What are CO2 emissions

The troposphere is the lower part of the atmosphere, of about 10-15 kilometres thick. Within the troposphere there are gasses called greenhouse gasses. When sunlight reaches the earth, some of it is converted to heat. Greenhouse gasses absorb some of the heat and trap it near the earth's surface, so that the earth is warmed up. This process, commonly known as the greenhouse effect, has been discovered many years ago and was later confirmed by means of laboratory experiments and atmospheric measurements.

Life as we know it exists only because of this natural greenhouse effect, because this process regulates the earth's temperature. When the greenhouse effect would not exist, the whole earth would be covered in ice.

The amount of heat trapped in the troposphere determines the temperature on earth. The amount of heat in the troposphere depends on concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gasses and the amount of time these gasses remain in the atmosphere. The most important greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide, CFC's (Chlor-Fluoro-Carbons), nitrogen oxides and methane.

Since the industrial revolution in 1850 began, human processes have been causing emissions of greenhouse gasses, such as CFC's and carbon dioxide. This has caused an environmental problem: the amounts of greenhouse gasses grew so extensively, that the earth's climate is changing because the temperatures are rising. This unnatural addition to the greenhouse effect is known as global warming.

Pool safety hazards

Your swimming pool can offer up a cool, refreshing oasis away from the summer heat, but it can also harbor dangerous safety hazards beneath its shimmering surface. Educate yourself on some of the most common pool safety issues encountered by families and homeowners so you can take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe.

Drowning is one of the top causes of death for American children. Every year, 260 children under the age of five die in swimming pools. Never leave children unattended in a pool. If you must step away from the pool, ask a designated person to watch your children while you're gone.

Young children and babies can sometimes crawl or walk near a pool's edge where all it takes is a trip or a fall for them to end up in the water. This can also occur with your neighbor's children who may take a shortcut through your yard one day and fall unwittingly into the water. To keep such accidents at bay, put a fence around your pool. It should measure at least 48 inches in height and include a locking mechanism.

When your pool deck gets wet it can quickly become slippery. People walking or running on it can therefore slip and experience a painful fall. Minimize this risk by using nonslip coatings on your decks or sidewalks, which can include chemical treatments that texturize your concrete or simply rubber mats that you can lay across the deck.

If someone dives into your pool and it's too shallow he can experience broken arms or even a spinal injury. Ninety percent of swimming-related spinal injuries happen in water that's less than 6 feet in depth. Do not allow your family or friends to dive into your pool unless your pool's depth measures in at 8.2 feet or deeper.

The drains that keep your swimming pools water circulating can create a powerful force of energy. If you get sucked against the drain it can be so powerful that even adult swimmers can't break free. This creates both physical injury risks as well as risks of drowning. Always inspect your swimming pool before allowing people into it and don't let swimmers enter if your pool's drain covers are broken or missing.

Chemicals in cleaning products and their effects on the human body

Always read the label. You’ll find that there are some pretty dangerous chemicals, which float in the air of your home each time you clean:

·         Acetic acid (disinfectants)

·         Boric acid (cockroach/insect powders, water softener, germicide)

·         Carbolic acid (disinfectants)

·         Formic acid (deodorizing tablets and fumigants)

·         Hydrochloric acid/muriatic acid (metal/toilet bowl cleaners, bleaching agents)

·         Oxalic acid (disinfectants, household bleach, iron cleaner, anti-rust polishes)

·         Phosphoric acid (metal/toilet bowl cleaners, rust proofing, disinfectants)

·         Sulfuric acid (drain de-cloggers/cleaners)

These acids can burn the skin and may cause itchy rashes, blisters and erosions on areas of the body the acid comes in contact with. When ingested, it can burn or puncture the esophagus and stomach. Aside from the acids listed above, other products contain ingredients that have been proven to pose serious health risks

·         Triclosan can cause photo contact dermatitis, a skin irritation marked by itchy rashes and hives when exposed to sunlight. Triclosan is used as an anti-bacterial agent in antibacterial soaps, hand gels/sanitizers, and cleaning wipes

·         Neurotoxins poison the brain and nervous system and is said to lower a child’s IQ. Neurotoxins are found in air fresheners, disinfectants, spot removers and permanent-press fabrics.

·         Carcinogens have been found to cause or aggravate cancer
Carcinogens are found in all-purpose cleaners, dishwashing liquids, furniture polish, window cleaners, air fresheners, insecticides.

·         Endocrine disrupters interfere with body’s hormonal and reproductive system. Endocrine disrupters are found in laundry detergents, furniture waxes and metal polishes

·         Mutagens cause permanent genetic change in a cell. One example of a mutagen is Phenol, which is found in laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, disinfectants, furniture polish

·          Dermatogens interfere with fetal development and can be found in glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners

How Greenhouse gases are admitted into the environment

Together with hydrogen, carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas. However, hydrogen is not emitted during industrial processes. Humans do not contribute to the hydrogen amount in the air, this is only changing naturally during the hydrological cycle, and as a result it is not a cause of global warming.

Various human activities that contribute to the emission of carbon dioxide gas have been mentioned. Of these activities fossil fuel combustion for energy generation causes about 70-75% of the carbon dioxide emissions, being the main source of carbon dioxide emissions. The remaining 20-25% of the emissions is caused by land clearing and burning and by emission from motor vehicle exhausts.

Most carbon dioxide emissions derive from industrial processes in developed countries, such as in the United States and in Europe. However, carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries are rising. In this century, carbon dioxide emissions are expected to double and they are expected to continue to rise and cause problems after that. Carbon dioxide remains in the troposphere about fifty up to two hundred years.

Increasing the life span of your pool’s water heater

Swimming pools are enjoyable additions to any home. They are useful for cooling off during the hot summer temperatures and can also be used in colder weather as well if equipped with a heater. Pool heaters heat the pool's water to keep it more comfortable for swimming when the outside temperature is cooler. While heaters are useful for this purpose, they require maintenance to keep them performing optimally and severely cold temperatures can damage them. Protecting your pool heater from damage requires regular carefulness.

Turn off your timer if the temperature drops so water runs through the system 24 hours a day during the cold period. The constantly moving water helps prevent freezing. Keep the heater on its lowest setting.

Install and keep a thermometer in your pool water at all times. This tells you the temperature of the water so you can lower or turn off the heater whenever possible to increase the lifespan of its components.

Perform an annual tune-up. Heaters benefit from annual maintenance just like a car does. A technician can do an annual maintenance service that will keep your heater healthy and running efficiently.

Cover the pool when it is not in use, the heater doesn't have to work as hard to keep the water war, since much of the existing heat remains trapped under the cover. This helps increase the lifespan of the heater.

Effects of hard water on the skin

Hard water is a common culprit in the fight against dry skin. This build-up of minerals in hard water makes it very difficult for other substances to dissolve in that water, including soaps and detergents. A variety of un-dissolved substances can leave a surface residue on the washing machine, clothing, plumbing, tub, shower, hair and skin. Bathing and washing our clothes in hard water can lead to increased skin irritation.

When bathing, we often lather ourselves up with soaps, shampoos, conditioners and other cosmetics and cleaning products. If your water is hard, you may notice these products aren't lathering up satisfactorily. This could encourage you to use more of the product. The combination of hard water and increased amounts of cleansing products can really work against us, leaving more residue of the hard water and cleaning products on the skin. The soap residue left behind on your skin clogs the pores and irritates the skin, making it itchy, flaky, and dry. The minerals in the hard water itself can also clog skin pores, which can be especially harmful to more sensitive areas like the face. Facial skin or other areas that are thin, blemished, or irritated from associated dry skin conditions may worsen, with flushing from damage to the blood vessels. In addition to your skin carrying a residue of soap and hard water, our clothing, sheets, and linens are also vulnerable.

The water in our washing machines is typically no different from that in our showers; it too can leave detergent residue in our clothing and linens. Therefore, our skin can be in constant contact with this residue, causing chafing, rubbing and further skin irritation. Hard water can be especially irritating to those who already suffer from a skin condition like dermatitis. While hard water itself doesn't cause dermatitis, it can irritate the condition or even initiate a flare-up. One of the most common effects of hard water is its ability to dry out the skin, leave it unable to absorb moisture and uncomfortable.

What are the effects of CO2 emissions

Increasing carbon dioxide emissions cause about 50-60% of the global warming. Carbon dioxide emissions have risen from 280 ppm in 1850 to 364 ppm in the 1990s. It is suspected that global warming may cause increases in storm activity, Melting of ice caps on the poles, which will cause flooding of the inhabited continents, and other environmental problems.

CO₂ can contribute to acid rain in much the same way that CO₂ in soft drinks and beer makes those beverages acid. Pour a glass and drop a nail in it for a nice visual. Check back in a day or so and see what's left of the nail! Acid rain is not good for trees. CO₂ also contributes to smog in cities such as China’s smog problem.