Materials . . .
No Tickling, Please!
In a first step toward artificial skin, Stanford University created a polymer which encases parallel electrodes. The surface is 1,000x more sensitive than human skin and can detect the weight of a butterfly landing. Using polydimethylsiloxane patterned with micropillars, the material is also able to flex and return to its original shape.
Do You Care?
No one knows exactly how it works, but when you're bleeding, does it matter? University of Maryland researchers developed an inexpensive polymer gelatin substance that stops bleeding in minutes. The new synthetic hydrogel is made with water and acrylamide, a fibrous polymer that works with blood clotting proteins.
If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Medical Equipment Design.
Composites . . .
Rough Conduct
New to the family of Carbo e-Therm super-composite materials, Future Carbon just launched CarboImpreg. The high-efficiency coating impregnates rough surfaces to make them electrically conductive, but at a safe, low voltage. The product soaks into a surface and makes it possible for the material to be warmed with the proper voltage.
Dude, Where's My Car?
A composite that's 10x stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight seems great. Since its main component is illegal in the U.S., Canada plans to corner the market on a car made of hemp composite. Calgary's Motive Industries will debut the electric Kestrel soon, and the hippie jokes will surely follow.
miércoles, 13 de octubre de 2010
GOOD NEWS
miércoles, 22 de septiembre de 2010
MAS SOPORTE SOBRE LAS BONDADES DEL CLORURO DE MAGNESIO
Los sacerdotes jesuitas siempre se destacaron por sus grandes conocimientos para curar las enfermedades utilizando medicina natural como las hierbas medicinales y los minerales puros.
En tono de broma, el Padre Suárez me dijo:
--- Mientras tomes esta sal, sólo te vas a morir si te das un tiro en la cabeza o si tienes un accidente.
Comencé a tomar una dosis diaria todas las mañanas. Tres días después, comencé a tomar una dosis a la mañana y otra a la noche. Asimismo continué durmiendo todo arrollado. Pero el vigésimo día, cuando me levanté estaba todo extraño y me dije:
--- ¿Será que estoy soñando?, dado que ya no sentía dolores y hasta pude dar un paseo por la ciudad, sintiendo todavía en mi memoria el peso de diez años de sufrimiento con esta incomodidad y limitación.
A los cuarenta días pude caminar el día entero, sintiendo un pequeño peso y dolor en la pierna derecha. A los sesenta días, esta pierna dolorida estaba igual o mejor que la otra... Luego de tres meses sentía crecer la flexibilidad en los huesos y un inesperado alivio en todo mi cuerpo.. Pasaron diez meses y puedo doblarme como si fuera una serpiente, sintiéndome otra persona.
El Cloruro de Magnesio, arranca el calcio depositado en los lugares indebidos y los coloca solamente en los huesos y más aún, consigue normalizar el torrente sanguíneo, estabilizando la presión sanguínea..
El sistema nervioso queda totalmente calmo, sintiendo mayor lucidez mental, mejorando notoriamente la memoria, la atención y la concentración, la sangre se torna más fluida y más limpia.
Las frecuentes puntadas en el hígado desaparecieron y la próstata que debía ser operada hace años, ahora ya casi no me incomoda.
Pero el efecto más importante de todos, fue el de haber sido preguntado por otras personas:
--- ¿Qué está pasando contigo que estás mucho más joven?
Yo les contestaba:
--- Sí, la verdad me siento más joven y me retornó la alegría de vivir.
Es por esto que me veo obligado a difundir este remedio natural, como un agradecimiento a Dios por haber escuchado mis ruegos. Así es que envío copias de este articulo para toda persona que esté sufriendo, padeciendo dolores y malestares.
MODO DE PREPARACIÓN
Hervir 1 litro de agua. Luego introducir el contenido de un sobrecito de 33 gramos de Cloruro de Magnesio (se consigue en farmacias), en una botella o recipiente de vidrio (no en plástico).
Agregarle el agua hervida fría para disolverlo, luego mezclar y tapar. De esta manera se obtiene una preparación pura que se mantiene inalterable. No es necesario guardarlo en la heladera.
Dosis recomendada: el equivalente a un pocillo de café, de acuerdo a la edad y la necesidad.
1. El Cloruro de Magnesio produce equilibrio mineral, como en la artrosis por descalcificación, reanima los órganos en sus funciones, como a los riñones para que eliminen el ácido úrico.
2. Regula la actividad neuromuscular y participa en la transmisión de los impulsos nerviosos.
3. Es un gran energizante psicofísico y equilibra el mecanismo de contracción y relajación muscular, previniendo la fatiga o cansancio muscular, evitando calambres y fortaleciendo los músculos, lo que es imprescindible en cualquier deportista.
4. Es necesario para el correcto funcionamiento del corazón pues desempeña un importante papel en el proceso de múltiples procesos biológicos.
5. Mejorando la nutrición y la obtención de energía, combate la depresión, los mareos y es un poderoso agente antiestrés
6. Cumple una función primordial en la regulación de la temperatura del cuerpo.
7. Benéfico para evitar niveles altos de colesterol.
8. Regulador intestinal.
9. Juega un rol importante en la formación de los huesos.
10. También en la metabolización de carbohidratos y proteínas.
11. Es útil en problemas de irritabilidad neuromuscular como tétanos, epilepsia, etc.
12. Ayuda a disminuir lípidos (grasas) en la sangre y la arteriosclerosis purificando la sangre y vitalizando el cerebro, devuelve y conserva la juventud hasta avanzada edad.
13. Después de los 40 años, el organismo humano comienza a absorber cada vez menos magnesio en su alimentación, provocando vejez y enfermedades. Por eso, el Cloruro de Magnesio debe ser tomado de acuerdo a la edad.
14. Previene y cura la próstata y hemorroides.
15. Previene la gripe
16. Alarga la juventud.
17. Evita la obesidad.
18. Es preventivo del cáncer.
19. Evita la arteriosclerosis.
20. Es un excelente laxante.
21. Modera los trastornos digestivos
22. Reduce la bronquitis.
23. Evita los sabañones.
24. Actúa como desodorante.
EDAD
De 10 a 50 años: 1/2 dosis
De 51 a 70 años: 1 dosis a la mañana.
De 71 en adelante: Una dosis a la mañana y otra a la noche..
Para las personas de la ciudad, con alimentación de bajas calidades como refinadas y comidas enlatadas, deben consumir un poco más de Magnesio.
Para las personas de campo, la dosis puede ser un poco menos.
Ciertamente se conseguirá una persona escapar de todos los males simplemente por tomar Cloruro de Magnesio, pero el consumirlo hará que todo sea más gratificante y llevadero.
El Cloruro de Magnesio no crea hábito, no es un elemento químico, es un elemento natural, sin ninguna contraindicación y es compatible con cualquier otro medicamento simultáneo.
INDICACIONES
En la columna: Nervio ciática o lumbar, sordera por descalcificación.
Tomar una dosis por la mañana, otra por la tarde y otra por la noche.
Una vez obtenida la curación, se continúa tomando para evitar el regreso de la enfermedad, pero disminuyendo una o dos dosis por día según la edad.
En artrosis: El ácido úrico se deposita en las articulaciones del cuerpo, especialmente en los dedos que se hinchan. Esto sucede porque los riñones están fallando por falta de magnesio: hay que tener cuidado, los riñones pueden estar deteriorándose.
Tomar una dosis por la mañana, si en 20 días no siente mejoría, continuar con una dosis a la mañana y otra por la noche.Después de la curación, continuar con la dosis preventiva mínima según la edad.
En próstata: Según cuentan, un anciano no conseguía orinar, y en la víspera de la operación le dieron a tomar 3 dosis y comenzó a mejorar; después de una semana estaba curado, sin necesidad de cirugía. Hay casos en que la próstata vuelve a la normalidad.
Tomar una dosis por la mañana, 2 dosis por la tarde y 2 dosis por la noche. Al conseguir la mejoría, continuar con la dosis mínima según la edad.
En ataques de vejez: Rigidez ósea, calambres, temblores, arterias duras con colesterol en sus paredes internas, falta de actividad cerebral.
Tomar una dosis por la mañana, otra por la tarde y otra por la noche Al obtener mejoría, continuar con la dosis mínima preventiva.
En cáncer: todos tenemos predisposición a padecerlo. Consiste en células malformadas por causa de algunas sustancias o de presencia de partículas tóxicas. Estas células no se armonizan con las sanas, mas no son inofensivas, solo hasta cierta cantidad que el Cloruro de Magnesio consigue combatir utilizando células sanas. Felizmente el proceso canceroso lento, no causa dolores hasta aparecer el tumor, hay virus muy variados que invaden las células sanas produciendo ramificaciones El Cloruro de Magnesio, cuando la enfermedad está avanzada puede apenas frenar un poco la acción cancerosa, pero ya no cura totalmente, aunque hubo casos en que fue curado.
Existen indicios de que el cáncer es hereditario. El Cloruro de Magnesio es el mejor preventivo para el cáncer de mamas y para que el mismo no se degenere y forme tumores malignos.
Hay que evitar los alimentos cancerigenos.Cloruro de Magnesio como remedio. Es suficiente que el cuerpo esté normalmente mineralizado para que esté libre de casi todas las enfermedades.
Es aconsejable para todos los casos en que se haya logrado la curación esperada, disminuir las tomas del Cloruro del Magnesio a las dosis mínimas preventivas según la edad, para evitar que regrese la enfermedad y luego, también es recomendado descartar las tomas durante 2 a 4 meses para después continuar con períodos de 4 a 6 meses de dosis mínimas preventivas con el descanso intermedio mencionado.
La falta de magnesio en el ser humano puede provocar entre otras cosas: debilidad general, enfermedades degenerativas como el cáncer, tuberculosis, diabetes, también neuritis, trastornos nerviosos, debilidad en los huesos y anemia.
domingo, 29 de agosto de 2010
BED BUGS : NOT HARMFUL BUT NOT WANTED !! HOW TO GET RID OF THEM
Bed bugs are not found to spread diseases, but can be annoying, especially when sleeping.
Follow the link below and after a short commercial you will see a step by step video on how to safely and affectively get rid of the.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/video/default.aspx?vid=1a68b9bb-c3e3-423a-9b45-c2ebac0a39fe%26tab=Room%20Design%26ap=howcast&from=en-us_msnhp>1=32045
lunes, 26 de julio de 2010
AFTER H1N1
OTHER LESSONS FROM H1N1
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic has also helped to promote non-alcohol hand sanitizer, specifically quat-based (Benzalkonium Chloride) hand sanitizers. This option is particularly useful in schools where there is a concern about children ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
"Prior to H1N1, there was a universal acceptance of alcohol-based sanitizers," says Linda Silverman, president at Maintex. "After that, you're seeing a greater understanding and acceptance of alcohol-free, quat-based hand sanitizers as well."
Quat-based hand sanitizers have a longer kill claim than alcohol-based varieties. It can still be effective against killing germs after it has been applied to the skin. Quat-based hand sanitizers are non-flammable and also don't dry hands out as much as alcohol-based products.
Hercules & Hercules Inc. sought to educate consumers on the benefits of quat-based sanitizers and encouraged school districts to make the switch.
"We provided samples and efficacy data," says Belinda Jefferson, company president. "Some made the switch, others didn't."
Along with the increase in hand sanitizer sales, distributors sold more foam hand soap following the H1N1 outbreak, thanks to the public's renewed interested in keeping hands clean. Hercules & Hercules encouraged salespeople to sell touch-free foam soap in addition to hand sanitizer and educate customers on the benefits of touch-free restrooms.
"Hand safety is something the public needs to be aware of," Jefferson says. "The most critical thing to do is to wash your hands."
Distributors also learned some valuable purchasing lessons from the pandemic, namely not to overlook any cross-contamination-related product when stocking up on the more obvious necessities, such as hand sanitizer and soap.
"H1N1 taught us to look at the whole picture when dealing with a pandemic," says Mike Griffin, sales manager at San-a-Care. "We probably could have given more thought to bringing in disposable gloves and masks because we got caught with orders for those, and we couldn't fill them very quickly."
WOOD FURNITURE CARE; BEST TIPS:
1. To clean the finish on your wood furniture just use warm water and mild dish soap. Cleaning furniture with water won't hurt it -- just be careful not to soak it. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-get areas. Wipe the dirt off the surface with soft cloths or paper towels until they come up fairly clean. Then dry off any residual moisture with a soft cloth.
2. After a good cleaning, the best way to protect the finish is to use a good-quality soft paste wax. Apply a thin coat as directed on the label. Wait five minutes and buff lightly with a soft (shoe) brush or cloth. Wait another 30 to 60 minutes and buff/brush again with a bit more vigor. You'll see a beautiful shine return to the finish that will last for many months.
3. Keep your furniture out of the sun. The temperature of the summer sun coming through a window can go above 140 degrees. It will cook fine finishes, fading and destroying them over time, and dry out and shrink the wood, which will cause cracks.
4. Don't place wood furniture near heating units or vents. Dry heat will cause the wood to dry and shrink, leaving cracks. Use a humidifier in the drier months to bring the moisture up to the 40 to 45 percent level.
5. For a quick-fix touch up, use the appropriate color shoe polish on scratches and chips, especially to make them less visible on the feet of furniture. Carefully using a matching-color felt-tip marker first will hide it even better.
6. When polishing metal hardware, take it off the furniture first. Take your time and make a note to remember what piece goes back where. Use a quality metal polish to get it shining again. Once it's buffed, put it back on, being careful not to scratch the wood surfaces. I recommend that you don't try to do this all at one time. It can be a lot of work, so take a few days, doing a few pieces at a time, instead of getting tired and frustrated with trying to do too much.
7. Wood isn't hungry! You cannot feed furniture. No matter what the advertising says, wood cannot be fed or nourished or enriched with polishes or oils. Once it has a protective finish over it for beauty and protection, the wood is sealed. Polishes and oils will not penetrate it.
8. There are several ways to remove the white hazy ring or spot that the hot coffee mug or hot pizza box made on your table. The least invasive way is to rub it with a mild abrasive, such as non-gel toothpaste mixed with baking soda or cooking oil mixed with ashes. You can rub it in a small spot with your finger or use a soft cloth on larger areas.
Another method that has excellent results is to place a soft cloth or towel over the spot and iron it carefully for 10 to 20 seconds at a time with the iron at a medium setting. You can turn the iron up a bit if needed. Always keep the iron moving and check your progress frequently.
9. When shopping for new or antique furniture, look at the back, inside and undersides of furniture and drawers. Many times it tells you more about quality than looking at the "show" side. The so-called "secondary" woods can speak volumes about the age of the item and the quality of construction.
10. Restoring or refinishing an older or antique piece of furniture to its original glory might seem like a good idea, and many times it is. But it's important to get advice from someone who is knowledgeable about the item you are considering. You may find that your piece is valuable and just needs a proper cleaning. Any more extensive work should be left to a professional.
miércoles, 14 de julio de 2010
CLEANING OIL SPILLS , APPROPRIATE FOR THE GULF OIL !!
Cleaning and Salvaging: Video
Two months after the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a University of Pittsburgh, PA, engineering professor offers another cleanup solution. A cotton filter soaked in a polymer solution blocks oil and allows clean water to pass through. The polymer is both hydrophilic — so it bonds with the hydrogen in water, and oleophobic — so that it repels oil. The filter fabrication process entails soaking cotton cloth in liquid polymer solution followed by drying. The hope is to create trough-shaped filters to drag through the affected area, recovering oil and leaving clean water behind. A video shows impressive recovery; see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfRKjiOXVWE
martes, 6 de julio de 2010
OIL DISPERSANTS, TOXICITY as per EPA
EPA Releases First Round of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants
WASHINGTON —The US Environmental Protection Agency today released peer reviewed results from the first round of its own independent toxicity testing on eight oil dispersants. EPA conducted testing to ensure that decisions about ongoing dispersant use in the Gulf of Mexico continue to be grounded in the best available science.
EPA’s results indicated that none of the eight dispersants tested, including the product in use in the Gulf, displayed biologically significant endocrine disrupting activity. While the dispersant products alone – not mixed with oil - have roughly the same impact on aquatic life, JD-2000 and Corexit 9500 were generally less toxic to small fish and JD-2000 and SAF-RON GOLD were least toxic to mysid shrimp. While this is important information to have, additional testing is needed to further inform the use of dispersants.
"EPA is performing independent tests to determine the potential impacts of various dispersants. We will continue to conduct additional research before providing a final recommendation, " said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We want to ensure that every tool is available to mitigate the impact of the BP spill and protect our fragile wetlands. But we continue to direct BP to use dispersants responsibly and in as limited an amount as possible."
EPA continues to carefully monitor BP’s use of dispersant in the Gulf. Dispersants are generally less toxic than oil and can prevent some oil from impacting sensitive areas along the Gulf Coast. EPA believes BP should use as little dispersant as necessary and, on May 23, Administrator Jackson and then-Federal On-Scene Coordinator Rear Admiral Mary Landry directed BP to reduce dispersant usage by 75 percent from peak usage. EPA and the Coast Guard formalized that order in a directive to BP on May 26. Over the next month BP reduced dispersant use 68 percent from that peak.
Before directing BP to ramp down dispersant use, EPA directed BP to analyze potential alternative dispersants for toxicity and effectiveness. BP reported to EPA that they were unable to find a dispersant that is less toxic than Corexit 9500, the product currently in use. Following that, EPA began its own scientific testing of eight dispersant products on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule (NCP-PS). Those dispersant products are: Dispersit SPC 1000, Nokomis 3-F4, Nokomis 3-AA, ZI-400, SAF-RON Gold, Sea Brat #4, Corexit 9500 A and JD 2000. Today’s results represent the first stage of that effort.
EPA tested these eight products for endocrine disrupting activity and potential impacts on small fish and mysid shrimp. The testing found:
· None of the eight dispersants tested displayed biologically significant endocrine disrupting activity.
· While all eight dispersants alone – not mixed with oil – showed roughly the same effects, JD-2000 and Corexit 9500 proved to be the least toxic to small fish, and JD-2000 and SAF-RON GOLD were the least toxic to the mysid shrimp.
The next phase of EPA’s testing will assess the acute toxicity of multiple concentrations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil alone and combinations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil with each of the eight dispersants for two test species.
To view the first round of test results please visit: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/dispersants
R232
jueves, 24 de junio de 2010
COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF OPTICAL BRIGHTENERS
Optical brighteners are dyes that absorb light in the ultraviolet and violet region (340 - 370 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum, and re-emit light in the blue region (420 – 470 nm). Fluorescence is a short-lived emission response. These additives enhance the appearance of fabric and paper by increasing the amount of reflected blue light relative to that for yellow light.
CBS-X is used in whitening detergents, soaps, synthetic washing powders, and especially liquid detergents. It can also be used directly in knitting cotton, silk, woven fabric, and paper. CBS-X is Arkalon's most popular whitener and is stable to chlorine/oxygen bleaching with good solubility in water.The quality of our product is superior to that produced by most other suppliers.
martes, 8 de junio de 2010
LA QUIMICA DEL PEPINO
1. Los pepinos contienen más de las vitaminas que usted necesita diariamente. Solo un pepino contiene Vitamina B1, Vitamina B2, Vitamina B3, Vitamina B5, Vitamina B6, Acido Fólico, Vitamina C, Calcio, Hierro, Magnesio, Fósforo, Potasio y Zinc.
2. Si se siente cansado en la tarde, coja una soda (gaseosa, refresco) cafeinada y seleccione un pepino. Los pepinos son buena fuente de Vitaminas B y Carbohidratos que pueden suministrar ese rápido refresco que puede durar por horas.
3. Cansado de que su espejo se empape de vapor después de una ducha? Frote una rodaja de pepino a través del espejo, le eliminara la niebla y le suministrara una fragancia calmante como spa.
4. Están los gusanos y las babosas arruinando sus matas? Coloque unas pocas rodajas en una lata pequeña y su jardín se vera libre de plagas en toda la temporada. Los químicos en el pepino reaccionan con el aluminio para emitir una esencia indetectable por los humanos pero enloquece a las plagas del jardín y hace que ellas abandonen el área.
5. Esta mirando por una forma rápida y fácil para remover la celulitis antes de ir afuera o a la piscina? Frote una o dos rodajas de pepino a través del área con el problema por unos pocos minutos, los fotoquímicos en el pepino causan que el colágeno en su piel se apriete, afirmando la capa exterior y reduciendo la visibilidad de la celulitis. También trabaja magníficamente en las arrugas!!!
6. Quiere evitar un guayabo (resaca) o un terrible dolor de cabeza? Coma una rodajas de de pepino antes de irse a la cama y levántese fresco y libre de dolores de cabeza. Los pepinos contienen suficiente azúcar, vitaminas B y electrolitos para reaprovisionar los nutrientes esenciales perdidos en el cuerpo, conservando todo en equilibrio, evitando los guayabos y dolores de cabeza!!!
7. Esta tratando de combatir los excesos de comida de la tarde o de la noche? El pepino ha sido usado por siglos y con frecuencia usado por los exploradores, comerciantes y tramperos Europeos como comida rápida para engañar la hambruna.
8. Tiene una reunión importante o una entrevista de trabajo y usted ve que no tiene suficiente tiempo para limpiar sus zapatos? Friegue un pedazo de pepino fresco sobre el zapato, sus químicos le suministraran un brillo rápido y durable, que no solo luce muy bien, sino que también repele el agua.
9. Ausente de WD 40 (Water Displacement-40th Attempt) y necesita arreglar esa bisagra chillona? Tome una rodaja de pepino y frótela en la bisagra problemática y voila, el ruido se fue!
10. Estresado y no tiene tiempo para un masaje facial o visitar el spa? Corte un pepino entero y colóquelo en un contenedor para hervir agua, los químicos y los nutrientes del pepino reaccionaran con el agua hervida y se liberaran en el vapor, creando un calmante y relajante aroma que se ha demostrado para reducir el estrés en nuevas madres y los estudiantes de la universidad en los exámenes finales.
11. Recién termino un almuerzo de negocios y se da cuenta que usted no tiene goma de mascar o menta? Tome una rodaja de pepino y presiónelo en el paladar de su boca con su lengua por 30 segundos para eliminar el mal aliento, los fotoquímicos mataran las bacterias responsables del mal aliento en su boca.
12. Esta viendo por una forma “verde” para limpiar sus grifos, lavaplatos o aleaciones de acero? Tome una rodaja de pepino y frótela en la superficie que usted quiere limpiar, no solamente le removerá los años de opaco y le devuelve el brillo, sino que no le dejara rayones y no le afectara sus dedos o las uñas mientras usted limpia.
13. Escribiendo con un lápiz y comete un error? Tome el exterior del pepino y úselo suavemente para borrar el escrito, también trabaja magníficamente en crayones y marcadores que los chicos han usado para decorar las paredes!
martes, 25 de mayo de 2010
LA LECHE, CONSIDERACIONES QUIMICAS
Sea cuidadoso al ingerir leche
Publicado en May 25, 2010 por Cyber Alcalde en BIENESTAR
Un debate se ha generado en Estados Unidos alrededor de los beneficios comprobados de la leche y sus derivados lácteos. En apariencia poderosos grupos fuera del negocio han comprobado que sólo la contribución de proteínas pareciera ser el único elemento de valor en su consumo.
En este extracto, quisimos evaluar la posición medica ante ese hecho y tomamos como referencia una exposición digital del reconocido Dr. Frank Lipman, de Nueva York, quien enumeró las cinco causas más importantes a considerar para reducir o eliminar el consumo de leche en su dieta diaria.
Notamos la dinámica de sus comentarios al leer respecto de su posición ante el consumo de leche por humanos de acuerdo a resultados de pacientes atendidos en su práctica profesional: "La leche de vaca debe ser para becerros debido a que he notado que la mayoría de los humanos tienen dificultades ingeriéndola."
Lipman menciona que ha visto muchos pacientes sufriendo de constipación crónica, artritis, sinusitis crónica y una diversidad de alergias que desaparecen del organismo tan pronto los pacientes detienen la ingesta de leche o sus derivados lácteos.
En su exposición, Lipman menciona que retira la leche de la dieta de sus pacientes, lo que le ha permitido comprobar sus sospechas.
Existen cinco prácticas según la óptica de Lipman que deben tomarse en consideración a la hora de consumir leche. Que sea usted quien tome la última decisión, pero no deje de observar los siguientes conceptos.
1. Las vacas lecheras son nutridas con el alimento equivocado, lo que no simplemente causa cambios en la naturaleza de la leche sino que le ocasiona problemas de salud a la propia vaca. La comida con la que alimentan a estos animales regularmente contiene soya, maíz, semillas de algodón, conchas de naranja -las que a su vez son protegidas con el uso de plaguicidas. Ese tipo de alimento no es apropiado para nutrir a las vacas, que son animales rumiantes y deben estar alimentándose con pasto, monte o grama. Desafortunamente ése no es el caso y la gran mayoría de las vacas son mantenidas en áreas industrializadas y confinadas por toda su vida sin nunca probar monte.
2. La leche es pasteurizada. Para quienes no lo tienen claro, pasteurización es el proceso de elevar el nivel de la temperatura al punto que logre matar cierto tipo de bacteria y eliminar enzimas. Este proceso no sólo destruye enzimas, vitaminas y desnaturaliza las frágiles proteínas en la leche, sino que mata a bacterias beneficiosas. Incluso los becerros se desarrollan pobremente y muchos mueren prematuramente y jóvenes cuando son alimentados con leche pasteurizada. Recordemos que el proceso de pasteurización fue implementado en los años 1920s para combatir la tuberculosis, la diarrea infantil, la fiebre ondulante y otras diversas enfermedades que fueron causadas por la mala alimentación de los animales y sus no muy higiénicos métodos de producción para la época. Pero los tiempos han cambiado y los modernos tanques de acero inoxidable, máquinas ordeñadoras, camiones refrigerados y los muy innovadores métodos de inspección sanitaria convierten a la pasteurización en un elemento obsoleto para la protección del consumidor.
3. En algunos casos, la misma leche es ultra pasteurizada para desprenderse de aquella bacteria que es resistente al calor y para permitirle una mayor duración al líquido después de abierto el empaque. Este proceso conduce a la leche más allá del punto de ebullición en menos de dos segundos y es usado para la leche que estará almacenada a temperatura ambiente.
4. Para empeorar la situación, la leche pasa por un proceso de homogeneización el cual genera una nueva transformación en la naturaleza de la leche quebrando la nata o grasa butírica de manera de impedir que ésta suba a la superficie. Leche pasada por este proceso es mucho más difícil de digerir, de manera que las proteínas que se suponen serían procesadas en su paso por el estámago terminan siendo absorbidas en el flujo sanguíneo. Frecuentemente el cuerpo reacciona a estas proteínas extrañas mediante una alteración de su sistema inmune, causando inflamación en la mayoría de los casos. Esto igualmente puede generar situaciones auto-inmunes. La leche homogeneizada ha sido vinculada a condiciones cardiovasculares causadas por los glóbulos de grasa que quedan dispersados por este proceso.
5. Adicionalmente a sus alteraciones químicas que resultan en un producto difícil de digerir y causa problemas, la leche de hoy usualmente contiene esteroides, antibióticos, pesticidas debido a la ingesta de granos tratados, bacteria proveniente de animales infectados y hormonas de crecimiento.
De manera que si usted toma leche la sugerencia apropiada es que ingiera leche pura de vaca alimentada en pastizales, porque posiblemente el daño no lo esté causando la leche como tal, sino sus alteraciones químicas.
miércoles, 7 de abril de 2010
THE CHEMISTRY OF GOOD DIETS
7 times a day, low cholesterol diet
Main principles:
1- do not mix carbohydrates (Flour, bread, pasta) with proteins (meet, chicken, eggs, fish)
2- no sugar, only natural from fruit and vegetables (splenda or equal allowed)
3- eat seven times a day but reduced quantities
4- all cooking and salads with olive oil
5- Drink Water when hungry between food brakes.
Select one from each alternative given on each eating break
Waking up:
1- Glass of water
2- Coffee, tea
3- Orange juice
Breakfast:
1- two slices of integral bread (whole wheat, oats, etc) with marmalade,( no butter)
orange juice and/or coffee, tea
2- One banana or papaya or melon slice, with natural juice and crackers with low fat white cheese
3- Cereal bowl, shredded wheat, corn, rice or other with no sugar,2% fat milk. (Can add fruit). Best add honey. Coffee,tea
4- Omelets with vegetables but using only egg’s whites and white rice or integral bread.
10.30 am break:
1- Cereal bar or protein bar with juice or water
1- Coffee no sugar but splenda or equal integral crackers, water
2- Yogurt low fat, water
3- Banana or apple, water
4- 2 Boiled egg only white
5- Turkey breast sandwich with integral bread
Lunch:
1- Fish fillets (oven or fried in olive oil) with any type of vegetable salad or steamed vegetables. Rice is allowed.
2- Chicken breast with any salad or steamed vegetables. Rice is allowed
3- Turkey roasted or oven cooked with any salad or steamed vegetables, Rice
4- Stewed meet cubes with vegetables and salad. Rice allowed
5- Beef steak on grill or fried with olive oil and rice. Vegetables and salad.
6- Vegetable soup or chicken broth. Roasted chicken or turkey or rabbit. Rice allowed
7- Pasta with tomato or garlic or vegetable sauce, No meet.
3.30 pm Break:
1- yogurt with integral crackers
2- Cereal bar with water
3- Fruit and water
4- Integral bread and honey
5- Integral cracker and low fat white cheese
6- Fruit juice and integral cracker
Dinner:
1- Tuna fish (a can or natural if available) with salad
2- Salad with feta cheese and integral crackers
3- Whole grain cereal with low fat milk and honey
4- Vegetables with boiled eggs whites
5- One low fat ice cream
6- Potato puree no butter one portion, with salad
7- Steamed vegetables with low fat white cheese
8- Fruit and cereals no sugar, low fat milk.
Before bed:
1- Manzanilla, tilo tea or green tea no sugar or with honey
2- One low fat pop corn
3- Low fat ice cream
4- Yogurt
5- Glass of low fat milk
6- Carrot or papaya or melon
In bed:
1- Glass of water
2- Manzanilla tea, no sugar
EAMG606060
sábado, 20 de marzo de 2010
HOME MADE GLASS CLEANER
ADD TO 1 QUART EMPTY BOTTLE, HALF CUP DISHWASHING LIQUID, HALF CUP OF ANTISEPTIC ALCOHOL ( ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL), 1 QUART OF CUP OF VINAGER AND TWO TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE. ADD FINALLY WATER TO FILL THE BOTTLE AND SHAKE; ........ YOUR GLASS CLEANER IS READY.
Rapid and quick measure of Chlorine content
Chlorine photometer kit
The eXact® Chlorine Photometer Kit, the latest product from Industrial Test Systems, directly tests Free and Total Chlorine at an expanded range of 0.01-11.0 ppm. The photometer uses a patented method using eXact® Micro reagent strip technology, eliminating the need for powders, tablets, and liquids. It provides results without the guesswork of color matching and meets 4500-CL-G requirement. The waterproof meter (IP-67) fits comfortably in your hand, has a built in sampling cell and comes with a five year warranty.
Industrial Test Systems Inc.
Rock Hill, SC
Tel: 800-861-9712 Web: www.sensafe.com
Taken from Water World Magazine, march 2010 edition
DESALINATION; The best alternative when potable water is too expensive to find
Desalination
A modular desalination and water purification system – originally designed for the US Military and disaster relief – is now available for municipalities. Available from Global Water Group, the system combines desalination using reverse osmosis (RO) technology with a second modular unit that employs the company's proprietary LS3 process for fresh water purification. Units are available in many different sizes, configurations and housings, and they can process volumes ranging from 25 gallons of potable water per hour to as much as 11,000 gph from seawater in one module.
Global Water Group Inc.
Dallas, TX
Web: www.globalwater.com
taken from WATER WORLD Magazine, March 2010 edition.
miércoles, 17 de marzo de 2010
THEORY OF FOAM CONTROL IN WATER BASED SYSTEMS
Taken from the Paints Magazine at the following link: http://www.pcimag.com/Articles/Article_Rotation/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000724034
Mechanisms for Combating Macro and Microfoam in Low-VOC Waterborne Systems
by Charles S. Douglas
Markus Hallack
Wernfried Heilen
Christopher Howard
Heike Semmler
January 1, 2010
In the early 1980s, the domestic ink and coatings industry began a major effort to provide products that would help coatings manufacturers lower VOC emissions. The industry used a number of approaches including, but not limited to, exempt solvents, increased solvent capture by the coatings formulators and water-based coatings.
Each approach had positive and negative considerations. Using solvents exempt from the EPA Method 24 calculations lowered VOC output but proved of little use due to limited solubility with certain resins. Use of solvent capture equipment was, and is a viable option but is constrained by the high capital and maintenance costs. Partially driven by innovations at that time, water-based systems presented the most economical means of compliance with evolving VOC and HAPS (hazardous air pollutants) regulations. However, the resins and emulsions used for these systems require surfactants (soaps) to make them compatible in an aqueous medium. Unfortunately, these additives, plus others used to enhance properties like pigment and substrate wetting, contribute to foam formation within inks and coatings.
Today, the need to lower emission levels even further – combined with multiple-purpose raw materials – creates an even greater likelihood of formulating clearcoats that foam. This paper investigates the use of organo-modified siloxane technology to control the proliferation of foam, while maintaining desired properties.
Foam is a mass of gas bubbles stabilized by a surfactant double layer – the foam lamella – within a matrix of liquid film formed in or on the surface of, in this case, an ink or coating. The word “in” refers to microfoam, while the word “on” suggests macrofoam (Figure 1). Let’s begin by looking at the characteristics of each type.
Macrofoam, found at the surface of a coating, contains bubbles – generally >100 µm– which rise very quickly. According to Stokes’ Law (Figure 1A), the size of the bubble markedly affects its velocity rising through the fluid, which is directly proportional to the radius of the bubble; thus, the larger the bubble, theaster its speed. Stokes’ Law also has a viscosity component: the velocity of the rising bubble decreases as viscosity increases. However, given the rather low application viscosities of water-based inks and coatings, along with their relatively low coat weights and thicknesses, foam should dissipate rapidly absent other contributing factors.(1, 2)
Previously mentioned factors that contribute to foam formation include surfactant packages in the polymer system and functional additives required to address key properties of the coating system. Generally speaking, many classes of defoamer will eliminate macrofoam (Figure 2) in inks and coatings since they are surface-active agents. By spraying the defoamer on top of the liquid film or adding it in the liquid phase, defoamers destroy the foam by acting within the foam lamella and destabilizing it. High-speed incorporation may not be required for this class of defoamers
Microfoam (Figure 3), on the other hand, becomes entrained within the liquid film because its small-radius bubbles do not rise fast enough to the surface. According to Stokes’ Law, these bubbles – typically 10 to 100 µm – rise infinitely more slowly than macrofoam in the same viscosity liquid. Consequently, because it remains entrained, microfoam causes numerous problems in post-cured film. Formulators must employ a very specific type of foam destabilization additive to remove microfoam from water-based surface coatings.
Many products on the market claim to eliminate foam from aqueous-based systems (Figure 4). Their performance relies on characteristics such as incompatibility, low surface tension, hydrophobic nature and other mechanisms to either prevent or destroy the foam lamella, or both.
In general, defoamers consist of several compounds, which, in total, are not compatible with the coatings system. If defoamers are too compatible with the system, problems arise, e.g., over time they become inefficient. However, if they are too incompatible with the system, the defoamers may be highly efficient bubble busters but will cause problems in the applied film. The ideal solution, then, is to balance compatibility and incompatibility for maximum efficiency.
Destabilizing agents are multi-component additives with varying groups of functional materials. There are three principal classes of components: carriers, representing 75-90% of the formulation; hydrophobic ingredients, ranging from 5-10%; and other special substances (e.g., biocides, thickeners, emulsifiers) representing 0-20%.
The purpose of the carrier is to spread on the surface and remove the layer of surfactant molecules. Therefore, it has a lower surface tension than water. Another important property of the carrier is to supply a means for the hydrophobic ingredients of the destabilizing package to reach the surfactant double layer. The carriers also have to be insoluble and incompatible with the solvent (water) to rise to the surface. The monolayer formed by the defoamer ingredients will have a lower surface elasticity compared to that of the foam bubble’s double layer. Oils can be the carriers for destabilizers. Mineral oils are the most versatile and least costly. Paraffinic (medical white) oils meet health regulations (FDA). In addition, vegetable oils, silicone oils, polysiloxanes, organo-modified siloxanes and water can all be used as carriers. Fatty acids, fatty alcohols and polyvinyl ethers are used as well.
A defoamer’s hydrophobic ingredients can be used either in liquid or solid form. In liquid form, they exist as emulsion droplets (Figure 5).
Particle size of hydrophobic materials is an important factor in penetrating the surfactant double layer (Figure 6). They must be between 0.1 and 20 µm. Too small a particle size significantly reduces effectiveness because water can enter the double layer and dilute the concentration of defoamer particles. If the particle size is too big, the particle cannot penetrate the double layer and the micro bubbles will not collapse into macro bubbles, which more easily burst on the surface. An important task of a hydrophobic ingredient is to absorb surfactant molecules from the double layer, thereby generating an increase in surface tension that facilitates spreading and the ultimate rupture of the foam lamella. The total concentration of hydrophobic particles in a defoamer formulation is limited due to the fact that the total concentration of surfactant molecules must be kept within a certain range to avoid destabilizing the coating emulsion. Compounds used as hydrophobic particles include waxes, fumed silica, metal soaps, polypropylene glycols, amides and polyurethanes.(3, 4)
Microfoam Issues
Several defoaming mechanisms readily dissipate macrofoam, but microfoam is different and a complex issue that requires addressing. Owing to its small bubble size, microfoam is generally not visible to the naked eye but its negative effects on a dried coating cannot be missed: surface defects, color control and clarity/haze.
Perhaps the most noticeable surface defect caused by microfoam is pinholing. On substrates that require a more homogenous coating for barrier properties, microfoam creates an avenue for environmental contact that can lead to weathering, deterioration or corrosion damage. Because microfoam is difficult to eliminate with traditional defoamer additives, new and different technology must be employed. The study that follows focuses on a foam destabilizer technology that uses polyether-modified siloxane chemistry with a hydrophobic component, hereafter referred to as a deaerator.(1,5-6)
The program to optimize the deaerating performance of polyether-modified siloxane explored the effects of adjusting a number of variables:
A.1 – Polarity – hydrophilic-lipophillic balance (HLB);
A.2 – Degree of polymerization (DP);
A.3 – Organic-siloxane ratio; and
A.4 – End blocking.
In this case, adjusting the HLB characteristics of substance Class A achieved significant improvements in deaeration. Varying the molecular weight changed the HLB character of some of the products shown in Figure 8. Organic modification changes of the products were also performed and the effects on microfoam elimination were tested.
Test results depicted in these micrographs clearly show that a product with strong hydrophobicity will not necessarily produce the best results (Figure 8). For efficient elimination of microfoam, a critical balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity must be struck, as seen in the test coating system with substance A.1 (Figure 8).
To provide easier dispersion in a coating system, the active ingredients of the deaerator A.1 can be compounded in distinct forms: emulsion in water stabilized by surfactants; concentrate with 100% active matter; and dilution in glycols or glycol ethers.
The initial evaluation used the concentrate form of substance A.1; therefore, the next compositions created for testing were the emulsion and the dilution in glycol ether (Figure 9). The active ingredients in these two forms were equilibrated to deliver the same total amount of active matter in each test formulation. Comparing the micrographs in Figure 9, the concentrate version of A.1 undeniably provides superior microfoam dissipation.
A number of explanations exist for the lack of efficiency shown by the emulsion and the diluted variants, but the prevalent theory is that the non-concentrate forms of delivery have a higher solubility characteristic. Less of the active component reaches the liquid-air interface and cannot act on the foam lamella.(7)
This stage of the testing compared two versions of the same concentrate of Substance A.1: one without hydrophobic particles (A.1.1), the other with fumed silica hydrophobic particles (A.1.2). Micrographs of the two inks formulated with these products are shown in Figure 10. The performance of A.1.2 in Figure 10 clearly illustrates the value of including a hydrophobic component to increase foam destabilization efficiency.
Conclusion
Deaerators designed on an organo-modified silicone platform – more specifically, a silicone polyether containing hydrophobic moieties – provide superior macro- and microfoam suppression capabilities.2 In this study, TEGO® Airex 901W and Airex 902W have proven to be the most effective additives for dissipating microfoam in aqueous-based inks and coatings that contain high surfactant levels. Further investigation in numerous inks and coatings provided additional evidence that Airex 901W and Airex 902W are ideal choices in systems where it is difficult to eliminate both macro- and microfoam. (See suggested formulations in the Appendix.)
As the coatings market moves to more environmentally friendly systems that demand practically zero percent solvent usage, foam problems will be part of the equation. It will require joint efforts between the coating manufacturers, as well as additive suppliers, to continue the design and optimization of future eco-friendly products.
Appendix - Selected Formulations
References
1. Evonik Tego Chemie Service GmbH: Tego Journal 2007, 53-59.
2. US Patent 6045219 - Pigmented ink jet prints on gelatin overcoated with hardeners.
3. Adams; Vltasvsky; Heilen. The battle against the bubble. American Paint and Coating Journal 1990, 22, 32-34.
4. Streefland, W. Ink foaming of water-based inks, what is the reason and can it be resolved? FlexoTech News 2006, 9, 2-3.
5. Kleinsteinberg; Struck. Dealing with Foam Generated During Printing Ink and Varnish Production. Ink World 2006, 10.
6. Schwartz; Bogar. An additives approach to defect elimination in thermoplastic water-based industrial maintenance coatings. Journal of Coating Technology 1995, Vol. 67, No. 840.
7. Semmler and Heilen, “A New Approach to The Elimination and Prevention of Micro-foam in Water-based Wood and Furniture Coatings,” (Internal Document: Evonik Industries).
8. Kukackova, A. Using the Si-O Strength. European Coatings Journal 2007, Vol. 6, 54-59.
lunes, 15 de marzo de 2010
NEW DEFOAMER FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
New Product: Microcat®-DF
A new defoaming liquid, known as Microcat®-DF Biodefoamer has been introduced by
Bioscience, (http://www.bioscienceinc.com/). The synthetic material can be used in aeration tanks, sludge digesters and other
wastewater treatment plant process facilities to suppress foam without inhibiting the biomass or
having other side effects of conventional defoamers.
Because Microcat-DF does not contain silicones, mineral oil, nitrogen or phosphorus
compounds, it is compatible with all Microcat microbial-enzyme formulations and with naturally
occurring biomass.
WWTP foams may result from filamentous bacteria
infestation, rapid temperature or pH fluctuations,
influent composition changes or shock loading. It can
also occur at plant start-up.
Infestation with filamentous micro-organisms, such
as Nocardia or Microthrix is often a symptom of
excessive fat, oil and grease (FOG) in the influent
wastewater. In this case, use of Microcat-DF with
Microcat-XF filament controller or other Microcat
products for digesting FOG, provides an economical
"green" solution to foaming problems, while also
reducing Nocardia that inhibit settling and produce poor effluent quality.
Microcat-DF is generally metered continuously into the foam source. The liquid has a shelf life
of two years without settling.
domingo, 14 de marzo de 2010
THE STANDARD COMPOSITION FOR TODAY'S ANTICORROSIVE COATINGS
For more than 100 years, the accepted system for anticorrosive coatings was a combination of lead based paints and oil alkyd layers.
A significant improvement was attained in the 1970s with the introduction of three-coat, high performance system based on zinc-rich primers, pigmented intermediates and light stable polyurethane topcoats for the industrial maintenace market. This three coat system is now the standard anti-corrosive coating system around the world, providing outstanding protection, chemical resistance and weatherability to bridges, petrochemical facilities, power generating plants, waste/water tretment facilities and industrial construction structures.
TRANSFORMING GRASS INTO PLASTICS
More and more attention is focusing on developing processes to make biofuels and biochemicals from non-food crops and cellulosic wastes. A leader in such efforts is Biofine Renewables, Waltham, Mass.
Since 2007, the company has operated a demonstration plant in Gorham, Maine, that's successfully converted cellulosic biomass feedstock into levulinic acid intermediates used in a variety of chemicals, plastics and fuels.
The good news is that everywhere there is immediate access to a low-cost feedstock that's high in cellulose, such as waste wood pulp. Today, though, such a material generally poses burdens not benefits.
The company's technology promises to change that. "Instead of having to pay to haul the waste away or just burning it in a boiler, they can convert it into chemical intermediates that have high values," Fitzpatrick, a company's speaker notes. "The process also generates a byproduct called lignin that can be burned to provide energy to the plant or nearby consumers." (Academic and commercial research underway may lead to use of lignin as a biochemicals feedstock or as non-biodegradable soil amender.)
New meaning to "magnetic" stirring
A new approach to using magnetism for mixing provides a simple and robust way to achieve instantaneous and homogeneous mixing at any scale, say its developers at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M. The technique avoids agitators or other mechanical parts contacting fluid. Instead, it relies on magnetizable particles suspended in the fluid forming chains and then swirling to create effective mixing throughout the fluid. When mixing is done, a magnet can quickly and completely remove the particles, which can be reused, notes Jim Martin, a materials scientist at Sandia.
The method, called vortex field mixing, subjects particles to a rotating magnetic field with a precession-like motion. This causes the particles to assemble into a multitude of microscopic chains that follow the field motion and stir the entire volume of fluid regardless of the complexity its shape (Figure 1). (A YouTube video showing the mixing can be downloaded via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2izq-XOvlg.)
jueves, 11 de marzo de 2010
SMART POLYMERS, The "Chameleon" principle
These very to-date technological advances in polymer science were taken from the American Coatings Show in Carolina, see www.american-coatings-show.com
By: Sergiy Minko, Clarkson University
Stimuli-responsive macromolecular nanostructures are capable of conformational and chemical changes upon “receiving an external signal” such as a change in temperature, chemical composition, applied mechanical force, irradiation with light, or exposure to an electrical or magnetic field. The changes at the molecular level are accompanied by variations in physical properties at a macroscale. These principles were explored in the development of reconstructable surfaces. Reconstructable surfaces change their wettability, permeability, and adhesive, adsorptive, mechanical, and optical properties. Various applications extend to materials with rapidly switchable adhesion (from sticky to nonsticky) and wetting (from wettable to non-wettable), with switchable appearance and transparency, and coatings capable of rapid release of chemicals, as well as self-healing coatings.
Reconstructable polymer surfaces form a toolbox for the rapidly developing field of smart coatings. The structure of the coatings can be programmed in the formulation. After deposition, external stimuli affect the spatial arrangement of the ingredients and direct the assembly of the coating with programmed properties.
By: Brij Mohal, Evonik
Smart coatings are often referred to as structured coatings which provide additional benefits by giving an appropriate response to outside conditions. There has been much talk about self-healing or super hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings, to name a few. More examples will be given in this session, comprising dirt resistant coatings, as well as stimuli responsive polymeric polymers acting on demand. Other interesting developments are anti-fog coatings and the use of natural materials in order to achieve functionality.
By: Jamil Baghdachi, Eastern Michigan University
Introduction: Surface coatings function to protect or improve the appearance of a substrate or both. No matter how carefully the coatings are designed, manufactured and applied, all will eventually fail through some type of force in excess of the tolerance level of the coating or its ingredients. Failure of a coating system occurs by any number of failure modes and can often be attributed to a number of root causes including coating degradation, mechanical damage, or polymer fatigue upon service and exposure to elements of weather.
The concept of self healing materials has drawn significant attention of researchers all over the world.1-10 Self-healing and self-repair concept, using both organic and inorganic materials have been applied to composites, plastics, concrete, adhesives, artificial skin, and most recently to functional coatings.
In an effort to mimic self-healing functions in living systems, we have the developed polymeric coating systems that are stimuli responsive. The most attractive feature of this system is that the factors that damage the coating the most, such as humidity, exposure to high temperatures etc., are the same factors that initiate self-healing phenomenon (Figure 1). This property is unique since the extent of the healing is proportional to the magnitude of the damage, i.e., release on demand.
martes, 9 de marzo de 2010
HOW TO FORMULATE AN ANTI-ITCH CREAM
Dermatitis, Irritation and Eczema to the skin all cause eruptions, inflammation and itching. This last effect is probably the most annoying . Here is a simple and quick formula to temporary relief it:
Ingredients %Wt
Cetearyl Alcohol(and)
sodium Cetearyl sulfate.... 15.0
Salicilyc acid............. 0.4
Menthol ................... 0.3
Water ..................... 84.3
Put water in a container and heat to 70 Deg C. In a second container melt the Cetearyl ingredient at 70 Deg C and add the salicylic acid and the menthol with mixing, then add this blend to the water with stirring and allow to cool.
(taken from Happy.com, Feb 2010)
lunes, 1 de marzo de 2010
CHEMICAL CARTOONS
Taken from "Chemical Processing Magazine" :
"I don’t think that is what the boss meant when he said you needed to 'start walking the line.'" Submitted by Mervin Archer; Grove, Okla.
"Bob, you can't do a halfpipe, unless it's snowboard." Submitted by J.F. Kemiska
"Teddy Roosevelt didn't mean that when he said 'Carry a big stick.'" Submitted by Bob Beck; Pompton Plains, N.J.
Polymer Science applied to the Chemistry of Muscle Movement
All body movement depends on organic chemistry reactions or electrophysical chemistry. Muscle movement is an example.
The first molecular theories, which appeared in the '30's, were based on polymer science. They proposed that there was a rubber-like shortening of myosin filaments brought about by altering the state of ionization of the myosin. This aberration was corrected by the seminal works of HE Huxley (Huxley and Hanson 1954) and AF Huxley (Huxley and Niedergerke 1954) which showed that sarcomeres contained two sets of filaments (thick and thin) which glided over each other without altering their length. Hasselbach showed that the thick filaments contain the protein myosin. The question naturally arose; what made the filaments glide? Projections from the thick filaments, the myosin cross bridges, were discovered by electron microscopy (Huxley 1957; Huxley 1958) and subsequently shown both to be the site of the ATPase and also to be the motor elements producing force and movement between the filaments. Two conformations of the cross-bridge could be detected in insect flight muscle (Reedy et al. 1965). Progress was then rapid so that at a historic Cold Spring Harbor Symposium in 1972 the outline of the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction could be enunciated. The cross bridge was thought to bind to actin in an initial (90°) conformation, go over to a angled (45°) conformation and then release (Huxley 1969) (Lymn and Taylor 1971). For each cycle of activity one ATP would be hydrolyzed. The actual movement could be measured by physiological experiments on contracting muscle and was shown to be about 80-100Å (Huxley and Simmons 1971). Since the cross-bridge was known to be an elongated structure, such a distance could be accommodated by a rotating or swinging cross-bridge model (Fig 2) .
Why did it take so long to work out?
To understand the chemical events which drive muscle one needs to know the protein structures involved at atomic resolution. Muscle is made of massive arrays of macromolecules. How does one get data from such systems? A great deal of technology has been invested in this problem, which has also driven technology. Some early insight was provided by light microscopy. However, the first radical new insight came from electron microscopy. More recently, the structures of the component molecules have been determined x-ray crystallography at atomic resolution. These results now allow us to describe in some detail how the hydrolysis of ATP by the component proteins actin and myosin leads to movement. An understanding of muscle contraction is an important example of the success of protein crystallography, in particular when used in conjunction with high resolution electron microscopy.
NEWS ON CHEMICAL PRICES
Oil, Gas and Derivatives (Feedstocks)
Oil: A brief retreat from $80/ barrel this week yet today prices have pushed up considerably and pricing is once again fliriting with $80/ barrel.
Nat. Gas: Nat. Gas traded lower this week, starting around $5/ mmbtu getting as low as $4.75/ mmbtu and currently at $4.80/ mmbtu.
Ethylene: The ethylene market has been extremely active with February trading at $.565 cts/ lb, March at $.60 cts/ lb and April at $.5575 cts/ lb.
Benzene: Benzene has moved slightly lower this week ending at $3.27- $3.32/ gallon for March. We expect a slight decrease in the contract Benzene price from March.
Orthoxylene: March settled at $.47/ lb and based on nominations we expect a slight increase of 2-3 cpp for April.
Propylene: Refinery Grade Propylene is trading lower than the March settlement which increased a whopping 6.5 cpp. over January but Polmer grade is still trading in excess of the settlement. Ammonia: Pricing remains quiet at $275/ met ton yet forward price ideas are higher.
Chemicals
Methanol: Barge Pricing will "roll" into March at US$1.10/ gallon, spot has moved up to the high $.90's per gallon on news of an explosion at Petronas and other production issues. the Chinese holiday has ended and the spot market was not nearly as affected by the lack of demand during the holiday season as we saw last year.
Urea: Global pricing has escalated sharply as we enter a high demand season for Urea. Pricing has moved up steadily over the last few months.
Plasticizers: Feedstock pressure continues on price and another round if increases is slated for 3/1/10. DINP and DOP are considered tight as some operational issues are noted (2-EH) and Asian demand for ester and alcohol is ravenous.
Adipic Acid: Availability is limited pushing prices up and leaving some consumers struggling to keep inventories. A US major will bring down their only plant in the coming weeks further reducing availability in an already tight market.
Maleic Anhydride: Briquettes are selling at a premium if available. BASF's rationalization in Europe has radically affected the MA balance globally despite an overcapacity in NA. Molten material has moved on increased butane costs over the last couple of months yet due to the overcapacity spot deals are noted.
viernes, 26 de febrero de 2010
LAB HUMOR
-"Hmmm, you might want to update the MSDS . . ."
-"I didn't drink it, I swear!"
-"We want our products to be green, not our employees!!"
- "Could you finish this? I'm not feeling myself today."
TAKEN FROM "CHEMICAL PROCESSING MAGAZINE"
jueves, 25 de febrero de 2010
TRENDS IN FLOOR STRIPPERS
TAKEN FROM THE CLEANING CLEAN LINK'S EMAGAZINE...
Floor strippers are some of the most dangerous products in a cleaning professional's arsenal. These products, which vary widely in their formulations and levels of performance, can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation as well as emit hazardous fumes.
There has been a recent push in the industry over the last few years, however, to develop products that are safer for cleaning crews, building occupants and the environment. In fact, end users can now use green floor strippers to create a healthier work environment.
SPONSOR LINKS:
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Oh, The Odor
Traditionally, the key ingredient added to floor stripper formulations was ammonia, as it has the properties to unlock the zinc cross-linking bond found in metal interlocked floor finishes. Although ammoniated strippers worked particularly well, cleaning professionals who worked on the frontlines, can recall the shortcomings associated with these products.
"You would slosh that stuff on the floor and the ammonia would be so strong that you had to literally leave the room to get some fresh air," says Dave Collins, vice president of marketing and training for Gem Supply, an Orlando-based jan/san distributor. "Then you dash back in and started scrubbing it. They were nasty. They were high pH, plus the ammonia was overwhelming."
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WWW.CLEANLINK.COM Articles: floor care, floor strippers, green strippersRelated Topics: Finishes, Strippers & Cleaners, Products & CertificationsIndustry Articles: floor care, floor strippers, green strippers
While the focus of product development was once to create the strongest chemicals to complete a stripping job, manufacturers have tinkered with the chemical makeup of floor strippers over the last couple of decades to make them less harmful for cleaning professionals as well as the environment. In fact, one major change — to the delight of cleaning professionals and building occupants alike — has been the elimination of the strong odor that has long been characteristic of strippers. Manufacturers have removed ammonia from their formulations so the odor when stripping a floor is more manageable. Although ammonia is no longer a common ingredient, these low-odor products, which now contain amines, perform comparably to traditional products.
"The lower odor products have become more and more preferable," says Vince Sortino, vice president of sales, Philip Rosenau Co., Warminster, Pa. "People like the fact that it smells better and one of the benefits is that the cleaners that are using it also get the benefit of having a product that isn't unpleasant to work around."
Besides eliminating the pungent odor, manufacturers have followed industry trends by developing green floor strippers. While distributors say that traditional strippers may still be preferable for some floors, today's environmentally-preferable strippers can offer the same level of performance as their traditional counterparts — but at a lesser harm to the environment.
On top of formulating green floor strippers to be safer for the environment and cleaning personnel, manufacturers have upgraded these products' packaging materials to promote safer use. Many strippers today are packaged ready to use in dilution control systems. This helps reduce accidental contact with the skin because there is less chance for spilling or splashing when diluting the product, says Sortino.
Gone Green
When green strippers first came to the market a few years ago, distributors say end users questioned the product's effectiveness. In fact, the questionable performance and perceived higher price points deterred many end users from immediately making the switch to green, says Sortino.
"Like everything else, the predecessors of the current green products didn't perform as well," he says. "So when products came out that did do a pretty good job like a traditional stripper, it was a 'let's wait and see,' or 'let's try it and see how it performs.' And over the last couple of years we've gotten some really good products that have come out, work really well and are certified by Green Seal and EcoLogo."
For strippers to qualify for certification, Green Seal requires these products have a pH no greater than 11.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of 3 percent by weight at the greatest dilution and 7 percent for heavy build-up. Undiluted strippers should still not be corrosive to the skin or eyes. EcoLogo requirements state that strippers must have a pH no higher than 7 percent. Traditional products, comparatively, have a pH of 13 or 14 and are 10 to 30 percent VOC. These elevated levels of pH and VOCs means the solution has high levels of acid, are considered toxic and can result in poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
End users that once were reluctant to use green strippers just a few years ago are now finding these products to fit their floor care and sustainable needs. In fact, according to a 2009 survey conducted by Sanitary Maintenance's sister publication, Housekeeping Solutions, 75 percent of in-house service providers use green floor finishes and strippers in their cleaning programs (an increase of 20 percent from 2008). Building service contractors, however, have been a little slower in the adoption of green floor care practices, as 39 percent of contractors recently polled by Contracting Profits magazine, another sister publication of SM, are using green floor finish and stripper. This number is expected to rise in the near future, as 60 percent of BSCs polled who are not currently practicing green cleaning say they plan on changing to green finishes and strippers.
Educational facilities have been the leaders in the green floor care movement, says Mike Sulkin, president of LBH Chemicals & Industrial Supply Inc.
"It's being pushed by the parent-teacher associations and the parents," he says. "They read in the newspapers and hear the news that some of these chemicals are harmful to their kids. They don't want to send their kids to schools where they can get sick."
Green legislation has been passed in several states, including New York and Illinois that mandates green-certified floor care products, including strippers, be used in K-12 schools.
Green Limitations
Although some end users have gravitated towards green strippers, end users often gripe about their effectiveness when it comes to removing multiple layers of floor finish, says Pete Deverey, president of Tartan Supply, Brookfield, Wis.
Green floor strippers are best used in a floor care program that includes green floor finishes. Unlike traditional floor finishes, which have metal interlocks, green floor finishes have calcium interlocks that can be easily broken by the chemical composition of green strippers. When using a green floor stripper on a floor that has a metal interlock finish, distributors say it typically takes more stripping solution to break the metal bond in the finish.
"Does a green stripper that is designed to break a calcium interlock work as well on a traditional floor finish which uses a metal interlock? The answer is no," says Collins. "Because one is designed to break zinc and the other is designed to break calcium. But if I'm using a green finish, I can always use a green stripper to break it. But I can't always use a stripper on a non-green finish and make it work as effectively."
By using a green stripper on a non-green floor finish, some end users are finding themselves stripping floors more frequently to achieve the desired level of shine. Increasing the frequency of stripping and the amount of product being used has sparked debate among jan/san professionals on what it truly means to be green.
"The greenest chemical you use is the one you don't use," says Collins. "When we take green strippers and strip a floor three times a year or four times a year because the calcium based finishes as opposed to the metal interlock finishes don't hold up as well, and we strip, even if we're using a green finish, it's not very green. What the greenest thing to do is scrub the floor correctly and scrub and recoat for three to five years without stripping."
As the debate over whether it's better for the environment to do more passes using greener products, or to strip floors less often but with less environmentally-desirable products continues, support and education of how to properly use floor strippers will continue to play a large role in a facility's floor care success.
lunes, 15 de febrero de 2010
NEWS IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Specialties spotlight
Many chemical players in mature markets see value-added products as vital to compete against low-cost commodities from Asia and the Middle East
FOR THE chemical industries of Western Europe, North America and Japan, the future seems to lie in specialties. But their transformation into sectors that are predominantly manufacturers of value-added products will probably be a slow process.
First, they have to downsize their commodity chemical businesses, which have been losing competitive advantage to producers
in the Middle East and the emerging economies, especially Asia and Latin America.
Restructuring of chemical production in favor of an expansion in specialities, in which mergers and acquisitions (M&As) will play a big role, could be particularly crucial to the prospects of the chemical industry in Western Europe.
Its commodity operations, especially in bulk polymers, are coming under intense pressure from low-cost producers in the Middle East. They appear to have no option but to move from high-volume, low-margin products to lower-volume, premium-priced chemicals.
The need for a specialties strategy is less urgent in the US, where relatively cheap natural gas is keeping down the feedstock costs of commodity producers. But even in North America, an expansion into specialties seems inevitable in the longer term.
The prospects of permanently high oil prices are a major handicap to commodity businesses without access to plentiful supplies of inexpensive feedstocks.
In addition, the increases in capacity for bulk chemicals and high oil prices are occurring at a time of uncertain recovery from an economic crisis, which is not over yet. Some multinational chemical companies are already planning for a double-dip recession.
"Previously, we've had an economic downturn with new petrochemical capacity coming on stream or a downturn with high oil prices," explains Paul Hodges, chairman of the UK-based consultancy International eChem.
"But we have not had all three - an economic crisis, high oil prices and new capacity occurring together. Restructuring will be inevitable and some of it may have to be quite radical and painful.
"Chemical companies in the developed world will have to exploit their expertise in chemistry by moving into the manufacture of more sophisticated chemicals in which they try to gain the benefits of lower operational costs. Or they will have to concentrate on being R&D [research and development]-based solution providers," Hodges believes.
Chemical companies in Europe, North America and Japan already dominate the global market for specialties. Now, with more producers in these areas wanting to become big specialty players, that supremacy will be considerably reinforced.
EXPANSION POSSIBILITIESLocal specialty producers are gathering strength in the emerging economies, particularly in China and India. But they are unlikely to be major global operators for several years.
"There are now many chemical companies and private equity funds wanting advice on how to expand into specialties," says Chris Stirling, a chemical consultant at the global consultancy KPMG , in London, the UK.
"It is the bottom of a cycle, so this is a good time to get into specialties. But large acquisitions will be difficult. Much of the activities could be in smaller takeovers with the main objectives being access to technologies and know-how," he adds.
"Restructuring will be inevitable"
Paul Hodges, chairman, International eChem German chemical major BASF's €3.8bn ($5.3bn) acquisition of Switzerland's Ciba Specialty Chemicals, completed last year, and US-based Dow Chemical's $15bn (€10.7bn) recent takeover of rival Rohm and Haas to become more of an asset-light, value-added player may ultimately be regarded as exceptions within a series of comparatively low-value M&As.
Takeovers are not being confined to commodity-oriented companies wanting a much bigger presence in specialties. Producers with sales that predominantly come from added-value chemicals are also striving to strengthen their specialty operations in order to make themselves more effective rivals in a marketplace where competition will become even fiercer.
Evonik Industries, the Germany-based chemical, energy and real estate conglomerate, a large proportion of the €16bn 2008 sales of which came from specialties, disclosed late last year that it was planning to sell off its nonchemical activities to become an even stronger worldwide operator in specialties.
Klaus Engel, Evonik's chairman, told the German media that the company aimed to expand in specialties through acquisitions, although he ruled out a rumored takeover bid for LANXESS, one of its major German competitors.
Belgian chemical and pharmaceutical group Solvay has made it clear that it will be using much of the estimated €4.5bn earned from its sale of its pharmaceuticals business to US pharma firm Abbott Laboratories to reinforce its functions in specialty chemicals and added-value polymers.
However, there are doubts about the speed with which companies can either switch to specialties or bolster their existing positions in the sector. Consequently, many of the acquisitions could be slow to materialize and only take place over an extended period.
"A major problem - particularly in the existing economic conditions - is that companies are not able to quickly dispose of commodity businesses," says Alexander Keller, a partner at the energy and chemical competence center of the global Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, in Dusseldorf, Germany. "In addition, there are not many good specialty businesses whose owners would want to sell them - certainly not for big deals. Companies want to stay in specialties rather than get out of them."
The Netherlands-based company DSM, already a major global player in specialties, wants to sell its commodity activities in fertilizers, melamine and elastomers in order to expand its core activities in life sciences and performance materials.
"We have said that we want to finalize the sales of these businesses this year," says Nico Gerardu, DSM's management board member responsible for performance materials. "The disposal of them has been a bit slower than originally anticipated, which is not surprising, given the current conditions in the market. This will not affect our current investment plans, but bigger acquisitions over €1bn will not be done before the finalization of these divestments."
CAUTIOUS APPROACHIn addition to delays stemming from lack of funds, companies will also be holding back on acquisition decisions until they have a clearer picture of what and where the growth opportunities will be in the post-recovery global economy.
"The way certain industries recover - such as automobiles and construction - will determine what sort of changes in strategy are made by chemical companies supplying these industries," says Saverio Fato, global chemical industry sector leader at global management consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers.
When talking about areas for expansion, companies say they have pinpointed the likely major social and economic requirements for the next decade - such as energy efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions, food and nutrition, health and clean water. But often, they have not yet selected the key technologies to which they need access.
Geographically, they all tend to stress the necessity of having a strong presence in emerging economies, particularly China and
"Once customers do not need application support for a chemical, it loses its premium and starts to become a commodity"
Alexander Keller, partner, energy and chemicals competence centre, Roland Berger Strategy ConsultantsIndia. But the difficulty with these markets is that they may entail the use of a different business model from that employed by specialty chemical companies in Europe, North America and Japan.
Currently, the big attraction of specialty chemicals in developed markets is the premium prices that can be gained from product innovation and customer services, particularly in the technical backup provided to ensure efficient application of the chemicals.
"Once customers do not need application support for a chemical, it loses its premium and starts to become a commodity," explains Keller. "This has happened, for example, to a part of the paper chemicals portfolio, additionally driven by the fact that these are large customers in a highly consolidated industry."
Specialty chemical companies such as DSM use their close contacts with customers through their services network to detect ideas for innovations that will meet their customers' needs. Often, they jointly develop new products with their customers.
SPECIALTY INNOVATIONDSM has an open innovation policy to bring new technologies into the company from universities, research institutes and startups to develop them into new business platforms.
"We depend on customers for short-term innovations and on our open innovation system, combined with our own ideas, for longer-term development of new technologies," says Rob van Leen, DSM's chief innovation officer.
In emerging markets, however, customers do not place so much value on innovation and technical support as their developed-world counterparts. As a result, they are not so willing to pay a premium price for specialties.
"In markets like China, specialty chemicals are more price-driven and a significant share of customers are less educated in the use of high-end chemicals used in products in Europe and North America," says Keller.
"The European and US specialty companies will continue to hold on to the high-end sectors in these markets. The fastest-growing and most competitive parts of these markets will be in the low and middle range of chemicals, which will be more price sensitive with less demand for application support."
Over the next decade European, North American and Japanese specialty chemical companies wanting to be active internationally will have to be able to compete in the price-oriented emerging markets.
They will also have to be well placed in the markets of the developed world, which will still account for the majority of specialty chemical sales. That means investing money and resources into R&D operations and service networks manned by people with a lot of skill and know-how.
"Chemical companies are now having to give a lot of importance to gaining and retaining talent," says Fato. "The search for talent for innovation activities and front-line services will be a major driver behind acquisitions in specialties."
Not only companies but regions with chemical clusters, particularly in Europe, are trying to reinvent themselves so that with the help of local skills and expertise, especially in academia, they can become more reliant on specialties.
In Teesside, northeast England, where the main Wilton chemical complex has, in recent years, lost around one-third of its capacity in commodity chemicals, local specialty and fine chemical companies are collaborating to market each other's technologies around the world.
"We have such a rich vein of fine and specialty chemical companies, plus emerging bio-specialty companies, in the northeast of England," says Stan Higgins, CEO of the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) representing 500 companies, which is helping organize the collaborative effort.
In their drive to revitalize their activities in specialities, clusters in Europe have the benefit of decades of chemical production, a lot of it in added-value products. Many chemical companies do not have that advantage.
"A specialties business cannot be developed at short notice," warns Gerardu. "If you want to be successful in specialties, you have to have an infrastructure of people in innovation and services, and that cannot be built overnight. It is something that can take years to do."
domingo, 24 de enero de 2010
EPA new move towards letting people know on dangerous chemicals
Subject:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Weekly Digest Bulletin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Weekly Digest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 21, 2010
EPA Increases Transparency on Chemical Risk Information
Action part of continued comprehensive reform of toxic substance laws
WASHINGTON — As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s commitment to strengthen and reform chemical management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a new policy to increase the public’s access to information on chemicals. Starting today, EPA has announced its intention to reject a certain type of confidentiality claim, known as Confidential Business Information (CBI), on the identity of chemicals. The chemicals that will be affected by this action are those that are submitted to EPA with studies that show a substantial risk to people's health and the environment and have been previously disclosed on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Inventory. This action represents another step to use the agency’s authority under the existing TSCA to the fullest extent possible, recognizing EPA’s strong belief that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform.
“Assuring the safety of chemicals is one of Administrator Jackson's top priorities for EPA's future,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “The American people are entitled to transparent, accessible information on chemicals that may pose a risk to their health or the environment. We will continue taking steps that increase transparency and assure the safety of chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies.”
Under TSCA, companies may claim a range of sensitive, proprietary information as CBI. Under Section 8(e) of TSCA, companies that manufacture, process, or distribute chemicals are required to immediately provide notice to EPA if they learn that a chemical presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment. The Section 8(e) reports are made available on EPA’s Web site. However, until today, companies would routinely claim confidentiality for the actual identity of the chemical covered by the Section 8(e) submission, so the public posting of the information would not include the name of the chemical. The new policy announced today ends this practice for chemicals on the public portion of the TSCA Inventory. This new policy will increase the amount of information available by granting the public access to the chemical identification information submitted, along with other health and safety data under Section 8(e).
In the coming months, EPA intends to announce additional steps to further increase transparency of chemical information.
EPA’s new policy on TSCA Section 8(e) submissions is being published in the Federal Register.
More information on the new policy: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/tsca8e/
More information on EPA’s principles for comprehensive TSCA reform: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/principles.html
martes, 19 de enero de 2010
ODOR CONTROL BY HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Many of us know the advantages of using Hydrogen Peroxide as a safe bleaching agent on fabrics, even colored ones, , as a stain remover in carpets and walls, and also as a great disinfectant and antiseptic solution.
However great applications are being preferred for odor control, specially in waste water treatment plants, sewage treatment; utilizing wet scrubber or direct injection oxigenation, avaiding use of Caustic or Chlorine Bleach solutions.
The Hydrogen Peroxide in addition to high grade aeration, is used to control sulfide gas odors ( rotten eggs), by converting it into sulfates and avoiding corrosive sulfuric acid formation. Hydrogen Peroxide reaction and degradation products are environmentally safe, mainly water and oxigen. For more information, can go to Water World magazine January 2010 edition, www.solvay.com (INTEROX) or www.eco2tech.com.
Chemtron in Florida , www.chemtron.com has a product for this application under the name of: Oxy Treat 28.
viernes, 15 de enero de 2010
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGENE PRODUCTS
Feminine hygiene products typically receive very little attention, even in the jan/san market. The industry is still predominantly men, who might not fully understand women’s issues or realize the inherent problems that women have. This lack of understanding is why it is important for jan/san distributors to keep feminine hygiene products in mind when discussing the restroom with their clients. It’s a matter of educating the customer on the importance of feminine hygiene products, letting them know what products are available and informing customers of their benefits. When discussing feminine hygiene with their customers, distributors should stress the importance of proper disposal options, in addition to offering convenience with dispensers, tampons and pads. Even though stall receptacles have a low price point, many facility managers overlook their need, assuming women will dispose of sanitary products in the regular waste receptacle. In reality, many women flush them down the toilet, resulting in potential clogs. The distributor salesperson should help customers understand that a $20 receptacle can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in plumbing bills.
Emptying any waste receptacle has a certain level of safety concern connected to it. Coming into contact with biohazards, harmful chemicals, sharp objects or bodily fluids is always a threat for cleaners, and waste receptacles in restrooms are no exception. Although feminine-hygiene waste includes blood, cleanup of these products does not fall under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard. Red-bagging is not required, however, OSHA does “expect products such as discarded sanitary napkins to be discarded into waste containers, which are lined in such a way as to prevent [cleaner] contact with the contents.” Receptacles found in the stall units typically use anti-leak plastic or wax-coated paper liners to collect waste. The wax option sits up straight in the unit, but can’t be tied up when thrown out. The plastic liners collapse and must hang over the edge of the unit, but they can be tied up for easy emptying. These plastic liners also come in biodegradable and perfume-impregnated varieties. No matter which liner is used, cleaners should always wear gloves and use caution when collecting waste from disposal units. Once out of the stall, bags should be placed in the regular waste receptacle before being thrown into the garbage.
MICROFIBER MOPS / FLOOR CLEANING
In a profession where repetitive motion and heavy lifting is always problematic, lightweight microfiber products are a welcome solution. In fact, microfiber has become widely available in all types of cleaning tools today and is most pervasive in mops. While traditional cut-end mops still make up a large portion of mop demand, there is a growing trend toward using high-quality looped-end and microfiber products. The popularity of microfiber has a lot to do with its functionality as the fiber can be used wet or dry, and with conventional, flat and dust mops. In addition to being lighter than a traditional fiber, microfiber reduces water and chemical usage. Microfiber also addresses another pressing concern, particularly for foodservice and healthcare facilities: cross-contamination. A microfiber pad can be used once, easily replaced with a fresh pad, and — if the cleaning solution remains untouched by a dirty pad — no cross-contamination will occur. Color-coding can also be done with microfiber tools. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination by ensuring certain colored tools are only used in specific areas. A tremendous benefit is that microfiber pads can be laundered and used hundreds of times.
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jueves, 7 de enero de 2010
EPA WILL LIST FORBIDDEN CHEMICALS
EPA Plans to List ‘Chemicals of Concern’
According to GreenBiz.com, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to establish a “Chemicals of Concern” list and is beginning a process that may lead to regulations requiring significant risk-reduction measures to protect human health and the environment.
The agency’s actions are being undertaken under its authority of the existing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), recognizing EPA’s “strong belief” that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform.
In addition to phthalates, the chemicals EPA is addressing are short-chain chlorinated paraffins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOA. These chemicals are used in the manufacture of a wide array of products and have raised a range of health and environmental concerns.
EPA also recently announced that three U.S. companies agreed to phase out DecaBDE, a widely used fire retardant chemical that may potentially cause cancer and may impact brain function.
Last September, Administrator Lisa Jackson outlined a set of agency principles to help inform legislative reform and announced that EPA would act on a number of widely studied chemicals that may pose threats to human health. When TSCA was passed in 1976, there were 60,000 chemicals on the inventory of existing chemicals. Since that time, EPA has only successfully restricted or banned five existing chemicals and has only required testing on another two hundred existing chemicals. An additional 20,000 chemicals have entered the marketplace for a total of more than 80,000 chemicals on the TSCA inventory.
This is the first time EPA has used TSCA’s authority to list chemicals that “may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment.” The decision to list the chemicals further signals this administration’s commitment to aggressively use the tools at its disposal under TSCA. Inclusion on the list publicly signals EPA’s strong concern about the risks that those chemicals pose and the agency’s intention to manage those risks. Once listed, chemical companies can provide information to the agency if they want to demonstrate that their chemical does not pose an unreasonable risk.
More information on EPA’s legislative reform principles and a fact sheet on the complete set of actions on the four chemicals can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals.
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GREEN CHEMICALS
Also the materials have to meet with toxicity and health requirements regarding inhalation, dermal and eye contact. There is also a specific list of materials that are prohibited or restricted from formulations, like ozone-depleting compounds and alkylphenol ethoxylates amongst others. Please go to http://www.greenseal.com/ for complete information on their requirements.
For information on current issues regarding green chemicals, see the blog from the Journalist Doris De Guzman, in the ICIS at: http://www.icis.com/blogs/green-chemicals/.
Certification is an important — and confusing — aspect of green cleaning. Third-party certification is available for products that meet standards set by Green Seal, EcoLogo, Energy Star, the Carpet & Rug Institute and others.
Manufacturers can also hire independent labs to determine whether a product is environmentally preferable and then place the manufacturer’s own eco-logo on the product; this is called self-certification. Finally, some manufacturers label a product with words like “sustainable,” “green,” or “earth friendly” without any third-party verification.
“The fact that there is not a single authoritative standard to go by adds to the confusion,” says Steven L. Mack M.Ed., director of buildings and grounds service for Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
In www.happi.com of June 2008 edition, there is a report of Natural formulating markets that also emphasises the fact that registration of "green formulas" is very confused at present, due to lack of direction and unification of criteria and that some governmental instittion (in my opinion the EPA) should take part in this very important issue.