Can Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make You Sick?

Concerns over health risks from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) sources is not new. Scientists have been studying EMFs since 1985.

We are surrounded by sources of EMF daily. They include power lines, computers, fax machines, video monitors and cell phones.

For years, some people have reported health problems they attribute to exposure to EMF. Their condition is referred to as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study EHS symptoms commonly include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling) ad well as neurasthanic and vegetative (fatigue, concentration difficulties, dizziness, heart palpitations and digestive disturbances).

While the WHO states EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that vary from individual to individual, many believe it is related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Recently, the Globe investigated CFLs and “Dirty Electricity” stating that there is a link between CFLs and migraines.

Watch Globe TV Video

Here’s an excerpt from an Austrailian government report that refutes health claims tied to CFLs.

“While light sources with a detectable flicker can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, CFLs ‘flicker’ at a rate well above that detectable by the human brain and so should not affect migraine sufferers,”

From what I’ve read, these reports remind me of the granite Radon scare recently in the news and on this blog. Is this really the LED industry trying to get consumers over the high price objection with fear? I’ll keep watching this and let you know if there are any updates.

January 19, 2009May 26, 2019

How to Select Wine

If you are at the wine store and want to purchase something to put in your new wine cooler what do you do when all you have to go by is the label?

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a wonder guide on what a wine label can tell you.

I find the follow tips to be very helpful.

Vintage: Most stores stock wine that is meant to be drunk right away. So if you see a 5 year old Pinot Grigio you should move on to the next bin.

Alcohol Content: Look for wines with an alcohol content of 14% or less. Wines with higher alcohol content tend to be unbalanced.

Cute Critters: Inexpensive wines with cute animals should also be avoided – especially if the critter has a long story. There are some exceptions to this rule such as Stag’s Leap or Iron Horse.

Estate Bottled: It’s generally a good sign when the people who made the wine also had a hand in growing the grapes on their own land.

Phone Number: A highly personal winery will print their phone number on the label with an invitation to call. Be mindful that you may have to search some very fine print to find it.

Other Details: If the winery adds extra information such as harvest date or when the wine was disgorged then you know that they are trying to communicate with the consumer.

January 14, 2009

The New White House Designer

The Obamas have named Michael S. Smith as their Interior Designer for the White House interiors.

Smith is known for his inventive style of mixing Old World classicism with very contemporary settings.

His style can be called a blend of European tradition and American modernism. The result is a comfortable elegance, a non-theatrical look that is ultimately very understated in its presentation. Congratulations Michael!

Via Domino

January 8, 2009

Electrolux Aurora Induction Cooktop

I think Australians have a different idea of low-profile design than we do here. The new Aurora Induction cooktop from Electrolux is called low-profile but it stands two inches tall. I think this makes cleaning more difficult but many people are excited about the look of the Aurora.

The Aurora cooktop stands out from other cooktops with it’s LED perimeter lighting and case of white Corian. The unit is controlled by a touch pad on the white patterned glass top.

The cooktop received an Australian Design Mark. It retails (in Australia only) for $10,000 AUD or approximately $7,050 USD.

Many descriptions I have read describe the Aurora as an appliance that is ideal for open design plans. Even though the unit has a child safety lock, the installation shown is not considered safe for people walking past the rear of the island. They could potentially be burned by steam or grease.

Another thing to consider before splurging on this cooktop is that Corian is not heat resistant.

While induction cooktops are known for not putting out heat; you should be aware that after the food gets hot it will radiate heat to the pot. If the pot is warm enough and comes in contact with the Corian base, you could scorch it.