Monthly Archives: May 2010

Purifying the Air with Plants

There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden – significant among them is the need to clean the toxins from our homes and offices.  As a consequence of the energy crisis in the 1970′s, today’s homes and offices are built to conserve energy and the outcome has been a lack of air exchange, with the resulting increase of indoor air pollution.  The World Health Organization has stated, “there’s probably more damage to human health from indoor pollution than from outdoor pollution.”  Symptoms associated with indoor pollution include allergies, asthma, eye, nose, and throat irritations, fatigue, headache, nervous system disorders, respiratory and sinus congestion.  In today’s society more and more people exhibit these symptoms as a result of staying indoors the majority of the time.

One of the ways we can change this predicament is to become knowledgeable about and responsive to the environment that we live and breathe in.  Foliage plants give us the opportunity to not only provide the calming influences of nature in our homes and workplaces, but also provide us with the oxygen we need to live.  In a study conducted by N.A.S.A., researchers found that plants also clean the air inside our homes, buildings, and offices. The sources of chemical emissions that cause indoor air pollution include: acetone, alcohols; ammonia; benzene; chloroform; formaldehyde; and xylene.  

These chemicals are found in cosmetics, nail polish remover, office correction fluid, pre-printed paper forms, adhesives, carpeting, caulking compounds, ceiling tiles, floor coverings, paints, particleboard, stains, varnishes, cleaning products, electrophotographic printers, microfiche developers, photocopiers, photography supplies, plastics, spot removers, solvents, tobacco smoke, wall coverings, carpet glue, draperies, fabrics, facial tissues, furniture made from preserved wood, gas stoves, grocery bags, paper towels, permanent-press clothing, plywood, upholstery, computer VDU screens, and community water supplies that add chloroform to chlorinated tap water.

Researchers have discovered the most effective plants are: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) – removes chemical vapours; Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) – removes chemical vapours; Azalea (Rhododendron simsii hybrids) – removes chemical vapours; Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) – the best fern for removing air pollutants; Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) – removes chemical vapours; Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera ‘Bridgesii’) – removes chemical vapours; Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) – removes chemical vapours; Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’) – best of the dracaenas for removing chemical toxins from the indoor environment; Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’) – especially effective for the removal of benzene; Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) – among the best plants for removing xylene; Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’) – especially effective at removing air toxins such as formaldehyde; English ivy (Hedera helix) – particularly effective at removing formaldehyde; Florist’s mum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) – one of the best flowering or seasonal plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the atmosphere; Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – removes chemical vapours; Miniature date palm (Phoenix roebelinii) – one of the best palms for removing indoor air pollutants, especially effective for the removal of xylene; Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) – excels in the removal of alcohol, acetone, benzene, and formaldehyde; Red emerald philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) – one of the best philodendrons for removing indoor air pollutants; Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – good for removing chemical vapours; Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’) – effective for removing indoor air pollutants as well as chemical vapours; and Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) – good for removing chemical vapours.

These are some of the plants known to contribute to healthy air quality in our homes, buildings, and offices.  Some plants may be better than others are but all plants clean the air as they beautify our surroundings and add oxygen and humidity to the indoor environment.  Horticulturist Ken Beattie suggests, “The next plant you buy may save your life.”

-
About the Author:
Want to find out about acacia cyanophylla and acacia floribunda? Get tips from the Acacia Plant website.
Article Source

Gardening Information – 5 Tips to Care For Houseplants

Indoor gardening is popular for enjoyment, as well as decoration. One can choose plants to go with the furniture and combine natural and man made materials to get the most aesthetic properties from both. Not only do plants add to the decor of a home but plants help to clean the air utilizing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

Here are some simple tips to help care for your indoor plants.

1. Plants need a good source of light or partial light, you need to have the plants near a window. Direct light can get too hot in mid summer and you may need to draw a shade to protect your plants from the blazing sun. With advances in indoor lighting you can provide the proper light source simply by changing a light bulb, so don’t let lack of window area discourage you.

2. Some plants such as Philodendrons, Boston ferns, African violets, Cyclamens and Creeping Fig can get by with low light requirements and should also be considered for areas with little or no window space.

3. Watering seems like it would be easy enough to do, just see where the plant is aim and pour right? Yet more than one gardener has killed many plants by under watering or over watering. Plants have varying water needs but all need some and none need too much. If you over water you can get root rot and the plant will perish. Stick your finger in the soil and check for dampness before you water, soil should be nearly dry to the touch.

4. You have yet another opportunity to accessorize your living area when choosing planters. Brightly colored or subdued pots lend to varying moods and styles. When potting simply purchase a bag of potting soil and you will get the nutrients your plant needs to get a grip on the new environment. After a month or two however you may want to water with a little liquid fertilizer mixed in. Be aware that too strong a dilution of fertilizer can kill your plants just as if you’d over watered. Or never watered. Follow instructions on package for best results.

5. Humidity will disappear on a hot sunny day in direct light so again you may need to draw a shade. You can mist your plants throughout the day or in the morning before you go to work. Of an evening you can mist again, to help the plants have enough humidity you can place pans or jars of water in concealed areas around plants. The evaporation helps to increase the humidity. Misting leaves will help remove dust buildup as well as provide the moisture that the plants need. In winter plants are dryer than in summer because of artificial heat sources, and misting is even more vital to the plants health.

With care and devotion house plants help create a calming and inviting atmosphere in a home.

May life yield an abundant harvest of joy for you today.

-
About the Author:
Learn great gardening tips and find lots of resources at you beck and call by visiting my website. You’ll be so glad you did.
<b>Find great gardening resources and a link to an online gardening store at these websites:http://www.squidoo.com/flowersplants Unique gardening tips and ideas:http://www.squidoo.com/containerplants and information to order plants online:http://www.squidoo.com/orderplantsonline <b>
Article Source

The uses of misting systems in industrial plants

Everyone would rightly agree that working in an industrial setting can be extremely dangerous. The industrial workers are faced with many life threatening situations during their working time. They should be constantly aware of the surroundings. Moreover the heat generated by certain industrial processes can be hazardous to health and well being. Here the mist cooling systems are of great use.

The misting systems would be designed to facilitate a number of applications and are found in large industrial units like factories, forging mills etc. Also there are high pressure misting systems that are useful in carrying out a number of features like spot cooling, worker cooling, dust control and even odor reduction. The job would be effectively done by a mist cooling system.

The misting systems used for industrial purposes would hold specific features than the rest. They would have a ceramics spray nozzle which sprays out a very fine mist of water which evaporates quickly upon contact with the air. In areas of high activity like factory or warehouse, the cooling would be highly effective. There are different types of mist cooling systems. Some of them would simply release moisture into the air, while the evaporative cooling systems are designed for flash evaporation process. The industrial evaporative cooling system would help in tampering your temperature requirements thereby ensuring the safety and comfort level of the workers.

The misting systems have many more advantages. They are effectively used for dust control and odor reduction. In industrial settings were there would be undesirable working conditions, the evaporative cooling system work as an indispensible factor in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. In some factories the production process would result in causing unbearable odor. The food processing industries are evident examples for such odors. The mist cooling systems can be effectively used for reducing odors in the industries settings.

The mist cooling systems are available in both portable and stationary features. The portable cooling systems are more flexible but the industrial applications generally require stationery systems that are safely mounted. Every specific need in the industry would be met by the cooling systems. Moreover the system would be highly cost effective too. The cooling process, odor reduction and dust control are the major highlights of the system. There are industrial cooling fans in the market that would help to maintain a stable temperature. These fans are highly helpful in cooling down the machines when they become heated up.

The misting systems are also effectively used for purposes like frost protection, air filtration, fire and smoke control and more. The industries like restaurants, poultry and dairy farms, zoos and amusement parks, golf courses, tennis courts, metal forging etc are benefited from the mist cooling systems. For such industries the high pressure misting systems are widely used for getting maximum cooling. Places like residential areas, restaurants, amusement parks, sports stadium, hotels and resorts also make use of high pressure systems. Besides they can also be used to add humidity to a green house or any other environments.

-
About the Author:
John Peter is an expert SEO copywriter for portable misting systems, patio misters, outdoor misting systems, shade structures, industrial cooling, sun shades, shade sails, pool cabana, high pressure misting, misting systems, cool zone fans, wooden market umbrella and more. For more information visit our site cool-off.com. Contact me at cooloffarticle(at)gmail.com
Article Source

Bed Bug Bites – The Symptoms & How to Treat Bed Bugs Bites

First of all, it’s important for you to realize most people probably won’t even know or feel that they have been bitten because bed bugs bites are painless and they usually feed at night when you’re sleeping.

Most of the times, bed bug bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites or even other types of rashes. Any exposed areas of the bodies are target spots for a bed bug to suck on for blood. The face, neck, hands and arms are common. Though the bite is painless, however there will be symptoms of redness and itching. The bites also look like small, flat or raise bumps on the skin, which are very likely to be lined up in a row. If scratched, an infection may occur.

Many victims of bed bug bites are concerned about how to stop the itching, and if they are dangerous. Everybody reacts to the bites differently. While some might not notice or feel them at all, a minority might be allergic to the anticoagulant properties of the bed bug’s saliva.

Despite the fact that bed bugs feed on human blood, they are not known to transmit diseases, unlike mosquitoes. Bed bugs are considered to be more of a nuisance than a health hazard.

To relief itchiness, you can try purchasing an anti-itch cream from any pharmacies. Some of the recommended bed bug bites treatments are Corticool, a cream that relieves itching from insect bites. Other possible treatment for bed bug bites also include Benadryl or even calamine lotion. The itch and the rash that results from the bites may take a few days or few weeks to disappear and will depend on the degree of your allergic reaction to them. Usually the itching will stop before the bite marks disappear.

If you experience bed bug bites, it may be a symptom of a bed bug infestation. Do take the necessary steps to get rid of bed bugs immediately before the infestations get worse.

-
About the Author:
Get answers on identifying bed bug symptoms and bed bug rash by visiting BedBugsRemovalGuide.com – internet’s leading informational website that provides advice, tips, articles on all aspects of bed bugs, including resources on how to get rid and kill bed bugs quickly and easily.
Article Source

Best Growing Tomatoes – 3 Tips on How to Save Tomato Plants During a Frost

Growing tomatoes are the most sought out vegetable for a home gardener. There is something special about trying to produce the best growing tomatoes possible and eating the ripe fruit straight out of the garden – particularly the cherry or grape variety! Nothing compares to the taste of a tomato that has ripened on the vine. It is important to protect and save these sun loving tomato plants during a frost.

The perfect temperature range for a tomato plant is 64 – 75 degrees, and no lower than 55 degrees. If it gets too cold, you might see curling of the leaves, the tomatoes may show scarring with holes, or the pollination may be poor. A tomato plant will stop producing fruit when the nights turn cold, however, any fruit already on the plant will continue to ripen.

The following three tips on how to save tomato plants during a frost will help you produce the best growing tomatoes attainable:

1) If it has not rained recently, water your plants & then cover them with a thick layer of leaves – the combination of leaves and moist soil protects the roots

2) Placing a “Row Cover” over the plants adds 6 degrees – because this product breaths, you can leave it on the plants for several days (can be found at a hardware store)

3) Spraying “Cloud Cover” over the plants adds 3 degrees (also found at a hardware store)

These are just a few of the ways to save tomato plants during a frost. By taking precautions during times of frost, growing tomatoes can prove to be a fun and greatly satisfying experience!

Deb R. is an avid gardener with a special interest in growing tomato plants. Are you trying to grow the best juicy and tasty tomato possible, and avoid disease, pests, and soil problems? Best Growing Tomatoes. Check out this fantastic guide on how to grow fabulous tomatoes right now! http://www.bestgrowingtomatoes.info

-
About the Author:
I have always loved animals and enjoyed having various pets as a child.  As an adult, I spent 10 years breeding cockatoos and presently have a Bengal cat.  Even with all the joy that having a pet brings to your life, also comes the heartache when the inevitable death of a pet occurs.  I hope that my article can provide some help and consolation as you work through the grief of losing a beloved pet.
Article Source