Posts by k2ben
A Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide from Wood Pellets
Research has shown that stored wood pellets are a source of the toxic gas carbon monoxide. Auto oxidation of wood pellets off gas carbon monoxide (CO). This is a major health and safety hazard for those who store, transport or produce wood pellets. Risk to Health Discharge of carbon monoxide into storage areas is a…
Read MoreHow Can I Tell If My Concrete is Dry?
Concrete Curing Concrete first cures before it dries. Curing is a process where crystalline fibres are grown. Addition of water is vital for this process to occur. As curing occurs the concrete hardens. CaO / SiO2 /AL2O3 /Fe2O3 + H2O -> 3 CaO.2SiO2.4 H2O Concrete can cure even if it is 100% submerged in water.…
Read MoreRoasted Coffee Beans and Carbon Monoxide Emissions
Coffee bean grinding and storage can be a source of carbon monoxide. It is not expected that small quantities of coffee beans are an issue. Where Does the Carbon Monoxide Come From? Roasting coffee beans involves chemical reactions which release volatile compounds. These include the compounds responsible for the aromas of roasted coffee beans as…
Read MoreWhat Should I Do If My Land Is Asbestos-Contaminated?
The last blog post showed some common ways that asbestos contaminates soil. If you suspect your land may be asbestos-contaminated, what should you do about it? Is There a Risk to Health From Asbestos in Soil? The first step in a risk assessment is hazard identification. Is there actually asbestos in the soil? At K2 Environmental,…
Read MoreIs Your Land Asbestos-Contaminated?
Asbestos is a very common building material in New Zealand homes, particularly those built between 1940 and 1990. Homes built earlier may have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in renovations or extensions. Homes built later may still have asbestos contamination on the property from previous demolitions. How does soil become contaminated? Soil may become contaminated in the…
Read MoreWhat Are Those Black Marks Around Air Vents?
It is common for offices and homes to have black marks surrounding the vents on the ceiling. Sometimes this is misattributed to mould, but is usually a sign that there is fine particulate present in the air. It gathers around ceiling vents due to static electricity, air flow and the condensation of water. Particulate Inside…
Read MoreFire-Damaged Properties – A Risk To Health
Risks to Health There exists a significant risk to health after a fire has been extinguished. Toxins such as dioxins, hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many other toxins can be expected to be present and be a risk to health. Our blog post on the Air Quality in the Auckland Fire…
Read MoreGet a Better Sleep – More Ventilation
Why is ventilation important in getting a good nights sleep. Carbon dioxide is a measure of the air quality in your bedroom.
Read MoreAir Quality in Newly-Built Homes
Residential construction in New Zealand is at levels not seen since the 1970s. The number of consents granted has been increasing since 2011. Since the 1970s, much has changed: Building codes have tightened (insulation, double-glazing etc.) Solid Rimu framing has been replaced by treated timber or steel Materials containing asbestos are no longer commonplace The…
Read MoreCar Air Quality: Risks to Health and How to Improve It
Carbon dioxide over 700ppm (parts per million) can affect your cognitive ability. Sleeping in a car without ventilation creates concentrations of carbon dioxide that can have a detrimental effect on your health (More info on CO2 and cognitive function). Background on High Carbon Dioxide High carbon dioxide (CO2) levels may indicate poor air quality and…
Read More