-
Indoor air quality sensors in your smartphone
Indoor air quality can be as much of a health concern as the air quality outdoors. Things like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, mold and other compounds can cause things like headaches, fatigue, respiratory illnesses and worse. The EU has started to focus on how to combat indoorpollution and is funding a new project that would allow people to have real-time air quality information wherever they are — at home, at work, even in the car. The project aims to “develop new nanotechnology-based sensor systems that will precisely monitor the composition of the air in terms of both chemical and bio contaminants.” It is designed to be both tiny and low cost so that…
-
Is A Day-Old Water Safe To Drink?
Have your tried water that’s been left overnight, or even for another day? How do you think about the taste? Treated water’s added chlorine that takes care of microorganisms, but at room temperature they begin to multiply rapidly and can really get the things crazy. But that’s not what makes old water taste stale. For that we can thank carbon dioxide. After about 12 hours tap water starts to go flat as carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with the water in the glass, lowering its pH and giving it an off taste. But it’s most likely safe to drink. However, back to those microorganisms. Be careful if…
-
Which type of GAC filter system do I need?
A filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) is a proven solution to remove certain chemicals (in particular organic chemicals) from water. There are commonly two types of GAC filter system, including a whole-house filter or a point of use filter. Each system has its own features and is used in different applications. Sounds confusing? Don’t worry. Here it’s a guide for to find out your Mr. Filter. There are several factors to consider: The type and amount of contaminants in the water, Other chemicals in the water, Water use, and Exposure pathways that need to be eliminated. For those who have no clue about exposure pathways, exposure pathways are the…
-
Air Pollution in China: Breathing a hazardous cocktail of chemicals every day
Millions of people in China are breathing a cocktail of chemicals every day. These chemicals are mostly caused by man-made sources: coal-fired power plants, factories and vehicles. They are highly hazardous and responsible for heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, birth defects and cancer in the country. I’m a Chinese, and I’ve been living there for several decades. Air pollution in China is absolutely not an exaggerating problem. The pollution-made haze or smog covers the land almost each day. Without a mask, it’s basically impossible to step out from your door. With a booming economy and increasing demand for energy, China has built new coal-fired power plants at an astonishing rate.…
