Depending on the year of construction and model type, night storage heaters can still be heavily contaminated with asbestos and other harmful pollutants such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and chromate (chromium VI). In order to measure possible asbestos contamination indoors, GSA measuring devices offers suitable measuring devices such as the SG12 for asbestos measurement.
Advantages and disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries – Life cycle assessment
Lithium-ion batteries are essential and very popular as rechargeable storage devices in household appliances, PCs, laptops, tablets, cell phones, battery storage for photovoltaic systems and for climate-friendly electromobility. The trend towards the use of these high-performance rechargeable batteries continues unabated.
Very high numbers of e-car registrations are expected in Germany in the future. The German government plans to have ten million registered electric vehicles by 2030. Many consumers already own numerous (household) appliances with powerful and energy-efficient lithium-ion batteries. This poses particular challenges for consumers and disposal companies, as well as for correct disposal for resource-saving recycling.
AMF fibre measurements with SG12 for mineral wool insulation
With the specially developed for fibre measurements according to VDI 3492 SG12 can also be used to sample roof insulation for potential sources of danger. Roof insulation is often made of glass wool or rock wool, which are classified as AMF (artificial mineral fibers). According to TRGS 905, these fibers can be carcinogenic.
Indoor air measurement of formaldehyde with SG5200
Indoor air measurement of formaldehyde can be carried out precisely with the GSA measuring devices SG5200. Due to the health hazards of formaldehyde, it is recommended to measure indoor air with the SG5200 if there is any suspicion. In the event of outgassing, formaldehyde has potentially harmful effects on the human body.
Exposure to formaldehyde emissions has increased significantly in recent decades, as solid wood furniture, which is no longer harmless to health, no longer dominates interior design. The wood-based materials used are often chipboard with different coatings. Many modern furnishings are largely made of chipboard with a veneered or laminate surface. Formaldehyde often escapes from this furniture, especially in areas where the surface is damaged.
Photovoltaic systems – heavy metals in solar modules
There is great interest in photovoltaic systems to generate their own energy in order to counter the massive rise in gas and oil prices. Independence from gas and oil supplies from Russia is also a motive for many people due to the current war in Ukraine.
Massive environmental damage due to war
Environmental damage caused by war has an enormous impact on the environment in the affected areas. War not only causes incredible suffering for people, but also leaves behind environmental destruction with long-term negative consequences.
Measuring omicrons in breath with Vira-Pore
In order to measure the highly infectious new coronavirus variant Omikron in the breath and for the possible detection of other viruses, we offer the new Vira-Pore sampling cassette, we offer a precise coronavirus air sampling is available. Available from our online store, the Vira-Pore sampling cassette available from our online shop can be used in conjunction with one of the GSA measuring devices SG10-2, SG10-2A and SG12.
Spring cleaning – environmentally friendly and sustainable cleaning
Aggressive cleaning agents are often used for the annual spring clean to clean and disinfect surfaces in the home in the best possible way. However, the allergenic substances and environmentally hazardous substances contained in the cleaners are not taken into account.
From 2022 – less particulate matter pollution from new chimneys
From January 1, 2022, an important new regulation will apply to the construction of new chimneys. Due to a new legal regulation, new chimney heights must be observed for new combustion systems for solid fuels. This can significantly reduce fine dust pollution in the residential environment.
Disaster flood 2021 – Damage
Several months have already passed since the catastrophic flood of 2021, from 14.07-15.07.2021, with its focus on the night, flooded entire areas of Germany with extreme masses of water.
No one will forget the images in the Ahr Valley, where entire houses collapsed under the persistent record rainfall and in some cases people and animals were unable to save themselves in the catastrophic flood 2021. The flooding was particularly severe in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. The neighboring countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Austria were also affected in parts by this flood disaster. The floods of 2021 far overshadowed the storm years 2002 and 2013. The damage caused by the flood is estimated at over 29 billion euros.