Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Health And Hygiene For A Better World

The air we breathe, the water we drink and ultimately, the sun that shines upon us everyday are considered by most a real bless. But we are rarely aware that because of our disregarding attitude the water is now polluted by tons of petrol, the air is filled with gas, and the Sun that brought life on Earth is burning our planet through the holes in the ozone layer. For this reason, more and more persons are now joining programs that help to maintain the health of our planet and, consequently our very own.

In the first place, all the big companies that use or product chemical substances must be advised and moreover, made by strict laws to carefully manage the chemicals. By doing a simple mistake, one can pollute an entire river which will logically lead to poisoning hundreds of people who consume fish from that river of who even drink water from it. This kind of accidents happen frequently but nobody takes them seriously whatsoever. The existing laws are not so strict in many countries and, as a consequence, the companies that let such accidents happen are not punished as they should.

Secondly, whenever we look on the crowded city streets we see hundreds of cars that leave behind them a real cloud of smoke. Well, that smoke is not at all harmless. Along with the smoke that is raising from the towers of the different factories that provide the electric energy it can cause many damages in the ozone layer, thing proven by the holes that have been discovered. Also, another major negative effect is the very well known "Greenhouse effect".

What you have read above are just few of the damages that mankind caused to his own home planet, either by not knowing , or by not caring. However there are also many persons who do care, who start health and hygiene programs. It has become a fashion, but it is nothing bad in it. Moreover, it is rather a reason to be happy and optimistic for the future, for a cleaner planet for the next generations. Some institutions offer services for health assistance, assurance and consultancy. Most of them try to treat every client individually, giving them personalized solutions and advices at not very high costs. Only specialists know how to handle toxic and dangerous chemical products so it is more than advisable to hire such a company in your business.

As a conclusion, we must admit that our lives are surrounded by gases and polluting substances which could actually bring real disasters if managed without proper instruments and carelessly. In order to keep our planet alive and healthy, and also to make our lives healthier, our existence less endangered, every each of us should at first revise the attitude and behavior towards Earth, and then make others do this too. Joining programs regarding environmental issues is a very good thing to do, along with letting the specialized persons to handle toxic substances. We should take care about our home planet’s health as we take care of our own health because this is the ultimate home we all have.

About the Author

This article was written by Steve Madden. For getting more information and details regarding health and safety services you should visit www.c-ih.com


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Steam Cleaning VS Dry Cleaning

There has always been a huge debate over which cleaning method is best for your carpet, steam cleaning or dry cleaning? In my 13 years in the carpet cleaning industry, I have been exposed to both sides of the fence, having worked for dry and steam cleaning companies.

"Shaw Industries" is the largest carpet manufacturer in the world, if you go to there site, they will suggest having your carpet steam cleaned. As far as I'm concerned, this settles the debate. Since they have to honor warrantees, they want the consumer to abide by there guidelines to keep losses down to a minimum.

Do you think they would recommend steam cleaning if they thought that dry cleaning would reduce the amount of claims? Steam cleaning has received bad press, which really started back in the 70's when steam cleaning was just evolving into a popular cleaning method.

Carpet machines back then weren't very efficient, leaving the carpet wet for 24 hours or more. Dry cleaning companies used this a selling point for their services. Times have changed drastically, steam cleaning machines that are mounted in vans produce very hot water and are extremely efficient in water recovery, leaving the carpet dry in 4 hours or so.

If carpet cleaners use an extra dry stroke while cleaning, dry times can easily be less than two hours and with new extraction devices, the dry time can get even lower. So how do dry cleaning companies sell their services now? The same way they did back in the 70's, through customer fear of having soggy carpet the next day.

This is simply not true! The fact of the matter is, sometimes steam cleaning can be dry before dry cleaning! Dry cleaning is inferior to steam cleaning in every aspect. It does a poor job of removing soil and it leaves chemicals in the carpet which can cause yellowing from the high ph.

I think more consumers should be aware of the facts and not let hype control their decision making when it comes to carpet cleaning. If more dry cleaning customers had their carpet steam cleaned, chances are, they would never go back.

About the Author

Bobby Walker 13 year carpet cleaning veteran Owner/Carpet Cleaning of Dallas http://www.dfwcarpetcleaning.com


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Infertility and Some Cancers Linked to Chemicals in Water Supply

Indigestion, ulcers, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, fatigue, dry skin, headaches, constipation, joint problems... The list could go on and on. What do all these ailments have in common? If you have any of these conditions, it very well could be dehydration, which is more common than people realize.

"Dehydration" means not taking enough water into the body. If you are not drinking at least one quart for every 50 pounds of body weight, then you are not giving your body enough of the vital "fluid of life" we call water.

Most people would ask "Why is water so important?" Normally the body is made up of more than 70 percent water. The body needs water to carry out its many functions, including formation of blood and lymph to carry nutrients and oxygen to every cell of the body and to take away wastes and carbon dioxide that can accumulate to toxic levels if not eliminated.

Consider that at least 66 percent, or two-thirds, of Americans don't drink enough water, and 10 percent don't drink any water at all. Most people take better care of their car than they do their own body. They wouldn't dare run their car's engine without water and motor oil. But a car is just a machine that wears out and is then discarded. A person's body should be more important to them than that.

Water is essential, just like breathing air. Our body can go without food for much longer than it can without water. So water is fundamental to being healthy. Taking in enough clean water should be the first thing to consider when adopting a program to improve health, before anything else, including nutrition and vitamins. Without water, no other health measure will have much benefit.

For those who refuse to take in enough water, eventually it will catch up with them when their body begins to break down and one or more of the symptoms listed above show up. Then they will want a magic pill to try and fix things, or maybe then they will start to listen to their body. Can you hear your body calling: "Water. Please, give me water."

About the Author

Dr. Tim Holcomb is the "Tox Doctor", the source for information about living a toxin-free life by avoiding toxins from your water, air, household chemicals and electrical devices, and how to detoxify toxins from your body. His website can be found at http://www.thetoxdoctor.com/


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Dust control and vacuum cleaning

Dust contains a nasty element, which is the result of Dust mites, and could be the cause of allergic asthma, Rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis.

This element is a protein called DerP1, a protease enzyme found in the feces of dust mites.
The house dust mite, is a cosmopolitan guest in human habitation. These mites thrive in modern, fully carpeted, double-glazed, draught-proof homes and lives comfortably at 25 deg Celcius and a humidity of 75%.

Dust mites live on shed human skin cells, predigested by a fungus called Aspergillus repens. It is particularly common in carpets and bedding. General cleaning does not remove these mites. In this article, we will take a look at effective ways to control dust mites.

Most of us take the following measures to control dust mites using regular cleaning equipment and chemicals:

Regular vacuum cleaning (especially with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters)
Regular damp dusting of surfaces
Replacement of carpets with vinyl or tile floors
Covering of mattresses and pillows with impervious materials
Use of chemicals (acaricides) to kill mites
Use of fungicides to kill Aspergillus
High efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA)

The use of high efficiency particulate air filters will assist with the removal of dust mites in household and other environments. Nowadays, vacuum cleaners are HEPA rated, so it is advisable to look for this rating when purchasing a vacuum cleaner.

HEPA rating is a confusing term as so many manufacturers and end-users misuse it to sell their products. In Europe, HEPA is a range of filtration from 85% to 99,995% of particles 0.3 microns in size or larger. (HI0-HI4) For anything better than HI4, the rating scale changes to ULPA (Ultra Particulate Air) 99.9995% to 99.999995% @ 0.3 microns is considered ULPA in Europe. In the United States, a HEPA filter is understood to be at least 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns. Higher efficiencies can be specified, such as 99,999% but there are no classifications applied. (e.g. H13) as in Europe.

It is also essential to distinguish between HEPA-tested and rated vacuum cleaner and a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.

1. HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaner.
HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners achieve total filtration of 99.99954% at 0.3 microns.
2. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner
A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner - only the filter system has been tested, not the entire vacuum system.

Why is it important to distinguish between the two systems?

HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners have been tested for any leaks that might occur - i.e. the possibility of minute leaks in the vacuums system and filters where the air might bypass the filters. That includes the canister as well.

HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners on the other hand have just been tested for the filters itself and not the canisters.

When purchasing cleaning equipment, clients should take these factors into consideration. Questions that should be asked should include the following:

Which type of application needs to be cleaned?
Must the environment be clean and dust-free?

HEPA filtered vacuums works well in commercial applications where the indoor quality of the air should be clean. In cases (for example laboratories) where the air must be both clean and dust-free, a HEPA tested and rated vacuum would be best to use.

Please consult with your cleaning equipment supplier when deciding upon the best equipment to use for your application. It might be worth your while to invest a bit more in order to obtain a clean and dust-free environment.

About the Author

Ricky Bodmer is Director at Tennant South Africa industrial, commercial cleaning equipment and detergents distributor in Southern Africa.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Organic Roses in the Flower Garden

Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is healthier for them and their environment. It is natural that you may wish to grow your roses this way also. Using the pesticides and insecticides that are usually considered to go along with growing roses and keeping them healthy can cause many people have to health problems . Maybe you just don't want those kind of chemicals in your garden and around your children. This article will give some pointers in using more natural methods of growing your roses.

1. First do your homework and find out what type of roses grow well in your area. Buy disease resistant varieties. If you live in an area that has problems with a certain disease, look for a variety that is resistant to it. If you can, purchase organic roses. As they have already been growing with organic methods, this supposes they are "healthier". and not already loaded with chemicals. Thus they have a stronger immune system. Of course, buy roses with no blemishes on them.

2. Roses like full sun. Make sure they are placed so as to get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.

3. Do not crowd your roses together. Ensure that stress is reduced by providing lots of space for air to circulate around the bush. Take growth of the rose bush into account.

4. Plant your roses in good loamy soil. If your soil is not ideal, then amend it with organic material such as from your compost pile. You do have a compost pile, don't you? Roses like well draining soil but they don't want it draining as fast as you might get with sand, so amend your sandy soil. If you have clay soil, an alternative requiring a bit of work is to build a raised bed for your roses much like vegetable gardeners use. It should be at least a foot deep but more is better. Fill it with will amended soil.

5. Keep your watering consistent. Don't allow your plants to dry out and suffer stress before watering. Roses can need up to 2 inches of water a week. Water every two to three days. This, of course, depends on your area and the type of weather (how much rainfall) you are getting. Also, be careful not to stress the plant by overwatering and depriving the roots of oxgen.

6. Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulching can reduce the stress on your rose in several ways. It helps to hold in moisture which can be very good in a hot, dry climate. It helps maintain a more even temperature in the root zone. And mulch can smother weeds that could be competition for your lovely roses. As the mulch decomposes, it adds more nutrients to the soil around your plant. Lastly, it can cut down on some of your work. ;-)

7. Roses are, what could be considered, heavy feeders. They respond well to fertilizer and should be fertilized on a consistent schedule. Most organic fertilizers are slow-acting and may produce less spectacular results of a non-organic fertilizer. Some organic fertilizers to consider are composted manure, fish emulsion, alfalfa meal, blood meal, and cottonseed meal. If you wish to have a truly organic rose garden, you should ensure that your fertilizer is also organic. Of all these the only one you can be sure is truly organic would be your composted manure if you know exactly where it comes from and how the animals are raised. Perhaps you should consider your own animals raised organically. Chicken manure is very high in nitrogen and some localities allow a small backyard flock. Make sure it is composted thoroughly as chicken manure is very "hot" and will burn your plants.

8. Prune your roses in the early spring. To keep your roses healthy, get out the dead wood, damaged wood and anything that starts to look diseased (and don't compost these trimmings). Thin out your plant to keep it from being crowded. Don't allow branches to rub against each other. This will allow air and sunlight to get to the whole plant keeping it healthier.

In part 2 later this week, we will discuss some organic methods of combating specific diseases and pests.

About the Author

© 2005, Sandra Dinkins-Wilson. Find more Rose Garden articles, as well as part 2 of this article, and other gardening tips for Flower Garden Lovers at our website.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Allergies Attack of the Dust Bunnies

It's no secret that certain things can trigger an allergic reaction or allergy attack in people who are sensitive to certain things. While allergies and asthma can be caused by a variety of common products, foods and things in our environment, one common trigger is dirt and dust.

Dirt and dust can play a large role in causing asthma, allergy and even bronchial attacks. This is especially unfortunate given the type of housing and other environmental factors we live in.

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with asthma or have a dirt/dust sensitivity, here are a few ideas to help control the problem in your home that you may not have considered.

Understand that your home need not be considered "dirty" to have dust traps that can trigger bronchial related attacks. Depending on the sensitivity of the person affected, the dust may be manageable with a few simple strategies.
1. Ceiling fans. Although very attractive, they can really create air movement that stirs up the dirt in the air. If you must use ceiling fans, consider making them a part of your weekly cleaning program. It's one thing to need the air movement, it's another to use dirty fan blades to do it. Cleaning is easy with a damp cloth.

2. Do all your dusting with a damp chemical coated cloth. Dusting with a plain cloth will only throw the dust into the air. One benefit of using a water dampened cloth is the lack of odors caused by furniture polish and other chemicals. If you must use a dusting product, find one that is NOT an aerosol. No sense in adding even more chemicals into the air.

3. Get a quality vacuum cleaner. Vacuums collect dirt from your floors and trap it in a bag or container. The exhaust of most vacuums however blow small particles of dust and dirt into the air. Consider replacing your older vacuum cleaner with one that features a HEPA filtration system. HEPA collects and captures microscopic particulate matter and will help limit putting dust in the air.

4. Clean your window coverings. Window treatments, especially fabric ones are great dirt and dust collectors. Use the extension wand and upholstery brush that came with your vacuum to "dust" your drapes. No need to have them professionally cleaned or even to remove them. Simply use the upholstery brush and vacuum the drapes.

5. Clean the window screens. This is an especially good idea in the spring if you have someone that suffers from springtime pollen etc. allergies. Bronchial irritation can occur when the pollen count is high. By removing the window screens and occasionally washing them, you can remove much of the trapped outside dirt and contaminants.
These are just a few of the ways to fight against the triggers that can cause an allergic or asthmatic attack. By taking action to identify and then eliminate the potential triggers, your family can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. There are however, many environmental factors that can trigger an event such as mold, bugs, pets, etc.

About the Author

Abigail Franks has done extensive research into Asthma,Allergies, and their triggers. Learn more about other bronchial related triggers in a free report and learn about more things that can trigger an asthma and allergy attack .


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Business Plans

Way back in business school we had to churn out business plans every semester. As soon as the assignment would drop we would be scrambling for information. Start the number crunching game, do the analysis, do some mental planning and write business plans.

Then we graduated and got jobs. But, we still have to write business plans.

I came across a collection called Business Plans from 'Business-planning-4-you' (http://business.marc8.com/ebook-info.php/name/business_plans/toc_id/1-0-1-5) a few weeks ago. The title caught my eye as I wondered who would be giving away business plans and how many? How would they manage the number of industries? I wanted to find out more.

- It seems that they have over 1500 readymade business plans in their database.
- Covers a wide range of industries: from Abattoir Business Plan to Zen Practitioner Business Plan.
- The cost is $50 as of this writing. That makes it 3 cents per business plan (50/1500 = 0.03).
- They offer about 24 extra bonuses

I know I would be happy with the business plan templates that I could modify and add my own thoughts. I think it would be like instant soup. You have bought the basic ingredient, but you still need to provide a little bit more like hot water and a bowl.

Though I haven't tried the collection myself it looks quite good. I think this would be useful if you are in business school, early part of your career, or even a seasoned business man venturing into new areas.

Till next week and all the best with your business planning!

About the Author

About the Author Sanjib Ahmad is a Product Consultant for "Business.Marc8.com - Business Best Sellers" (http://business.marc8.com). You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Coping with Chronic Stress

Copyright 2005 Trevor DumbletonThere are some people who only get stress from time to time and there are others who suffer from chronic stress. Obviously, it is easier to deal with stress that only arises occasionally, while it is almost impossible to get away from chronic stress.Chronic stress is a condition in which stress arrives routinely and can often stay for days, weeks, and even months at a time, leaving people almost unable to think about anything other than everything that there is to worry about . Unfortunately, the mere sense of worry is not the worst the worst of it. It also leaves people fatigued and unable to concentrate and it can lead to problems with memory and even leave people unable to sleep right. Then, in its worst forms, it can even lead to a complete nervous breakdown, leaving the sufferer incapable of doing anything.On top of the mental symptoms, chronic stress also leads to a weakened immune system, leaving a person vulnerable to disease. Then, if left unchecked, chronic stress will cause high blood pressure, coronary disease and even strokes. This is because stress tends to elevate the blood pressure, which is very dangerous if it continues too long. And as the heart continues to pump too quickly, it will swell up and eventually break down. Also, stress tells the body to create more platelets, which are designed to stop bleeding in cuts. Unfortunately, these can also lead to blood clots, such as those that cause hearts attacks and strokes. Thus, chronic stress can have serious repercussions on a person's physical health.One source of chronic stress can actually be post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a syndrome in which the person has had some sort of sudden, severe stress that has shocked the mind so fiercely that it is incapable of moving beyond that moment. In fact, there is research showing that a severe shock to the system can actually change the chemistry of the brain so that it is becomes suddenly accustomed to stress and it actually desires to stay in a state of stress. Thus, instead of moving beyond a severe shock, the brain is stuck in it and it is almost addicted to the sense of stress. Thus, rather than finding a way to come to grips with the problem, the brain is actually trying to return to it so that it can feel that shock again. This may seem to be counterintuitive, since the stress is usually a very unpleasant one, but the sudden rush of chemicals to the brain is not unlike using a drug. And, after that experience, the brain wants more of those chemicals in order to get its "fix".However, a sudden shock is not the only source of chronic stress. In fact, chronic stress can also result from a long period of stress. This may come from an intense period of work, or a rough period of time with the family, or even a project that was both enjoyable and a high priority. Just like post-traumatic stress disorder, the brain has become accustomed to having all those exciting chemicals flowing through it, so wants to return to the days when it was working at such an intense rate. Thus, once the brain is tuned for stress, it immediately goes back to it like a junkie returning to a dealer.The problem, of course, is how to get the brain to get less accustomed to stress. Unfortunately, this is not easy, since the brain's chemistry is now attuned to the feeling and its receptors now have a heightened sensitivity to stress. This is not easy, but it can be done.People with chronic stress should seek relief through exercise, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep every night. All of these activities will help balance the mind and allow it to work more clearly while easing fatigue and the inability to concentrate. As well, a long vacation can provide some relief, as the simple act of getting away from it all will give the mind a chance to relax. Or, for the most severe cases, a person suffering from chronic stress may want to see a counselor or therapist who can help them through their memories and find some solutions. However, there is a certain stigma attached to this form of therapy, so people often shy away from seeking it. But people suffering from chronic stress should be afraid to ask for help and these people are more than happy to provide it.Though chronic stress is difficult to deal with, it is not an impossible syndrome. Sufferers simply need to come to grips with their stress and find solutions that will work for them. Though it is a tough road to travel down, the rewards are immense for both mental and physical health. Thus, once chronic stress has been found, it should be dealt with immediately.

About the Author

LowerYourStress.com: for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Why Choose Red Cedar

Why choose Red Cedar? That is an excellent question! Cedar comes in a wide variety of colors including white, gold, silver or tan. Red cedar provides a unique look in shades of amber, red and brown, but brings the same superior qualities that other types of cedar bring.

Shall we review all the reasons why cedar is a great bet? Cedar is an exceptional wood for outdoor furniture for many reasons. First of all cedar rarely warps. It is a lightweight wood with incredible strength, so it tends to keep its shape, and stay straight. Furthermore, it doesn’t crack like many other types of wood may crack.

Red cedar is also known for keeping its cool. That might sound funny talking about wood and keeping cool, but it’s true. Red cedar has what is called a good “thermal co-efficient.” That means that it doesn’t radiate heat, no matter how long it has been baking in the sun on a hot day. Sit in it, and you’re likely to still feel cool and relaxed.

We already mentioned red cedar’s strength. In fact, it is estimated to be 80 percent as strong as oak. But what comes along with that strength is an inner strength; it has strong tendencies to be resistant to both bacteria and fungi. Plus, the natural oils in cedar work as a natural insect repellent – which is a beneficial feature for any piece of outdoor furniture.

Not sold on red cedar yet? If not, here are some more excellent reasons for you to consider it. It tends not to rot as quickly as many other types of wood because of the natural oils contained in the cedar’s fibers. These oils protect the cedar wood from moisture and humidity, which makes red cedar a great choice for use near pools and hot tubs.

Another reason that people love wood furniture in general is the smell. Red cedar has natural chemicals that give off a smell most people associate with the woods, the great outdoors, the fresh air, and cleanliness, childhood camping trips— we could go on and on. The basic point is that it evokes warm, good feelings. Can’t put your finger on the exact smell? Close your eyes tight and think back to your grandmother’s cedar chest.

Still need another reason to choose red cedar? Unlike today’s chemically treated woods, red cedar provides all of these benefits without the need for harsh manmade chemicals. You can’t say the same for plastic furniture.

The benefits of red cedar are numerous. It is lightweight and does not crack or warp like so many other woods out there. You do not need to chemically treat cedar as you do with other woods, and red cedar does not rot quickly, so it is great to place near pools and hot tubs. Keep red cedar in mind the next time you are creating a wonderful outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy. You and your family will be glad that you did.

About the Author

Thomas Easterday is the Director of Marketing for The Cedar Station. The Cedar Station carries a complete line of Red Cedar Patio Furniture for your enjoyment. For more information about The Cedar Station please visit http://www.thecedarstation.com .


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Menopause and Bioidentical Hormones

Can menopause symptoms be safely comforted with bioidentical hormones? Recent research suggests that menopause can be treated with bioidentical hormones, a natural replacement for a woman's body, with no reported side effects.

In the past, menopause has been treated like a disease - primarily with Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT (including Premarin, which is made from pregnant mare’s urine, Prempro and Provera), which meant ingesting synthetic chemicals on a regular basis. Now we know that these drugs are causing the very problems we’re trying to avoid including breast cancer and heart attacks.

Bioidentical means the hormone molecule in the product, for example progesterone cream, acts exactly like the molecules produced by the female body. They function in your body in a natural and normal way unlike synthetic chemicals. A “natural hormone” is really a compound synthesized in the lab from a natural source (such as soybeans used for estrogens and testosterone; or wild Mexican yam in the case of progesterone and sometimes testosterone). Synthetic hormones are typically only available in oral form, but bioidentical hormones come in a variety of delivery systems such as oral, transdermal patch, cream, lotion or sublingual drops.

Bioidentical hormones recently caught mainstream attention in part because of Suzanne Somer's new book, The Sexy Years. Typically a successful approach to dealing with a woman’s menopausal symptoms is to begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels called a “hormone panel.” The doctor can then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, testosterone or DHEA that can be made for you at a compounding pharmacy. This is contrary to HRT treatments that are typically “one size fits all.”

Most doctors prescribing bioidentical hormones find that a large percentage of women find some relief by using medical-grade supplements, over-the-counter bioidentical progesterone, and dietary and lifestyle changes (including the proper nutrition and exercise). And, for the percentage of women who need a little more help, most doctors don’t support the idea that bioidentical hormones should be used indefinitely as some kind of fountain of youth.

Is it right for you to treat your menopause with bioidentical hormones? First you need to consult with a doctor to get the right answer for you. Once you know what you need, your doctor and you can work out the best alternative for your body.

Anti-Aging Directory, Answers All Your Questions About Bioidentical Hormones and Nutrition

About the Author

Cathy Taylor, Rancho Sta Margarita, CA USA creative-com@cox.net www.internet-mareting-small-business.comCathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative--com@cox.net or by visiting www.menopauseinfo.orgor www.internet-marketing-small-business.com


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

How To Deal With Environmental Stress

Copyright 2005 Trevor DumbletonAn increasing problem in today's world is environmental stress. This is a type of stress caused by increasing pollution in air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in the sounds we hear. Though environmental stress seems to be simply a physical problem, it can actually alter the ways that our minds work. However, too much environmental stress can also cause physical problems that will ruin our health and lower life expectancy.One of the most common, and most noticeable, types of environmental stress is air pollution. As factories churn out smoke and carcinogens, we are forced to breathe air that is filled with poisons. Whether we notice them or not, we cannot avoid them. Our lungs are constantly subjected to small particles that stick in the lung tissue and gasses that can find their way into our bloodstream. Obviously, this is not a good situation, because we cannot exactly afford to stop breathing.As well, we are subjected to a whole variety of chemicals when we drink water. With all the chemicals that are used in farming, or sprayed on our lawns, or poured into our water supplies, the water we drink is filled with all sorts of poisons that are doing our bodies no good. Once again, we cannot afford to stop drinking water, but we do need to be aware that the water we are drinking contains a lot of things that we would not want in our bodies.However, there is not much we can do to avoid this situation. Obviously, filtered water is superior to simple tap water, but even water filters cannot remove everything from our water. In fact, we do not want filters to remove all of the substances, as water contains many electrolytes that are essential to ensuring the proper functioning of our bodies. Even bottled water is not safe, as the water has to come from somewhere and that somewhere is usually either a stream or from the ground. Unfortunately, streams are filled with particulate matter and chemicals can soak into the ground. However, some water is simply taken from municipal water supplies and those are not safe either. Thus, this is a problem that needs to be faced in day-to-day life.Unfortunately, these poisons do not only put stresses on our bodies, they put stresses on our minds as well. These physical forms of environmental stress put poisons into our brains as well, and can cause them to functions less effectively. Just as alcohol or drugs can affect the ways that our minds work, these subtle poisons are also seeping into our brains and causing mental changes. In fact, receiving too many of these poisons can slow down mental processes without our noticing the change. It will simply happen so slowly that we cannot notice the difference.In addition, one of the most common causes of environmental stress is noise pollution. Anybody who lives in a large city is bombarded with a deluge of noise that can damage the ears, numb the senses, and cause a boatload of stress for our minds. With cars, busses, trains, factories, and people all screaming to be heard above the din filling the streets of the modern city. These pressures on our brains and our eardrums are enough to shut the mind down and send it into a cocoon of insensibility.As well, simply being in a public place can cause us to have to deal with noise pollution. This is, of course, caused by the infamous "cell yell". Anywhere we go in public, we must deal with people yelling into their mobile phones. This is not only annoying, but it is a form of environmental pollution. Listening to someone yell at a phone causes our minds stress and, through that, causes our bodies stress. They are annoying, and annoyance is a form of stress. Thus, we find ourselves stressed by something that is simply a fact of modern life.Environmental stress occurs to us every day and we should be aware that it is happening. Obviously, we cannot be aware of it all the time because to do so would probably cause us more stress just by simple worry. However, it is a fact of life while living in the modern world and we should have the presence of mind to know that environmental stress takes a toll on a body… and a mind.

About the Author

LowerYourStress.com is a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Watch Out For Allergies With Baby Laundry

So you're having a baby. You think you've thought of everything, but at the same time you're terrified that you've missed something. Here's one thing you may or may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that you will have more, but have you considered the basic differences between your baby's laundering needs and yours? If you regularly use perfumed detergents, bleach, or fabric softener, your laundering habits may need some reform.

Gone are the days of washing clothes just because they smell. Your baby is going to burp up stuff you've never thought of, and your laundry piles are going to skyrocket. This is only one new concern, however, since your baby's skin is much more sensitive to chemicals than you and your spouses’ grown up skin. Laundering the baby's clothing in detergents that are free of perfumes and dyes is one quick way to help ensure that your baby does not get unnecessary discomfort from irritating chemicals. There are detergents formulated specifically for babies, but for the most part as long as you stay away from perfume and dye heavy products, your baby should be just fine. There are of course rare cases in which the baby has specific allergies, in which case it is probably best to find one brand that works for your baby's skin and stick with it. Unfortunately for your baby, this may mean a short trial and error process. As with food allergies, just keep a keen eye out and make sure you seek immediate medical treatment when you are concerned about anything.

Another thing that is important when laundering baby clothing is to make sure that you launder any cloth diapers separately. If you are using cloth diapers, you may think of the obvious reason: these items of clothing are obviously much more soiled than the average baby clothing item. It is best to launder these items twice: once in bleach with a double rinse, and then a second time with just vinegar during the last rinse cycle. This is important because not only is the baby using these items a lot more frequently (so they get a lot more wear), but also they are the closest to the baby's very sensitive skin. So making sure that cloth diapers are as allergen free as possible is a key factor in keeping your baby comfortable and happy.

The last item on our laundry agenda will keep your laundry service or electric company well fed, and you plenty busy. As your baby quickly outgrows each new item of clothing, and a new one needs to be purchased to replace it, the new items should all be washed before being put on the baby. That includes outerwear and bath accessories, but is especially important for things that you buy a lot of, like undershirts, socks, and onesies. The first couple of months are particularly crucial in determining what kind of laundering ritual is best for your new addition. This is also a time in which you will be getting used to a lot of specifics about your new baby. Make sure no matter how you launder your baby's clothes, you keep a good eye out for possible allergic reactions and rashes. A comfortable baby is a much happier baby.

About the Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit http://www.babyhelp411.com/for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Toxic Water, Toxic Water Everywhere

I am Dr Patrick Flanagan, and this is the latest edition of my Dr Health Secrets newsletter. Just in time for hot summer days and ice-cold thirst quenching water, I wrote this newsletter about toxic water and its effects on your body.

Wash Away All Your Health

I suppose you can say that water is my, well, thing. As an advocate for the nutritional benefits of water, as well as the health implications associated from there-lack-of, I feel obligated to highlight the darker side of the substance that is needed as much as the air that we breathe.

This saddens me greatly, although I suppose I should just be resigned to the fact by now, but I still fail to fully understand how people continue to pollute, corrupt, and destroy something that is so vital to all of our lives. Still less plausible even, is the knowledge that people still drink this water, then wonder how and why their health has decreased immeasurably and almost unexplainably.

The water that you drink, bathe in, shower in, do laundry in, and otherwise completely function in, has a dark enemy within it that craves a healthy body, such as yours, to corrupt and nestle inside. It may sound dramatic, but if people truly knew what was in their water, they would feel more violated than if they were robbed and then later sued by the assailant after he/she fell and broke their leg.

The chemicals in tap water have been a growing concern for many years, and although there are groups and organizations that make it their work and passion to inform the public, their voices seem to fall on naĆÆve and unassuming ears.
Water Way

70-80% of the human body is composed of water. It is the ultimate solvent and mixes with almost everything biological or chemical. Our bodies are mostly water and, like you, I'm careful about what I drink. Yet today there are over 2,100 known toxins that cause cancer in U.S. drinking water. I used to think, "Come on! If harmful chemicals were really in drinking water, the city or state would do something."

But then one day I simply bought a home water testing kit and sampled some of my tap water. I was shocked and appalled at what I found. Just type "home water testing kit" into your favorite search engine for your own kit

In the U.S. alone, there are over 100,000 toxins present within the environment. In U.S. drinking water, there are over 2100 toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Women have a one in three chance of contracting some form or cancer, while men have a one in two chance. Currently, there are 19 major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Phoenix, and others, that have highly polluted drinking water that is not fit for human consumption.

This is a warning you are used to hearing when you travel within exotic locations, but now the threat has made its way into your home. According to the Washington, D.C. based Environmental Working Group (EWG), manufacturers dumped more than one billion pounds of toxic chemicals into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water between 1990 and 1994. EWG also estimates that manufacturers contributed about 450 million additional pounds via sewage. (1)

1000 contaminants are added every year and only 100 are addressed. 1/10 of 1 year's amount of toxins is not sufficient. Just one example is the fish in the UK now reportedly contaminated by Prozac due to so many prescriptions while the sewer systems have no way of breaking down this non-organic chemical. That's just one example.

Pesticides are an entirely other problem. Two billion pounds of pesticides are used every single year. That's eight pounds for every American. These pesticides enter water systems via disposal sites, animal waste, runoff, sewage, etc. After reviewing published (but not publicized) State data and conducting its own tests, EWG found that a single glass of Midwestern tap water has three or more pesticides in it at any given time.

What's a Water Drinker To Do?

The best solution is get information about your local water supply (see RESOURCE BOX) and then to get a highly advanced water filter for your house. Quality filters can range in the thousands of dollars, but clean water is much cheaper and easier than medical problems later in your life. Nothing feels as good as a shower without chlorinated water!

Remember, the problem with drinking distilled water is that your body is designed to drink water with minerals in it. So try adding minerals to your water and see how you feel. And some mineralized bottled water sources are great, as long as they are rigorously tested as many premium bottled waters are.

About the Author

This article has been authored by Dr Patrick Flanagan, a cellular hydration expert who has developed a unique mineral form called silica Microclusters® and silica hydride to dramatically increase longevity. www.DrHealthSecrets.com


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What Organic Really Means

The word "organic" may appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese and other single-ingredient foods. Certified organic requires the rejection of synthetic agrochemicals, irradiation and genetically engineered foods or ingredients. Literally, of course, the term is a redundancy: all food is composed of organic chemicals (complex chemicals containing carbon). Any materials used in the production or processing of organic food must be proven safe. Awareness is growing about the value of organic foods. But, whether organic chicken or pesticide-free lettuce represents "healthier" alternatives has long been a subject for debate.

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. Gardening organically is much more than what you don't do. In fact, sales of organics have surged more than 20 percent each year in the past decade. In terms of number of farms, acreage and value of production, the organic food industry is growing at a rate of 20-30% per year. As commodity programs are eliminated, more farmers have discovered that organic production is a legitimate and economically viable alternative enterprise. The growth in the number of organic farmers has increased steadily, similar to the growth of the U.S.

In current organic production systems, growers are not permitted to use conventional synthetic organic fungicides in their disease management program. Non-organic milk comes from farms that are allowed to use genetically modified cattle feed, along with routine antibiotic treatments and synthetic pesticides. Arguments have long raged as to the effects these hormones and chemicals have on the bioproducts. Growth hormones in cows, pesticides on produce and antibiotics in poultry are among the reasons many Americans are turning to organic foods.

Organically raised animals may not be given growth hormones to or antibiotics for any reason. Producers are required to feed livestock agricultural feed products that are 100 percent organic, but farmers may also provide allowed vitamin and mineral supplements.

The US Department of Agriculture finally put in place a national system for labeling organic food. The new federal rule guarantees you, the consumer, organic products that are grown without toxic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food. Limitations in relation to which pesticides may or may not be used, present the organic grower with some unique and very demanding challenges. Food that is at least 70 percent organic will list the organic ingredients on the front of the package. More than 40 private organizations and state agencies (certifiers) currently certify organic food, but their standards for growing and labeling organic food may differ. Even with these labeling rules in place, consumers should be prepared for some confusion when shopping for organic foods. For one thing, organic products are not uniformly labeled because many farmers using organic methods do not pursue certification at all. In addition, the language contained in seals, labels, and logos approved by organic certifiers may differ.

While consumers struggle with the fact that often, the availability of organic materials is limited when large quantities are needed. More and more people have come to appreciate the added dimensions of value and quality available in the organic marketplace.

About the Author

Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Keys to a Good Business Plan

A business plan is a very important part of any business. It is usually drawn up before the business launches, but can also be developed after a business has already taken off. A good plan can take some time to develop but the effort you put into it will be well worth it to make your business succeed. Not many people know exactly what goes into a good business plan. What alot don't realize is that each business plan is unique to each business. Just because a Candy Shop's business plan is successful for them doesn't mean it will be successful for a Webhosting business. Though the design of the business plan may be similar, it is truly the details inside that make it work.

Here is an example outline of a business I developed for Logo2D.com . This will give you an idea of some of the subjects that go into a good business plan:

1.0 Executive Summary
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Mission


As you can see it seems a little complex, but the best thing to do is to break it down into parts. Usually each category(Category 1-7) will remain the same on most business plans. Some categories may be added in or taken out all together. The key is to provide as much essential data as possible. For example on Number 5.0 - Web Plan Summary. You business plan mike look something like this:

Part: 5.0 Web Plan Summary
5 Development Information
Logo2D.com has already developed the necessary tools for business including:
- Business Identity
Our logo is unique to us, displaying a eye appealing, unique symbol that when seen can be easily recognized as Logo2D.com creating brand labelling.
- Ecommerce service
Logo2D.com features a fully operational ecommerce website system that allows products to be added through an admin section on the site. It also has the ability to take, receive and process orders, remove sold products, creating promotional offers and coupons/vouchers and also displaying featured products on the front page of the website. Also included in the ecommerce program is an area to add, create and manage website ads placed on the Logo2D.com.
- Website development
All graphics for the website development have already been developed, coded and integrated into the ecommerce system. The website is live and taking orders on www.Logo2D.com
- Products
Development needed products(such as logos) have already be developed and an inventory of over 150 products are on the website at any given time. As soon as logo is sold(as well as during down times) a new logo/new logos are being developed to the highest of quality and added back onto the website.
- Marketing Material
Marketing plan and materials are in the works.

As you can see from above what details are given have already been researched and found out. There aren't any comments from a personnel stand point, just facts that have proven. You can also project different areas of your business plan but you will have to do some research on this as well. So when you are developing your business plan you want to deal with facts and information you already have or can get(not comments or guesses).

When developing a good business plan, research is definitely key. The effort you put into it will determine the effort you will put into your business.
----------

About the author:

Anthony Jewell has over 6 Years experience in the Web & Graphics World. You can visit my business at http://www.logo2d.com©Copyright 2005 Logo2D.com : Feel free to use this article freely but please keep in the copyright

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Organic Products and Production

Many shoppers only seem to have an abstract understanding of the benefits of organic foods and products on the environment and their health. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Many people believe that genetic engineering is dangerous, unpredictable, and can reduce the nutritional value of food. But the FDA has said that the amount of hormones used in commercial livestock isn't enough to harm humans. As a result to be deemed organic, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products must come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Typically organic fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and meat products are produced within a 50-mile radius of their place of their final sale.

Organic produce refers to vegetables that are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Only naturally occurring fertilizer, like manure can be used to grow organic produce. While it is still better to eat non-organic vegetables than no vegetables at all, consumers are starting see the value in organic products.

The natural and organic skin care product sector has seen a growth of thirty nine percent over the last year. The product formulations rely entirely on natural or naturally-derived ingredients. These products do not use any artificial preservatives.

The FDA does not regulate skin care manufacturers, questionable ingredients often make their way into their formulas. Some of these products may claim to be all-natural, while still containing a slew of chemicals and toxins. As a consumer if a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, write down it's name and do a little research. If a product claims to be all natural, its ingredients should be easily recognizable as natural components.

Scrutinize the first several listings in the product to be sure that they are the natural ingredients you are looking for. Dirt, dust, pollutants, and other environmental pollutants enter the body through the skin, providing a more significant gateway to your system, so it is important to be aware of what products contain. In response to a growing demand on the part of consumers, more and more organic foods and products are flooding the market. Even in mainstream supermarkets, certified organic foods and organic skin care products are available.

Demand for organic production is increasing by at least 40 per cent each year. And while in some cases the price for organic raw materials may be 3 to 4 times more expensive than conventional. If consumer demand increases, prices should continue to drop.

About the Author

Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Natural Liver Cleansing Products

The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:

• Have a history of a Fatty Liver
• Consume Alcohol
• Consume Tobacco Products
• Have been taking Medications/Drugs
• Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
• Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems

Dandelion
Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion's hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

About the Author

Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of
target="_blank">www.AstroNutrition.com
- a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Use natural cleaning products to reduce the toxic risks in your home

Maybe you live in a nice house smelling of alpine meadows with a sparkling bathroom, lovely clean and polished surfaces.

What if someone were to come into your lovely shining home and mix up a cocktail of unknown chemicals for you and your family to distribute around the house. Would you allow it? Of course not. You wouldn’t want potentially poisonous chemicals around your house to pose a risk of contamination to the air you breath or to what your family eat & drink.

Disturbingly however, they may already be there.

Brought into your home as unseen and unlabelled additives in many of the cleaning products that are commonly available to keep your house sparkling clean.

You may think that the ingredients in household products are safe having been tested by the authorities and cleared for use because they are known to pose no threat. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality many hazardous chemicals are added to consumer goods. Some of these are known to be hazardous, but current legislation allows for their continued use. This is because the regulations work on ‘safe limits’ of exposure for individual products. The weaknesses of this approach are that they do not add up accumulated doses from multiple sources of exposure, and neither do they take into account the effect on children and unborn infants, the dosages allowed being based on adult tolerance levels.

A study by the European Environment Agency carried out in 1998 noted that ”widespread exposures to low levels of chemicals may be causing harm, possibly irreversibly, particularly to sensitive groups such as children and pregnant women…”

Consider some of these common types of household cleaning product and what threat they may carry.

Air Fresheners

Many of these products contain formaldehyde and phenol. The former is a known carcinogen and the later can cause skin irritation.

Antibacterial Cleaners

May contain triclosan, which has been connected to liver damage and is readily absorbed through the skin
Carpet and upholstery shampoo

Many contain perchlorethane, which is a carcinogen which damages the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Ammonium hydroxide may also be present which is a corrosive compound, extremely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

Dishwasher detergents

Studies have shown these to be the foremost cause of home poisoning incidents. Most products contain the dry form of chlorine. Scientists and engineers do not handle chlorine without protective clothing. It is extremely dangerous and can very easily be lethal. Indeed, it was the first agent to be used in World War One as a chemical warfare agent.

Dishwashing liquids are labelled ‘harmful if swallowed’ yet it is used to wash your dishes. Can we be certain that no residues are left on your crockery to be picked up by your food?

Furniture polish

Commonly contain nitrobenzene, which is highly toxic and easily absorbed through the skin. Petroleum distillates may also be present, which are highly flammable and have been linked to skin & lung cancer.

Laundry products.

These present a veritable cocktail of chemicals, including ammonia, phosphourous, naphthalene & phenol along with numerous others. They can all cause irritation to the skin, allergies and sinus problems. Any residue left in your clothes can be absorbed into your body through the skin.

Oven cleaner

These are the most powerful toxic products that you can introduce into your home. They contain ammonia and other chemicals which can irritate the skin, and produce fumes which can attack the respiratory system. Any residue left in your oven may be intensified when you next use it.

Toilet cleaner

These usually contain hydrochloric acid which is highly corrosive, the eyes and skin being particularly vulnerable to attack, and known to be harmful to the liver and kidneys. If mixed with other chemical products, chlorine can be produced which can be fatal in high concentrations.

The above is a brief overview of the possible risks, and it must be stressed that the effects noted for the individual chemicals are for high levels of exposure. However, the point being made by many agencies such as Greenpeace is that the level of exposure in the home is unknown and unmonitored.
What can you do as a householder to minimise the risk to yourself and your family? Well, if you are able, you may want to try talking to your grandmother, as past generations have had to undertake most modern cleaning tasks without the intervention of the chemical industry. For instance, she may have used common salt and baking soda to clean the oven and not risk poisoning anyone.

The easiest way to avoid the risk is to avoid the products. Governments are not going to outlaw the chemicals, and the manufacturers are not going to replace them unless they are forced to do so, either by regulation or by consumer pressure.

There are a growing number of manufacturers who are producing safe products based on natural ingredients that do not present the same threats as the more established and heavily promoted products.

The Veriuni Store offers a full range of such products. Please feel free to visit and browse:-

https://www.moreinfo247.com/8786479/Department.vstore?id=32

Weigh up the risks and benefits to your home and its occupants and make your decision.

For general advice on this and other responsible consumer matters, visit

greenconsumerguide.com.

Other information on this and other consumer related ecological matters can be found at :-

http://www.greenpeace.ca/e/resource/green/index.php

About the Author

Chris Western is an affiliate of SFI, one of the largest & most successful schemes on the internet. The full range of SFI goods and business opportunities can be found at :- https://www.moreinfo247.com/8786479/Free All of the home businesses being run by Chris Western can be viewed at:- http://www.tradingpost365.com/http://www.searchestate.com/uws/mn1041341.htmPlease feel free to e-mail Chris - cwestern@tiscali.co.uk


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Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Clothes

Cotton is a globally important fibre, providing returns to many small farmers in developing countries. Fairtrade cotton has just been released in the UK providing job security and greater incomes to farmers. But the downfall is that most cotton is produced in a way that causes great damage to the environment as is it is one of the most chemical intensive crops in the world. High productivity comes at great environmental and health costs.
So serious are the negative impacts of chemical-intensive agricultural production, that momentum for change has grown considerably in recent years. The trend toward more environmentally friendly production methods is mainly due to enlightened companies under pressure of increased environmental regulation and competition, and informed consumers calling for greater social and environmental accountability.

In many African countries with lax environmental controls, farmers can apply nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for every pound of cotton harvested. Some of these chemicals are classified as the most toxic around and the negative impacts can be severe. The simple act of growing and harvesting the amount of cotton fibre needed to make a T-shirt takes an enormous toll on the earths air, water, and soil, and has significant impacts on the health of people in cotton growing areas. These carcinogenic chemicals can leave residues on the skin, and it is now argued that these are associated with allergies. Organic cotton is therefore kinder to the skin.

Organic cotton begins with living soil. This means the soil has not had any chemicals used in it for at least three years and it has been enriched with compost and other organic matter. These replace synthetic fertilizers that are harmful to the health.
Organic cotton production has increased 5-fold in the past 4 years. The UK is among the worlds fastest growing markets. Each year, thanks to organic cotton, more cotton farmers around the world are able to minimise their effect on their health from pesticide exposure.

There are also signs that organic cotton is moving out of its niche market into the mainstream with increased interest on the part of supermarkets and large companies. Marks and Spencers and the Top Shop have recently launched organic and fairtrade clothing ranges to meet the growing market that started with organic food and then moving into non food areas such as cotton and paints.

For those of you that are parents, Clean Slate Clothing has introduced accountability to the clothes which children wear everyday by selling the worlds first Fairtrade and Organic School Uniforms.

Ethical companies also need to move beyond selling organic cotton clothes to ensuring that they are using environmentally friendly dyes and recycled materials with the minimum of packaging and literature.

About the Author

Davinos Greeno works for the organic directory . This green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Eco Jobs


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Carpet Cleaning is not All That Difficult!

It used to be that carpet cleaning took all day and was a long, painful process. Carpet cleaning isn’t just for the professionals anymore. In fact, many more homes own their own carpet cleaning machines. And, to make it even easier, there are hand held models as well. Carpet cleaning supplies are available everywhere and are not expensive. While carpet cleaning can be done by a professional, it can also be done effectively from home as well.

Carpet cleaning equipment is available to be in many department stores. In fact, they are often on sale! Of course there are different levels of carpet cleaning machines out there that will allow the consumer to choose which features mean more to them. Rotating bristles, compact designs for easy storage and a lightweight design are some of the features easy to find. Carpet cleaning made easy in these models. To use most models is just to use a vacuum cleaner except just slower. Another benefit these machines offer is quick drying. Since most pull the water up at a high rate of suction, the carpet will dry quickly.

Carpet cleaning machines are available to be rented as well. Carpet cleaning supplies and machines can be found in drug stores and department stores with fees for a few hours of use to days. This is an option to those that cannot afford to purchase a carpet cleaning machine since the machine can be costly. Carpet cleaning is about the same with these machines as with the ones that can be purchased.

Of course, the quality of carpet cleaning is important. The chemicals used and the treatment of the carpet is essential. Many carpet cleaning machines offer allergy reducers or special chemicals to remove set in stains. While this may be the case, some stains may not be removed. Stains the color of red will be more difficult or impossible to remove. Unfortunately, even professionals will have a difficult time removing these.

Carpet cleaning has come a long way over the last few years. Now, consumers can purchase their own carpet cleaning equipment and supplies as easily as going to the nearest department store or maybe even the grocery. While there are many options, professional cleaning, purchasing a machine, or just renting a machine, carpet cleaning is a chore that should not be put off. With so many possibilities for sickness, carpet cleaning should be done as often as needed. And, with the ease of using these carpet cleaning machines, it shouldn’t take very long at all.

About the Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.my-carpets-4me.com/


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Monday, February 19, 2007

Chemical plant blast rocks town near Boston

DANVERS, Mass. - The explosions were powerful enough to give people more than 20 miles away a shudder. Jim Glavin, watching TV at home across the street, got a lot more than that.

A chemical plant erupted early Wednesday morning with two blasts that threw Glavin off his couch and twisted his house on its foundation.

The 70-year-old’s kitchen floor was littered with shattered windows and the contents of his cabinets. His back door, blown off the hinges, was resting on the opposite stairs. Floor supports in his cellar were knocked over.

Outside, a ball of flame rose high above the neighborhood.

“I thought for sure a plane exploded,” Glavin said. “I’d swear I was in Lebanon or something. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

Glavin called out to his son and daughter, and they joined hundreds of their neighbors in a quick exodus.

Amid physical devastation, no deaths
The 2:50 a.m. explosions leveled the chemical plant and wrecked 25 homes beyond repair. Dozens of other buildings were damaged — roofs ripped off, windows blown out. The roof on a building holding a pizza shop and bakery was torn open and caved in.

Perhaps the only thing as shocking as seeing parts of the centuries-old neighborhood turned to ash and tangled wood and metal was that no one was killed. Of more than 300 people nearby, 10 suffered injuries — all minor.

“The miracle is you have the equivalent of a 2,000-pound bomb going off in a residential neighborhood at night when everybody is home, and no one’s dead and no one is seriously injured,” said Gov. Mitt Romney, who toured the site.

Emergency crews from more than 30 surrounding cities and towns responding to the explosions in Danvers, about 20 miles northeast of Boston.

Officials said it could take weeks to reconstruct and determine the cause of the accident at CAI Inc., a manufacturer of solvents and inks.

Fire Chief James Tutko said the nearly 90 homes in the neighborhood all suffered some damage, and up to 25 may need to be rebuilt. The neighborhood, which dates to the 1700s, is a tightly packed mix of homes, industrial buildings and businesses that predates zoning rules.

‘It looks like a war zone’
Residents in the most severely affected areas would not be allowed back into their homes until at least Friday, Tutko said at a press conference Wednesday night.

Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross were scheduled to staff an assessment center Friday and Saturday to help displaced residents.

“It looks like a war zone, that’s the only thing I can say,” Tutko said.

In one condominium across the nearby Crane River, the blast was so strong it bowed a woman’s bedroom windows, sucked her curtains out and then returned the unbroken glass and frames to their original position — with the curtain tops attached to the rod inside but the curtain bottoms fluttering outside in the breeze.

Bakery owner Luis Ferreira was working overnight making bread and pies for Thanksgiving customers when “all of the sudden — boom — and everything gets dark.”

Through the flour and dust, employees called out to each other.

“We had no idea what happened at the time. We just got out of there,” said Ferreira, who suffered scrapes on his face and wore a bandage on his temple.

The Red Cross established a relief center at Danvers High School, which immediately filled with 100 elderly and disabled residents of the New England Home for the Deaf. Some were picked up by family members, while others were taken to a hospital.

Slumber may have saved lives
U.S. Rep. John Tierney, D-Salem, said the fact so many people were prone — asleep in bed — may have prevented more injuries.

“You can see where the blast went in one window and blew out through windows on the opposite side of the house,” he said.

CAI owner Paul Sartorelli said plant officials were “shocked and devastated” by the accident. “We don’t know anything right now,” he told the Boston Herald. “We’ve just been 100 percent fully cooperative with the authorities. We don’t have any answers.”

The company was inspected once, in 1990, by federal officials and no violations were found, according to Ted Fitzgerald, a spokesman for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The lack of inspections indicates few complaints were filed with OSHA, he said.

“A lot of people never knew it was there, that’s how benign they were,” said one neighbor, Jack Fratus.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15847839/

Chemical plant blast destroys 25 homes in Boston suburb

An explosion at a chemical plant on the outskirts of Boston tore apart houses and businesses while injuring about 10 people and destroying 25 homes.

The blast, just before 3 a.m. ET, was felt kilometres away from the CAI Inc. plant in Danvers, about 32 kilometres north of Boston.

Officials at Beverly Hospital in the town of 25,000 said they treated about 10 people for minor injuries.

"The miracle is you have the equivalent of a 2,000-pound bomb going off in a residential neighbourhood at night when everybody is home, and no one's dead and no one is seriously injured," said Gov. Mitt Romney.

Television footage from the scene showed houses partially blown apart and debris scattered around. Officials said 25 homes were destroyed, with about 65 others also suffering damage.

Buildings were silhouetted in orange flames and smoke as police prevented anyone from approaching the plant, which makes solvents and inks, and was empty at the time.

The blast knocked out electricity to the area, which, according to one resident, looked like it had been bombed. Another resident said he was knocked out of his chair when it happened.

"I was in bed and then [the] next thing I knew, I was on my feet. I saw the flames and grabbed my clothes. My first thought was that an airplane crashed," said Paul O'Donnell, an aircraft mechanic.

Officials said it could take weeks to determine the cause of the blast.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/11/22/explosion-boston.html?ref=rss

Chemical Plant Near Boston Explodes

DANVERS, MASS. - A chemical plant outside Boston blew up Wednesday with a roar so thunderous that people thought it was an earthquake or a plane crash, destroying two dozen homes in the tightly packed neighborhood but causing only minor injuries.

The fiery blast flattened CAI Inc., a manufacturer of solvents and inks, about 3 a.m., knocking buildings off their foundations, shredding roofs and shattering windows in neighboring Salem. The explosion could be heard more than 20 miles away.

"I was in bed, and then next thing I knew, I was on my feet. I saw the flames and grabbed my clothes. My first thought was that an airplane crashed," said Paul O'Donnell, an aircraft mechanic, "but then I thought it was too early for that."

Nearly 90 homes were damaged, with roughly 25 wrecked beyond repair, but only 10 of the more than 300 people thought to be in the neighborhood were hurt, and their injuries were minor, authorities said. The plant was empty at the time.

"The miracle is you have the equivalent of a 2,000-pound bomb going off in a residential neighborhood at night when everybody is home, and no one's dead, and no one is seriously injured," Gov. Mitt Romney said.

Officials said it could take weeks to determine the cause of the explosion.

Most of the damaged homes were in view of the plant, and some stood across the street. The neighborhood is among the oldest in the city, dating to the 1700s, with a mixture of businesses and homes because it was settled before modern zoning rules.

Firefighters from 30 cities and towns battled the blaze in the community about 20 miles northeast of Boston.

Bakery owner Luis Ferreira was working overnight making bread and pies for Thanksgiving customers when "all of the sudden - boom - and everything gets dark."

Through the flour and dust, employees called out to one another.

"We had no idea what happened at the time. We just got out of there," said Ferreira, who suffered scrapes on his face and wore a bandage on his temple.

CAI owner Paul Sartorelli said plant officials were "shocked and devastated" by the accident.

http://www.tbo.com/news/nationworld/MGB0E07JUUE.html

Chemical plant blast levels two dozen homes near Boston

DANVERS, Mass. — A chemical plant outside Boston blew up Wednesday with a roar so thunderous that people thought it was an earthquake or a plane crash, destroying two dozen homes in the tightly packed neighborhood but causing only minor injuries.

The fiery blast flattened the factory operated by CAI, a manufacturer of solvents and inks, around 3 a.m., knocking buildings off their foundations, shredding roofs and shattering windows in neighboring Salem. The explosion could be heard more than 20 miles away.

"I was in bed, and the next thing I knew, I was on my feet. I saw the flames and grabbed my clothes. My first thought was that an airplane crashed," said Paul O'Donnell, an aircraft mechanic.

Nearly 90 homes were damaged, with roughly 25 wrecked beyond repair, but only 10 of the more than 300 people believed to be in the neighborhood were hurt, and their injuries were minor, authorities said. The plant was empty at the time.

"The miracle is you have the equivalent of a 2,000-pound bomb going off in a residential neighborhood at night when everybody is home, and no one's dead and no one is seriously injured," Gov. Mitt Romney said.

Officials said it could take weeks to determine the cause of the explosion.

Most of the damaged homes were in view of the plant, and some stood right across the street. The neighborhood is among the oldest in the city, dating to the 1700s, with a mixture of businesses and homes because it was settled before modern zoning rules.

Firefighters from 30 cities and towns battled the blaze in this community about 20 miles northeast of Boston.

Bakery owner Luis Ferreira was working overnight making bread and pies for Thanksgiving customers when "all of the sudden — boom — and everything gets dark."

Through the flour and dust, employees called out to each other.

"We had no idea what happened at the time. We just got out of there," said Ferreira, who suffered scrapes on his face and wore a bandage on his temple.

CAI Treasurer Paul Sartorelli said in a statement Wednesday that company officials didn't know what caused the accident and that the company underwent safety upgrades in 2001.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003444309_explosion23.html?syndication=rss

Tideflats Company Fined Again Chemical Spill in 2005 Costs Emerald Services More Than $100,000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined a Tacoma hazardous-waste handling business $38,000 after the company mishandled a flammable chemical leading to explosions and a fire at the company's facility in the Tideflats.

In addition to the fine, the company has also agreed to provide almost $70,000 worth of equipment to Tacoma's fire and environmental services departments, the EPA announced Wednesday.

The state Department of Ecology fined the company $42,000 in July for the same incident. Emerald Services deferred an additional $86,000 fine from the state by agreeing to make changes in its operations.

Emerald Services Inc. released 1,697 pounds of toluene, a hazardous substance, into the storm sewer at its facility at 1825 Alexander Ave. on Aug. 30, 2005, according to the EPA.

The company didn't report the chemical release to the EPA's National Response Center until after the toluene caught fire two weeks later, setting off multiple explosions Sept. 13.

The neighborhood was evacuated. No one was injured and the blaze was put out by the Tacoma Fire Department.

The release of the toluene and the failure to notify the appropriate agencies violated federal law, the EPA reported. Toluene is considered an extremely hazardous substance by the agency.

Beyond the fine, Emerald Services has agreed to provide $31,585 in emergency response equipment to the Tacoma Fire Department and $37,980 worth of equipment to the city's Environmental Services Source Control Division for tracking information about discharge from industrial facilities.

"These laws were established to help communities like Tacoma to be better prepared to respond to chemical accidents like the one that occurred at Emerald Services, Inc.," said Mike Bussell, director of the EPA's Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle. "They also help reduce the likelihood and severity of accidental chemical release that could harm the public and the environment."

The News Tribune was unable to reach the owners of Emerald Services.

Kelly Kearsley: 253-597-8573

kelly.kearsley@thenewstribune.com

-----

Copyright (c) 2006, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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Friday, February 16, 2007

Chemical cleanup at Makati school to take 2 weeks experts

By Tarra Quismundo
Inquirer
Last updated 06:13pm (Mla time) 11/27/2006

WEARING sealed chemical suits, masks, gloves and protective footwear, recovery teams carefully walked to the cordoned San Isidro National High School Monday morning on a dangerous mission to retrieve chemicals that leaked inside the school laboratory on Sunday afternoon.

Breathing through limited oxygen supply, the teams ascended to the sealed school laboratory at the fourth floor, where a wall-mounted cabinet of chemicals collapsed shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday.

A mess of liquid and powder chemicals mixed with debris of shattered glass containers, wooden cabinet doors and rusting metal hinges met them when they opened the door to Room 401.

From how things looked, cleanup and decontamination of the five-year-old school building at the corner of Borneo and P. Binay Streets in the village of San Isidro might take days, if not weeks, authorities said.

The incident had already caused nine persons -- including five teachers, two campus security guards and two residents -- to fall ill, forced the evacuation of 20 families living within 50 meters from the school, and shut down nearby business establishments.

"When we finish collecting the surface chemicals, we would undertake monitoring and determine the concentration of chemicals there. Then we would undertake decontamination. It might take two weeks… it depends on the allowable level of concentration," said Chief Inspector Jose Embang, team leader of the Bureau of Fire Protection's (BFP) Special Rescue Unit who led the first recovery team that entered the school on Monday.

Louie Domingo, director of the non-government organization Emergency Research Center, meanwhile, said clearing would depend on the kind of chemicals that spilled and mixed together inside the laboratory.

In February, a mercury spill inside a school laboratory shut down a private school in ParaƱaque for three months.

"We have to get the list of chemicals to know what kinds were there inside, the amount and concentration," said Domingo, a member of the second composite team that went to the laboratory for the gradual cleanup.

"For us to clean it up, we could use dry earth (soil) before we scoop out the chemicals. And then we could wash it down when the chemicals had been cleared, but we have to make sure that the water we used would be taken out and not reach the drainage so it won't cause further damage," he told reporters.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said local authorities would follow the advice of experts on the incident, the city's first involving hazardous materials.

"This is a technical matter and we will have to get guidance from those with technical know-how. We will not pretend to know everything about this so what the experts say, we will follow," Binay told reporters on site.

As of press time, 70 percent of debris inside the laboratory, including containers that remained intact, have been retrieved and placed in a garbage bag on a hallway near the contaminated room, Embang said. The chemicals would then be sorted for proper disposal, he said.

Authorities have yet to decide on the matter of disposing the hazardous waste, but Makati Department of Environmental Services chief Danilo Villas said the city government has sought the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He also proposed the use of the private contractor that has been collecting medical waste from the city's hospitals to safely get rid of the spilled chemicals.

The chemical spill occurred after a wall-mounted two-layer cabinet of chemicals collapsed on Sunday afternoon causing chemical containers to shatter, said school principal Luzviminda Banag.

"Our science teacher went up to the second floor to get some materials at around 2:45 and he smelled something coming from the laboratory. He informed the guards, then when they went to Room 401 (laboratory), they saw that the hanging cabinet had fallen," Banag told the Inquirer.

Banag said chemicals stored in several glass containers in the wooden cabinet, measuring roughly three to four meters wide, included several compounds like nitric, acetic, sulfuric and acetic acids, ammonia, sulfur powder and less than 50 grams of mercury oxide.

Embang and Domingo said the interaction of these chemicals might have rendered them flammable, toxic or corrosive to the skin or to metal, but the effect has yet to be determined, including the extent of contamination their combination might cause.

Chemical samples taken from the school lab by the BFP's Hazardous Materials Recovery Team on Sunday evening were brought to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory for identification, said Makati police chief, Superintendent Gilbert Cruz.

Those exposed to the chemicals were rushed to Ospital ng Makati's Acute Care Center (OsMak ACC), Banag said. Among them were Gilda Teologo, the school's property custodian, canteen manager Mabel Sedo, and science teacher Ramon Macuha.

Dr. Alex Hidalgo of OsMak ACC's Emergency Medicine department said those rushed to the hospital showed "general symptoms" of chemical exposure, including "flu-like" manifestations.

"The treatment we gave them was general decontamination… They were cleaned with mild soap and water, their eyes were flushed. Then we gave them supportive treatment. Like those who experienced pain, we gave them pain relievers. To those who have rashes, we gave anti-itch medication," Hidalgo told the Inquirer.

He said patients would be kept under observation in the hospital for at least 24 hours or until they are cleared for release by the National Poison Control Center of the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital, which oversees poisoning cases.

Cruz said police would investigate how the cabinet collapsed and whether anyone should be held liable for the incident. Binay has ordered the Makati Health Department and the City Engineer's Office to determine how the collapse happened and whether the city would need to redesign school labs it would build.

"The liability might fall on whoever is in charge of the laboratory. We would determine if the hanging cabinet was overloaded,"

Banag, however, said the cabinet was not carrying load more than it could. She added that the school laboratory inside the city-constructed high school was already built that way when it opened five years ago.

Domingo noted that the wall-mounted lab cabinet, while built away from the door and student area within the room, would have been vulnerable to strong winds or an earthquake because of its design. Ideally, he said, chemicals should be placed on the floor and those that are non-corrosive to plastic may be stored in non-breakable plastic containers.



Copyright 2007 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=35034

Broad backing seen for EU chemicals deal lawmaker

By Jeff Mason and Huw Jones

BRUSSELS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Sweeping new rules to regulate dangerous chemicals in the European Union will win broad backing in the European Parliament after a deal with member states, lawmakers said on Friday, amid accusations of a sell-out to big business.

Negotiators from parliament's three main factions and EU governments struck a deal late on Thursday on a draft law known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), that is due to enter into force next year.

The bill is designed to make companies prove that substances in every-day products like cars, clothes or paint are safe.

The rules have been the focus of intense lobbying, pitting the left and environmentalists against chemicals giants such as BASF and Bayer . The United States also accused the EU of regulatory overkill.

"I am confident this proposal has the support of the three major groups," Guido Sacconi, the Italian socialist steering the legislation through parliament, told a news conference.

The assembly votes on the deal on Dec. 13 and member states will then formally give their green light.

"The most fundamental thing of all is that it reverses the burden of proof. Manufacturers and importers have to demonstrate that products they put on the market are safe," said Chris Davies from the liberal group.

But he acknowledged one key objection of animal welfare campaigners.

"It's going to see a very significant increase in animal testing. Millions and millions of laboratory animals will suffer, but we have taken measures to avoid duplication."

The European Commission, which authored the draft rules, said on Friday it welcomed the deal.

HEAVY LOBBYING

Leftist and Green lawmakers slammed the deal. The Greens branded it a sell-out to the German chemical industry.

British Green lawmaker Caroline Lucas called it "a sad day for environmental policy in the European Union", saying it would continue to allow hazardous chemicals in everyday products even when safer alternatives exist.

"The Socialist group has completely surrendered to big business and the conservatives. This is sad and shows that, apparently, power is more important than the environment and public health," said Jens Holm, a Swedish member of the Nordic Green Left group.

Under REACH, the properties of roughly 30,000 chemicals produced or imported into the European Union would have to be registered with a central agency. Those of highest concern, such as carcinogens, would require testing and authorisation.

Davies said the deal would require persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic chemicals be removed from the market if suitable alternatives existed.

Manufacturers would also have to submit a "substitution plan" when seeking authorisation for the roughly 1,500 chemicals expected to be considered of high concern. But if they can be adequately controlled, the substances will be approved.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L01856481.htm

Eastman Completes Sale of Polyethylene Business to Westlake

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced it has completed the sale of its polyethylene business to Westlake Chemical Corporation. The sale includes Eastman's polyethylene and Epolene polymer businesses, related assets and the company's ethylene pipeline. The sale is for a purchase price of $255 million, subject to working capital adjustments.

Included in the sale are three polyethylene manufacturing units, an Epolene facility, all of which are located at Eastman's Texas Operations in Longview, and an ethylene pipeline between Mont Belvieu, Texas, and the Longview plant site.

Eastman manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers, and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is the world's largest producer of PET polymers for packaging; and is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2005 sales of $7 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.

Source: Business Wire

Westlake Chemical Closes Purchase of Eastmans Polyethylene Business

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Westlake Chemical Corporation announced today that all closing conditions, including regulatory review, have been met and it has closed the previously announced acquisition of Eastman Chemical Company's polyethylene business effective yesterday. The purchase includes Eastman's polyethylene and Epolene polymer business lines headquartered in Longview, Texas, related assets and a 200-mile ethylene pipeline. The transaction's $255 million purchase price is subject to a working-capital adjustment and will be funded from current cash balances. The acquired business and assets generated approximately $680 million in revenue during 2005.

With this acquisition Westlake's total polyethylene capacity is now in excess of 2,500 million pounds per year, including 700 million pounds per year of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and 425 million pounds per year of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) acquired in this purchase. Westlake also acquired technology for the production of specialty polyolefin polymers including: acrylate co-polymers; and Epolene(R) polymers for the coatings, adhesives and other consumer products markets, as well as Energx technology for linear low density polyethylenes designed to provide enhanced strength and performance properties.

Albert Chao, President and CEO of Westlake Chemical Corporation, stated, "We are pleased to have closed this important strategic acquisition and welcome the former Eastman Chemical polyethylene business employees to the Westlake team. We believe this transaction will further strengthen our position in the growing North American polyethylene market, and increase our ability to service our customers through an improved overall product mix and new product technology and manufacturing capability at multiple sites where we can continue to enhance our ethylene integration strategy."

Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK)

Westlake Chemical Corporation is a manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The company's range of products includes: ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, propylene, caustic, VCM, PVC and PVC pipe, windows and fence. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.westlakechemical.com/ .

The statements in this release relating to this acquisition, as well as any other matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. For more detailed information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, please refer to Westlake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed in February 2006.

Westlake Chemical Corporation

CONTACT: David R. Hansen, Media Relations, or Steven Bender, InvestorRelations, both of Westlake Chemical Corporation, +1-713-960-9111

Web site: http://www.westlakechemical.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall