An air freshener is a product designed to mask or remove unpleasant room ordors. These products typically deliver fragrance and other odor counteractants into the air.
Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors, For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musks and other natural materials to scent their tombs. Over the last 2,000 years a variety of compounds, including numerous spices and floral extracts, have been used for their ability to impart a pleasant aroma. However, it was not until 1948 that the first modern air freshener was introduced. This product, using technology developed by the military to dispense insecticides, was a pressurized spray containing about 1% perfume, 24% alcohol or other solvents, and 75% chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. This was able to deliver a fine mist of fragrance that remained suspended in the air for a long period of time.
Today as the popularity of these scented air fresheners are on the rise, allergists are hearing more complaints about reactions to these toxic scented products.
Dr. Stanley Fineman is the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). ” I’ve seen patients who say, ‘I go into somebody’s house who has one of these air fresheners and I just can’t stay there. I have increasing nasal symptoms, sneezing and coughing.’ There is no allergy skin test for air fresheners, but people can definitely have a physiologic response to it.”
“About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrance can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Fineman says a study of plug-in deodorizers found more than 20 different VOC’s with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.
Fineman says consumers should be particularly concerned if someone in the household has respiratory issues. He says studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted standards increase risks in asthma children.
High concentrations of VOC’s can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment.
Despite all this, the home fragrance industry is expected to see continued growth, reaching $8.3 billion in global sales by 2015, so, why the fondness for air fresheners?
The new trend is manufacturers are marketing products to be aromatherapy which implies health and mood boosting benefits although there are no scientific studies to support these claims.
Dr. Stanley Fineman wasn’t the first to warn us about these dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. A study in 2010 led by the University of Washington discovered that 2 commonly used scented products (like laundry detergent and air fresheners) emit and average of 17 chemicals each. Of the 133 different chemicals detected nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law.
Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere. Even so-called “Green” products were not “safe.”
Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association, an industry group, said that VOCs aren’t necessarily harmful.
“Anything that emits a scent — flowers or the scent of pine if you walk through a forest or your Christmas tree– is emitting a VOC,” she said.
In the United States, air fresheners are subject to the Toxic Substance Control Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which requires that manufacturers inform consumers of risks and ingredients that could contribute to that risk. But some expects say the requirements aren’t stringent enough.
“The Federal hazardous Substance Act requires that the manufacturer put the proper–use information on the label,”Schaefer said.”These products are safe if you use them according to the label instructions.”
If you are still adamant about purchasing plug -in air fresheners use caution. Read the labels to ensure the product does not contain harmful chemicals. Ventilate the room as much as possible. Be extra sensitive to the amount of air fresheners you are using around small children.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that you first try to reduce bad home odors by attacking the source, rather than masking the problem. Identify and remove bad odors. Keep windows open as much as possible. If troubling odors persist, invest in an air purifier with activated carbon filtration.
Air fresheners need not be synthetic to produce an appealing and pleasant scent. Try adding orange, lemon or lavender essential oils to cotton balls and place throughout the house. You can also simmer spices like cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan on the stove. These tips will leave your home smelling fresh and give you peace of mind that no harmful pollutants are being ingested.
2012年2月12日星期日
2011年12月22日星期四
Panasonic launches new eco-friendly appliances
Panasonic announced the launch of new additions to its washing machine and air purifier ranges, highlighted by eco-friendly features.
The consumer electronics giant’s new EcoNavi-powered washing machines use 90 per cent less water and promises to produce better results, ensuring optimum water and energy consumption by detecting waste. It also uses 40 per cent less power.
Unveiled were the NA-148VB3 and NA-127VB3 for the B series, and the 140VG3 and 148VG3 for the G series. The latter line comes with a 3D sensor, Perfect Sense, HydroActive+ and Invertor motor that work together to provide the best possible cleaning and resource savings.
The machines also feature a new intuitive LCD screen that allows the user to monitor the activities of the device.
“Panasonic products are designed to enhance the daily lifestyle of our customers and this is particularly true for our washing machines. Incorporated in these machines are advanced features, innovative design and an eco-conscious philosophy that will fit smartly into home and a busy lifestyle,” said Shoaib Tareen, deputy general manager of home appliances at Panasonic Marketing Middle East’s consumer electronics department.
Also launched were the new range of humidifier air purifiers, the F-VXF70M and F-VXF35M, both of which are equipped with nanoeTM, and OH radical wrapped by water molecules that penetrates and deodorises fabrics, as well as hydrating skin.
“Now, with the new range of air purifiers, nanoeTM OH radicals can activate better since moisture in the air can be set by these machines in a comfortable and conducive manner, thanks to the humidifier function,” said Motoharu Sugaya, Panasonic Marketing Middle East product manager.
The air purifiers are energy efficient, which can reduce 40 per cent of the normal energy consumption through Panasonic’s EcoNavi function.
The consumer electronics giant’s new EcoNavi-powered washing machines use 90 per cent less water and promises to produce better results, ensuring optimum water and energy consumption by detecting waste. It also uses 40 per cent less power.
Unveiled were the NA-148VB3 and NA-127VB3 for the B series, and the 140VG3 and 148VG3 for the G series. The latter line comes with a 3D sensor, Perfect Sense, HydroActive+ and Invertor motor that work together to provide the best possible cleaning and resource savings.
The machines also feature a new intuitive LCD screen that allows the user to monitor the activities of the device.
“Panasonic products are designed to enhance the daily lifestyle of our customers and this is particularly true for our washing machines. Incorporated in these machines are advanced features, innovative design and an eco-conscious philosophy that will fit smartly into home and a busy lifestyle,” said Shoaib Tareen, deputy general manager of home appliances at Panasonic Marketing Middle East’s consumer electronics department.
Also launched were the new range of humidifier air purifiers, the F-VXF70M and F-VXF35M, both of which are equipped with nanoeTM, and OH radical wrapped by water molecules that penetrates and deodorises fabrics, as well as hydrating skin.
“Now, with the new range of air purifiers, nanoeTM OH radicals can activate better since moisture in the air can be set by these machines in a comfortable and conducive manner, thanks to the humidifier function,” said Motoharu Sugaya, Panasonic Marketing Middle East product manager.
The air purifiers are energy efficient, which can reduce 40 per cent of the normal energy consumption through Panasonic’s EcoNavi function.
2011年12月6日星期二
Santa Ana winds bothering your allergies? Try these tips
For people with asthma and allergies, the Santa Ana winds are still a daily nuisance. The unusually strong winds kick up allergens, causing a host of miserable symptoms.
You might be feeling it in your nose, throat and eyes. Thanks to last week's strong winds and the continuing Santa Anas, allergy doctors are reporting a boom of business. But you don't have to continue suffering.
"Once that wind blows we have several days afterwards that we're dealing with people that suffer from allergies having persistent symptoms, because it does bring up a lot of mold, it brings up pollen and it brings up a lot of dust that irritates people's symptoms," said Dr. Joseph Shapiro, Northridge Hospital Medical Center.
Those 90-mile-per-hour gusts kicked up buried soot and carried pollen and pollution from miles away.
Dr. Shapiro says allergy sufferers should continue to take cover.
"Keep the windows closed," said Shapiro. "You also want to keep your air purifiers going so you can filter out any of the allergens and irritants that get into the house. Make sure you change your filters on a regular basis."
But you've got to go out some time. So Dr. Shapiro recommends taking precautions before you head out.
"These include antihistamines and nasal decongestants, as well some of these sinus-irrigation techniques that allow a person to clean out the irritants that build up inside their sinus cavities and nasal cavities," said Shapiro.
Your nose and throat aren't the only things affected by the high winds. Doctors report many patients are complaining about dry skin and irritated eyes.
"There's some great over-the-counter eye drops and also, even better prescription eye drops, as well as saline eye drops that can be very effective with just washing out whatever irritants are getting in their eyes," said Shapiro.
Dr. Shapiro also recommends drinking plenty of water and keeping dry skin moisturized.
Dr. Shapiro says the change in barometric pressure can also trigger allergic symptoms.
If your symptoms persist, he recommends you see an allergist to create a long-term treatment plan, which may include regular medication and/or allergy shots.
You might be feeling it in your nose, throat and eyes. Thanks to last week's strong winds and the continuing Santa Anas, allergy doctors are reporting a boom of business. But you don't have to continue suffering.
"Once that wind blows we have several days afterwards that we're dealing with people that suffer from allergies having persistent symptoms, because it does bring up a lot of mold, it brings up pollen and it brings up a lot of dust that irritates people's symptoms," said Dr. Joseph Shapiro, Northridge Hospital Medical Center.
Those 90-mile-per-hour gusts kicked up buried soot and carried pollen and pollution from miles away.
Dr. Shapiro says allergy sufferers should continue to take cover.
"Keep the windows closed," said Shapiro. "You also want to keep your air purifiers going so you can filter out any of the allergens and irritants that get into the house. Make sure you change your filters on a regular basis."
But you've got to go out some time. So Dr. Shapiro recommends taking precautions before you head out.
"These include antihistamines and nasal decongestants, as well some of these sinus-irrigation techniques that allow a person to clean out the irritants that build up inside their sinus cavities and nasal cavities," said Shapiro.
Your nose and throat aren't the only things affected by the high winds. Doctors report many patients are complaining about dry skin and irritated eyes.
"There's some great over-the-counter eye drops and also, even better prescription eye drops, as well as saline eye drops that can be very effective with just washing out whatever irritants are getting in their eyes," said Shapiro.
Dr. Shapiro also recommends drinking plenty of water and keeping dry skin moisturized.
Dr. Shapiro says the change in barometric pressure can also trigger allergic symptoms.
If your symptoms persist, he recommends you see an allergist to create a long-term treatment plan, which may include regular medication and/or allergy shots.
2011年12月1日星期四
Why IIT-B can't crack food poisoning case?
Three months after the food poisoning incident, the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) has still not figured out why more than 600 students had fallen ill after dinner at the hostel mess.
Despite the fact-finding committee probing into the matter for two months, the institute, which takes pride in scientific research has been unable to figure out how klebsiella, the bacteria that was found in the stool samples of the affected students, was present in the food.
"Around 80% of gastrointestinal diseases are caused by bad handling of food and unhygienic methods. Not all food contamination is caused by the raw material. In fact, on most occasions, food gets contaminated when it is not handled hygienically,"said Ashwin Bhadri, head business relations, Equinox Lab, a professional expert agency in hygiene auditing.
"If the food handler is suffering from an illness, he or she can pass the contamination to the food. Hence, maintaining a clean kitchen and hygiene of the workers is important."
Questions are now being raised if the institute went about finding answers in a scientific manner or is it simply brushing the issue under the carpet.
In a bid to quell reports in the media, IIT-B went to the extent of issuing a gag order on students and even conducted an opinion poll last month to see if a blanket ban on media should be implemented.
The key questions that the institute doesn't have answers to are how the fact-finding committee would probe into the incident when it was formed as late as the last week of October — almost a month later. Obviously, it did not have food samples to check.
The institute was quick to rule out water contamination believing a report submitted by the purifier manufacturer, and the food handlers were not subjected to medical examinations immediately to check if they were had any infections.
The committee reportedly also overlooked other sources of infection such as seepage in the walls of the hostel mess that could lead to mold.
Bhadri said the panel should have checked the possibility of contamination by air as the walls of the hostel mess were extremely moist.
While professor Urjit Yagnik, dean of student affairs at IIT-B, admitted no medical checks were conducted on the food handlers, he gave an assurance it has been made mandatory in the new contract.
"Routine medical check-ups and regular training for the canteen workers to maintain basic hygiene will be part of the canteen contract. All canteen staff has been asked to use sanitizer for washing with immediate effect."
Yagnik admitted that the suspect food samples were not made available to the panel.
"We have not been able to take samples of the food and water consumed by students on September 25, because they started showing symptoms and reporting to the campus hospital at different points. Some even complained of stomach ache a day later. The samples could be taken only of the items that were available after students started complaining of illness," he said.
He, however, denied claims that the water at the campus was being tested by a purifier manufacturer. "Students do not have complete information. The water was properly tested by experts at the IIT-B labs. But, it would not be correct to completely rule out water as a cause of contamination as the director-appointed committee's report is yet inconclusive."
In one of the issues of Insight, an official IIT-B students' magazine, Prasoon Thapliyal, general secretary of hostel number 13 (one of the messes affected by food poisoning), mentioned how the purifier manufacturer staff had conducted tests. He also lamented the poor construction of the kitchen and uncontrolled seepage in the walls.
Despite the fact-finding committee probing into the matter for two months, the institute, which takes pride in scientific research has been unable to figure out how klebsiella, the bacteria that was found in the stool samples of the affected students, was present in the food.
"Around 80% of gastrointestinal diseases are caused by bad handling of food and unhygienic methods. Not all food contamination is caused by the raw material. In fact, on most occasions, food gets contaminated when it is not handled hygienically,"said Ashwin Bhadri, head business relations, Equinox Lab, a professional expert agency in hygiene auditing.
"If the food handler is suffering from an illness, he or she can pass the contamination to the food. Hence, maintaining a clean kitchen and hygiene of the workers is important."
Questions are now being raised if the institute went about finding answers in a scientific manner or is it simply brushing the issue under the carpet.
In a bid to quell reports in the media, IIT-B went to the extent of issuing a gag order on students and even conducted an opinion poll last month to see if a blanket ban on media should be implemented.
The key questions that the institute doesn't have answers to are how the fact-finding committee would probe into the incident when it was formed as late as the last week of October — almost a month later. Obviously, it did not have food samples to check.
The institute was quick to rule out water contamination believing a report submitted by the purifier manufacturer, and the food handlers were not subjected to medical examinations immediately to check if they were had any infections.
The committee reportedly also overlooked other sources of infection such as seepage in the walls of the hostel mess that could lead to mold.
Bhadri said the panel should have checked the possibility of contamination by air as the walls of the hostel mess were extremely moist.
While professor Urjit Yagnik, dean of student affairs at IIT-B, admitted no medical checks were conducted on the food handlers, he gave an assurance it has been made mandatory in the new contract.
"Routine medical check-ups and regular training for the canteen workers to maintain basic hygiene will be part of the canteen contract. All canteen staff has been asked to use sanitizer for washing with immediate effect."
Yagnik admitted that the suspect food samples were not made available to the panel.
"We have not been able to take samples of the food and water consumed by students on September 25, because they started showing symptoms and reporting to the campus hospital at different points. Some even complained of stomach ache a day later. The samples could be taken only of the items that were available after students started complaining of illness," he said.
He, however, denied claims that the water at the campus was being tested by a purifier manufacturer. "Students do not have complete information. The water was properly tested by experts at the IIT-B labs. But, it would not be correct to completely rule out water as a cause of contamination as the director-appointed committee's report is yet inconclusive."
In one of the issues of Insight, an official IIT-B students' magazine, Prasoon Thapliyal, general secretary of hostel number 13 (one of the messes affected by food poisoning), mentioned how the purifier manufacturer staff had conducted tests. He also lamented the poor construction of the kitchen and uncontrolled seepage in the walls.
2011年9月26日星期一
Proactively preparing for the Smart Grid
With utility costs rising apparently with little end in sight, many building owners and operators view the potential of Smart Grids and their associated technologies with excitement. The transition of the century-old U.S. power grid, which is the largest interconnected web of technology and machinery on Earth, into a Smart Grid has begun, with technological advancements being implemented in transmission efficiency, integration of intermittent power sources such as solar and wind, distributed combined heat and power systems, and smarter buildings.
Already, Smart Grid pilot projects are showing promising results. In North Carolina, 100 Fayetteville residents and businesses cut energy use an average of 20% during a six-month pilot in 2010. As these systems come online, they can have enough impact to reduce the building of new power plants—an expense that is largely borne by the residential and commercial sectors.
On an individual basis, businesses in some areas are reaping minor benefits from Smart Grid technologies such as two-way communication enabled by smart meters. For example, some business owners currently power down noncontinuous, noncritical operations—from computers and printers to production line assemblies—based on real-time utility pricing—during designated times of peak power usage and rates. Even critical machinery such as cooling and refrigeration systems is being duty-cycled periodically without affecting operational effectiveness.
Many commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities allow utilities to bring on power generation assets automatically to meet utility-grid peak demand and manage alternative energy source integration with the electrical power grid. These are the baby steps that only hint at what lies ahead.
Much work and coordination is needed and underway by the utility, building, and government sectors to make widespread Smart Grid deployment a reality. Owners of existing buildings that are not yet able to participate in these programs may be asking their engineers how they can speed up the process.
While it’s beneficial to stay engaged with local utilities and thereby be apprised of available Smart Grid projects, the reality is that outside forces and factors play a large role in when Smart Grid benefits will be available to a given location. Astute engineers can show building owners that analysis of existing configurations now to identify internal operational improvements—and where it is possible to implement them—is the best way to prepare for Smart Grid technology.
These improvements and the data that drive them, both of which focus on making the buildings smart in themselves, provide real-time feedback on the building’s performance through information gathered from smart utility meters, advanced metering systems, building equipment sensors, occupant surveys, and other mechanisms (see Figure 1). Not only do building performance indicators provide management and operations staff with the information to operate a building for maximum economic, environmental, and social performance in the short term, but the data they provide create valuable benchmarks for building performance over time.
An occupant survey is a vital source of information for improving both a building’s performance and the productivity of the occupants within it. Surveys help owners determine which building services and design features work as intended, and where problems are causing the occupants to intervene or be less productive than optimal.
Occupants who are dissatisfied with their environment will install fans, electric heaters, additional lighting, and other personal improvements—all of which can reduce the satisfaction of other occupants and negatively impact operating costs. Fear of reprisal may prohibit occupants from answering surveys honestly, so respondents should be reassured that all comments are welcome and will be handled sensitively.
Surveys should encourage participants to move beyond the typical enhancements to less-common issues. For example, an occupant might be placing paper over air registers/diffusers because he is cold, or running portable air purifiers because he has a perception, however untrue, that the air in the building is not clean.
Occupant surveys should also incorporate concerns for productivity such as ambient noise. If personnel cannot work effectively because the office environment is open or established as a cubicle farm that does not sufficiently dampen the sound of nearby discussions, productivity will be affected. Likewise, perhaps some personnel do not have enough space to perform their work.
Try to uncover every physical constraint and indoor environmental quality complaint and then make a plan to address them. These benefits can be enormous, as productivity savings routinely exceed direct energy cost returns and provide significant savings.
Already, Smart Grid pilot projects are showing promising results. In North Carolina, 100 Fayetteville residents and businesses cut energy use an average of 20% during a six-month pilot in 2010. As these systems come online, they can have enough impact to reduce the building of new power plants—an expense that is largely borne by the residential and commercial sectors.
On an individual basis, businesses in some areas are reaping minor benefits from Smart Grid technologies such as two-way communication enabled by smart meters. For example, some business owners currently power down noncontinuous, noncritical operations—from computers and printers to production line assemblies—based on real-time utility pricing—during designated times of peak power usage and rates. Even critical machinery such as cooling and refrigeration systems is being duty-cycled periodically without affecting operational effectiveness.
Many commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities allow utilities to bring on power generation assets automatically to meet utility-grid peak demand and manage alternative energy source integration with the electrical power grid. These are the baby steps that only hint at what lies ahead.
Much work and coordination is needed and underway by the utility, building, and government sectors to make widespread Smart Grid deployment a reality. Owners of existing buildings that are not yet able to participate in these programs may be asking their engineers how they can speed up the process.
While it’s beneficial to stay engaged with local utilities and thereby be apprised of available Smart Grid projects, the reality is that outside forces and factors play a large role in when Smart Grid benefits will be available to a given location. Astute engineers can show building owners that analysis of existing configurations now to identify internal operational improvements—and where it is possible to implement them—is the best way to prepare for Smart Grid technology.
These improvements and the data that drive them, both of which focus on making the buildings smart in themselves, provide real-time feedback on the building’s performance through information gathered from smart utility meters, advanced metering systems, building equipment sensors, occupant surveys, and other mechanisms (see Figure 1). Not only do building performance indicators provide management and operations staff with the information to operate a building for maximum economic, environmental, and social performance in the short term, but the data they provide create valuable benchmarks for building performance over time.
An occupant survey is a vital source of information for improving both a building’s performance and the productivity of the occupants within it. Surveys help owners determine which building services and design features work as intended, and where problems are causing the occupants to intervene or be less productive than optimal.
Occupants who are dissatisfied with their environment will install fans, electric heaters, additional lighting, and other personal improvements—all of which can reduce the satisfaction of other occupants and negatively impact operating costs. Fear of reprisal may prohibit occupants from answering surveys honestly, so respondents should be reassured that all comments are welcome and will be handled sensitively.
Surveys should encourage participants to move beyond the typical enhancements to less-common issues. For example, an occupant might be placing paper over air registers/diffusers because he is cold, or running portable air purifiers because he has a perception, however untrue, that the air in the building is not clean.
Occupant surveys should also incorporate concerns for productivity such as ambient noise. If personnel cannot work effectively because the office environment is open or established as a cubicle farm that does not sufficiently dampen the sound of nearby discussions, productivity will be affected. Likewise, perhaps some personnel do not have enough space to perform their work.
Try to uncover every physical constraint and indoor environmental quality complaint and then make a plan to address them. These benefits can be enormous, as productivity savings routinely exceed direct energy cost returns and provide significant savings.
2011年6月29日星期三
Trial Begins In Lawsuit Over Drug Tampering
Small cameras hidden in a clock radio and an air purifier helped a North Stonington woman nab the worker responsible for stealing and tampering with her daughter's medication in a Westbrook home for the mentally disabled.
The worker, an employee of Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center, was fired, prosecuted and sent to prison in 2007 for two years.
Now the employee's transgression is surfacing again, this time in a civil courtroom where Vista is defending itself against a lawsuit filed by Jane and John Couto on behalf of their daughter, Melissa.
The lawsuit says Melissa Couto suffered "serious and severe consequences and damages" as a result of being deprived of her proper medication. The Coutos charge that the damages were caused by Vista's "negligence and carelessness" in failing both to supervise the proper administration of their daughter's medication and to investigate why her behavior changed.
Vista has insisted that it did nothing wrong and has vowed to fight the civil suit.
The lawsuit also accuses the facility of failing to supervise personnel, failing to hire "a sufficient number of competent, qualified personnel," and hiring "incompetent and unqualified persons."
Jane Couto sent her severely mentally disabled daughter to Vista in 2005 so she could learn life skills and get vocational training and counseling. Throughout her stay, Melissa Couto would need the medication Focalin, a stimulant, that prevented her from becoming lethargic and depressed.
At first, Melissa Couto seemed to do well at Vista. In January 2006, however, the Coutos noticed their daughter was becoming so tired that it was difficult for her to stay awake and alert. They wondered why medication that was once effective was no longer helping the young woman's fatigue and depression.
Then one day when Melissa Couto was visiting at home, sunlight shining through a window revealed that a capsule of medicine for Melissa was nearly empty. It appeared that someone at Vista was tampering with her medication.
With the help of her younger daughter, Ashley, Jane Couto hid small cameras inside Melissa's room at Vista. When the tape showed someone was entering Melissa Couto's room in the middle of the night and stealing her medicine, the Coutos called police.
The worker, an employee of Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center, was fired, prosecuted and sent to prison in 2007 for two years.
Now the employee's transgression is surfacing again, this time in a civil courtroom where Vista is defending itself against a lawsuit filed by Jane and John Couto on behalf of their daughter, Melissa.
The lawsuit says Melissa Couto suffered "serious and severe consequences and damages" as a result of being deprived of her proper medication. The Coutos charge that the damages were caused by Vista's "negligence and carelessness" in failing both to supervise the proper administration of their daughter's medication and to investigate why her behavior changed.
Vista has insisted that it did nothing wrong and has vowed to fight the civil suit.
The lawsuit also accuses the facility of failing to supervise personnel, failing to hire "a sufficient number of competent, qualified personnel," and hiring "incompetent and unqualified persons."
Jane Couto sent her severely mentally disabled daughter to Vista in 2005 so she could learn life skills and get vocational training and counseling. Throughout her stay, Melissa Couto would need the medication Focalin, a stimulant, that prevented her from becoming lethargic and depressed.
At first, Melissa Couto seemed to do well at Vista. In January 2006, however, the Coutos noticed their daughter was becoming so tired that it was difficult for her to stay awake and alert. They wondered why medication that was once effective was no longer helping the young woman's fatigue and depression.
Then one day when Melissa Couto was visiting at home, sunlight shining through a window revealed that a capsule of medicine for Melissa was nearly empty. It appeared that someone at Vista was tampering with her medication.
With the help of her younger daughter, Ashley, Jane Couto hid small cameras inside Melissa's room at Vista. When the tape showed someone was entering Melissa Couto's room in the middle of the night and stealing her medicine, the Coutos called police.
2011年6月15日星期三
Your essential guide to a sneeze-free summer
Summer looks set to sizzle and while that’s more than welcome after months of drizzle, it has a definite downside if you happen to be allergic to pollen.
Hay fever isn’t going away. With a huge 15 million Brits have the condition and numbers are rising. So here’s our 20-point sneezing-survival plan.
1 Spot the hidden symptoms
A blocked, runny or itchy nose, red and itchy, watery eyes, sore throat and headaches can all be tell-tale signs of hay fever. More people are getting hay fever for the first time in middle-age but because of variations in the pollen count, they might not suffer the same symptoms every year.
“People mistakenly believe they have a cold, so treat it inappropriately,” says pollen and allergy expert Professor Jean Emberlin. If any of these symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, see your pharmacist. But see your GP if you also have asthma as uncontrolled hay fever can make it worse.
2 Let out the smoke
Cigarette smoke – your own or someone else’s – irritates the lining of the nose, eyes, throat and airways, making hay fever worse, so ban it at home.
3 Boost your defences
Pack in the fruit and veg and get plenty of exercise to strengthen your immune system. Allergies like hay fever occur when the immune system gets confused, mistaking a harmless substance like pollen for something harmful, putting it into overdrive.
During this process, your body produces the chemical histamine, which causes the symptoms. Last year’s Hay Fever Health Report carried out by Professor Emberlin’s team found that people who eat healthily and exercise are less likely to suffer severe hay fever symptoms.
4 Nip it in the bud
The earlier you start treatment, the more successful it should be. When hay fever symptoms are in full flow, one in 10 sufferers has difficulty working while a third have problems sleeping, according to Opticrom.
Start with over-the-counter antihistamine nasal sprays and eye drops for mild symptoms. Otherwise, try long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine pills, such as those with cetirizine or loratadine – save money with non-branded versions.
5 Find the culprit
Once you know which pollen or pollens cause problems, you can try to avoid them. Keep a diary of when and where you get symptoms and match them against a pollen calendar. You can download one for free at www.zirtek.co.uk.
6 Watch what you eat
If you’re allergic to birch pollen, eating uncooked apples and stone fruits can make symptoms worse.
7 Lighten up
The Lumie Haylight (£49.95) is a pocket-sized phototherapy device, which has two tubes that you insert into your nostrils for three minutes, three to four times a day. It emits light that works on the membranes inside the nose, reducing production of histamine. It might sound odd but it doesn’t have side effects and is scientifically proven. Visit www.lumie.com.
8 Put up barriers
There are plenty of barrier balms that trap pollen before it gets into the respiratory system. But Prevalin (£9.22) is a new nasal spray that goes even further. It deactivates the pollen inside the nose, forms a microgel barrier to protect the nasal lining and helps to remove pollen from the nostrils.
In a study, 75% of hay fever sufferers said they preferred Prevalin to their usual treatment. It’s also safe for kids and pregnant women. Visit www.westonsinternet.co.uk.
9 Clear the air
Air purifiers capture pollen grains that are circulating in the air at home. The best are those given Allergy UK’s seal of approval. Visit www.allergyuk.org.
10 Check the count
On high pollen count days, try to stay indoors and, if you go out, wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes. You can find out the pollen count on weather forecasts.
11 Escape the city
Hay fever symptoms are worse in cities as pollution reacts with the pollen, making it more powerful. Pollen counts are usually lower close to the coast and on higher ground. If you’re going on holiday, pick a low-pollen location with the help of pollen maps. Maps of the UK and Europe, can be downloaded free at www.nasacort.co.uk.
12 Chill out
Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which affects the immune system and prolongs symptoms. The Hay Fever Health Report found seven out of 10 sufferers with high stress suffered severe symptoms.
13 Ignore the old wives’ tales
Many people believe that eating local honey can help. Unfortunately, it turns out it’s a myth. As honey is derived from bee pollination from flowers and most people’s hay fever is triggered by grass or tree pollen, honey might be scrummy, but it will do very little to relieve symptoms.
14 Time it right
Keep windows shut at peak pollen times of day – that’s between 7am and10am and 5pm and 7pm. Try to limit time spent outdoors during those hours if possible.
15 Bin the booze
As well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol is dehydrating, which makes the symptoms seem worse.
Hay fever isn’t going away. With a huge 15 million Brits have the condition and numbers are rising. So here’s our 20-point sneezing-survival plan.
1 Spot the hidden symptoms
A blocked, runny or itchy nose, red and itchy, watery eyes, sore throat and headaches can all be tell-tale signs of hay fever. More people are getting hay fever for the first time in middle-age but because of variations in the pollen count, they might not suffer the same symptoms every year.
“People mistakenly believe they have a cold, so treat it inappropriately,” says pollen and allergy expert Professor Jean Emberlin. If any of these symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, see your pharmacist. But see your GP if you also have asthma as uncontrolled hay fever can make it worse.
2 Let out the smoke
Cigarette smoke – your own or someone else’s – irritates the lining of the nose, eyes, throat and airways, making hay fever worse, so ban it at home.
3 Boost your defences
Pack in the fruit and veg and get plenty of exercise to strengthen your immune system. Allergies like hay fever occur when the immune system gets confused, mistaking a harmless substance like pollen for something harmful, putting it into overdrive.
During this process, your body produces the chemical histamine, which causes the symptoms. Last year’s Hay Fever Health Report carried out by Professor Emberlin’s team found that people who eat healthily and exercise are less likely to suffer severe hay fever symptoms.
4 Nip it in the bud
The earlier you start treatment, the more successful it should be. When hay fever symptoms are in full flow, one in 10 sufferers has difficulty working while a third have problems sleeping, according to Opticrom.
Start with over-the-counter antihistamine nasal sprays and eye drops for mild symptoms. Otherwise, try long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine pills, such as those with cetirizine or loratadine – save money with non-branded versions.
5 Find the culprit
Once you know which pollen or pollens cause problems, you can try to avoid them. Keep a diary of when and where you get symptoms and match them against a pollen calendar. You can download one for free at www.zirtek.co.uk.
6 Watch what you eat
If you’re allergic to birch pollen, eating uncooked apples and stone fruits can make symptoms worse.
7 Lighten up
The Lumie Haylight (£49.95) is a pocket-sized phototherapy device, which has two tubes that you insert into your nostrils for three minutes, three to four times a day. It emits light that works on the membranes inside the nose, reducing production of histamine. It might sound odd but it doesn’t have side effects and is scientifically proven. Visit www.lumie.com.
8 Put up barriers
There are plenty of barrier balms that trap pollen before it gets into the respiratory system. But Prevalin (£9.22) is a new nasal spray that goes even further. It deactivates the pollen inside the nose, forms a microgel barrier to protect the nasal lining and helps to remove pollen from the nostrils.
In a study, 75% of hay fever sufferers said they preferred Prevalin to their usual treatment. It’s also safe for kids and pregnant women. Visit www.westonsinternet.co.uk.
9 Clear the air
Air purifiers capture pollen grains that are circulating in the air at home. The best are those given Allergy UK’s seal of approval. Visit www.allergyuk.org.
10 Check the count
On high pollen count days, try to stay indoors and, if you go out, wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes. You can find out the pollen count on weather forecasts.
11 Escape the city
Hay fever symptoms are worse in cities as pollution reacts with the pollen, making it more powerful. Pollen counts are usually lower close to the coast and on higher ground. If you’re going on holiday, pick a low-pollen location with the help of pollen maps. Maps of the UK and Europe, can be downloaded free at www.nasacort.co.uk.
12 Chill out
Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which affects the immune system and prolongs symptoms. The Hay Fever Health Report found seven out of 10 sufferers with high stress suffered severe symptoms.
13 Ignore the old wives’ tales
Many people believe that eating local honey can help. Unfortunately, it turns out it’s a myth. As honey is derived from bee pollination from flowers and most people’s hay fever is triggered by grass or tree pollen, honey might be scrummy, but it will do very little to relieve symptoms.
14 Time it right
Keep windows shut at peak pollen times of day – that’s between 7am and10am and 5pm and 7pm. Try to limit time spent outdoors during those hours if possible.
15 Bin the booze
As well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol is dehydrating, which makes the symptoms seem worse.
2011年6月12日星期日
Are nanomaterials a big deal?
Federal regulators announced two actions last week that will aim to clarify the role that extremely small materials can play in items such as cosmetics and food production and packaging.
The Environmental Protection Agency said that it will seek to determine whether nanomaterials in pesticide products can "cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment and human health."
And the Food and Drug Administration released draft guidelines to industries about when the use of nanomaterials might trigger regulatory interest. The FDA named certain characteristics -- such as the size of nanomaterials used and their properties -- that may be considered when trying to identify applications of nanotechnology in products.
Nanomaterials measure about three-billionths of an inch or less, small enough to penetrate the lungs, brain and possibly the skin.
According to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, nanomaterials are used in pest control, lotions, sunscreens, hamburger containers, air purifiers and toys.
Academics, researchers and scientists say the rapidly growing but little-understood science merits wider study.
"We want to obtain timely and accurate information on what nanoscale materials may be in pesticide products. This information is needed for EPA to meet its requirement under the law to protect health and environment," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
The Environmental Protection Agency said that it will seek to determine whether nanomaterials in pesticide products can "cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment and human health."
And the Food and Drug Administration released draft guidelines to industries about when the use of nanomaterials might trigger regulatory interest. The FDA named certain characteristics -- such as the size of nanomaterials used and their properties -- that may be considered when trying to identify applications of nanotechnology in products.
Nanomaterials measure about three-billionths of an inch or less, small enough to penetrate the lungs, brain and possibly the skin.
According to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, nanomaterials are used in pest control, lotions, sunscreens, hamburger containers, air purifiers and toys.
Academics, researchers and scientists say the rapidly growing but little-understood science merits wider study.
"We want to obtain timely and accurate information on what nanoscale materials may be in pesticide products. This information is needed for EPA to meet its requirement under the law to protect health and environment," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
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