EPA air quality News
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EPA, Shanghai AirNow international provides real-time air quality information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson visited the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai today to observe the success of AirNow International. AirNow International launched in May by EPA and the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB), gives real-time air quality information to Shanghai citizens through the Internet. "The AirNow International project is one of the ...
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EPA releases air quality model to study harmful air pollution / model will help scientists protect public health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new version of its Community Multi-scale Air Quality model (CMAQ) that uses up-to-the minute meteorology and air chemistry data to determine how weather conditions affect pollution, and how pollution can affect and change weather. Version 5.0 of CMAQ allows scientists to analyze air quality at smaller, finer-resolution settings for ...
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$700,000 in U.S. EPA Climate and Air Quality Grants Awarded to Two U.C. Schools
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded a $300,000 grant to U.C. Irvine and a $400,000 grant to U.C. San Diego for work to improve our understanding of how certain organic compounds form in the atmosphere. The grants are part of more than $4.3 million awarded to 13 institutions nationwide. Support from EPA, along with that of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the ...
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National Healthy Schools Day Spotlights Indoor Air Quality
Across the nation educational institutions are recognizing National Healthy Schools Day. The important day is coordinated by the Healthy Schools Network in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council of Educational Facility Planners – International (CEFPI). It promotes the use of the EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools program. According to the ...
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IAQ Concerns Worry Many Parents as Children Return Back to School
In many parts of the country, children have already begun the new school year while others are enjoying a few final weeks of vacation. During the summer months many classrooms sat empty while some school districts used the break to conduct renovation and remodeling activities in the empty classrooms. Some of these vacant rooms experienced water leaks and moisture intrusion from heavy summer ...
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Greentech startup engineering advanced filter technology
At the recent Filtration 2012 held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA, Innovative Labs, a greentech startup out of Petaluma, CA, presented a unique NASA tested air filtration process used in HVAC and residential stand-alone applications. This technology uses manganese oxide and titanium dioxide to destroy VOC's from indoor air environments. According to the EPA indoor air ...
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Puerto Rico Celebrates National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month
National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month takes place each October. The term indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air in any type of built environment, and with Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can have a significant impact on comfort, health and even productivity. EPA warns that the ...
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Penicillium: A Benefit to Man, a Hindrance to Indoor Air Quality
One of the most recognized types of fungi is Penicillium. It is perhaps best known as the fungus, P. chrysogenum, which produces penicillin, a molecule that has saved countless lives as an antibiotic. It is also used in the production of a number of important biotechnology produced enzymes and macromolecules. Some species of Penicillium are used in the production cheeses, including blue (bleu) ...
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Volatile Organic Compounds in Homes can Increase Health Risks
Earlier this month, the phillyBurbs.com published a report about a recent chemical fire at a manufacturing facility near Philadelphia. According to the report, the fire consumed a large amount of the 1 million pounds of ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate stored at the facility. The owners of the plant performed air testing for volatile organic compound exposure outside of the plant both during ...
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IAQ Test Kit Identifies Formaldehyde Hazards
Earlier this year, the company behind a popular hair straightening product came to a settlement agreement with the Attorney General of California. The Brazilian Blowout hair product had made headlines across the nation due to concerns over potential exposure to formaldehyde for both hairstylists and the general public. The agreement now requires the product manufacturer to warn hairstylists ...
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Hurricane Sandy Victims Told to be Aware of Fungal Pathogens
Two weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the East Coast. Now, many of the water damaged properties are being repaired and cleaned, but people are being warned of the hazards due to exposure to mold growth in many of these buildings. Mold begins to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours on many types of building materials and household furnishing once they become wet or in an ...
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Aspergillus and other Fungal Pathogens Identified by Mold Test Kit
As much of the country has suffered from a prolonged drought, farmers are being warned to be on the lookout for a fungus known as Aspergillus. Some species of the fungus can produce a fungal toxin called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen which may be more prevalent this year due to the extreme growing conditions. This fungus is not only a concern for farmers. According to the ...
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National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month and Optimizing the Built Environment
With most Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the indoor air quality (IAQ) of people’s homes, schools, and businesses can have a significant impact on their comfort, health, and even productivity. This is why October has been designated as National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month. Unfortunately, EPA ...
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New Study Finds Formaldehyde Levels in California Daycare Centers Exceed Standards
Last month, it was reported that researchers from UC Berkeley found that 9 out of 10 California daycare centers exceeded state safety guidelines for formaldehyde. As part of the study, samples were taken from 40 daycare centers in Alameda and Monterey counties from 2010 and 2011. The California Air Resources Board funded the tests. This research is of special concern since it was conducted ...
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EPA releases reports from air toxics monitoring near four schools in Alabama
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made available its analysis of air monitoring data collected near four schools in Alabama as part of a national initiative to evaluate levels of toxic pollutants in the outdoor air at schools. Air samples and meteorological data were collected at the Riggins School, North Birmingham Elementary School, and Lewis Elementary School in Birmingham, and ...
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Mold Closes School Library in Santa Barbara
LA Testing offers mold, bacteria and other indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services for school districts to protect students and faculty across California. Pasadena, CA, December 14th, 2010 Last month it was reported that an elementary school in Santa Barbara, California closed its library due to concerns over visible mold growth. Concerned parents have called for all 13 portable classrooms ...
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Formaldehyde Exposure May Result in $14.8 Million Settlement
Last week, it was announced that 21 mobile home manufacturers have agreed to pay $14,800,000 to thousands of people who stayed in trailers provided by FEMA following hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Lawyers for the people who stayed in the trailers have filed a preliminary settlement in federal court asking the judge to approve it. Both sides filed a memorandum with the courts stating, ...
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Mold Forces Family from their Dream Home
Last month, WBOC 16 published a story about mold contamination forcing a family to move out of their Maryland home. The report discussed how high levels of indoor mold resulted in the family having to leave their dream home and move into an apartment. According to the family, the previous seller knew of the problems. Before purchasing the home the family hired a home inspector that did not ...
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Hidden Mold in the Home May Cause Health Concerns
People may suspect they have a mold problem in their home, school or office even when no visible mold is present. A tell-tale sign is often a musty odor that is noticed when people enter a building or a room. A clear indicator of potential mold problems is after water damage has occurred in a building. Even if no mold can be seen, it may be present in countless areas that are not visible. ...
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Improve Indoor Air Quality by Identifying Areas of Mold Contamination
Molds are found in virtually every environment, both indoors and outdoors. Although fungus and fungi are the more accurate scientific terms, "mold" and "mildew" are the non-technical names that are most commonly used to refer to any fungus that is found indoors. Molds originate from the outdoors and are typically brought indoors through open doors and windows; by pets, and shoes and clothing; ...
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