Corporate Developments

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Radon enters indoor spaces through cracks in the joints between concrete floors, walls, gaps in the floor, small holes in hollow-core wall blocks, and through cesspools and sewers. As a result, radon levels are typically higher in basements, cellars, or other structural areas in contact with soil. The primary health risk associated with high exposure to radon is an increased risk of lung cancer. Scientists are also investigating whether radon levels found in homes and other locations pose significant health risks. These studies have now been completed, and a meta-analysis of key research projects in Europe, North America, and China has confirmed that radon in homes significantly contributes to lung cancer worldwide. According to recent estimates, 6–15% of lung cancer cases are caused by radon. Some households obtain their drinking water from groundwater sources (springs, wells, and drilled wells). Groundwater often flows through rocks containing natural uranium and radium, which produce radon. This is why water from deep wells typically has higher radon concentrations than surface water from rivers, lakes, and streams. There are several methods to address radon in the home that can reduce radon levels in indoor air, including sealing cracks in floors and walls and increasing ventilation in the building. There are five main ways to reduce radon accumulation in a home: Improve ventilation in the home and prevent radon from entering living spaces from the basement Enhance underfloor ventilation Install a radon collection system in the [...]

Research reports indicate that if the concentration of chlorine used for disinfection in swimming pools is too high, it may cause exercise-induced asthma. Experts caution that swimmers should not overlook the harm this factor poses to the respiratory system while exercising. When the chlorine concentration in pool water is below 0.5 ppm, fewer than 20% of people experience bronchoconstriction—a rate similar to that of “exercise-induced bronchoconstriction” caused by other land-based sports activities. However, when the chlorine concentration reaches 1.0 ppm, the percentage of swimmers experiencing bronchoconstriction rapidly rises to over 60 percent; regardless of their prior respiratory health, this can trigger exercise-induced asthma. Researchers point out that these findings warrant particular attention, as swimming is often recommended as an effective form of exercise for people with asthma. Experts advise that while enjoying the pleasure and health benefits of swimming, participants should also be aware of this potential hazard posed by chlorine in swimming pools. If the chlorine concentration in the pool water complies with regulations, there should be no choking odor; if swimmers detect a pungent smell, it indicates that the chlorine concentration has exceeded the standard. In some swimming facilities, the chlorine odor may be stronger due to the chlorine in the footbaths used for disinfection before entering the pool (as required by regulations, chlorine levels in footbaths must be kept high); swimmers should be mindful of this distinction. By Michael Chiu, MWS, CI Previously published in Ming Pao Daily News

Through the media, residents often hear about the Air Quality Index (AQI) and alerts issued by the Ontario government. The level of this index (0–100 or higher) is determined based on the concentration of smog pollutants in the air. Air pollution in Ontario typically originates from the United States and various adverse weather conditions; in some areas, where pollutant levels are more severe, the concentration of air pollution is relatively higher. Ground-level ozone and particulate matter are the primary causes of smog. Ground-level ozone is a byproduct formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Note: Ground-level ozone is distinct from the ozone layer that protects the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays). Particulate matter is generated directly by chemical substances and reactions, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial and agricultural pollution, and road dust. According to statistics, hundreds of millions of people in North America live in areas with abnormal levels of air pollution that exceed safe health thresholds. The report points out that vehicle exhaust, toxic fumes from factories and power plants, and ash from indoor and outdoor wood burning are the primary sources of smog pollution. Evidence shows that prolonged exposure to smog can shorten life expectancy. Particulate matter pollution can trigger heart disease, blood clots, lung cancer, and asthma attacks. Ground-level ozone can cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks; children, the elderly, and people with asthma are at the greatest risk. By Michael Chiu, MWS, CI Previously published in Ming Pao Daily News [...]

Since 1970, all homes in North America have been designed with highly airtight windows to conserve energy. The advantage of this design is that it prevents cool air from escaping during the summer, and heat from escaping in winter. The downside is that the airtight windows often lead to poor indoor air quality. Gases and particles suspended in the air are the primary factors contributing to this poor indoor air quality. Common household items such as: Cooking fumes, paint, wooden furniture, household cleaning products, beauty products, house plants, humidifiers, and even the clothes and shoes of family members returning home are major sources of poor indoor air quality. Over time, this can lead to sensitivity and respiratory problems. By Michael Chiu, MWS, CI Previously published in Ming Pao Daily News

The latest research reports confirm that air pollution is harmful to health and can even lead to death. According to statistics, hundreds of millions of people in North America live in areas with abnormal and unhealthy levels of air pollution, with dust and smog being the most common forms. The reports indicate that vehicle exhaust, toxic fumes from factories and power plants, and ash from indoor and outdoor wood burning are the primary causes of particulate matter and ozone pollution. The higher the ozone levels, the greater the risk of premature death. Ozone is an extremely reactive oxidizing gas that can irritate the respiratory system and even lead to death among patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Research has shown that ozone can cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks; children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers are at the highest risk. It has been proven that airborne particulate matter and dust can shorten the lifespan of those who are exposed to them over the long term. Particulate pollution can trigger heart disease, blood clots, lung cancer, and asthma attacks. People should recognize the importance of environmental protection; early prevention and the purification of polluted air are essential, and installing a suitable air purifier indoors is also worth considering. By Michael Chiu, MWS, CI Previously published in Ming Pao Daily News

Dry weather can cause itchy, dry skin, a dry throat, and nosebleeds, and can also make people with asthma or respiratory issues feel uncomfortable—this is especially noticeable in winter, when problems like static electricity and cracks in furniture and walls may occur. Many households install a humidifier to alleviate these issues. Users must ensure that the humidity level is properly controlled—ideally between 30% and 40%. Otherwise, excessively high humidity can lead to the growth of microorganisms and the proliferation of bacteria, which may trigger allergic symptoms. According to research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some impeller-type or ultrasonic humidifiers on the market may, due to water quality issues, release contaminants—such as microorganisms, heavy metals, and minerals—into the indoor air, causing pollution. The EPA has not yet established comprehensive guidelines regarding the impact of indoor humidifiers on indoor air quality. There are two types of humidifiers on the market that are considered relatively ideal and have lower contamination levels: Water-curtain humidifiers: These use airflow to distribute moist air throughout the home via a damp filter or similar material; such humidifiers should be equipped with a built-in drainage system. Steam humidifiers: These cool hot steam before distributing it throughout the home. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep are essential after installing a humidifier. No humidifier is maintenance-free. If you experience any respiratory symptoms that may be caused by the humidifier, stop using it immediately and contact your family doctor. By Michael Chiu, MWS, CI Previously published in Ming Pao Daily News

In the past, Reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration technology was used primarily for military and space technology applications in the 1970s and 1980s. However, due to the deterioration of water quality worldwide, this filtration technology is now widely adopted, particularly for drinking water. In fact, in North American countries, RO filtration has become the fastest-growing type of residential drinking water filter. Recent market research reports indicate that more than half of Canadians and Americans reportedly drink only filtered water or bottled water. In response to market demand and the need for high-quality drinking water, many households today, and even major bottled water brands such as Coca-Cola (Dasani) and Pepsi (Aquafina), use reverse osmosis (RO) technology to treat drinking water. The most important component of an RO system, which could also be called a “super filter”, is a semi-permeable, sealed membrane that allows only pure water to pass through. Most water-soluble and non-water-soluble microparticles—including harmful substances such as arsenic (commonly known as arsenic), copper, iron, lead, chromium, fluoride, radium, nitrates (from chemical fertilizers), and bacteria—are filtered out and removed. RO significantly eliminates odors and discoloration from water, producing pure water that is healthy and absolutely safe to drink. RO systems feature an automatic self-cleaning function, whereas conventional filters typically use activated carbon, which can only remove some impurities, odors, and color from the water and automatically lose their filtering capacity once the specified water usage limit is reached. Therefore, reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water filters have become the safest, most hygienic, and most effective water [...]

Through various sources such as dust, paint, soil, water, or food—prolonged accumulation or short-term excessive exposure, contact, ingestion, or consumption of lead-containing substances can lead to lead poisoning. The human body does not naturally contain lead. Lead is a harmful inorganic heavy metal that can damage any organ in the body, with the greatest impact on children and pregnant women. The dangers of lead poisoning are becoming increasingly recognized. If children absorb excessive amounts of lead, it can lead to symptoms such as slow learning, hyperactivity, hearing loss, mental retardation, loss of appetite, and developmental delays. Pregnant women may experience side effects such as miscarriages, infertility, or mental retardation in their infants. For adults, lead poisoning can also cause high blood pressure, anemia, kidney failure, memory loss, and damage to the nervous and digestive systems. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Lead can contaminate drinking water by leaching from municipal water pipes, indoor plumbing, and faucets; even lead-free copper pipes may have been soldered with lead. According to reports, most interior walls in buildings constructed before 1978 were painted with lead-based paint. Certain medications, vitamins, and food or juice cans may also contain lead. The symptoms of lead poisoning are not obvious and may be mistaken for other illnesses. As lead poisoning becomes more severe, patients may experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, tooth decay, insomnia, and memory loss, among several other problems. Surgery cannot remove lead from the body. To prevent lead poisoning, one should avoid and eliminate sources of lead, [...]

To prevent harmful bacteria and microorganisms from being present in water sources and water distribution pipes, most countries add chlorine to their municipal water supplies to treat and eliminate bacteria and microorganisms. However, because chlorine is an extremely reactive oxidizing agent, it forms byproducts that are harmful to human health when it comes into contact with fatty acids in animals or humans, as well as other water-soluble or volatile chemical substances (VOCs). Experiments have shown that these byproducts can cause skin allergies, high blood pressure, and heart disease; in severe cases, they can even lead to terminal illnesses such as liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer. Studies indicate that chlorine and its byproducts (such as THMs) can enter the body through the skin and respiratory system while showering, causing harm. They can also spread to other areas of the home, polluting the air and affecting every member of the household. By conservative estimates, during a ten-minute shower, the body absorbs a concentration of byproducts through the skin and respiratory system equivalent to drinking eight glasses of water. Preventive measures include avoiding the consumption of chlorinated tap water as much as possible. You can install a chlorine-removing filter on your tap. When showering, use an effective showerhead filter and a central water purification system.By Michael Chiu, MWS, CIPreviously published in Ming Pao Daily News

Due to geographical conditions, most municipal water supplies and private well water in North America—including Canada (excluding the Maritime provinces)—are hard water. Hard water is perfectly fine for outdoor uses such as watering gardens, washing parking spaces, and sprinkling lawns. However, for indoor uses—such as showering, shaving, washing dishes, furniture, and clothes, as well as for appliances that use large amounts of water, such as air conditioners, humidifiers, and washing machines—soft water offers better benefits and results than hard water. The drawbacks of hard water include the need for more detergent or soap when washing; soap scum left on bathroom tiles, which can harbor bacteria and be difficult to clean; stains remaining on cups, plates, and porcelain ware after washing; limescale reducing the efficiency of home water heaters, leading to significantly higher gas and electricity bills; shortening the lifespan of appliances; and soap scum and limescale residue on the skin and hair, which can cause inflammation and sensitivity issues. The primary minerals responsible for water hardness are calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. When these substances dissolve in water, they cause the water to become hard. According to Water Quality Association standards, water is considered hard if its hardness exceeds 1 degree (1 GPG). Water Hardness Standards: - Soft water – Less than 1 GPG - Slightly hard water – 1–3.5 GPG - Moderately hard water – 3.5–7 GPG - Hard water – 7–10.5 GPG - Very hard water – Over 10.5 GPG Water hardness in Ontario ranges from 1 to 120 GPG: North Bay [...]