Common Greenshield lichen

 Common Greenshield lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata)

This medium to large foliose lichen is common on tree branches. It is easily visible from a distance and older colonies are often in the range of at least 6 inches or more in diameter. 

Golden eye lichen

 

 

Golden eye Lichen (Teloschistes chrysopthalmus)

A fruticose lichen that grows on the barks of trees. The bright orange color helpful in identification. 

Rough Speckled Shield Lichen

 

 

Rough Speckled Shield Lichen (Punctelia rudecta)

This foliose lichen is common on trees often growing more than one half foot in diameter.  

Popular Sunburst lichen

Popular Sunburst Lichen (Xanthoria hasseana)

This colorful foliose lichen will grow on trees and rocks. The Apothecia is bright orange. 

CDC home ventilation for covid reduction

 

The CDC interactive home ventilation tool allows home owners to make changes to their home ventilation system and observe how it affects the levels of infectious particles.  The fan cycling, filter efficiency, HEPA filters, windows can be changed and the resulting removal efficiency is displayed. 

Through the eyes of your camera

 

Bald Eagle - N. Carlson

One of the videos recommended for the Minnesota Master Naturalist program at the U of M is a  Nebraska Nature Conservancy production as part of the Nature Unites Us Online Learning Series.

Interim Infection Prevention and Control for Health Care during COVID-19

 

As of September 23, 2022 the CDC issued Interim recommendations for health care personnel during COVID-19. 

Portions of the recommendations suggest altering mask wearing and infection control guidelines based on Community Transmission. The prospect of changing recommendations base on transmission levels can be problematic resulting in confusion. The changes back to a more restrictive guidance are often delayed until after transmission rates are high. 

The recommendations suggest adding engineering controls which can reduce transmission. 

EPA Indoor air quality publications and webinars

 

Today I listened to EPA's webinar on ASHRAE's Guidance for Covid-19 risk management. A recording of the webinar will be made available in the near future.  

For a list of past and upcoming webinars please visit the EPA's Webinars, Meetings and update page. 

ASHRAE Standards before, during, and after COVID - Approximately 120 minutes

Monkeypox disinfection

 

Monkeypox can be picked up from surfaces or fomites. It is an enveloped virus and products used for Covid-19 disinfection will be similar to the ones for Monkeypox. Read the disinfectant product label and use as directed. The document: CDC disinfection for Monkeypox is available as a reference. CDC Information on Infection Prevention and Control of Monkeypox in Healthcare Settings.

Information of the design for mass testing sites; Hospital Design for better infection control

Please see the approved chemicals on List Q: Emerging viral pathogens.

Monkeypox prevention and control webinar -63 minutes

Monkeypox Outbreak - What the cleaning industry needs to know. - 2min. 46 sec. 

How exploding manhole covers work

 

There have been recent reports in the news of exploding manhole covers. This post covers some of the common causes and options for prevention. 

Cause: A combination of flammable gases and a spark cause an expansion of air volume that lifts  the manhole cover in the air.

Prevention: 

1. Slotted manhole covers that allow pressure relief. (This will not work for sanitary sewers as it allows storm water to enter the sanitary sewers). 
2. Inspection of wiring in areas below ground to assure the wires are in good shape.  This is often done using infrared cameras.
3. Early detection of flammable gasses or liquids in the underground utility system.
4. Proper disposal of flammable liquids as hazardous waste.
5. Avoid using sparks or flames near manhole covers. 

How it Works describes the circumstances for an exploding manhole. 

The science behind exploding manhole covers - 2 min.