The demand of copper is rising dramatically, along with the price. This has caused some people to doubt whether copper is worth using in homes anymore. In a recent survey conducted by the Copper Development Association (CDA), a majority of Americans still think the benefits of copper make it worth being used. Some of these benefits include:
1) When used for frequently touched objects, such as doorknobs, copper kills dangerous germs and bacteria. 2) Copper improves indoor air quality and reduces energy consumption when it is used in the heating and AC systems. 3) Copper is totally recyclable.
Aren’t air fresheners and faux fragrances great? They give us good-smelling laundry, pleasant bathrooms and even unnoticeable garbage cans. But wait. What exactly are these products made up of? In an article on The Daily Green Web site, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that these fresheners are filled with several dangerous chemicals. Anne Steinemann of the University of Washington found 100 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when she studied scented products in the home (air fresheners, dryer sheets, etc.). I should point out that the companies of these products argue that the chemicals are kept at very low levels for safety. Researchers, however, say the evidence indicates that many of the VOCs in home products are health risks, possibly even causing cancer. I know it’s easy to just plug in a scent and forget it, but with this new information, can’t we just light a candle? Maybe we could even open a window, unless of course, you happen to live in Beijing.
The New York Times hot topic story about the possibility of granite countertops containing radon and uranium sure made the industry jump. The official industry response to the story is here at the Marble Institute. Also, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) would like to remind everyone that they have "long recognized the carcinogenic effects of radon in the home" and recommend consumers planning to remodel a kitchen or bath consult with an NKBA-certified designer. NKBA-certified designers have been taught the proper methods for eliminating radon and other hazardous gases. We have a feeling there will be more back-and-forth over this story for some time. In the meantime, here are some other things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
The New York Times has an interesting article about the possibility of granite countertops containing uranium and emitting cancer-causing radon. According to the article, "health physicists and radiation experts agree that most granite countertops emit radiation and radon at extremely low levels. They say these emissions are insignificant compared with so-called background radiation that is constantly raining down from outer space or seeping up from the Earth’s crust, not to mention emanating from man-made sources like X-rays, luminous watches and smoke detectors." At the same time, the EPA "has been receiving calls from radon inspectors as well as from concerned homeowners about granite countertops with radiation measurements several times above background levels."
With the growing popularity of granite countertops in recent years, this is sure to be a hot topic, one in which everyone agrees more research is necessary. In the meantime, here's what to do now. From the article: "To find a certified technician to determine whether radiation or radon is emanating from a granite countertop, homeowners can contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org). Testing costs between $100 and $300. Information on certified technicians and do-it-yourself radon testing kits is available from the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at epa.gov/radon, as well as from state or regional indoor air environment offices, which can be found at epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html. Kits test for radon, not radiation, and cost $20 to $30. They are sold at hardware stores and online."
A vexing problem with the foreclosure wave sweeping the nation is abandoned swimming pools are becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can carry deadly diseases. Now many towns in foreclosure epicenters such as Florida, Arizona and California are turning to a novel solution—stocking the pools with fish known as "mosquito fish" that eat the larvae. The fish can eat up to 500 larvae a month and save the town the expense of repeated spraying of toxic pesticides. The solution is not without its critics. The fish breed are known to harass the California red-legged frog, a threatened species, so towns should be wary not to transfer the fish from swimming pools to local ponds. But many applaud the application of an environmentally sound solution.
Everyone loves lady bugs except when they invade your home by the thousands. A friend of mine recently had a lady bug infestation and dug up this page for ways to manage it. The best plan is to stop them before they get in by sealing all cracks and potential entry points, particularly spaces around doors, windows and siding. But if the bugs are already in your home, poisons are of limited value and your best bet is to use a vacuum. Lady bugs are not killed when they are vacuumed up so the page recommends changing the bag often. An alternative method involves putting a nylon stocking over the hose and securing with a rubber band. As the bugs are captured, you can discard the nylon and replace with another one. Clever! Read how to eliminate the top five summertime pests here.
Older homes may have the architectural details and charm you're seeking, but don't forget that many house a hidden danger: lead paint. This video on MSNBC should remind people that lead paint is still a concern. According to the Center for Healthy Housing, an estimated 38 million homes in the U.S. still have lead paint. If your house was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned, you should have a certified lead-based paint inspector check it out. Today, 250,000 children suffer from lead poisoning, which can lead to permanent brain damage. Most people believe that it is lead chips that poison people, but in fact is it usually lead dust from deteriorating paint or renovations that are the cause.
