SUWON, South Korea, June 24 (UPI) -- Five classes of plants were tested on removing formaldehyde inside buildings and ferns were found the most effective, U.S. and South Korean researchers say.
A team of scientists from South Korea's Rural Development Administration and the University of Georgia found Osmunda japonica -- Japanese royal fern -- was the most effective of all 86 species, coming in at 50 times more effective than the least efficient species D. deremensis.
Formaldehyde, a major contaminant of indoor air -- originating from particle board, carpet, window coverings, paper products, tobacco smoke and other sources -- can contribute to allergies, asthma, headaches and ''sick building syndrome."
Phytoremediation, the use of green plants to remove pollutants or render them harmless, was assessed by exposing the plants to gaseous formaldehyde in airtight chambers constructed of inert materials and measuring the rate of removal.
The study, published in HortScience, found the Japanese royal fern, Spikemoss, Hare's-foot fern, Polypodium formosanum, Guava, Sweet Lavender, Pteris dispar, Spider fern, and Geranium were the most effective species tested.
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/06/24/Ferns-best-for-removal-of-indoor-chemicals/UPI-64781308958210/#ixzz1Qadh13df
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Cancer Risk of Styrene and Formaldehyde
U.S. Weighs Cancer Risk of Styrene and FormaldehydeBy GARDINER HARRIS
Published: June 10, 2011
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WASHINGTON — Government scientists are expected today to declare styrene a likely human carcinogen, a move that manufacturers have long feared. Styrene is used to make those ubiquitous white foam coffee cups and food containers and is widely used in building materials.
The primary risk to the general public from styrene exposure, however, comes from breathing indoor air, since its use is widespread in building materials and the exposure that comes from coffee cups and food containers is small. Still, styrene in food and water are risk factors, according to government scientists. Tobacco smokers are also exposed to styrene.
Formaldehyde is also expected to be declared a possible carcinogen in the Report on Carcinogens, put together by the National Toxicology Program, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. Studies suggest that exposure to formaldehyde — used widely in the funeral industry and building materials and even found in some popular hair treatments — could cause a form of leukemia.
Manufacturers have been lobbying fiercely for years against both designations, saying that no good studies have shown that either chemical causes cancer. Spokesmen for manufacturers said they would appeal the designations.
“It will unfairly scare workers, plant neighbors and could have a chilling effect on the development of new products,” said Tom Dobbins, a spokesman for the American Composites Manufacturers Association. “Our companies are primarily small businesses, and this could hurt jobs and local economies.”
Styrene, an important component of polystyrene, is used primarily in the manufacture of plastic packaging, thermal insulation in buildings, and disposable cups and food containers. It is also an important component of fiberglass and is found in boats, shower stalls and carpet backing.
Workers at plants that use styrene can be exposed to high levels of the substance. Studies of workers in styrene plants have suggested that they suffer relatively high levels of cancer.
Published: June 10, 2011
Recommend
Sign In to E-Mail
Reprints
WASHINGTON — Government scientists are expected today to declare styrene a likely human carcinogen, a move that manufacturers have long feared. Styrene is used to make those ubiquitous white foam coffee cups and food containers and is widely used in building materials.
The primary risk to the general public from styrene exposure, however, comes from breathing indoor air, since its use is widespread in building materials and the exposure that comes from coffee cups and food containers is small. Still, styrene in food and water are risk factors, according to government scientists. Tobacco smokers are also exposed to styrene.
Formaldehyde is also expected to be declared a possible carcinogen in the Report on Carcinogens, put together by the National Toxicology Program, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. Studies suggest that exposure to formaldehyde — used widely in the funeral industry and building materials and even found in some popular hair treatments — could cause a form of leukemia.
Manufacturers have been lobbying fiercely for years against both designations, saying that no good studies have shown that either chemical causes cancer. Spokesmen for manufacturers said they would appeal the designations.
“It will unfairly scare workers, plant neighbors and could have a chilling effect on the development of new products,” said Tom Dobbins, a spokesman for the American Composites Manufacturers Association. “Our companies are primarily small businesses, and this could hurt jobs and local economies.”
Styrene, an important component of polystyrene, is used primarily in the manufacture of plastic packaging, thermal insulation in buildings, and disposable cups and food containers. It is also an important component of fiberglass and is found in boats, shower stalls and carpet backing.
Workers at plants that use styrene can be exposed to high levels of the substance. Studies of workers in styrene plants have suggested that they suffer relatively high levels of cancer.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Copper ducting tipped for indoor air quality
The use of copper ducting in ventilation and central air-conditioning networks promotes indoor air quality, said the International Copper Association (ICA), the apex body promoting the use of copper across various sectors.
“Indoor air quality is of important concern in the Middle East region, where large duration of time is spent indoors due the high ambient temperatures during summer,” said Ravinder Bhan, the local representative of ICA.
“Health experts warn of the problems caused by airborne microbes, which tend to thrive in closed and poorly ventilated areas. The use of copper in air-ducts has been proven to better indoor quality.”
An office in Athens was among the first in the world to have total copper ventilation and air-conditioning network installed. The 3,000 sq m office space was fitted-out with hygienic copper ducting to highlight the importance and benefits of fresh air in office spaces.
The construction company’s original design concept was for ‘the creation of a clean, antimicrobial, detail-oriented environment of high-aesthetic quality and casual luxury’.
Copper offered a durable, high-quality installation with the added benefit that its natural beauty provided a visual difference from the norm, fitting well with the office’s overall design and making ordinarily-dull ductwork an appealing and eye-catching feature.
Research work assessing the effectiveness of copper as an antifungal surface for air-conditioning systems as an alternative to aluminium has recently been published in Letters in Applied Microbiology.
The results showed that on copper, there was increased die off of fungal isolates tested compared to aluminium. In addition, copper also prevented the germination of spores present, thereby reducing the risk of their release.
HVAC units, in which damp and dark conditions provide the perfect breeding grounds for germs, are a prime area of interest for researchers looking to further harness copper’s antimicrobial potential, a statement said.
The replacement of HVAC components, such as heat exchanger fins and drip pans, with copper alloys may have the potential to reduce biological contaminants that impact air quality, it added. – TradeArabia News Service
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“Indoor air quality is of important concern in the Middle East region, where large duration of time is spent indoors due the high ambient temperatures during summer,” said Ravinder Bhan, the local representative of ICA.
“Health experts warn of the problems caused by airborne microbes, which tend to thrive in closed and poorly ventilated areas. The use of copper in air-ducts has been proven to better indoor quality.”
An office in Athens was among the first in the world to have total copper ventilation and air-conditioning network installed. The 3,000 sq m office space was fitted-out with hygienic copper ducting to highlight the importance and benefits of fresh air in office spaces.
The construction company’s original design concept was for ‘the creation of a clean, antimicrobial, detail-oriented environment of high-aesthetic quality and casual luxury’.
Copper offered a durable, high-quality installation with the added benefit that its natural beauty provided a visual difference from the norm, fitting well with the office’s overall design and making ordinarily-dull ductwork an appealing and eye-catching feature.
Research work assessing the effectiveness of copper as an antifungal surface for air-conditioning systems as an alternative to aluminium has recently been published in Letters in Applied Microbiology.
The results showed that on copper, there was increased die off of fungal isolates tested compared to aluminium. In addition, copper also prevented the germination of spores present, thereby reducing the risk of their release.
HVAC units, in which damp and dark conditions provide the perfect breeding grounds for germs, are a prime area of interest for researchers looking to further harness copper’s antimicrobial potential, a statement said.
The replacement of HVAC components, such as heat exchanger fins and drip pans, with copper alloys may have the potential to reduce biological contaminants that impact air quality, it added. – TradeArabia News Service
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