In the interest of giving those of you new to the marine aquarium hobby a place to start, I've written this FAQ of sorts. I've tired to answer some of the basic questions that most people encounter when setting up their first SW aquarium. This is by no means a comprehensive list and there are many ways to set up a tank. This is intended to serve only as a starting point - to help you begin to ask the right questions and get your feet wet. Well maybe your hands....ok, ok...clear up to your armpits. Let's get started!
Question: What basic equipment and other items do I need to start a saltwater aquarium?
Answer:
1.The tank: Contrary to what you might think, starting with a small tank is not the best option. In fact, the bigger, the better. You see, a larger volume of water is less apt to be affected by the sudden water changes that are common in a beginner's tank. Think of it this way: If you take a cup of water and a gallon of water and add a drop of blue food coloring to each, which one is going to have the greatest color change? Correct, the cup. Now imagine you have a fish die in your tank while you are at work. As the fish decays, it produces toxic ammonia. The smaller the volume of water, the more detrimental the ammonia will be to the other tank inhabitants. Simply put, a larger tank is more forgiving. A good size to start with is 55 gal or larger.
2. Water: If you've ever had foul tasting tap water, you know that not all water is created equal. Tap water can contain a variety of chemicals, minerals, and other impurities that are not conducive to reef keeping. Tap water will likely contain chlorine and possibly chloramines and even nitrates and phosphate. So, what kind of water do you want to use. There are lots of options, the most common of which, is water purified by Reverse Osmosis (RO water). In the interest of keeping this simple, and not getting over my own head, let's just say that reverse osmosis gives you the purist water. You'll find RO water at most any supermarket - just check the label. If you go to Wal-Mart, it is the one with the green cap and runs less than sixty cents per gallon at the time of this writing. There are also home RO units widely available to reef keepers if you want to purify your own water.
3. Filtration: This can be a real can of worms. There are many different options and many, many different theories regarding the best type of filtration for a reef tank. The most common, and accepted method is the use of live rock (LR) and a deep sand bed along with a protein skimmer. Live rock, is a simple way of saying porous carbonate-based rock that is host to both macro and microorganisms. Because of the highly porous nature of LR, it is able to support vast amounts of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Make sure you use rock that won't leech minerals into the water.
Live Rock is host to both aerobic nitrifying bacteria, which live on the rock surface, and anaerobic denitrifying bacteria, which live in the denser pores deeper within the LR. Like LR, sand also provides a good home to both types of bacteria. (See the section below on the Nitrogen Cycle for more information on this topic).
In order to provide enough LR to be an effective biological filter, you want to have between 1.5 to 2 lbs of live rock per gallon of water. So, in a 55 gal tank, you would want between about 82.5 - 110 lbs of live rock.
A Deep Sand Bed (DSB) typically, is two to four inches deep and provides lots of surface area for beneficial bacteria. The surface portion is host to the nitrosomonas and the deeper, less oxygenated layer, is home to the nitrobacters.
Now you may be saying to yourself, surely there's a way to remove the fish waste before it begins to breakdown and becomes a problem on the microscopic level. Guess what, you're right!
The protein skimmer is the means by which the fish waste, excess food, and other proteins are removed from the water. These combinations of waste products are often referred to as Dissolved Organic Compounds or DOC's. There are several types of protein skimmers and each has their pros and cons, but they all have one thing in common - using foaming bubbles to remove waste from the water. The skimmers vary in the way the bubbles are produced but the basic operation is this: bubbles are produced in the skimmer, the smaller the better, and the DOC's stick to the bubbles and are carried into a collection cup which can be periodically emptied. The waste in the collection cup is called skimate. A protein skimmer's efficiency is judged by its ability to produce skimate. But no matter how effective a skimmer is you will still need biological filtration.
This covers just the basics of filtration. Please read as much information as you can find on this topic. The better you understand how this process works, the more success you will have.
4. Lights: The type of lighting you provide will depend directly on what you choose to keep in your tank. If you want to keep a Fish Only (FO) tank, then you can get by with just standard fluorescent lighting. If you want to keep corals or anemones, you will need stronger lighting. The rule of thumb is 3-5 watts per gallon - as technologies progress this rule of thumb is becoming less accurate. Many factors such as the type of lighting, the depth of the tank, and placement of corals will be important as well.
You have lots of options to choose from but most are a combination of three technologies: Power Compact Fluorescents (PC), Very High Output (VHO), or Metal Halide (MH.).
Power compacts will allow you to keep a variety of corals, including all soft corals, and a limited selection of hard corals - mostly large polyp stonies (LPS).
VHO, while not as intense as PC lights, are offered in higher wattages and by themselves allow a similar selection of corals to be kept. However, VHO are often used in conjunction with Metal Halides.
Metal Halides offer the greatest range of options allowing reef keepers to meet the lighting requirements of even the most demanding corals, including small polyp stonies (SPS). The drawback to MH lighting is the relatively high cost, and the intense heat that they put off. Special cooling precautions have to be taken to maintain water temperature when using MH lighting. At a minimum, you will need to have one or more fans cooling the lights and surface of the water. Another, more costly cooling option is the use of a chiller.
Another less common option that is gaining popularity is the use of T-5 lighting. T-5's are a type of High Output fluorescent lighting (HO) but which have a smaller diameter and greater intensity than other types of fluorescents. Proponents say T-5's will one day replace MH's, but others maintain that they do not have the ability to penetrate as deep and should only be used for shallow tanks no deeper than 18".
As stated, these are generalizations. Many reef keepers have had success keeping all manner of marine life using each of these types of lighting.
5. Circulation: The goal of every reef keeper should be to replicate the natural ocean conditions as much as possible. By doing so, you have the greatest chance of creating a hospitable environment for your fish, corals, and invertebrates. Circulation is typically provided by power heads, which are small pumps placed in the water, which draw water in and then pump it out at higher pressure. The rule of thumb here is ten times the water volume per hour. If we use our hypothetical 55 gal tank, this would mean we would want at least 550 gph of water flow. The power heads should be placed in a manner as to simulate ocean currents while creating flow in all portions of the tank and avoiding "dead spots." Dead spots, areas of the tank with low circulation, can allow waste to settle out of the water column where it can decompose and raise the levels of harmful ammonia.
Question: What are Nitrates (the Nitrogen Cycle)?
Answer: As mentioned earlier, decaying fish produce ammonia. In fact living fish produce ammonia as a product of respiration. It is also produced as fish waste and uneaten food decompose (DOC's.) If allowed to exist in any significant amount, ammonia will wreak havoc on your tanks inhabitants and can cause death. This is where the bacteria enter the picture. The bacteria, which use ammonia in their own metabolic process, are called nitrosomonas. Nitrosomonas thrive in a highly oxygenated environment and consume ammonia in a process called aerobic nitrification. As these bacteria multiply, they use up the ammonia and produce nitrites as a by-product. Unfortunately Nitrites are also toxic to the marine environment. Luckily this isn't the end of the cycle and there are bacteria which also consume nitrites. These bacteria thrive in low oxygen environments and are called nitrobacteria. They consume nitrites in a process called anaerobic (or anoxic) denitrification. The nitrobacteria convert the nitrite into nitrates. Nitrates are the end of the line in this process. The nitrates are LESS harmful to aquatic life than ammonia or nitrites, but still should not be allowed in any significant quantity. Nitrates are removed via frequent, small water changes - usually 10-20% per week. Some people choose to make larger, less frequent water changes. There are some other options for reducing nitrates, but that is a topic for another day.
Question: How do I set my tank up?
Answer: Even after having the basic information about equipment and biological processes, you may still run into little questions along the way - stuff like, how do I mix the water, and how do I cycle my tank. We are going to try to address a few of these more common questions.
Important: Before adding water to your tank, make sure that the tank and stand are level. Having a tank that is not level can lead to your tank bursting!
The next decision you need to make is if you want to use sand or crushed coral as your substrate (base layer). Some people choose to have a bare bottom tank for aesthetic reasons, but most use one of the two aforementioned substrates.
For biological filtration, a deep sand bed is the most recommended substrate. The sand should be clean argonite sand. Silica based sand can be harmful to some sand sifting creatures that you may decide to keep. Another option still chosen by many people is crushed coral. Crushed coral will not be as effective at hosting anoxic bacteria as will a DSB, but it is readily available and many prefer its appearance to sand. After laying your substrate, you are ready for water.
As discussed earlier, you'll want to begin with water purified through reverse osmosis. When filling the tank for the first time, it is OK to mix the water and salt in the tank. Once you have livestock in your tank, you'll want to mix the saltwater in a bucket or barrel and then add it to the tank. There are several salt mixes out there, all of which have their fans, and detractors. Regardless of which one you choose you will want to mix it to salinity between 1.022-1.025. For most salt mixes, you will get close to the desired salinity by adding salt mix at the rate of ½ cup per gallon of water. For your initial setup, don't fill the tank all the way. Remember you are going to displace water with a large amount of rock. Also, you want to leave enough room in the tank to adjust your salinity. If your salinity is too high, you will add more RO water, if it is too low, you will add more slightly concentrated saltwater. Most reef keepers use a simple swing arm hydrometer to measure salinity, but you may eventually want to consider a more accurate device such as a refractometer. Once you have water in your tank, you will want to place and plug in your power heads.
The next step is to add your live rock. Live rock comes two ways, cured or uncured. When live rock is removed from the ocean it is full of marine life. During the subsequent transportation, some of this marine life will begin to die-off. The process of curing live rock means allowing the decaying process to complete before adding it to your tank. Adding uncured lr to your tank may cause an ammonia spike. Normally such a spike is undesirable, but when starting a new tank, it can aid in cycling the tank - More on "cycling" in a moment.
You can either use all live rock or, if you want to save money, you can use 20% live rock and 80% base rock. Base rock is porous carbonate based rock that has either not been in an ocean or reef tank or was but has since been removed. If you go this route, just remember that it will take time for your base rock to become home to the macro and microorganisms typically found in live rock. After a period of time, the base rock and live rock will be indistinguishable.
As you add the rock, be mindful of how it is placed. You want to make sure that it is stable and will not topple over once you add livestock. You'd hate to see your favorite fish crushed to death in a rockslide - not to mention that many of the larger pieces of rock are quite heavy and could easily break your glass. Can you say, Noah's Ark? Let's hope you never have a flood! If you are especially concerned about falling rock, or want to try some interesting aquascaping, consider options such as using PVC as a brace for your rockwork. After adding the sand and rock, your tank will likely be very cloudy. At this time, start any filtration devices that you will be using and within a couple of days, the water should be clear.
Once your live rock is in place, your tank will begin to cycle. Cycling is the process by which the bacteria are established in your tank. If you add a sufficient amount of live rock, your tank is essentially already cycled, but if you don't add live rock or only add a small amount, you will need to help the process. Either way, you need to provide a food source for the bacteria - namely ammonia. If you are using lr rock to cycle your tank, you can add a couple of hardy fish to provide an ammonia source. People often use damsels for this task, but please bear in mind that damsels can be very aggressive to other fish and are also extremely difficult to remove from a tank with lots of rockwork.
If you are not using LR to cycle, you will want to provide an alternate source of ammonia - there's no good reason to risk killing a fish in a tank that is not yet ready to support life. Instead, you can either add a pinch of fish food to your tank each day, or drop in a raw shrimp. As the food or shrimp begin to decompose, ammonia levels will begin to rise. After a few days, start checking ammonia levels. After about a week, you will see a peek in ammonia and then levels will begin to decrease. The decrease in ammonia means that the levels of nitrosomonas are increasing. Once you see the decrease in ammonia, start checking nitrite levels. Like ammonia, the nitrite levels will rise for about a week until they peek and begin to decline. At this point the nitrobacter population is increasing. Once you see this decrease, you should start checking nitrate levels. Nitrate levels will increase and peak at about the same time nitrite levels reach zero. Once this has occurred, you should be at about the three-week point. In order to lower the high level of nitrates, you will need to do a massive water change - draining 50% of you water and replacing it with new saltwater. At this point you should begin to slowly add livestock while daily checking your nitrate levels. Nitrate should not exceed 40 ppm in a fish only tank, or 10 ppm in a reef tank. If you have proper filtration, stocking, and maintenance your nitrate levels should remain very close to zero. In order to keep a bacterial balance, it is wise to wait a week or more between livestock additions to your tank.
Question: What do I do now (Am I ready to add fish)?
Answer: Before you add ANY fish, coral, or invertebrate to your tank, be sure to thoroughly research your potential purchase BEFORE bringing it home. You will find that many creatures are not compatible with one another or you may find a beautiful fish only to discover that it is a voracious coral eater. Many reef keepers find it useful to compile a list of compatible fish and corals - ones that will live in harmony with one another, are well suited to your tank size, and lighting. Make sure to take the list with you whenever you go to the local fish store (lfs) so you won't be tempted to make an inappropriate spur of the moment purchase. Also be mindful of the order that you add the fish with the more territorial going in last so the less aggressive fish can establish territories.
When seeking advice at the various lfs's be mindful that just because someone works in a pet or fish store, does not mean they know what they are talking about. This seems to be especially true of the large chain stores. Unfortunately there are also those out there who will allow you to make an unwise purchase just so they can make a sale.
Although the topic is not covered here, I strongly encourage you to do some research on setting up a quarantine tank. A quarantine tank is used to monitor your new livestock for several weeks to make sure they are free of disease before adding to your main tank. It is much easier to treat for disease in a quarantine tank than it is one full of corals and other sensitive livestock. One final tip that is especially true in this hobby, "Patience IS a virtue." Take your time and make sure you make informed decisions from the very start; this will help avoid unnecessary loss of livestock as well as cost savings.
Hopefully you have found this information useful and have a better grasp on just what is involved in this wonderful hobby.
The Jedi Factor, How to Boost the Force In Your Own Life For Real
Mitochondria exist in every cell in the body and are often referred to as the energy powerhouse because they produce ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), which is the main energy molecule in the body.
There is a theory that the mitochondria is a symbiotic life form that for whatever reason adapted to our biology through evolution and here we are today - we can't live without them, literally.
Mitochondria are so important to our lives that it has been my guess for many years that George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, got the idea of the midi-chlorians from the mitochondria.
Here is a quote from one of the Star Wars stories:
"Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind, you'll hear them speaking to you."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, to Anakin Skywalker
The midi-chlorians are a symbiotic life form and the higher the quantity of them, the more of "The Force" there is for any particular individual such as a Jedi Knight.
Now, I'm not suggesting that by having healthy mitochondria that you will be levitating or moving objects with your mind. But, that goes to show that one of the most incredible science fiction stories of the last century thought so highly of the mitochondria, a.k.a. midi-chlorians, that they were responsible for the incredible powers of the Jedi.
An interesting fact about the mitochondria in our cells is that they are the only things in our body that have their own DNA! So it really does appear they are symbiotic little creatures that are co-existing inside of us. We'll probably never know where they came from or how they wound up in our cells but we should be thankful they're there!
Another powerful fact that is really mind-blowing is that 50% of your entire body's dry weight is nothing but pure mitochondria! That means half of you is a collective of these little creatures. Kind of reminiscent of a community of microscopic Borg isn't it?
The mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, are mostly known for producing ATP. However, there are many other molecules that the mitochondria produce and these are known as Redox Signaling Molecules. These molecules are so important that we'd be dead without them and the more we produce, the healthier we are and the longer we live.
The Redox Signaling Molecules that are produced by our mitochondria are divided into two different categories. The first is ROS or Reactive Oxygen Species and the second is RS or Reduced Species.
The ROS molecules are responsible for attacking bad bugs in our body such as viruses and bacteria and they signal our immune system to know whether an unhealthy cell needs to be repaired or replaced.
The RS molecules are necessary to activate or turn on antioxidants so they can neutralize oxidation in the body. I'll clarify that so you there is no mistake about what I am saying. Antioxidants are 100% worthless without enough RS molecules to activate them. That's right - when people spent lots of money on expensive antioxidant juices or other forms of antioxidants, almost all of the antioxidants are completely worthless to the body since there aren't enough RS molecules produced by our mitochondria to activate them!
These redox molecules are in a perfect balance and are responsible for us having healthy cells, living longer and having more energy and vitality. Kind of sounds like having more of The Force don't you think?
What is interesting about the name midi-chlorians is that it sounds like chlorine. There are various chlorine molecules that are actually produced by our mitochondria amongst many other molecules. Some of the other molecules include ozone and hydrogen peroxide.
For many years, the science of biology has known about these molecules but has always referred to them as "cellular waste". Usually, when the scientific world doesn't know what the purpose of something is, it is labeled as unnecessary, waste, garbage and so on.
Someday, our scientific world will grow up and realize that just because we don't know what something is for doesn't mean it is not needed. You have probably heard the same about our appendix or "junk" DNA. Just because we don't fully understand what this "junk DNA" is doesn't mean that it is useless or "junk."
For a little longer than ten years, cellular biology has learned that these molecules are the Fountain of Youth, literally.
But here's the problem. A baby has 100% cellular efficiency. By the time someone is seventy years of age, their cellular efficiency is only 10%. That is a huge difference. So it is no big surprise that as we age we heal slower and have less energy, etc.... The 10% cellular efficiency at seventy is due to the fact that most of the mitochondria are damaged and can't produce any ATP or Redox Signaling Molecules!
So, when you think about Yoda or any other Jedi Knights and why they live so long, are so healthy and strong, it is no surprise that it is because they have more midi-chlorians (mitochondria) than anyone else!
If we can't give ourselves more mitochondria, the next best thing is to give ourselves the molecules that the mitochondria make. Therefore, if someone is seventy for example and they are able to give their body the Redox Signaling Molecules in a quantity that is equivalent as what they would have as a child, they would heal faster, have more energy and endurance and just about everything in their body would work better including mental function.
Welcome to the world of Redox Signaling Molecules where for the first time in history, they can be supplemented so that everyone can experience the vitality that they had as a child!
There is a theory that the mitochondria is a symbiotic life form that for whatever reason adapted to our biology through evolution and here we are today - we can't live without them, literally.
Mitochondria are so important to our lives that it has been my guess for many years that George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, got the idea of the midi-chlorians from the mitochondria.
Here is a quote from one of the Star Wars stories:
"Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind, you'll hear them speaking to you."
- Qui-Gon Jinn, to Anakin Skywalker
The midi-chlorians are a symbiotic life form and the higher the quantity of them, the more of "The Force" there is for any particular individual such as a Jedi Knight.
Now, I'm not suggesting that by having healthy mitochondria that you will be levitating or moving objects with your mind. But, that goes to show that one of the most incredible science fiction stories of the last century thought so highly of the mitochondria, a.k.a. midi-chlorians, that they were responsible for the incredible powers of the Jedi.
An interesting fact about the mitochondria in our cells is that they are the only things in our body that have their own DNA! So it really does appear they are symbiotic little creatures that are co-existing inside of us. We'll probably never know where they came from or how they wound up in our cells but we should be thankful they're there!
Another powerful fact that is really mind-blowing is that 50% of your entire body's dry weight is nothing but pure mitochondria! That means half of you is a collective of these little creatures. Kind of reminiscent of a community of microscopic Borg isn't it?
The mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, are mostly known for producing ATP. However, there are many other molecules that the mitochondria produce and these are known as Redox Signaling Molecules. These molecules are so important that we'd be dead without them and the more we produce, the healthier we are and the longer we live.
The Redox Signaling Molecules that are produced by our mitochondria are divided into two different categories. The first is ROS or Reactive Oxygen Species and the second is RS or Reduced Species.
The ROS molecules are responsible for attacking bad bugs in our body such as viruses and bacteria and they signal our immune system to know whether an unhealthy cell needs to be repaired or replaced.
The RS molecules are necessary to activate or turn on antioxidants so they can neutralize oxidation in the body. I'll clarify that so you there is no mistake about what I am saying. Antioxidants are 100% worthless without enough RS molecules to activate them. That's right - when people spent lots of money on expensive antioxidant juices or other forms of antioxidants, almost all of the antioxidants are completely worthless to the body since there aren't enough RS molecules produced by our mitochondria to activate them!
These redox molecules are in a perfect balance and are responsible for us having healthy cells, living longer and having more energy and vitality. Kind of sounds like having more of The Force don't you think?
What is interesting about the name midi-chlorians is that it sounds like chlorine. There are various chlorine molecules that are actually produced by our mitochondria amongst many other molecules. Some of the other molecules include ozone and hydrogen peroxide.
For many years, the science of biology has known about these molecules but has always referred to them as "cellular waste". Usually, when the scientific world doesn't know what the purpose of something is, it is labeled as unnecessary, waste, garbage and so on.
Someday, our scientific world will grow up and realize that just because we don't know what something is for doesn't mean it is not needed. You have probably heard the same about our appendix or "junk" DNA. Just because we don't fully understand what this "junk DNA" is doesn't mean that it is useless or "junk."
For a little longer than ten years, cellular biology has learned that these molecules are the Fountain of Youth, literally.
But here's the problem. A baby has 100% cellular efficiency. By the time someone is seventy years of age, their cellular efficiency is only 10%. That is a huge difference. So it is no big surprise that as we age we heal slower and have less energy, etc.... The 10% cellular efficiency at seventy is due to the fact that most of the mitochondria are damaged and can't produce any ATP or Redox Signaling Molecules!
So, when you think about Yoda or any other Jedi Knights and why they live so long, are so healthy and strong, it is no surprise that it is because they have more midi-chlorians (mitochondria) than anyone else!
If we can't give ourselves more mitochondria, the next best thing is to give ourselves the molecules that the mitochondria make. Therefore, if someone is seventy for example and they are able to give their body the Redox Signaling Molecules in a quantity that is equivalent as what they would have as a child, they would heal faster, have more energy and endurance and just about everything in their body would work better including mental function.
Welcome to the world of Redox Signaling Molecules where for the first time in history, they can be supplemented so that everyone can experience the vitality that they had as a child!
If a Man's Home is His Castle, Why is There Potpourri in My Moat?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
It happens every spring.
Outside, Mother Nature brings life to new flora and fauna, and fresh beginnings to plants and animals that survived winter's ravages. Inside, Mother McCormick brings brushes, buckets and spackle, and fresh ideas for rooms only recently refurbished.
What chromosome in women dictates to them that when daffodils come up, drop cloths must go down? What diabolical biological alarm sounds within them when buds pop, sprouts shoot, and shoots sprout? Why can they not be content to leave completely comfortable and fully decorated rooms alone, to remain as they are and age gracefully like all of Mother N's other creations? Could it be that women, continually dissatisfied with their own looks, must change the appearance of everything around them?
Friends and strangers who visit our home profess love for it. They comment on how inviting, warm, and well decorated it is. How everything complements everything else. I pray they will not utter the dreaded phrase: "It seems so lived in." Such sentiment is akin to saying to She-From-Whose-Hand-My-Heart- Dangles-Like-A-Yo-Yo: "I loved that dress when you wore it the last time."
My Bride's eyes surpass those of our cats when it comes to spotting slightly scuffed surfaces or mature paint. She scans walls like search-and-destroy radar, with an intensity that sometimes bubbles less hardy finishes. I'm a trout destined for eagle talons, floating with the current, looking for larvae, minding my own business. And ka-zowie!
"We need to repaint the living room!"
"Didn't we just give it a fresh coat?"
"Bush One was in office!"
"Still looks good!" (The paint and he.)
"Not if you look closely."
(Darn, the one day my electron-microscope is in the shop!)
"Everyone says our house looks marvelous!"
"They don't live here...and see dirt marks on the walls...chipped places on the cove molding and base-board...hair-line cracks in the plaster. And the color scheme is outdated...it's almost as bad as avocado and harvest gold."
I always imagined my perfect house would be adorned with shag carpet in those colors, and linoleum kitchen floors and appliances to match. A fully coordinated approach...now that's the mark of a true professional!
"We need swatches of various off-white colors," says She-Who- Spray-Paints-The-Morning-Sun, Power-Rollers-The-Blue-Skies- Of-Afternoon, and Brushes-The-Night-Because-It's-Too-Dark- For-The-Strokes-To-Show.
"We'll blend the ceiling, walls, and trim in various and descending shades of white. Then, we'll have our furniture recovered to supply the right splashes of color. Add a throw-pillow here and wall-hanging there to consummate the look. Won't that be nice?"
We're complete opposites. She talks...I listen.
"Yes, dear," rolled off my tongue slicker than Vaseline on a doorknob.
When wives redecorate, it's never minor surgery. It's amputate this and remove that. Items in close proximity to transgressing body parts are gangrenous and suffer the same consequences. Guilty by association, off with its head!
Paintings once revered for color, warmth, personal taste, and fond memories now share storage space in the basement with teary eyed kids, lithographs of The Duke, and dogs playing poker. (Saved and safely stored from earlier refurbishing episodes.) In their places, English watercolors, pen-and-inks of Victorian flower arrangements, and crypt rubbings of dwarf knights.
Comfortable chairs and cushy love-seats don't fit the new decor, either. From whence cometh these ladder-back Shaker chairs? (One fifteen-minute sitting and I'll confess to anything.) Canvas-covered couches trimmed with gold rope? (Old drop cloths, no doubt.) And a massive armoire set at a jaunty angle in the corner? (Lay it lengthwise and it will take up even more space.)
Years ago, as part of our marriage vows, in addition to absolute obedience I had to swear before God, a full Presbyterian congregation, close friends and relatives, and Reverend McMullen that I would leave Matters of Design and Decorating to She-Who-Must-Be-Heeded. I have lived up to those vows: Through three ancient houses; thousands of gallons of paint; quaint throw rugs in place of carpets; and antique furniture more brittle than my Great Aunt Henrietta.
Never once have I mentioned a recliner chair for the family room. Nor a solid, wood-grain Formica entertainment center with 60-inch flat-screen television. Or a maple gun cabinet to store and display my collection of ancient hunting pieces. Which probably is a good thing, too. Because those puppies are impossible to move when you need to repaint, and spring is poking its little green whiskers through the ground outside and there isn't a safe room in the house!
by Leighton McCormick
End
Outside, Mother Nature brings life to new flora and fauna, and fresh beginnings to plants and animals that survived winter's ravages. Inside, Mother McCormick brings brushes, buckets and spackle, and fresh ideas for rooms only recently refurbished.
What chromosome in women dictates to them that when daffodils come up, drop cloths must go down? What diabolical biological alarm sounds within them when buds pop, sprouts shoot, and shoots sprout? Why can they not be content to leave completely comfortable and fully decorated rooms alone, to remain as they are and age gracefully like all of Mother N's other creations? Could it be that women, continually dissatisfied with their own looks, must change the appearance of everything around them?
Friends and strangers who visit our home profess love for it. They comment on how inviting, warm, and well decorated it is. How everything complements everything else. I pray they will not utter the dreaded phrase: "It seems so lived in." Such sentiment is akin to saying to She-From-Whose-Hand-My-Heart- Dangles-Like-A-Yo-Yo: "I loved that dress when you wore it the last time."
My Bride's eyes surpass those of our cats when it comes to spotting slightly scuffed surfaces or mature paint. She scans walls like search-and-destroy radar, with an intensity that sometimes bubbles less hardy finishes. I'm a trout destined for eagle talons, floating with the current, looking for larvae, minding my own business. And ka-zowie!
"We need to repaint the living room!"
"Didn't we just give it a fresh coat?"
"Bush One was in office!"
"Still looks good!" (The paint and he.)
"Not if you look closely."
(Darn, the one day my electron-microscope is in the shop!)
"Everyone says our house looks marvelous!"
"They don't live here...and see dirt marks on the walls...chipped places on the cove molding and base-board...hair-line cracks in the plaster. And the color scheme is outdated...it's almost as bad as avocado and harvest gold."
I always imagined my perfect house would be adorned with shag carpet in those colors, and linoleum kitchen floors and appliances to match. A fully coordinated approach...now that's the mark of a true professional!
"We need swatches of various off-white colors," says She-Who- Spray-Paints-The-Morning-Sun, Power-Rollers-The-Blue-Skies- Of-Afternoon, and Brushes-The-Night-Because-It's-Too-Dark- For-The-Strokes-To-Show.
"We'll blend the ceiling, walls, and trim in various and descending shades of white. Then, we'll have our furniture recovered to supply the right splashes of color. Add a throw-pillow here and wall-hanging there to consummate the look. Won't that be nice?"
We're complete opposites. She talks...I listen.
"Yes, dear," rolled off my tongue slicker than Vaseline on a doorknob.
When wives redecorate, it's never minor surgery. It's amputate this and remove that. Items in close proximity to transgressing body parts are gangrenous and suffer the same consequences. Guilty by association, off with its head!
Paintings once revered for color, warmth, personal taste, and fond memories now share storage space in the basement with teary eyed kids, lithographs of The Duke, and dogs playing poker. (Saved and safely stored from earlier refurbishing episodes.) In their places, English watercolors, pen-and-inks of Victorian flower arrangements, and crypt rubbings of dwarf knights.
Comfortable chairs and cushy love-seats don't fit the new decor, either. From whence cometh these ladder-back Shaker chairs? (One fifteen-minute sitting and I'll confess to anything.) Canvas-covered couches trimmed with gold rope? (Old drop cloths, no doubt.) And a massive armoire set at a jaunty angle in the corner? (Lay it lengthwise and it will take up even more space.)
Years ago, as part of our marriage vows, in addition to absolute obedience I had to swear before God, a full Presbyterian congregation, close friends and relatives, and Reverend McMullen that I would leave Matters of Design and Decorating to She-Who-Must-Be-Heeded. I have lived up to those vows: Through three ancient houses; thousands of gallons of paint; quaint throw rugs in place of carpets; and antique furniture more brittle than my Great Aunt Henrietta.
Never once have I mentioned a recliner chair for the family room. Nor a solid, wood-grain Formica entertainment center with 60-inch flat-screen television. Or a maple gun cabinet to store and display my collection of ancient hunting pieces. Which probably is a good thing, too. Because those puppies are impossible to move when you need to repaint, and spring is poking its little green whiskers through the ground outside and there isn't a safe room in the house!
by Leighton McCormick
End
Career in Life Science Industry - Guide to Clinical Research Jobs
The Life Science Industry is eying every avenue of life with its microscopic lenses. Innovation is at the core in the Life Science Industry than in any other industry. The life science industry innovates new ingenious ways of putting science to good use for the benefit of millions of people worldwide. People play a crucial role in the Life Science Industry. People who make the life science industry move are miraculously involved in researching new pharmaceuticals, in developing the latest industrial processes, in production, logistics and wide range of other support services.
There is a pool of opportunity for people who wish to pursue a career in the life sciences, and have a strong inclination to make new discoveries.
We can display a whole list of different scientific disciplines that could be considered life sciences.
Molecular Biology: Molecular Biology looks at the fundamental chemistry of life.
Cell Biology: Cell biology looks at cell.
Genetics: Genetics is the study of the blue prints that we are all born with and we will pass on to our children.
Developmental Biology: The study of how Life develops and reproduces.
Evolution: The study of how life came to be the way we now know it as.
Life Science is spread over such a wide array; there are surplus job opportunities in this industry that are highly exploring in nature. Notwithstanding the current economic downturn that has left few industries unscathed, the life science industry holds a great promise of better career prospects due to increase in demand for overall better health care worldwide.
There is a wide variety of different specialized fields in the biological sciences, and the list is growing rapidly. Although many life scientists are primarily involved in research and development, and work in the laboratory or field, you may decide you want to work in another area within the science.
In layman language Life Sciences are our developing knowledge of living organisms and the use of that knowledge to grow and do things to improve our lives. Developments in the life sciences will change our lives in fundamental ways - how we live and die, what we do, our eating habits, how we manage our health and so on.
The Life Sciences focuses on developing opportunities in:
o Bio-products and Bio-materials
o Bio-energy
o Health
o Nutrition
o Environment and Climate Life Sciences
Development of new and existing strengths in this area will produce the opportunity to create value in traditional sectors and ensure that economic growth is sustainable.
Clinical Jobs - An unfolding phase of Life Sciences
Clinical research is a multinational, multi-billion and multidisciplinary industry. Clinical Research is the next big thing in offering wider scope of job opportunities in the life sciences industry. The pharmaceutical industries are among the fastest growing sectors boosting the economy making rapid strides over the years.
As compared to prior years, clinical research has undergone a remarkable evolution in the scope, sophistication and power of its methodologies. There is a remarkable change in the approach to data collection, experimental design, and data analysis and these changes provide a strong basis for clinical research jobs. Numerous advances can be cited to describe opportunities in clinical research.
The Life Science Industry is climbing the ladder of success unceasingly. It is anticipated that this industry will generate $55 billion in revenues by 2020 and will have created new high-tech and value added jobs.
There is a pool of opportunity for people who wish to pursue a career in the life sciences, and have a strong inclination to make new discoveries.
We can display a whole list of different scientific disciplines that could be considered life sciences.
Molecular Biology: Molecular Biology looks at the fundamental chemistry of life.
Cell Biology: Cell biology looks at cell.
Genetics: Genetics is the study of the blue prints that we are all born with and we will pass on to our children.
Developmental Biology: The study of how Life develops and reproduces.
Evolution: The study of how life came to be the way we now know it as.
Life Science is spread over such a wide array; there are surplus job opportunities in this industry that are highly exploring in nature. Notwithstanding the current economic downturn that has left few industries unscathed, the life science industry holds a great promise of better career prospects due to increase in demand for overall better health care worldwide.
There is a wide variety of different specialized fields in the biological sciences, and the list is growing rapidly. Although many life scientists are primarily involved in research and development, and work in the laboratory or field, you may decide you want to work in another area within the science.
In layman language Life Sciences are our developing knowledge of living organisms and the use of that knowledge to grow and do things to improve our lives. Developments in the life sciences will change our lives in fundamental ways - how we live and die, what we do, our eating habits, how we manage our health and so on.
The Life Sciences focuses on developing opportunities in:
o Bio-products and Bio-materials
o Bio-energy
o Health
o Nutrition
o Environment and Climate Life Sciences
Development of new and existing strengths in this area will produce the opportunity to create value in traditional sectors and ensure that economic growth is sustainable.
Clinical Jobs - An unfolding phase of Life Sciences
Clinical research is a multinational, multi-billion and multidisciplinary industry. Clinical Research is the next big thing in offering wider scope of job opportunities in the life sciences industry. The pharmaceutical industries are among the fastest growing sectors boosting the economy making rapid strides over the years.
As compared to prior years, clinical research has undergone a remarkable evolution in the scope, sophistication and power of its methodologies. There is a remarkable change in the approach to data collection, experimental design, and data analysis and these changes provide a strong basis for clinical research jobs. Numerous advances can be cited to describe opportunities in clinical research.
The Life Science Industry is climbing the ladder of success unceasingly. It is anticipated that this industry will generate $55 billion in revenues by 2020 and will have created new high-tech and value added jobs.
Immerse Yourself In The Deep Blue Sea With A Career As A Marine Life Technician
Monday, October 15, 2012
Are you one of those people who have a fascination for the underworld? Do you enjoy strapping on scuba gear and plunging down into the ocean's depth to commune with marine life? Many people find life under the sea a lot more interesting than life on dry land. If your dream is to have a career involving the ocean, you may want to consider earning a marine technician Associate's degree.
Marine life techs typically work under the tutelage of marine biologists. The marine biologist's job is to study living organisms inhabiting the oceans. Consequently, the responsibilities of the technician is to assist the biologist by studying marine life with the purpose of finding answers to some of the biggest problems in the world, including new food and energy sources, medicines, and new methods of weather control.
Responsibilities of the technician do not begin and end in the depths of the ocean. They complete a variety of tasks and work in the laboratories where they assist marine biologists with studying ocean life and the environmental conditions that affect it. For example, they may be charged with testing samples of seawater to determine temperature, saltiness, and pollution levels.
Some techs work in a lab that specializes in certain forms of life. For example, in an oyster lab, a one might study oyster larvae to determine if it could be produced commercially in a laboratory setting. The same experiments might be conducted in similar laboratories with an emphasis on a specific marine species to produce cancer-fighting agents.
Besides ocean and laboratory duties, a marine life technician might be a specialist on a fishing boat or fish-processing ship, where he or she might gather and process organisms that are used for research or biological specimens. These individuals may also be tasked with photographing specimens in their natural habitats through photomicrography (microscopic photos). Technicians are required to use a variety of equipment including microscopes, pH meters, spectrophotometers, and other analytical instruments.
Preparation for becoming a marine life technician should begin early on. First, you must have a genuine interest in the field. Reading related books and watching documentaries would offer insight into the field. High school hopefuls should take as many math and science classes before entering a college program. Two years of study at a community college or enrolling in a biological science degree program will prepare a person for a career as in this field. Foundational college courses for this profession are biology, chemistry, zoology, and marine botany.
Students should be aware that the employment outlook in this field is highly competitive. The need for marine scientists and technicians far exceeds the demand, and the number of government jobs (significant employers) is limited. So, you should be very sure this is the field of study you want to pursue. The median salary for a biological technician is just above $25,000, not the largest salary but can be totally worth it if you enjoy the ocean.
For more information, you are most welcome to our website:www.micriscopebiz.com
Marine life techs typically work under the tutelage of marine biologists. The marine biologist's job is to study living organisms inhabiting the oceans. Consequently, the responsibilities of the technician is to assist the biologist by studying marine life with the purpose of finding answers to some of the biggest problems in the world, including new food and energy sources, medicines, and new methods of weather control.
Responsibilities of the technician do not begin and end in the depths of the ocean. They complete a variety of tasks and work in the laboratories where they assist marine biologists with studying ocean life and the environmental conditions that affect it. For example, they may be charged with testing samples of seawater to determine temperature, saltiness, and pollution levels.
Some techs work in a lab that specializes in certain forms of life. For example, in an oyster lab, a one might study oyster larvae to determine if it could be produced commercially in a laboratory setting. The same experiments might be conducted in similar laboratories with an emphasis on a specific marine species to produce cancer-fighting agents.
Besides ocean and laboratory duties, a marine life technician might be a specialist on a fishing boat or fish-processing ship, where he or she might gather and process organisms that are used for research or biological specimens. These individuals may also be tasked with photographing specimens in their natural habitats through photomicrography (microscopic photos). Technicians are required to use a variety of equipment including microscopes, pH meters, spectrophotometers, and other analytical instruments.
Preparation for becoming a marine life technician should begin early on. First, you must have a genuine interest in the field. Reading related books and watching documentaries would offer insight into the field. High school hopefuls should take as many math and science classes before entering a college program. Two years of study at a community college or enrolling in a biological science degree program will prepare a person for a career as in this field. Foundational college courses for this profession are biology, chemistry, zoology, and marine botany.
Students should be aware that the employment outlook in this field is highly competitive. The need for marine scientists and technicians far exceeds the demand, and the number of government jobs (significant employers) is limited. So, you should be very sure this is the field of study you want to pursue. The median salary for a biological technician is just above $25,000, not the largest salary but can be totally worth it if you enjoy the ocean.
For more information, you are most welcome to our website:www.micriscopebiz.com
Ionic Air Purifiers - Safety First Redux
Ionic air purifiers derive from a multitude of technologies, all of which contain one or more beneficial reactive agents that claim to clean the air that we breathe. Manufacturers willingly publish test results to demonstrate the potency of these reactive agents against harmful contaminants.
Safety First - Beneficial Reactive Agents
Unfortunately, manufacturers are not as forthcoming with information on the potential harm to human tissue of users who are exposed to the reactive agents. The in-depth article dealing with this aspect is posted at EzineArticles.com.
Safety First Redux - Unintended By-products
Manufacturers are also not forthcoming about the by-products of their technology. Unbeknownst to many users, all ionic air purifier technologies generate by-products apart from the beneficial reactive agents. They are not deliberately produced but are simply unintended products resulting from current technological constraints.
Ozone, a component pollutant of smog, is the most common of these by-products. Smog, which hangs like a foggy cloud over some cities, is typically produced by the reaction of sunlight on automotive emissions such as carbon monoxide. Ozone in smog is blamed for many ills.
Please note that this article is not a discussion about ozone generators, a class of air purifiers that deliberately produces ozone in high enough concentrations to eliminate airborne contaminants. For instance, some hotels use ozone generators to get rid of tobacco smoke from rooms when they are being prepared for the next guest.
It is commonly accepted that ozone generators pose a danger to human tissue because ozone is an extremely reactive oxidizing agent. However, for some strange reason, ozone generators are still freely sold to home users as air purifiers. This controversy probably warrants another round of in-depth research in future.
All Ionic Air Purifiers Produce Some Ozone As A By-product
The focus of this article is on ionic air purifiers that do not deliberately produce ozone. There is no dispute that all ionic air purifier technologies are currently unable to completely eliminate ozone in the process of producing their beneficial reactive agents, be they negative ions, bipolar ions or plasmacluster ions and so on. It is a question of how much ozone is produced as an unintended by-product and at which point it becomes unhealthy and harmful to users of the ionic air purifier.
Most manufacturers emphasize that the ozone produced by their technology is very minimal. Often, they claim that it is way below 50 parts per billion (ppb), a measure of ozone concentration commonly cited by various parties around the world. Interestingly, there is no established legislation, only guidelines, regulating that ionic air purifiers cannot produce ozone in excess of 50 ppb. This leads us to the next question.
Is Ozone Concentration At 50 ppb Safe?
This is the million dollar question in the multimillion dollar ionic air purifier industry.
It is an even more important question for users (who typically have respiratory problems) of such purifiers since they may be harming themselves after spending good money on what they believe to be beneficial to their health. It should also be of great concern to health authorities since they are entrusted with setting safety standards that govern manufacturers and that users rely on when they use such equipment.
One would assume that the 50 ppb limit was scientifically set by some authorities, either medical or governmental. Shockingly, this does not seem to be the case. In fact, a prominent environmentalist suggested that this limit was arbitrarily set in the US FDA Amendment Act 1972 without any scientific basis. Yet, the 50 ppb figure is commonly cited, not just by manufacturers of ionic air purifiers but by health authorities all over the world as well.
To add to the controversy, the 50 ppb limit under the US FDA Act only applies to an air purifier that is sold as a medical device! Now, that's easy to get around. It is not common to see air purifiers being advertized as medical equipment. They are typically sold as appliances for improving air quality in the home, office, factory or school. But to their credit, manufacturers of many ionic air purifiers are voluntarily using 50 ppb as a safety limit.
There is also some measure of control imposed by the US Consumer Safety Products Act which covers ionic air purifiers that are not sold as medical devices. In a 2006 study, a US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the 50 ppb ozone limit appears to be safe. But the Commission did highlight that ozone also enters into human dwellings from outdoor air, the so-called ambient air. This may elevate the actual ozone concentration above 50 ppb when an air purifier is being operated. Strangely again, there is no legislation in the US Consumer Safety Products Act about the 50 ppb ozone limit.
California Takes The Lead - Manufacturers Of Ionic Air Purifiers Take Note!
In October 2008, the US state of California took the first steps to regulate compliance with the 50 ppb ozone limit. It is aimed primarily at ozone generators but the regulation also covers ionic air purifiers. Serious players in the industry should be factoring this very significant development in their strategies if they do not want to see their Californian market share "terminated" (pun intended).
As users of ionic air purifiers, it is also our responsibility to take the 50 ppb ozone limit even more seriously. In scrutinizing the technical specifications of any air purifier, additional factors to consider include noting that:
(1) the 50 ppb limit should be the average concentration over a 8-hour period;
(2) the 50 ppb limit may arise from the designed emission rate or from an accumulation over time;
(3) the ionic air purifier should ideally conform with UL867, a stringent US industrial testing standard.
Scientific Assurance That 50 ppb Is Probably Safe
There is some comfort from a 2008 scientific study by Brown, Bateson & MacDonnell which concluded that exposure to 60 ppb ozone over a 6.6 hour period causes only a biologically small effect on the lungs of 24 out of 30 young healthy adults. It does seem to provide some scientific basis for the 50 ppb limit even though the study was not designed to legitimize that. Note also that the test subjects were healthy adults whereas most users of ionic air purifiers would likely be dealing with some respiratory problems.
Is 50 ppb Really Safe Now?
The current research findings above provide some reassurance. Yet it is important to be aware that there are very prominent professors like Jeffrey A. Siegel and Richard L. Corsi from the University of Texas, USA who take the view that ozone at any level is dangerous.
They believe that ozone, even at concentrations as low as 10 ppb, triggers the formation of ultra-fine particles by interacting with chemicals (terpenes) in common household products like air fresheners, perfumes, floor cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. Ozone-induced ultra-fine particles are believed to be highly dangerous to both healthy and vulnerable human populations such as children, the aged and the chronically-ill, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
However the additional risks have not been quantitatively determined or adequately researched such that legislation or regulatory guidelines can be enforced. Neither is it possible at this time to declare conclusively that the downside outweighs the benefits of ionic air purifier technologies.
As with many products in our world, there are those who make it and those who fight it. Users are usually caught in between, not knowing the final outcome of their tussle until perhaps when its too late. The next big catch phrase in the ionic air purifier industry may well be "ultra-fine particles".
Common Sense Precautions In Using Ionic Air Purifiers
In the meantime, why not adopt some common sense precautions even as we seek to tap on the benefits from an ionic air purifier:
(1) manufacturer recommends continuous operation - don't just blindly follow, surely our nose can tell when its irritated;
(2) manufacturer recommends certain maintenance schedules - follow religiously here, even if it means forking out service fees;
(3) protect vulnerable members of the family - no one needs to be in a room while its being air purified;
(4) avoid usage of aerosols such as insecticides, air fresheners, perfumes and deodorants when running the air purifier;
(5) minimize other sources of ozone - e.g. outdoor ambient ozone, desktop laser printer;
(6) keep updated on developments in ionic air purifier technologies;
(7) keep track of research by prominent detractors who are eminently qualified e.g Prof. Siegel and Prof. Corsi.
There is no reason to be put off by having to take precautions when using an ionic air purifier. We do that for many appliances and machinery used in everyday living.
Ionic Air Purifiers - To Use Or Not To Use?
Despite all the controversy, there is no need to abandon the search for the ideal ionic air purifier. Why throw the baby out with the water? The ideal approach lies in keeping tabs with advancements in the various technologies, in encouraging manufacturers to be more open in their communications and in enhancing user understanding.
There is also no need to flee from ionic air purifiers to embrace the much-touted HEPA air purification technology simply out of fear or as a result of erroneous conclusions from inadequate research. There is no bias here against HEPA technology or any other air purification technology. HEPA is a time-tested great technology and should be used, but only for what it is designed to do. No one has claimed that HEPA will kill microscopic contaminants.
A key motivation for this on-going, almost obsessive, research into ionic air purifier technologies is preparing for the next global flu pandemic. To date, only the Sharp (no affiliation to the author) plasmacluster ion technology claims to destroy the bird flu virus in double quick time. Read more about this at The Ionic Air Purifier Blog.
Safety First - Beneficial Reactive Agents
Unfortunately, manufacturers are not as forthcoming with information on the potential harm to human tissue of users who are exposed to the reactive agents. The in-depth article dealing with this aspect is posted at EzineArticles.com.
Safety First Redux - Unintended By-products
Manufacturers are also not forthcoming about the by-products of their technology. Unbeknownst to many users, all ionic air purifier technologies generate by-products apart from the beneficial reactive agents. They are not deliberately produced but are simply unintended products resulting from current technological constraints.
Ozone, a component pollutant of smog, is the most common of these by-products. Smog, which hangs like a foggy cloud over some cities, is typically produced by the reaction of sunlight on automotive emissions such as carbon monoxide. Ozone in smog is blamed for many ills.
Please note that this article is not a discussion about ozone generators, a class of air purifiers that deliberately produces ozone in high enough concentrations to eliminate airborne contaminants. For instance, some hotels use ozone generators to get rid of tobacco smoke from rooms when they are being prepared for the next guest.
It is commonly accepted that ozone generators pose a danger to human tissue because ozone is an extremely reactive oxidizing agent. However, for some strange reason, ozone generators are still freely sold to home users as air purifiers. This controversy probably warrants another round of in-depth research in future.
All Ionic Air Purifiers Produce Some Ozone As A By-product
The focus of this article is on ionic air purifiers that do not deliberately produce ozone. There is no dispute that all ionic air purifier technologies are currently unable to completely eliminate ozone in the process of producing their beneficial reactive agents, be they negative ions, bipolar ions or plasmacluster ions and so on. It is a question of how much ozone is produced as an unintended by-product and at which point it becomes unhealthy and harmful to users of the ionic air purifier.
Most manufacturers emphasize that the ozone produced by their technology is very minimal. Often, they claim that it is way below 50 parts per billion (ppb), a measure of ozone concentration commonly cited by various parties around the world. Interestingly, there is no established legislation, only guidelines, regulating that ionic air purifiers cannot produce ozone in excess of 50 ppb. This leads us to the next question.
Is Ozone Concentration At 50 ppb Safe?
This is the million dollar question in the multimillion dollar ionic air purifier industry.
It is an even more important question for users (who typically have respiratory problems) of such purifiers since they may be harming themselves after spending good money on what they believe to be beneficial to their health. It should also be of great concern to health authorities since they are entrusted with setting safety standards that govern manufacturers and that users rely on when they use such equipment.
One would assume that the 50 ppb limit was scientifically set by some authorities, either medical or governmental. Shockingly, this does not seem to be the case. In fact, a prominent environmentalist suggested that this limit was arbitrarily set in the US FDA Amendment Act 1972 without any scientific basis. Yet, the 50 ppb figure is commonly cited, not just by manufacturers of ionic air purifiers but by health authorities all over the world as well.
To add to the controversy, the 50 ppb limit under the US FDA Act only applies to an air purifier that is sold as a medical device! Now, that's easy to get around. It is not common to see air purifiers being advertized as medical equipment. They are typically sold as appliances for improving air quality in the home, office, factory or school. But to their credit, manufacturers of many ionic air purifiers are voluntarily using 50 ppb as a safety limit.
There is also some measure of control imposed by the US Consumer Safety Products Act which covers ionic air purifiers that are not sold as medical devices. In a 2006 study, a US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the 50 ppb ozone limit appears to be safe. But the Commission did highlight that ozone also enters into human dwellings from outdoor air, the so-called ambient air. This may elevate the actual ozone concentration above 50 ppb when an air purifier is being operated. Strangely again, there is no legislation in the US Consumer Safety Products Act about the 50 ppb ozone limit.
California Takes The Lead - Manufacturers Of Ionic Air Purifiers Take Note!
In October 2008, the US state of California took the first steps to regulate compliance with the 50 ppb ozone limit. It is aimed primarily at ozone generators but the regulation also covers ionic air purifiers. Serious players in the industry should be factoring this very significant development in their strategies if they do not want to see their Californian market share "terminated" (pun intended).
As users of ionic air purifiers, it is also our responsibility to take the 50 ppb ozone limit even more seriously. In scrutinizing the technical specifications of any air purifier, additional factors to consider include noting that:
(1) the 50 ppb limit should be the average concentration over a 8-hour period;
(2) the 50 ppb limit may arise from the designed emission rate or from an accumulation over time;
(3) the ionic air purifier should ideally conform with UL867, a stringent US industrial testing standard.
Scientific Assurance That 50 ppb Is Probably Safe
There is some comfort from a 2008 scientific study by Brown, Bateson & MacDonnell which concluded that exposure to 60 ppb ozone over a 6.6 hour period causes only a biologically small effect on the lungs of 24 out of 30 young healthy adults. It does seem to provide some scientific basis for the 50 ppb limit even though the study was not designed to legitimize that. Note also that the test subjects were healthy adults whereas most users of ionic air purifiers would likely be dealing with some respiratory problems.
Is 50 ppb Really Safe Now?
The current research findings above provide some reassurance. Yet it is important to be aware that there are very prominent professors like Jeffrey A. Siegel and Richard L. Corsi from the University of Texas, USA who take the view that ozone at any level is dangerous.
They believe that ozone, even at concentrations as low as 10 ppb, triggers the formation of ultra-fine particles by interacting with chemicals (terpenes) in common household products like air fresheners, perfumes, floor cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. Ozone-induced ultra-fine particles are believed to be highly dangerous to both healthy and vulnerable human populations such as children, the aged and the chronically-ill, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
However the additional risks have not been quantitatively determined or adequately researched such that legislation or regulatory guidelines can be enforced. Neither is it possible at this time to declare conclusively that the downside outweighs the benefits of ionic air purifier technologies.
As with many products in our world, there are those who make it and those who fight it. Users are usually caught in between, not knowing the final outcome of their tussle until perhaps when its too late. The next big catch phrase in the ionic air purifier industry may well be "ultra-fine particles".
Common Sense Precautions In Using Ionic Air Purifiers
In the meantime, why not adopt some common sense precautions even as we seek to tap on the benefits from an ionic air purifier:
(1) manufacturer recommends continuous operation - don't just blindly follow, surely our nose can tell when its irritated;
(2) manufacturer recommends certain maintenance schedules - follow religiously here, even if it means forking out service fees;
(3) protect vulnerable members of the family - no one needs to be in a room while its being air purified;
(4) avoid usage of aerosols such as insecticides, air fresheners, perfumes and deodorants when running the air purifier;
(5) minimize other sources of ozone - e.g. outdoor ambient ozone, desktop laser printer;
(6) keep updated on developments in ionic air purifier technologies;
(7) keep track of research by prominent detractors who are eminently qualified e.g Prof. Siegel and Prof. Corsi.
There is no reason to be put off by having to take precautions when using an ionic air purifier. We do that for many appliances and machinery used in everyday living.
Ionic Air Purifiers - To Use Or Not To Use?
Despite all the controversy, there is no need to abandon the search for the ideal ionic air purifier. Why throw the baby out with the water? The ideal approach lies in keeping tabs with advancements in the various technologies, in encouraging manufacturers to be more open in their communications and in enhancing user understanding.
There is also no need to flee from ionic air purifiers to embrace the much-touted HEPA air purification technology simply out of fear or as a result of erroneous conclusions from inadequate research. There is no bias here against HEPA technology or any other air purification technology. HEPA is a time-tested great technology and should be used, but only for what it is designed to do. No one has claimed that HEPA will kill microscopic contaminants.
A key motivation for this on-going, almost obsessive, research into ionic air purifier technologies is preparing for the next global flu pandemic. To date, only the Sharp (no affiliation to the author) plasmacluster ion technology claims to destroy the bird flu virus in double quick time. Read more about this at The Ionic Air Purifier Blog.
An Overview of the Unicellular Organisms
Friday, October 12, 2012
In Biology, the unicellular organisms actually refer to the living entities that have just a single cell, and all the functions are based on them. Some of the unicellular organisms are paramecium, amoeba, bacteria, and cyanobacteria. As a student of biology, you will be taught about these organisms in the class. However, sometimes, it might not be easy to get the topics cleared in a classroom setting. The reason is the large number of students and just one teacher to answer their queries. If you are interested to gain in-depth knowledge in these topics or you wish to take up a career in this field then it is recommended that you opt for the private home tutoring services. A professional home tutor will be able to answer all your queries and help you gain proper knowledge of the subject. In this article, we will discuss regarding the functions of the unicellular organisms.
In terms of the cellular structures, the assortment of organisms is so wide that it becomes tough to understand them all. Some of the organisms are known to execute all the functions within one cell, while there are others that are made up of millions of cells. It is interesting to note that a human body is actually composed of nearly 50 to 75 trillion cells. This fact is astonishing when compared to organisms that have just a single cell.
In biology, unicellular organisms are defined as single celled organisms, where one single cell performs all the functions such as locomotion, feeding, expelling wastes, reproduction, and many more. In most cases, these organisms are microscopic and cannot be viewed with naked eye. Depending on the complexity of the cell structure, the unicellular organisms can be classified into two different types, known as prokaryote and eukaryote. The former one is quite a simple cellular structure, as compared to the latter. The prokaryotic unicellular organism is free of any cell nucleus, while the eukaryotic unicellular one has a nucleus in the cell.
Most of the microbes are unicellular in association. As per the theory of evolution, these organisms were the first to grow on Earth. Their history dates back to nearly 3.8 billion years ago. Each of the organisms has definite characteristics that help them in adapting to the wide variety of environmental conditions.
If you find this part of Biology fascinating, and wish to learn in details about the various organisms then you can take up this subject as your major. You can also consider hiring a private Biology tutor to help you understand their functions with real examples.
In terms of the cellular structures, the assortment of organisms is so wide that it becomes tough to understand them all. Some of the organisms are known to execute all the functions within one cell, while there are others that are made up of millions of cells. It is interesting to note that a human body is actually composed of nearly 50 to 75 trillion cells. This fact is astonishing when compared to organisms that have just a single cell.
In biology, unicellular organisms are defined as single celled organisms, where one single cell performs all the functions such as locomotion, feeding, expelling wastes, reproduction, and many more. In most cases, these organisms are microscopic and cannot be viewed with naked eye. Depending on the complexity of the cell structure, the unicellular organisms can be classified into two different types, known as prokaryote and eukaryote. The former one is quite a simple cellular structure, as compared to the latter. The prokaryotic unicellular organism is free of any cell nucleus, while the eukaryotic unicellular one has a nucleus in the cell.
Most of the microbes are unicellular in association. As per the theory of evolution, these organisms were the first to grow on Earth. Their history dates back to nearly 3.8 billion years ago. Each of the organisms has definite characteristics that help them in adapting to the wide variety of environmental conditions.
If you find this part of Biology fascinating, and wish to learn in details about the various organisms then you can take up this subject as your major. You can also consider hiring a private Biology tutor to help you understand their functions with real examples.
A Guide to Other Dietary Co Q10 Sources
With all of the studies proving the health benefits that coenzyme q10 provides, people are becoming increasingly interested in dietary coq10 sources. It used to be that this nutrient was only recommended for heart health, and it does play a crucial role in that area. It has since been proven that coenzyme q10 offers a wealth of other health benefits as well.
Coenzyme q10 is a compound that can be found in the mitochondria, which is the name given to the energy producing center of every cell within the body. What coenzyme q10 does is it participates in the creation of adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP. This molecule is the primary energy source behind a number of critical biological processes, including the production of protein.
There is a decline in the automatic production of coenzyme q10, and a lack of this nutrient means that ATP does not get produced. In order for us to maintain healthy levels of coenzyme q10, we must depend more and more on dietary coq10 sources. These include oily fish, animal organs, and whole grains, but only fish provide us with more than minute amounts of this nutrient.
One of the problems we run into when trying to increase our levels of coenzyme q10 through the food that
we eat is that we cannot consume an adequate amount of fish to increase coq10 levels without endangering our health. The fish accumulate high levels of mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium, PCBs, dioxins, and furans, which make them toxic to us if consumed several times per week.
So that leaves dietary supplements as the only true coq10 sources we have to depend on. There are some very high quality supplements out there where the coenzyme q10 is broken down so that the molecules are microscopic, which makes them far more bio-available than the compound in its natural form. Most dietary supplements do not offer coenzyme q10 in this form.
The benefits you will get from increasing your levels of coenzyme q10 are the prevention of heart disease and heart failure, reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, and the prevention of heart disease due to chemotherapy. It has also been proven effective in managing diabetes, improving the immune system, boosting athletic performance, delaying the aging process, and increasing longevity.
The best dietary supplements to choose as coq10 sources will feature a total balance of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and immunity builders. For optimum heart health you may want to go with a formula that offers folic acid and resveratrol. You may want to also consider supplementing with an omega 3 fish oil product, which have been proven to prevent heart disease and other inflammatory ailments.
You want your coq10 sources to be of the highest quality, because preventative formulas such as these can offer you the highest possible quality of life. Scientists believe that by combining the ingredients I have noted, you may be able to add a significant number of years to your life. You only live once, and you want to maximize your health so that you can make the most of the time you have been given. For more information, welcome to visit www.microscopebiz.com
Coenzyme q10 is a compound that can be found in the mitochondria, which is the name given to the energy producing center of every cell within the body. What coenzyme q10 does is it participates in the creation of adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP. This molecule is the primary energy source behind a number of critical biological processes, including the production of protein.
There is a decline in the automatic production of coenzyme q10, and a lack of this nutrient means that ATP does not get produced. In order for us to maintain healthy levels of coenzyme q10, we must depend more and more on dietary coq10 sources. These include oily fish, animal organs, and whole grains, but only fish provide us with more than minute amounts of this nutrient.
One of the problems we run into when trying to increase our levels of coenzyme q10 through the food that
we eat is that we cannot consume an adequate amount of fish to increase coq10 levels without endangering our health. The fish accumulate high levels of mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium, PCBs, dioxins, and furans, which make them toxic to us if consumed several times per week.
So that leaves dietary supplements as the only true coq10 sources we have to depend on. There are some very high quality supplements out there where the coenzyme q10 is broken down so that the molecules are microscopic, which makes them far more bio-available than the compound in its natural form. Most dietary supplements do not offer coenzyme q10 in this form.
The benefits you will get from increasing your levels of coenzyme q10 are the prevention of heart disease and heart failure, reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, and the prevention of heart disease due to chemotherapy. It has also been proven effective in managing diabetes, improving the immune system, boosting athletic performance, delaying the aging process, and increasing longevity.
The best dietary supplements to choose as coq10 sources will feature a total balance of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and immunity builders. For optimum heart health you may want to go with a formula that offers folic acid and resveratrol. You may want to also consider supplementing with an omega 3 fish oil product, which have been proven to prevent heart disease and other inflammatory ailments.
You want your coq10 sources to be of the highest quality, because preventative formulas such as these can offer you the highest possible quality of life. Scientists believe that by combining the ingredients I have noted, you may be able to add a significant number of years to your life. You only live once, and you want to maximize your health so that you can make the most of the time you have been given. For more information, welcome to visit www.microscopebiz.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
