Safety Procedures for Agricultural Tools

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, farming is listed as one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Serious injuries can be sustained during a vehicle rollover or maintenance accident.

Purpose

• Farmers and agricultural workers must be aware of the hazards associated with farm equipment. By using safety procedures, workers can avoid being injured. Some of these procedures include inspecting the equipment before use, having access to operations manuals and keeping equipment in good working condition.

Prevention/Solution

• If a vehicle--such as a tractor--were to overturn, the user can be injured; hazardous fluids may leak from the engine. Four items have to be securely sealed and covered to prevent leaks: the fuel tank, reservoir for oil, battery and the coolant system. OSHA requires that the vehicle should have a seat belt. It has to be resistant to wear and able to keep the driver safety in the event of a rollover.

Other Considerations

• Before any piece of equipment is used, it should be inspected for broken or worn parts. Workers should make sure that all guards are properly installed before using a piece of equipment. If parking a piece of machinery, the engine should be shut off, the transmission placed in "park" and the brakes on. Before fixing a piece of equipment that has become locked up, it should be turned off in the worker needs to wait until all parts have stopped moving.

How to Recycle a HP Battery

A variety of Hewlett-Packard products use batteries, including phones, printers and PCs. When a battery reaches the end of its life, recycling it rather than throwing it away in household trash can help protect the environment and human health from any harmful materials it contains. HP recognizes the negative impact that batteries can have. Although HP doesn't directly recycle its batteries, it supports the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit organization that provides free recycling assistance for single-use and rechargeable batteries. HP recommends that you dispose of your HP batteries at an RBRC retail partner location or a local recycling facility.

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  Go to the RBRC Call2Recycle website (see Resources) or use the Call2Recycle Helpline at 800-822-8837.

• 2

  Enter your ZIP code information to find a drop-off location. If you use the website, enter your ZIP code in the "Find a Drop-Off Location" search field and click the right arrow or press "Enter" on your computer keyboard. If you use the Call2Recycle Helpline, follow the phone prompts and enter your ZIP code on your phone keypad.

• 3

  Drop off your HP battery or batteries at one of the retail locations provided.

• 4

  Contact your local waste disposal or recycling facility and ask about battery recycling locations in your area if you can't find an RBRC-affiliated program. Additionally, ask if you need to follow any special procedures for dropping off an HP battery or batteries. Drop off the battery or batteries at a recommended location.

What Are the Dangers of Living Near High Voltage Power Lines?

• Never climb an electricity pylon. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  Apart from the obvious dangers of electrocution, there are other serious health hazards that are now recognized as occurring as a result of living near high voltage overhead power lines. The Think About It website says a study carried out by the Swedish government on 500,000 people over 25 years found that children living near high voltage power lines had four times the risk of getting cancer than in normal circumstances, whilst adults were three times more likely. The Swedish government now rates electromagnetic fields along with tobacco as a class 2 carcinogen.

Electrocution

• Be careful not to make a connection with the power lines by using things such as kites near them. Even if you do not touch the overhead power lines with something you are holding, the electricity can arc over short distances to make a connection. Overhead power cables are not insulated like the cables in your home. The Bonneville Power Administration website advises that you do not put yourself or any objects higher than 14 feet when you are near overhead power lines.

Illness

• Although there has been much controversy over the years about the health risks of living near power lines, the evidence is becoming overwhelming that there are indeed risks of illnesses such as leukemia (particularly in children), cancer, brain tumors, high blood pressure, stress induced headaches, fatigue and immune deficiencies. The list grows as the years go on and the findings of studies accumulate.

Protection

• Due to the fears of the dangers of electromagnetic fields caused by, not only high-voltage overhead power lines, but electrical equipment used in the home and at the office, there is a growing industry in products designed to protect the human body from the detrimental effects of these fields. As the research in this area is in its infancy, faith in the efficacy of these products should be tempered accordingly.

Financial Risks

• As the dangers of living near high-voltage overhead power lines becomes known more widely and the results of research increase the validity of the argument that they cause health problems, people are becoming less inclined to buy homes near to them. The EM Watch website points out that awareness is growing all the time and the longer people take to make the decision to sell these homes, the more of a financial loss they will take.

Hazards of Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

• Automotive mechanics need to know about work-related chemical hazards. Stockbroker/Valueline/Getty Images

  Chlorinated brake cleaner solvents have been used in automotive repair shops across the United States. Exposure to intense heat, caused by hot engine parts or a welding torch, can break down chlorinated solvents--such as brake cleaner--into a number of toxic compounds, according to Broward County Florida Pollution Prevention. The most toxic compounds found in chlorinated solvents include carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane and chlorobenzene. The National Institutes of Health states that these toxic compounds, alone or in combination, may cause liver, kidney and brain damage.

Carbon Tetrachloride

• Acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride through inhalation or oral ingestion can cause liver damage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The liver of an exposed person may swell and become tender to the touch. Enzyme levels can change and you may suffer from jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes that results from the accumulation of toxins in the skin when the liver doesn't function properly. Carbon tetrachloride may also damage the kidneys and result in nephritis, nephrosis and proteinuria. Workers exposed to carbon tetrachloride have experienced nausea, vomiting, headaches, lethargy and general weakness.

Trichloroethane

• People exposed to trichloroethane reported burning and whitening of exposed skin, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. No human studies are reported, but according to the EPA, animals exposed to trichloroethane suffered injury to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system following inhalation and ingestion of the compound. The California Environmental Protection Agency limits human exposure to trichloroethane to 0.004 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day, based on the compound's damaging effects on the livers of rats. The EPA is confident that lifetime exposures above the recommended daily exposure limits may cause adverse unknown health effects.

Chlorobenzene

• Workers exposed to chlorobenzene may suffer from body numbness, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Workers have reported nervous system effects such as weakness in body functions. The EPA reports that exposure to high levels of chlorobenzene can cause severe liver, kidney and brain damage. Acute exposure to the chemical can cause unconsciousness and tremors. The effects of chlorobenzene on children can be particularly harsh. Children who ingest chlorobenzene may become unconscious, turn blue and experience muscle spasms. The Centers for Disease Control and EPA both state that long-term exposure to chlorobenzene can cause injury to the central nervous system, which can result in numbness, hypersensitivity to stimulus (hyperesthesia), muscle spasms, headaches and irritation to the upper respiratory tract.

Methods of Purifying Rain Water

• One way to purify water involves boiling the liquid. SW Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Drinkable, clean water ranks amongst the most precious and limited resources on the planet. Most of the water on Earth comes in the form of salt water, while much of the fresh water supply suffers from pollution such as acid rain. Fortunately, humans have devised methods to purify polluted rain water, including boiling, filtering and chemically treating water.

Boiling Water

• The most common and widely known method of purifying water, boiling water, requires only a heat-resistant container and a heat source such as a stove top burner or a camp fire. To successfully purify the water, the temperature of the water must get to 212 degree Fahrenheit, the boiling point. The water should also boil for at least one minute. Boiling will kill bacteria and parasites, but it will not remove pollutants such as heavy metals.

Water Filteration

• Many households use a water filtration system to purify their water. The market holds two types of fliters: membrane filters and depth filters. Depth filters, such as Brita or WaterWorks II, force water through a filter that includes carbon materials, trapping bacteria and other dangerous particles. Membrane filters use very thin sheets that have microscope pores, allowing water through but not dangerous particles and bacteria. Common membrane filters include PUR-Hiker portable water bottles.

Chlorine Treatments

• Another household way of purifying water includes introducing a small amount of liquid chlorine bleach to the water. Bleaches such as Purex or Clorox work, although they must be free of dyes and perfumes. Approximately three drops of liquid chlorine bleach safely purify one quart of water, according to the Washington State Department of Health. For a half gallon of water, the safe amount of bleach goes up to five drops. The amount continues to go up incrementally, such as 1/8 teaspoon for a gallon of water, 1/2 teaspoon for five gallons of water and one teaspoon for 10 gallons of water.

Iodine Treatment

• Iodine also offers purifying properties; however, it makes the water toxic to anyone who is allergic to iodine. The safest proportions of iodine to water include five drops of liquid iodine to a quart of clear water and 10 drops of to a quart of cloudy water. Iodine-treated water also has the capacity to cause problems for pregnant women, women over 50, anyone on lithium or people who have thyroid problems.

Chemical Disposal Methods

• Hazardous waste can be stored in barrels while waiting for disposal. Michael Hitoshi/Photodisc/Getty Images

  The Environmental Protection Agency has put together a set of laws and regulations in order to keep hazardous chemicals from getting into the environment and polluting our drinking water, our land, or the air we breathe. Chemicals can be disposed of in several ways, from being placed in landfills or deep wells, to being incinerated so that their key components can be reclaimed and reused by the industry.

Hazardous Waste

• According to the EPA, listed hazardous wastes fall under four different categories; the F-list identifies wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes, the K-list identifies wastes from specific industries such as petroleum refining and pesticide manufacturing, the P-list and the U-list wastes include specific commercial chemical products in an unused form, like pharmaceutical products.

Treatment

• Before a hazardous waste or chemical can be disposed of, it must be treated. Treatment is a process that changes a property of a substance to make it less toxic to the environment. A chemical can be neutralized, recovered for further use in another industry, or made safer for ease of transport, storage and disposal.

Land Disposal

• Disposal refers to the placement of chemical waste into or onto the land. Disposal facilities are built to permanently contain and prevent their release into the environment. A land disposal unit can be a landfill, surface impoundment, a land treatment unit, injection well or a waste pile.

Injection Wells

• Injection wells are underground wells that are used for the disposal of hazardous waste that is liquid. The wells are dug deep into isolated rock formations that are thousands of feet below our underground sources of drinking water. These wells are highly regulated to ensure that our sources of drinking water do not become polluted by them.

Incinerators

• Incinerators are used to destroy hazardous waste or to treat it for disposal. According to the EPA, incineration destroys the toxic organic constituents in hazardous waste while reducing it's overall volume or size. Types of hazardous waste incinerators include rotary kilns, liquid injection units, fixed hearth units and fluidized bed units.

Boilers and Industrial Furnaces

• Boilers and industrial furnaces are used to burn hazardous waste for energy and to recover materials for later use. A boiler is an enclosed device that uses controlled flame combustion to create energy from steam, heated fluid, or heated gases. Boilers are used to burn waste to create energy. An industrial furnace is a part of a manufacturing process that uses thermal energy treatment to burn waste for material recovery and energy. Cement kilns, aggregate kilns, phosphate kilns, coke ovens, lime kilns, blast furnaces, smelting furnaces and oxidation reactors are all types of industrial furnaces.

How to Dispose of PCB Ballast

Governments and organizations throughout the world use fluorescent lighting because of its illumination quality and longevity. Inside older models of fluorescent lights is a light distribution mechanism known as a ballast. Prior to 1978 fluorescent light ballasts contained a highly toxic compound known as polychlorinated biphenyl, commonly referred to as PCB. The highly carcinogenic nature of PCBs requires extreme caution and makes it illegal to dispose of any PCB ballast in a landfill. Proper disposal of any PCB ballast requires using a Universal Waste vendor as outlined by the federally-mandated Universal Waste guidelines.

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  Report the damaged ballast to your maintenance staff or hazardous waste department. A firm that generates more than 5.000 kilograms, or 11.02 pounds at a time is categorized as a large generator of universal waste and requires additional documentation paperwork for each Universal Waste disposal container.

• 2

  Obtain a 5 gallon screw top container and put on protective gloves. Do not allow any part of your skin or clothing to touch the ballast. Slowly insert each ballast into the container. Take off the protective gloves and add them into the container before sealing the lid. Do not attempt to reuse rubber gloves after handling PCB ballasts since they may contain harmful PCB residue.

• 3

  Apply the purple Universal Waste label to the outside of the container. Write the contents "PCB ballast" on the label and mark the date. Do not store any items other than PCB ballasts in the container to avoid chemical interactions. Store the container in a safe location specifically designated for hazardous materials. Never store any Universal Waste item more than a year due to increased risk of decomposition and leaking.

• 4

  Contact the company's Universal Waste vendor. The disposal or maintenance office will have this information as well. Also check with your state guidelines for at the FedCenter website for additional information and resources concerning Universal Waste management (see Resources).

How to Teach Heparin Infusion

Heparin is used to prevent and treat venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, treatment of unstable angina and heart attack as well as prevention of acute thrombosis. Heparin infusions are done intravenously with an infusion pump. A dedicated IV line is not required when the infusion is given with a compatible fluid such as 5 percent Dextrose of .9 percent sodium chloride.

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  Instructions should be given on how to properly weigh the patient. This information is needed to calculate accurate Heparin dosages.

• 2

  Gather the results of baseline blood work to review with the student, and explain how they apply to the patient's care. This includes FBE, APTT and PT.

• 3

  Instruct the individual on how to prepare the correct heparin concentration. Use 10 Units/kg/mL to calculate the appropriate amount. Heparin is prepared in 50mL of compatible fluid, and this should be demonstrated by the instructor.

• 4

  Explain and demonstrate how to configure the infusion pump to accept the loading dose and subsequent maintenance doses.

• 5

  Show how to give the heparin loading dose as written in the medical order. Use 80 Units/kg to calculate the correct dosage, not to exceed 5000 Units over a 10-minute period.

• 6

  Begin infusion at the rate written in the medical order.

The Effects of Drinking Black Coffee

• Not everyone is healthy enough for coffee. Shana Novak/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  One man's medicine is another man's poison, and so it is with coffee. The brew's healthy and damaging effects can depend on your overall physical and mental health. Coffee can stoke the fires of the nervous system or bring calm to oxidizing cells that contribute to Type 2 diabetes. Drinking it black is the healthier choice. You avoid adding dairy fats and elevating blood sugar levels with sweetener, be it raw or one of the chemically processed brands.

Healthy Effects

• The healthy effects of coffee are as complex as its many flavors. The bean contains antioxidants that inhibit the aging process and reduce plaque buildup in the brain that protects against Alzheimer's disease. At the cellular level, chlorogenic acid slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream. This reaction may help prevent chronic diseases such as mellitus, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, and alcoholic cirrhosis. The brew's diuretic qualities aid in keeping gallstones and kidney stones at bay by increasing urine volume.

Damaging Effects - Caffeine

• Black coffee can negatively affect young adults, children and the elderly who are more sensitive to caffeine, and those with compromised immune systems and hypertension. Although caffeine's effect on heart disease remains under speculation, those with heart rate fluctuations should be moderate in their consumption. The oils in the ebony beans can also contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels, especially the "bad" LDL count. Aside from that it effects blood vessel tone and can cause irregular heartbeat.

  Recent studies advise pregnant women to limit themselves to 3 cups a day to reduce the possibility of impaired fetal growth. In older women, caffeine consumption is associated with osteoporotic fractures.

Damaging Effects - Acid

• Some people say they drink coffee to get their hearts going in the morning, which it does by causing heart rates to rise and stomach acids to churn. An imbalance of acid in the body can be tough on the stomach lining causing ulcers and heartburn. If you like your coffee extra hot, consider the health of your esophagus that must endure the brew's heat on its way down your throat.

Mental Effects

• The mental effects of coffee can leave a person feeling like both sides of a coin. While it promotes alertness, attention and improved mental processes, the same stimulation also increases stress hormones that can lead to insomnia and tension. If you are trying to break the habit, the withdrawal period is the perfect host for headaches, irritability and lethargy.

About Healing Garden Organics Honey

The Healing Garden Organics Wild Honey line is a group of health and beauty products that includes body sprays, facial cremes, soaps and shower body wash gels. These products have a distinct advantage over other products because of dangers related to the chemicals of synthetically-produced consumables.

All Natural

• The honey harvested for use in these products comes from noncultivated areas in the wilderness where the bees producing the honey have not been subject to pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The products themselves contain 85 percent or more certified organic materials. The main ingredients in these products are honey and aloe vera juice.

Anti-Aging

• Many believe in the anti-aging results of using honey on the skin. Honey is a humectant, which helps to maintain the moisture of your skin. Because honey is a main component of these products, the line has been advertised as having anti-aging effects on the skin. This product has also claimed to decrease irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

The Nature Conservancy

• In order to increase awareness of conservation efforts, Healing Gardens has promised to donate 50 cents from every Healing Garden Organics Honey purchase up to $40,000 to The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving land, resources, animals and plants.

What Should I Eat for the Final Four?

Have friends over for party food is a fun way to watch the Final Four. Try matching food to each region that's represented, or simply serve food from your favorite team's region while you cheer them on.

Southern Food

• If you're looking for traditional Southern food for a sporting event, you can't go wrong with authentic barbecue. However, if you are looking for something that is quicker to prepare, try fried chicken or Tex-Mex options such as quesadillas, tacos or nachos.

Eastern Food

• For a Final Four team from the Northeast, choose seafood. Chowder can be made ahead, and lobster rolls can be eaten in front of the television. For a less expensive option, try frying your favorite white fish, and serve it with a kicked-up homemade tartar sauce.

Midwestern and Western Food

• One of the first things to come to mind in Midwestern cuisine is potatoes, which gives you lots of options such as french fries, potato skins or homemade potato chips. For a lighter touch, and to represent the West, try California rolls. Or combine two regions and garnish any Tex-Mex dish with plenty of fresh vegetables and avocado.

The Harmful Effects of Canola Oil

• While Canola oil was introduced to American consumers as a healthy alternative to other oils, it is still unclear whether consumption of this oil is a smart choice. Supporters of Canola oil tout the fact that it is low in saturated fats, whereas critics suggest that an oil whose source is a toxic insecticide and which causes premature death in lab animals cannot be entirely healthy for human use.

Origins of Canola Oil

• Canola oil is a manmade oil that originated in Canada -- the name "Canola" is a combination of the words Canada and oil -- derived from the rapeseed plant. What makes this interesting is that the rapeseed plant is toxic to humans. Rapeseed is an insect repellent and was also the main ingredient in the mustard gas used as weapons in World War II. When Canola oil is engineered, erucic acid, the part of the oil which is toxic to humans, is supposed to be filtered out.

Saturated Fats

• The reason that Canola is touted as being a healthy alternative to other oils is because it has a low composition of saturated fat. Only 4 percent of the fats in Canola oil are saturated fats, while the rest are unsaturated fats. While this is a good thing when viewed separately, it may not be enough to justify Canola oil as being one of the healthiest types of oil on the market.

Testing of Canola Oil's Effects

• The effects of Canola oil have not been tested on humans, but studies on laboratory rats and pigs have shown that the consumption of Canola oil led to hyperlipidemic conditions, an excess of fat and cholesterol in the blood, as well as hypertension, degeneration of the heart, kidney, adrenals, and thyroid gland. The rats that were fed Canola oil, as opposed to soybean oil, also experienced a shorter lifespan.

Dangers of Hydrogen Dioxide

• In a weak solution, hydrogen peroxide is a common antiseptic. Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

  Hydrogen dioxide (H2O2) is better known as hydrogen peroxide. It is infinitely soluble in water. Commercial hydrogen peroxide solutions typically range from 3 to 35 percent. In lower concentrations, it is a common antiseptic, disinfectant and chlorine-free household bleach. In higher concentrations, it is an agricultural fungicide and a water-purification agent. Concentrations above 40 percent are extremely hazardous due to their corrosive and oxidizing qualities, and are usually found only in labs and industrial applications.

3-Percent Solutions

• When used in a 3-percent solution, hydrogen peroxide is an effective topical antiseptic. Although it's generally safe for external use, this product can irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Ingesting a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

10-Percent Solutions

• Hydrogen peroxide solutions at or near 10 percent are common in hair-bleaching products and laundry whiteners. At this concentration, hydrogen peroxide is corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Inhaling the vapors or ingesting the solution can lead to injury and --- in rare cases --- death. Contact with eyes may cause permanent damage. Hydrogen peroxide is also a strong oxidizer at this concentration, and may cause a fire if it comes in contact with organic oxidizable materials.

35-Percent Solutions

• In concentrations at or near 35 percent, hydrogen peroxide is extremely dangerous to human health. The vapors are severely caustic to the respiratory track and eyes. Skin contact can lead to irreversible damage, while ingestion can lead to serious injury or death. At this concentration, hydrogen peroxide is a dangerous oxidizer. Contact with organic oxidizable materials may result in fire or an explosion. Sealed containers of the solution may also rupture when heated.

The Best Clif Bars

• The Clif Bar is a series of protein bars and snacks designed for active people, from those hiking to those just working out. Team Clif Bar is a community of over 2,000 pro and amateur athletes, sponsored by the company in many sports. According to Clif Bar's website, the company was created when founder Gary Erickson bit into another energy bar and was instantly convinced that he could create a better product. Clif Bar has grown into a successful company with many flavors.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

• According to Raymond Estrella, writing for Backpack Gear Test's website, the white chocolate macadamia nut flavor of Clif Bar is the easiest to chew and the most moist of any of Clif Bar's flavors. The sweet taste also bridges the gap nicely between candy-bar style health bars and those that use primarily organic ingredients. The macadamia nut bar has 100 calories per ounce with a low amount of fat and high carbohydrates. This means the bar not only tastes good but provides a healthy boost of energy without the sleepiness that comes from high fat foods.

Blueberry Crisp

• According to hiker Ernie Elkins, writing for Backpack Gear Test, "Clif Bar's blueberry crisp bar has the look and taste of a treat made in a home kitchen."

  The blueberry crisp bar is also composed of 70 percent organic ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals and contains 9 g of protein. Elkins states that the bar not only provides authentic blueberry taste but also gives the body sustained energy without a harsh sugar-related crash.

Builder's Bar

• The Clif Builder's Bar is designed as a meal replacement for hikers, providing a higher source of protein and carbohydrates over the standard Clif Bar. Each bar has 20 g of protein and just 8 g of total fat. The only complaint surrounding this Clif Bar series comes from the Consumer Search website that states the bar's 20 to 22 g of sugar to be at the higher end of the protein bar spectrum. This is somewhat mitigated by the company's use of unprocessed sugars.

Coal Flames: Safety Hazards

• Coal flames release dangerous pollutants and chemicals harmful to human beings and wildlife. Jena Cumbo/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  Coal flame gas releases 40 to 50 different harmful compounds when it ignites. Many of the compounds have toxic qualities, with some being carcinogenic. Carbon monoxide, benzene and hydrogen sulfide have caused illness and deaths among the population. Coal flame gas and particulates can cause serious heart and respiratory problems. Coal burning on a global level has had negative impact results on the environment, including the air and delicate ecosystems where animal and plant life have been affected.

Public Health

• Coal flames produce enormous quantities of dangerous pollutants that, when breathed or ingested by humans, can cause pulmonary-respiratory failure, heart attack, bronchitis, lung cancer and stroke. Many of the particulates and heavy metals from coal flame combustion contain chemicals that alter and destroy the body's cells. Power plant coal pollution produces 38,200 nonfatal heart attacks each year while people suffer over 554,000 asthma conditions. Breathing coal flame gas from even a barbecue can cause nauseousness and death, due to high carbon monoxide levels.

Environmental Ecosystems

• Coal flame gases release dangerous pollutants into the environment and ecosystems. Spontaneous coal fires that ignite on a daily bases around the world contribute to acid rain, soot and other heavy metal constituents that pollute rivers, streams, lakes, coastline habitats populated by marine life and farmland. These substances pollute and poison the water systems and flora, upon which human and animal life depend upon for sustenance. Wetlands, forests and marsh areas contain delicate ecosystems that must remain in balance. When subjected to coal gas pollution, the smallest of creatures and plant life become affected.

Atmosphere

• Coal fire flames produce pollutants that rise high into the atmosphere and travel great distances, effecting virtually all continents. Traveling on the wind currents, coal pollutants produce large quantities of greenhouse gases that contain sulfur dioxide, mercury, nitrogen oxides, methane, soot and other particulate matter, which can and have caused respiratory problems. Most smog and acid rain have its origins from coal-related burning. Brown skies result from excessive coal burning, directly affecting aircraft visibility and sometimes engine performance. Coal burning on a global scale has been linked to global warming where the pollutants act as a containment barrier that entraps heat close to the surface of the earth. The excess heat encourages the premature melting of ice caps and glaciers, responsible for destructive high tides and ocean level rise.

Mining Disasters

• Nearly all mining disasters can be attributed to the spontaneous or accidental combustion of coal dust, which ignites and then explodes. Mine shafts, coal veins and repositories, which can be very deep and confined within small passage areas, can explode with tremendous pressure, causing landslides, sinkholes and major land deformation. Coal dust, roused by the activity of coal excavation machinery, becomes very flammable when exposed to any open flame or static electricity source. Such explosions have caused serious mining disasters, resulting in the loss of life.

Halog Ointment Uses

• Psoriasis is one skin condition that may necessitate the use of a corticosteroid such as Halog. Jodi Jacobson/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Halog ointment is a type of corticosteroid that is applied topically in order to reduce inflammation or itchiness. This type of ointment comes in several different strengths, but is only available through prescription. Halcinonide is the active ingredient in Halog ointment, which is added in a ratio of 1mg of halcinonide, to 1g of inactive ingredients, which include a plasticized hydrocarbon gel and polyethylene glycols.

Topical Use

• Spread the ointment on areas of skin that are inflamed or that itch two to three times per day in a very thin coat or as otherwise directed by a doctor. Certain conditions such as psoriasis may necessitate the need to use Halog, but should only be used according to medical advice. Do not get the ointment in your eyes, as it is intended for topical use only.

Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use corticosteroids such as Halog unless specifically instructed by an obstetrician or licensed midwife. The ointment can have adverse affects on the fetus and the quality of breastmilk.

Other Warnings

• Patients who suffer from corticosteroids allergies should not use Halog ointment. Notify your doctor if your condition gets worse or other symptoms appear after beginning a Halog regimen. Call poison control immediately if you get this ointment in your eyes or mouth. Discontinue use if there are other noticeable adverse affects, such as burning, itching, infections, skin atrophy, or dryness. Never use occlusive dressing over the ointment unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

How to Recycle Polythene Bags

Polythene bags, used as plastic shopping bags and black trash bags are popular all over the world. Although they are convenient, polythene bags are an environmental hazard. The good news, however, is that polythene bags can be recycled. Reused and recycled polythene bags can help in reducing landfill and help in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. They can be converted into environmental friendly bags and into durable material such as plastic lumber for waste receptacles, park benches and picnic tables.

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  Take the polythene bags to your local grocery store for reuse. This will reduce the need to use new bags for bagging your groceries. You can also return old or used polythene bags to your grocery store or supermarket as many stores accept used bags for recycling.

• 2

  Use the bags to store and organize clothes in your storage closet. If you plan on putting away your bags, purses and shoes for a while, you can stuff polythene bags into them to retain their shape.

• 3

  Polythene bags can be used as lunch sacks or to pack and carry food for a picnic or family gathering.

• 4

  Use the bags to carry muddy and dirty shoes or to carry sandy and wet beachwear. You can also use them to carry your children's toys back home from the beach or the park.

• 5

  Use your polythene bags to clean the litter box of your pet(s). Alternatively, you also can use these bags to pick up after your pet when you take it for a walk or give them to the local animal shelter for similar use.

• 6

  To prevent your paint rollers and brushes from drying out, bag them in polythene bags as this will keep the air out.

• 7

  Use polythene bags as packing material by rolling them up and stuffing them in and around the items you want to pack or store.

• 8

  After removing the vacuum cleaner bag, put it into a polythene bag and tie it up. This will prevent dust and dirt from slipping out while you are disposing of the bag.

• 9

  If you have separate trash cans for different rooms and uses around the house, you can use these bags as trash can liners.

Natural Toxin Cleaners

• Lemon juice supports the liver in removing toxins from the body. Lew Robertson/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  A toxin is defined by Oxford Dictionaries as a "poison or venom of plant or animal origin," which in low concentrations can damage cells in the body. This damage ranges in severity from an uncomfortable antigenic reaction to serious disease. In response, the body has developed several methods to combat its accumulation of toxins, including sweating, urinating and vomiting. Additionally, there are a few natural elements that help remove toxins from the body.

Water

• The essence of life, water cleanses the body of toxins by literally flushing them out. Water supports the kidneys and liver in their waste disposal, and replenishes the fluids that detoxify the body. Water also stimulates the immune system's defenses against toxins by transporting nutrients and energy to cells to strengthen organs and tissues. Daily consumption levels, recommended by the Drinking Water Research Foundation, are 100 ounces of fluid for men, and 72 ounces for women, which includes water and other fluids.

Lemon Juice

• Used by the Romans as an antidote to several poisons, lemon juice cleans the body of toxins by stimulating the production of bile, the liver's most vital detoxifying medium. A potent diuretic, lemon juice helps flush toxins through the urinary system. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the immune system's defenses and promotes cell regeneration. As a natural household cleaner, lemon juice removes stains and deodorizes, helping reduce the accumulation of toxins around the house.

Sunshine and Fresh Air

• Toxins and allergens in the form of mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp places. Increasing sunshine and ventilation in your home combats the growth of mold and mildew. In "An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that controlling the level of humidity within the home reduces the reproduction of mold and mildew. The EPA recommends a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent in the home.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Household dust and animal dander are also likely sources of toxins. Natural cleaning products remove toxins from the household without leaving behind chemical compounds. Baking soda is a hard-working, all-purpose cleaner that breaks down stubborn stains and grease. Another natural cleaner is vinegar, due to its high acid content. The Vinegar Institute lists its multifunctional cleaning purposes, from cleaning the garbage disposal to shining windows.

How to Size Culverts

Culverts are specially designed conduits used in the construction of roads to help manage and control water drainage. They're used as part of a drainage system to help control excessive runoff and reduce or prevent flood damage to roadways. Using a properly sized culvert is key to its success, and sizing a culvert depends on three major factors: Soil type, the slope of the land and the size of the area the culvert is associated with all impact the sizing.

• 1

  Measure the size of the drainage area the culvert will account for. The number of acres that will drain into the culvert system will help to determine the maximum capacity needed.

• 2

  Determine the slope of the ground of the drainage area. You can determine the slope of the area by using a topographic map. Find the vertical distance of the area and divide it by the horizonal area then multiply the result by 100.

• 3

  Take account of the soil and vegetation in the drainage area. Dense, hard-packed soil with very little vegetation cover will result in more water flow than light soil with heavy vegetation.

• 4

  Use Talbot's Table to determine the required culvert size. Match your calculated drainage area, slope rating and soil condition with the ratings on the chart.

Ways to Sit in an Office Chair

• Sit with your back straight to avoid pain or injury. Compassionate Eye Foundation/Chris Newton/OJO Images Ltd/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  The human body was not built to sit in a chair for the entire working day. Unfortunately, that's the position in which some people find themselves. To avoid pain, discomfort or injury, it's a good idea to get up and walk around every half-hour or so. While you're sitting in the chair, observe some do's and don'ts to keep your body healthy.

Alignment

• Keep both feet on the ground and position yourself, and the keyboard, so that you are naturally able to type with your arms parallel to the floor. Doing this may seem a little rigid, but it is the best way to work at a computer screen without causing damage to your arms or legs.

Footrest

• If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to have both feet on the ground, consider putting your feet on a footrest. This helps the circulation in your legs and ensures that your knees are at a 90-degree angle, which is what you should be aiming for while seated. Avoid resting your feet on another chair, which impairs circulation because your legs are too straight.

Sit Back

• Push your hips as far back in the seat as possible. Sitting on the front edge of your seat will induce pain in your buttocks and is also not good for your posture. If buttock pain remains, raise the chair height to decrease the pressure on the buttocks and increase the pressure on the thighs.

Sitting Straight

• The best way to avoid back pain is to sit up with your back and neck straight. To do this you will have to adjust your chair and your monitor. If you are leaning forward to read the screen, raise the monitor and increase the font size on the screen. Make sure the back of your chair is straight so your back can rest comfortably straight against it.

Wrong Ways

• Experts advise against several ways to sit in an office chair. Sitting with one or both of your legs crossed can cause cramping and pain in your knees. Hunching over the computer screen can cause back pain. Having your body at an angle will also likely damage your neck. This happens when your head is facing away from the screen and you have to twist your neck to see the screen.