campuses.

All sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in the district will be screened with metal detectors at least once before the end of the academic year, reports 6ABC. The screenings will be conducted randomly on campus by school safety officers, usually in the morning.

District officials say the screenings will happen at about six schools per day at middle schools and elementary schools with middle grades, reports Fox29. Students will have the opportunity to discard their weapons or inappropriate items before they are screened.

Students who refuse to be scanned for weapons will be referred to campus leaders, and weapons found during the searches will be confiscated. Weapons banned by the district include firearms, pellet or BB guns, knives, edged tools for cutting, nunchaku, brass knuckles, stun guns, mace, or any other object that’s used to inflict serious bodily injury, reports Chalkbeat. The new policy will affect 71 campuses.

It hasn’t been determined yet if the district will continue the new weapons screening policy in the fall.

In 2020, guns killed more U.S. children and teens than car crashes, drug overdoses, or cancer. Additionally, gun-related deaths among all Americans went up 13.5%, totaling 45,222 deaths. The change was largely driven by firearm homicides, which saw a 33.4% increase. Homicides made up the majority of firearm deaths among children and teens, and most who were killed by guns were 14 and older.

Other districts that have implemented new weapons screening policies and/or have purchased new metal detectors include Broward County in Florida, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County in North Carolina.

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Originally Appeared Here

Water leaks are an
unfortunate reality—even in the ceiling. They can be incredibly damaging, too,
which makes it extremely important to take care of the problem as soon as
possible.

What are some of the
causes for a leak in the ceiling? And what kind of damage
can a ceiling water leak cause? Read below to learn more.

Potential Causes for Water Leaks in the Ceiling

This list isn’t
exhaustive, but here are a few potential causes for a leak in the ceiling:

Old Plumbing

Sometimes, there are
old valves that have been covered over that, after enough time, degrade and
start to drip. This is most common in homes that have been remodeled—especially
where DIY remodelers may not have taken care to remove old plumbing when
rerouting new plumbing to new locations.

Other times, the
plumbing has simply gotten old enough that joints and fittings have degraded
and started to drip. This is common in older homes that still utilize galvanized
steel pipes—but you’ll also see it when copper plumbing corrodes or when PVC
and plastic pipes and fittings degrade with age.

Sweating Pipes

Sweating pipes, while
not technically a leak, can cause similar damage to leaky pipes. When pipes
routed through the ceiling sweat, it’s a problem that needs to be corrected
before it can do further damage to the home’s structures.

Fixtures

Another issue to look
for is not the plumbing, but the fixtures attached to it. Noticing moisture
seeping from a downstairs ceiling? If you have an upstairs bathroom, laundry
room, or kitchen above it, then it’s smart to check the connections to faucets,
showers, toilets, and appliances. The leak may be stemming from one of these
locations where it can run into the flooring and from there, the structures
below.

Freezing
Pipes

If you have a sudden
leak in the winter—especially in a space that has been exposed to cold
temperatures—then the first thing to suspect is a burst pipe. When pipes
freeze, the water inside turns to ice, which causes it to expand. That
expansion can split pipes open relatively easily, which can result in a very
sudden, very massive leak once the pipe thaws out. This is one reason why it’s
recommended to let faucets drip when you expect extreme cold—not only because
flowing water can help prevent a full freeze, but also because if the pipes do
freeze, open valves can help let off enough pressure to prevent pipes from
bursting.

What Kind of Damage Can a Ceiling Leak Cause?

Because water takes the path
of least resistance, it can cause a lot of damage not just to a home’s ceiling,
but to other structures as it runs down. At the very least, you can expect
damage to the drywall or paneling that covers the ceiling, but a larger leak
can also cause the wood above the ceiling to degrade and rot with time. Slower
seeps may not cause obvious damage, but that kind of moisture left for
prolonged periods will result in mold and mildew growth within the home—a kind
of damage that will not only take a toll on the home’s structure, but worsen
indoor air quality as well.

What happens when water runs
down from the ceiling?

• Ceiling leaks can drip into wall cavities, causing mold to grow in insulation, damage to drywall and wallboards, and potentially even structural damage to the wall’s framework.

• If a ceiling leak is bad enough that water reaches the base of a wall or the home’s sill plate, it can pool here. When the problem happens long enough it can undermine the wooden support structures that connect the home to its foundation.

• Ceiling leaks can even drip onto the floor, which can wreak havoc on wood floors, carpeting, and other types of materials.

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Originally Appeared Here

By Susan Nedell

Many hundreds of Coloradans are beginning the process of rebuilding the homes they lost to the Marshall Fire last December. I’m one of them.

None of us imagined that just before the New Year we’d lose everything to an unprecedented wildfire. It is heartbreaking, exhausting, and at times overwhelming.

I’m also deeply troubled the industry is backing an effort that publicly encourages Coloradans to continue pumping methane gas into our houses, through Coloradans for Energy Access, a coalition that defends access to gas stoves and water heaters.

The industry peddles misinformation about the costs of rebuilding in a healthier, more climate-friendly way, adding to the frustration and confusion for all of us who want to rebuild our homes in a manner that is both better for the climate and for our wallets.

The Marshall Fire was fueled by extreme weather — we have a climate crisis caused in large part because of the oil and gas industry and its unrelenting pressure to keep us hooked on fossil fuels. Enough is enough.

Louisville and Superior city councils have decided to allow Marshall Fire victims to build back according to 2018 building codes that are less climate friendly.

To do my part to address the climate crisis, I am choosing to build back to the 2021 codes and will not use methane gas to heat my home or cook my family’s meals. Instead, I will install modern electric heat pump water heating and combined space heating and cooling equipment that is three to five times more efficient than the fossil fuel alternative.

I will also install an induction stove that will keep our indoor air quality more breathable. With these advanced technologies in place, I look forward to living in a home that is safer, healthier and more efficient … and my utility bills will be greatly reduced.

Another crucial benefit: The sooner we can get off gas, the less we will depend on volatile global energy markets and wildly fluctuating energy prices, which we are experiencing right now. I wish this freedom for all my neighbors.

With all the rebates, incentives and grants available to Marshall Fire victims, I’m confident I can rebuild to the latest codes and with the newest electric appliances and equipment without any additional increased expenses.

A Colorado Energy Office analysis found that constructing an all-electric new home costs about $2,000 to $3,000 less and saves the homeowner on their monthly energy bills.

I strongly encourage others to build an all-electric home following the 2021 building codes — or at the very least explore the variety of options, rebates and incentives available to build a better-performing, resilient home. Here are some of them: Xcel Energy is offering a number of rebates, from  $7,500 for homeowners choosing to build to the 2021 code, to $37,500 for meeting Passive House standards, with three levels in between.

There are numerous equipment discounts, solar energy support and a new donor-advised fund called the Marshall Fire Resilient Rebuild Assistance Fund. These rebates, programs and more can be found on Boulder County’s newly launched Rebuilding Better website (RebuildingBetter.org).

The website hosts resources for both builders and homeowners. Boulder County has also staffed up to provide one-on-one advisory services where a homeowner can speak to an expert to help navigate the many options available.

Another source of funds for resilient rebuilding is a new bill Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, introduced in the State Legislature — SB22-206, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources. If this bill becomes law, it will create a sustainable rebuilding program in the form of loans and grants for wildfire or other natural disaster victims.

HB22-1362, Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions, is another bill that will ensure new buildings across the state will be constructed according to standards that are more energy efficient and resilient. We need both these bills to become law to help folks now and in the future and to ensure climate-friendly progress for Colorado’s built environment.

We now have the resources to not only imagine, but to actually build for a better future. I encourage those rebuilding post-Marshall Fire to seriously look at a resilient rebuild — and I am eager to watch other communities do the same.

Susan Nedell, of Louisville, lost her home in the Marshall Fire.

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Originally Appeared Here