Bombshell expose'. The real reason the oil still flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bombshell expose'. The real reason the oil still flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

I found this article on a Blogsters site also. Government!!!! Al Gore, you suck!
Lots of websites to check out

"What in the World are They Spraying?" - Official Trailer

WHETHER WE WANT TO BELIEVE IT OR NOT THIS IS HAPPENING. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS VIDEO AND INVEST IN A GREEN HOUSE.
jaime

Fishermen sick from clean-up work in gulf

Breaking News: Oil Gulf Air "Unsafe"

YOUR HEALTH WILL SUFFER, LEAVE THE GULF AREA-PLEASE!

If you are not starting to think about where you can go out of Florida, the chemicals (which can travel over 30 miles and it goes through concrete, windows, walls) must be affecting you. Florida is is the perfect place for these toxic fumes. They will attack the weakest first. Even the healthiest will not be able to resist the charms of all those chemicals out there in the Gulf
REALLY, I lost everything in Michigan. They have 1000's of gas and oil wells and constant releases of chemicals especially hydrogren Sulfide (rotten egg smell). A plume of an illegal release due to an accident went downwind over my little tourist town of 2200. The EPA has 3 of my doctors writing that the affects of this industry and specifically hydrogen sulfide, is the cause of my health problems. (I know big deal) I gave up my home and lost my money, family and friends but I would have died had I not left. Now my town is full of sick people and no tourism. I had no money to move with but God provided. BUG OUT, why take the chance?
You are already breathing things you have no idea is out there because some of them have no smell. Please!!!!! Believe me your health will suffer!!!
I live inside my house with all kinds of aircleaners and special respirators to wear outside. Going outside now is a scary thing now. My immune system was almost wiped out, 4 nasal surgeries, severe asthma, stroke, DO I NEED TO GO ON, DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU, GET OUT OF HARMS WAY WHILE YOU CAN!
Northern Michigan[b]

Gulf Oil Spill Health Hazard Fact Sheets

Gulf Oil Spill Health Hazard Fact Sheets

Check this out and you will have a detailed list of health hazards!!!

Sent under wrong Blog, sorry.

Thank you
My husband and I discussed this a few days ago and I have been tossing this around in my head since then. With the findings in the Utica and Collingwood shales and already the Niagaran and Antrim shales, there is a lot of work to be done.
Joe asked me what would I have to do to be at the fighting level Me and De were at before. I told him this would consume me. 12 hours a day, maybe 7 days a week, lots of phone calls and having to act in a way that is not me. Being forceful and argumentative is not my general nature. Though persistence is. LOL Our lives being threatened, monitored....all that goes with this industry.
I told joe it would destroy our marriage. I lost my family and friends for their ignorance or judgment or just not understanding. Or they died. My heart can't lose anymore right now. I am fighting for my life, literally.
The wells are coming and by the hundreds at least. I'm still fighting somewhat all the wells in my hometown of Lewiston and Gaylord Michigan.
Someone told me yesterday that I should be proud of what I have done. Some of you in your infancy received my information to help you. How can I be proud when so many people are sick and/or dying and you can't get the industry to do what safely needs to be done to their wells.
De is exhausted after all these years and so am I. I want to fight what is coming my way but I can find no one to help. No one to lift up their heads or their phones and say you can do it, let me help.
So, for now, I can't do it anymore. I want to enjoy my new husband and get through each day one at a time. I will keep monitoring what is going on but
I have to concentrate on keeping healthy. I have lots of information so feel free to contact me.
Good luck and Keep fighting! Thanks to all who have helped me in our fight.
Jaime Long Chimner
Northern Michigan
Posted by Jaime Long Chimner at 10:42 AM
Labels: gas, jaime, michigan, northern michigan, oil

9

9&10 News - Oil and Gas Lease prices raising hopes for Local Economic Boom

Posted using ShareThis

Michigan Collingwood-Utica gas play emerging - Oil & Gas Journal

Michigan Collingwood-Utica gas play emerging - Oil & Gas Journal

chemtrails-FACT or fiction

Here is something we found on chemtrails which was on a local news channel and wanted to share
jaime

Shale gas in US

Found an article that shows most of the shales but once again it hasn't been updated to see that the whole State of Michigan, including the UP that I can tell, is covered by the Utica Shale. Oh great. More unsafe...

Here is the article or the link is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shale_gas_in_the_United_States

Shale gas in the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Shaleusa2.jpg

Shale gas in the United States is rapidly increasing as a source of natural gas. Led by new applications of hydraulic fracturing technology and horizontal drilling, development of new sources of shale gas has offset declines in production from conventional gas reservoirs, and has led to major increases in reserves of US natural gas. Largely due to shale gas discoveries, estimated reserves of natural gas in the United States in 2008 were 35% higher than in 2006.[1]

In 2007, shale gas fields included the #2 (Barnett/Newark East) and #13 (Antrim) sources of natural gas in the United States in terms of gas volumes produced.[2]

The economic success of shale gas in the United States since 2000 has led to rapid development of shale gas in Canada, and, more recently, has spurred interest in shale gas possibilities in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Production and reserves
* 2 History
* 3 Shale gas by location
o 3.1 Antrim Shale, Michigan
o 3.2 Barnett Shale, Texas
o 3.3 Caney Shale, Oklahoma
o 3.4 Conesauga Shale, Alabama
o 3.5 Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas
o 3.6 Floyd Shale, Alabama
o 3.7 Gothic Shale, Colorado
o 3.8 Haynesville Shale, Louisiana
o 3.9 New Albany Shale, Illinois Basin
o 3.10 Pearsall Shale, Texas
o 3.11 Devonian shales, Appalachian Basin
+ 3.11.1 Chattanooga and Ohio Shales
+ 3.11.2 Marcellus Shale
o 3.12 Utica Shale, New York
o 3.13 Woodford Shale, Oklahoma
* 4 See also
* 5 References
* 6 External links

[edit] Production and reserves

US Shale gas production was 2.02 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in 2008, a jump of 71% over the previous year.[3] Shale gas production made up 10% of total US production of dry gas.[4] Remaining proved US shale reserves at the end of 2008 were 31.8 TCF, an increase of 51% over 2007.[5]
"The development of shale gas is expected to significantly increase U.S. energy security and help reduce greenhouse gas pollution." -- White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 17 November 2009 [6]

The top shale-gas sources in 2008 were (in descending order) the Barnett Shale (1,427 billion cubic feet (BCF)), Fayettville Shale (279 BCF), and Antrim Shale (118 BCF).[7]

The availability of large shale gas reserves in the US has led some to propose natural gas-fired power plants as lower-carbon emission replacements for coal plants, and as backup power sources for wind energy.[8][9]
[edit] History

The first commercial gas well drillied in the US, in 1821 in Fredonia, New York, was a shale gas well producing from the Devonian Fredonia Shale. Soon many shale gas wells were drilled in the area, and the gas used for domestic use and for street lamps. After the Drake Oil Well in 1859, however, shale gas production was overshadowed by much larger volumes produced from conventional gas reservoirs.

In 1996, shale gas wells in the United States produced 0.3 TCF (trillion cubic feet), 1.6% of US gas production; by 2006, production had more than tripled to 1.1 TCF per year, 5.9% of US gas production. By 2005 there were 14,990 shale gas wells in the US.[10] A record 4,185 shale gas wells were completed in the US in 2007.[11]
[edit] Shale gas by location
[edit] Antrim Shale, Michigan

The Antrim Shale of Upper Devonian age produces along a belt across the northern part of the Michigan Basin.[12] Although the Antrim Shale has produced gas since the 1940s, the play was not active until the late 1980s. During the 1990s, the Antrim became the most actively drilled shale gas play in the US, with thousands of wells drilled. To date, the shale has produced more than 2.5 TCF from more than 9 thousand wells. Antrim Shale wells produced almost 140×10^9 cu ft (4.0×109 m3) in 2006. The shale appears to be most economic at depths of 1,000-2,000 feet. Wells are developed on 80-acre (320,000 m2) units. Horizontal drilling is not widely used. Unlike other shale gas plays such as the Barnett Shale, the natural gas from the Antrim appears to be biogenic gas generated by the action of bacteria on the organic-rich rock.[1]

In 2007, the Antrim gas field produced 136 billion cubic feet of gas, making it the 13th largest source of natural gas in the United States.[13]
[edit] Barnett Shale, Texas
Barnett Shale gas drilling rig near Alvarado, Texas (2008)

The Barnett Shale of the Fort Worth Basin is the most active shale gas play in the United States. The first Barnett Shale well was completed in 1981 in Wise County.[14] Drilling expanded greatly in the past several years due to higher natural gas prices and use of horizontal wells to increase production. In contrast to older shale gas plays, such as the Antrim Shale, the New Albany Shale, and the Ohio Shale, the Barnett Shale completions are much deeper (up to 8,000 feet). The thickness of the Barnett varies from 100 to 1,000 feet (300 m), but most economic wells are located where the shale is between 300 and 600 feet (180 m) thick. The success of the Barnett has spurred exploration of other deep shales.

In 2007, the Barnett shale (Newark East) gas field produced 1.11 trillion cubic feet of gas, making it the second-largest source of natural gas in the United States.[15] The Barnett shale currently produces more than 6% of US natural gas production.[16]

Texas Shale Forum
[edit] Caney Shale, Oklahoma

The Caney Shale in the Arkoma Basin is the stratigraphic equivalent of the Barnett Shale in the Ft. Worth Basin. The formation has become a gas producer since the large success of the Barnett play.

* Bill Grieser: Caney Shale, Oklahoma's shale challenge, PDF file, retieved 25 February 2009.

[edit] Conesauga Shale, Alabama

Wells are currently being drilled to produce gas from the Cambrian Conasauga shale in northern Alabama.[17] Activity is in St. Clair, Etowah, and Cullman counties.[18]
[edit] Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas

The Mississippian Fayetteville Shale produces gas in the Arkansas part of the Arkoma Basin. The productive section varies in thickness from 50 to 550 feet (170 m), and in depth from 1500 to 6,500 feet (2,000 m). The shale gas was originally produced through vertical wells, but operators are increasingly going to horizontal wells in the Fayetteville. Producers include SEECO a subsidiary of Southwestern Energy Co. who discovered the play, Chesapeake Energy, Noble Energy Corp., XTO Energy Inc., Contango Oil & Gas Co., Edge Petroleum Corp., Triangle Petroleum Corp., and Kerogen Resources Inc.[19]

* Geology.Com: Fayetteville shale
* Fayetteville shale: reducing environmental impacts

[edit] Floyd Shale, Alabama

The Floyd Shale of Mississippian age is a current gas exploration target in the Black Warrior Basin of northern Alabama and Mississippi.[20][21]
[edit] Gothic Shale, Colorado

Bill Barrett Corporation has drilled and completed several gas wells in the Gothic Shale. The wells are in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the southeast part of the Paradox basin. A horizontal well in the Gothic flowed 5,700 MCF per day.[22]
[edit] Haynesville Shale, Louisiana

Although the Jurassic Haynesville Shale of northwest Louisiana has produced gas since 1905, it has been the focus of modern shale gas activity only since a gas discovery drilled by Cubic Energy in November 2007. The Cubic Energy discovery was followed by a March 2008 announcement by Chesapeake Energy that it had completed a Haynesville Shale gas well.[23] Haynesville shale wells have also been drilled in northeast Texas, where it is also known as the Bossier Shale.

* Geology.Com: Haynesville Shale: news, map, videos, lease and royalty information
* Go Haynesville Shale, a forum for petroleum professionals and landowners to discuss the Haynesville shale.

[edit] New Albany Shale, Illinois Basin

The Devonian-Mississippian New Albany Shale produces gas in the southeast Illinois Basin in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. The New Albany has been a gas producer in this area for more than 100 years, but recent higher gas prices and improved well completion technology have increased drilling activity. Wells are 250 to 2,000 feet (610 m) deep.[2] The gas is described as having a mixed biogenic and thermogenic origin.
[edit] Pearsall Shale, Texas

Operators have completed approximately 50 wells in the Pearsall Shale in the Maverick Basin of south Texas. The most active company in the play has been TXCO Resources, although EnCana and Anadarko Petroleum have also acquired large land positions in the basin.[24] The gas wells had all been vertical until 2008, when TXCO drilled and completed a number of horizontal wells.[25]
[edit] Devonian shales, Appalachian Basin
Drilling a horizontal shale gas well in Appalachia
[edit] Chattanooga and Ohio Shales

The upper Devonian shales of the Appalachian Basin, which are known by different names in different areas have produced gas since the early 20th century. The main producing area straddles the state lines of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, but extends through central Ohio and along Lake Erie into the panhandle of Pennsylvania. More than 20,000 wells produce gas from Devonian shales in the basin. The wells are commonly 3,000 to 5,000 feet (1,500 m) deep. The shale most commonly produced is the Chattanooga Shale, also called the Ohio Shale.[26] The US Geological Survey estimated a total resource of 12.2 trillion cubic feet (350 km3) of natural gas in Devonian black shales from Kentucky to New York[3]
[edit] Marcellus Shale

The Marcellus shale in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York, once thought to be played out, is now estimated to hold 168-516 TCF still available with horizontal drilling.[27] It has been suggested that the Marcellus shale and other Devonian shales of the Appalachian Basin, could supply the northeast U.S. with natural gas.[28] In November 2008, Chesapeake Energy, which held 1.8 million net acres of oil and gas leases in the Marcellus trend, sold a 32.5% interest in its leases to Statoil of Norway, for $3.375 billion.[29]

* Geology.Com: Marcellus shale
* Go Marcellus Shale A forum for the Marcellus Shale.

[edit] Utica Shale, New York

In October 2009, the Canadian company Gastem, which has been drilling gas wells into the Ordivician Utica Shale in Quebec, drilled the first of its three state-permitted Utica Shale wells in New York. The first well drilled was in Otsego County.[30]
[edit] Woodford Shale, Oklahoma

The Devonian Woodford Shale in Oklahoma is from 50 to 300 feet (91 m) thick. Although the first gas production was recorded in 1939, by late 2004, there were only 24 Woodford Shale gas wells. By early 2008, there were more than 750 Woodford gas wells.[31][4] Like many shale gas plays, the Woodford started with vertical wells, then became dominantly a play of horizontal wells. The play is mostly in the Arkoma Basin of southeast Oklahoma, but some drilling has extended the play west into the Anadarko Basin and south into the Ardmore Basin.[32] The largest gas producer from the Woodford is Newfield Exploration; other operators include Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Cimarex Energy, Antero Resources, St. Mary Land and Exploration, XTO Energy, Pablo Energy, Petroquest Energy, Continental Resources, and Range Resources.

* Oklahoma Geological Survey: Map of Woodford shale wells, accessed 25 February 2009.
* Brian J. Cardott: Overview of Woodford gas-shale play in Oklahoma, 2008 update, PDF file, retrieved 25 February 2009.

[edit] See also

* Petroleum in the United States

[edit] References

1. ^ Jad Mouawad, "Estimate places natural gas reserves 35% higher,", New York Times, 17 June 2009, accessed 25 October 2009.
2. ^ US Energy Information Administration, Top 100 oil and gas fields, PDF file, retrieved 18 February 2009.
3. ^ US Energy information Administration, Shale gas production, accessed 4 December 2009.
4. ^ US Energy information Administration, Dry natural gas proved reserves, accessed 4 December 2009.
5. ^ US Energy information Administration, Shale gas proved reserves, accessed 4 December 2009.
6. ^ White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Statement on U.S.-China shale gas resource initiative, 17 November 2009.
7. ^ US Department of Energy, "Modern Shale gas development in the United States," April 2009, p.10.
8. ^ Peter Behr and Christa Marshall, "Is shale gas the climate bill's new bargaining chip?," New York Times, 5 August 2009.
9. ^ Tom Gjelten, "Rediscovering natural gas by hitting rock bottom," National Public Radio, 22 September 2009.
10. ^ Vello A. Kuuskraa, Reserves, production grew greatly during last decade Oil & Gas Journal, 3 Sept. 2007, p.35-39
11. ^ Louise S. Durham, "Prices, technology make shales hot," AAPG Explorer, July 2008, p.10.
12. ^ Michigan DEQ map: Antrim, PDF file, downloaded 12 February 2009.
13. ^ US Energy Information Administration, Top 100 oil and gas fields, PDF file, retrieved 18 February 2009.
14. ^ Scott R. Reeves and others, New basins invigorate U.S. gas shales play, Oil & Gas Journal, 22 Jan. 1996, p.53-58.
15. ^ US Energy Information Administration, Top 100 oil and gas fields, PDF file, retrieved 18 February 2009.
16. ^ US Energy Information Administration: Is U.S. natural gas production increasing?, Accessed 20 March 2009.
17. ^ Alabama State Oil and Gas Board (Nov. 2007):An overview of the Conesauga shale gas play in Alabama, PDF file, downloaded 10 June 2009.
18. ^ "Operators chase gas in three Alabama shale formations," Oil & Gas Jour., 21 Jan. 2008, p.49-50.
19. ^ Nina M. Rach, Triangle Petroleum, Kerogen Resources drilling Arkansas' Fayetteville shale gas, Oil & Gas Journal, 17 Sept. 2007, p.59-62.
20. ^ Mark J. Pawlewicz and Joseph R. hatch, Petroleum Assessment of the Chattanooga Shale/Floyd Shale Total Petroleum System, Black Warrior Basin, Alabama and Mississippi, US Geological Survey, Digital Data Series DDS-69-1, 2007, PDF file.
21. ^ Alabama Geological Survey, An overview of the Floyd Shale/Chattanooga Shale gas play in Alabama, July 2009, PDF file.
22. ^ "Barrett may haveParadox Basin discovery," Rocky Mountain Oil Journal, 14 Nov. 2008, p.1.
23. ^ Louise S. Durham, "Louisiana play a 'company maker'," AAPG Explorer, July 2008, p.18-36.
24. ^ Alan Petzet (2007-08-13). "More operators eye Maverick shale gas, tar sand potential". Oil & Gas Journal (PennWell Corporation) 107: 38–40. http://www.ogj.com/index/article-display/303130/s-articles/s-oil-gas-journal/s-volume-105/s-issue-30/s-exploration-development/s-more-operators-eye-maverick-shale-gas-tar-sand-potential.html. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
25. ^ "Maverick fracs unlock gas in Pearsall Shale". Oil & Gas Journal (PennWell Corporation) 107: 32–34. 2007-08-25. http://www.ogj.com/index/article-display/337639/s-articles/s-oil-gas-journal/s-volume-106/s-issue-32/s-exploration-development/s-maverick-fracs-unlock-gas-in-pearsall-shale.html. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
26. ^ Richard E. Peterson (1982) A Geologic Study of the Appalachian Basin, Gas Research Institute, p.40, 45.
27. ^ Unconventional natural gas reservoir in Pennsylvania poised to dramatically increase US Production 2008-01-17
28. ^ Arthur J. Pyron (2008-04-21). "Appalachian basin's Devonian: more than a "new Barnett shale"". Oil & Gas Journal (PennWell Corporation) 106 (15): 38–40. http://www.ogj.com/index/article-display/326309/s-articles/s-oil-gas-journal/s-volume-106/s-issue-15/s-exploration-development/s-appalachian-basinrsquos-devonian-more-than-a-lsquonew-barnett-shalersquo.html. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
29. ^ "Chesapeake announces joint venture agreement", World Oil, December 2008, p.106.
30. ^ Tom Grace, "Officials positive following gas-well tour," Oneonta Daily Star, 7 October 2009.
31. ^ Travis Vulgamore and others, "Hydraulic fracturing diagnostics help optimize stimulations of Woodford Shale horizontals," American Oil and Gas Reporter, Mar. 2008, p.66-79.
32. ^ David Brown, "Big potential boosts Woodford," AAPG Explorer, July 2008, p.12-16.

[edit] External links

* Jackson School of Geosciences (Jan. 2007): Barnett Boom Ignites Hunt for Unconventional Gas Resources
* AAPG Explorer (Mar. 2001): Shale Gas Exciting Again
* Oil and Gas Investor (Jan. 2006): Shale Gas
* Marcellus Shale: horizontal drilling and hydrofracing
* The Haynesville Shale of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas
* West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey: Geology of the Marcellus Shale PDF file, retrieved 2 January 2009.
* West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey: Enhancement of the Appalachian Basin Devonian shale resource base in the GRI hydrocarbon model PDF file, retrieved 2 January 2009.

Links for Utica Shale

Here are some links that may help
oilshalegas.com/uticashale.html
shaleblog.com/category/utica-shale/
energyindustryphotos.com/what_is_the_utica_shale.htm">

Remember, other than one map, does it show the Utica Shale in Michigan yet. Oh it is there the maps just haven't been updated.

Wells everywhere!?

Oh no! Doctors did tell me I had to move out of Michigan in 2005. This "new" shale found in Michigan (the one that runs through Quebec and through the Marcellus Shale in PA and NY)is going to be big. Talked to my source and after putting in the test well it looks like a go. Rigs will be everywhere. Also my source stated these wells have H2S coming off of them. My source is from the Department of Environmental Quality. Current maps don't show the shale yet, the WHOLE state including the UP covered is covered with the Utica Shale. 9000 feet down??? Cripes. Now where do we run!!?
Michigan basin Utica shale gas play may ignite

Mar 22, 2010

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 22 -- A play for natural gas in Upper Ordovician Utica shale may be nearly ready to sprout wings in the northern Michigan basin.

Reports indicate that Petoskey Exploration LLC, a private Denver operator, has flared gas from an exploratory well about 30 miles southeast of Traverse City.

The Petoskey Pioneer 1-3, in 3-24n-7w, Missaukee County, was permitted to a true vertical depth of 9,000 ft and was to have a lateral of about 5,000 ft in Utica shale. The gas flare test is reported to have followed a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Few other data are available on the well, flow rates, or gas analysis, but from a well log posted on the Department of Environmental Quality website the vertical pilot hole bottomed in Trenton-Black River just below the Utica shale.

Information from the well is to be released from confidential status as of Apr. 12, 2010.

Petoskey is believed to be working with the Energy West land organization, which leased nearly 200,000 acres at Michigan state sales in 2008. Those parcels were in Cheboygan, Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and nonproducing Emmet counties, among others.

The state plans to hold another sale May 4 of about 107,000 acres, of which Energy West nominated 95,000 acres.

The play area as indicated by early leasing generally brackets Otsego and surrounding counties, where operators developed methane with 5-6% carbon dioxide and water from Devonian Antrim shale at 1,500-1,700 ft in the 1980s-1990s in vertical wells. Some of that area is being redeveloped with horizontal drilling.

The apparent Utica discovery in Michigan is 600 miles west-southwest of exploration for Utica shale gas in Quebec’s St. Lawrence Lowlands and 400 miles west of Utica and Trenton-Black River exploration in the Finger Lakes region of the Appalachian basin around Elmira, NY.

EQT Corp., Pittsburgh, has cored the Utica shale at 13,500 ft in southwestern Pennsylvania (OGJ, Oct. 19, 2009, p. 40).

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Month

This is information Toni Temple of the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured. This applies to ALL of us. Please read and share. Get your mayors or people in charge of your town or township to proclaim May MCS (Mulitiple Chemical Sensitivity) Month
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION!
Jaime (Long) Chimner
Northern Michigan


Improve Your Indoor Environmental Quality

TIPS TO TRY AT HOME
  
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) June 2009 Indoor Environmental Quality Policy was created to protect their employees from exposures that harm health. You can adopt their Policy to make your home environment a safer place to live and raise your family.
 
Here are some suggestions to improve your home environment and your health:
 
1.Avoid using perfumed personal care products. These may include essential oils, perfumes, deodorants, hand lotions, shampoos, and hair sprays that contain fragrances.

2.Use unscented detergents and fabric softeners.

3.Purchase “green” cleaning products and building materials. “Green” products are biodegradable, of low toxicity, fragrance-free, and less hazardous to human health or the environment. Ask retailers for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to determine toxicity levels.

4.Do not use pesticides in your home or on your lawn unless absolutely necessary. Utilize the least-toxic chemicals and use only when needed. Ask for a MSDS for any products you are considering using. All pesticides are dangerous and by federal law, must be registered with the U.S. EPA.

5.Tie up trash bags and take them out daily to avoid attracting insects that may prompt the use of pesticides.

6.Store food in airtight containers and keep your home clean to prevent contamination of indoor air and conditions conducive to insect infestations.

7.Vacuum frequently and thoroughly using vacuums with high-efficiency filters (HEPA). Use fragrance free, non-petroleum based carpet cleaners and vacuum bags.

8.Contact a furnace/HVAC engineer for assistance if your home has temperature or humidity problems, is drafty, there is a lack of air or “stuffy” air, or if there is dirt or particulates coming from your furnace ventilation system. Ask if your furnace repairman has had formal training.

9.Keep your plumbing in good repair. Small leaks can cause major problems including mold and toxic out-gassing of building materials. This may cause health problems that include asthma, chemical sensitivity, memory loss, and more.

10.Use an electric mower or close doors and windows when operating your gas powered lawn mower or other gas powered equipment. Also close them when neighbors are idling vehicles, mowing their lawns, painting, and conducting other activities that emit toxic gases and fumes.

OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED
(ONFCI)
P.O. BOX 29290 PARMA, OH 44129
(440) 845-1888
 
HELP SUPPORT THOSE WITH MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY (MCS)
AND RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS

Those who have been harmed by chemical exposures and have developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and/or related disorders need your support. Be kind, understanding, and empathetic to their needs, even though you may not fully understand the nature of the disability and its symptoms.

The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI) is a not-for-profit corporation that educates about and advocates on behalf of those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals in our everyday environment. We urge you to join the growing number of those who have taken the time to educate themselves about MCS and have supported our efforts.

Wendy Jelinek, Greater Cleveland Endometriosis Association Support Group spokeswoman, supports the notion of taking small steps to improve our indoor air quality. Studies indicate that environmental toxins may be related to the cause of endometriosis.

SUPPORTERS OF MCS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION MONTH

“May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month. It is important for everyone to be more aware that toxic chemicals are in products in everyday use and may cause serious ill effects, especially for those who are particularly sensitive to them. Problems commonly arise from fragrances, paints, coatings, solvents, cleaning fluids, chemicals used around office equipment, and vehicle exhausts. Symptoms of chemical sensitivity can be severe, including trouble breathing, irregular or rapid heartbeat, fatigue, headaches, disorientation, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, muscle and joint pain, and skin rashes. One important thing that can be done is to have businesses and institutions adopt indoor environmental policies to ensure that workplaces are clean, safe, comfortable, and fragrance-free, and that efforts are made to protect the chemically sensitive. Encouraging development of such a policy at your place of work would be an excellent observance of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month this May.”
Dale Miller, Ohio State Senator

James Raggio, General Counsel for the U.S. Access Board, in a memo to ONFCI concerning accommodations for those with the disability of MCS stated: “The United States Federal Access Board has developed a fragrance free policy for all of its meetings and public gatherings… This is required to ensure that people with MCS and ES are able to participate fully without encountering the barrier of perfumes and other products that can cause severe reactions. Such a policy is reasonable and costs nothing. Further information about the Board’s fragrance-free policy can be obtained at: http://www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm

Local Proclamations for MCS Awareness and Education Month have included: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell, Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem and former Berea Mayor Joseph W. Biddlecombe, Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak, and Middleburg Heights Mayor Gary Starr.

Visit any Cuyahoga County Public Library or Cleveland Public Library’s Downtown Science and Technology Department to see MCS displays during MCS Awareness and Education Month in May.

For more information and to see an article about MCS in the Ohio Environmental Council’s 2010 Briefing Book go to www.theoec.org/PDFs/LobbyDay/BriefingBook 2020.pdf and the ONFCI website at www.ohionetwork.org , or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.
************************************************************************************

PART 2

NEWS FROM ONFCI
THE OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact:
Toni Temple, President (440) 845-1888


ONFCI URGES ADOPTION OF CDC
FRAGRANCE-FREE POLICY TO PROTECT HEALTH

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is on record affirming that some building conditions have the “potential to adversely impact the health of building occupants. Potential hazards include chemicals, biological agents, fragrant products, and physical conditions that may cause irritation, illness, or exacerbate existing health conditions.”
The CDC’s June 2009 internal Indoor Environmental Quality Policy protects employees from many harmful health effects by: controlling VOC emissions that are found in many buildings and commercial products; using integrated pest management to ensure the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment; utilizing a safety official with qualifications to assess indoor air quality; using biodegradable, low toxicity, fragrance-free cleaning products; and other preventive measures.
In conjunction with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness and Education Month during May, the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI), a not-for-profit corporation that educates about and advocates on behalf of those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals in our everyday environment, urges all employers, businesses, and homeowners to review and adopt the CDC policy in order to reduce illness, disease, and disability.
Readily achievable policies include prohibiting the use of any air fresheners, air wicks, plug-ins, incense, candles, reed diffusers, fragrance-emitting devices of any kind, plug-in or spray air fresheners, and toilet blocks. Encourage fragrance-free personal care and laundry products and request employees to be as fragrance-free as possible. The CDC Policy prohibits applying personal care scented products on any CDC premises. The use of “green” cleaning chemicals and building materials along with monitoring for appropriate ventilation will not only reduce indoor air contamination, but will reduce employee absenteeism as well.
In a letter to Governor Strickland, Senator Dale Miller asked for the Governor’s “…consideration to develop and put forward an Indoor Environmental Quality Policy for use in all state facilities. The model proposed by the Centers for Disease Control would be an excellent starting place for development of this policy. We need to make every effort to provide work environments that are clean, comfortable, and safe. We also should pay particular attention to protecting those who are particularly sensitive to chemical irritants.”
Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 28 branches and their administrative office building will participate in MCS Awareness Month. Some branches will display related books and provide other information. A copy of the CDC Policy will be available for copying. The Downtown branch of Cleveland Public Library will again have an MCS Awareness Month display in the Science and Technology Department.
Many mayors including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem, and Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak, will again issue Proclamations supporting MCS Awareness and Education Month in May.
An MCS article appears in the 2010 Environmental Briefing Book on the Ohio Environmental Council’s website. http://www.theoec.org/LobbyDay2010.htm . For further information about MCS and the ONFCI visit our website at www.ohionetwork.org or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.

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PART 3

EN NO COST/LOW COST WAYS TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
(Give this to your building manager)

1.Organize a Volunteer Air Safety Task Force
Each building is unique and has its own set of environmental problems. The volunteer team can talk to occupants, install suggestion boxes, conduct anonymous surveys to determine health complaints, gather suggestions, make appropriate recommendations to management and publish informational bulletins to educate tenants and occupants.

2. Prevent Unpleasant Odors (instead of covering them up)
Fragrance Emission Devices and Deodorizing Agents are used in public buildings to mask unpleasant odors. Most people do not realize these products are designed to affect the human central nervous system and can cause many health disorders (read the label and check out the potential health effects of the chemicals).

Prevent odors through actions including: covering trash receptacles, removing trash on an as-needed basis, using detergents in toilet bowl dispensers rather than deodorizers, cleaning on a routine basis, restricting the use of aerosols (including perfumes, hairsprays and deodorants), using fragrance-free hand-soap in restrooms, creating a smoke-free policy; installing and operating efficient exhaust fans.

3.Post Advance Warning Signs
Post prominent signs to alert sensitive populations (pregnant women, children, the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy, the immune compromised and those with disabilities) in advance of remodeling, painting, and heavy cleaning activities. Signs should include dates, times, pertinent locations and the activity.

Provide temporary alternate work areas and other reasonable accommodations for those who may be affected by remodeling activities.

4.Educate Your Maintenance Staff
Instruct your staff to scrutinize all cleaning chemicals and disinfectants before purchasing and/or using them.

Purchase least toxic products and use disinfectants only when and where absolutely necessary. Many cleaning chemicals contain pesticide ingredients. All disinfectants are pesticides. Pesticide registration with the U.S. EPA is required by law to ensure that proper warning and use directions are on pesticide labels.

Alert your staff that cleaning chemicals and disinfectants may also contain petroleum-based fragrances and other toxic substances that are harmful to health, especially when they are not measured appropriately, are over applied, and/or used in enclosed spaces. .

5.Avoid Pesticide Use
Routine pest control applications are expensive, unnecessary, contaminate buildings, and affect the health of the people in the buildings. The National Environmental Educational Training Foundation (NEETF) is conducting a massive campaign to educate physicians and nurses about the health effects of pesticides on humans (www.neetf.org). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta has conducted studies recently and
documented the retention of pesticides in human blood. The highest levels of pesticides appeared in the blood of children.

Cancel all routine and scheduled pesticide applications. Use prevention and integrated pest management practices to control insects and other pests. Use pesticides only when and where absolutely necessary when all other methods have failed. Organic products for lawns and herbal remedies to prevent pest infestations are proving to be popular and successful.

6.Purchase only low VOC products
Be on the lookout for safer paint formulations, adhesives, sealants, furniture and other products that will provide your building with a safer indoor air environment. Manufacturers are now aware of the health risks of products containing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are creating less toxic products.
7. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate…
Adequate ventilation will reduce mold problems, remove the exhaust from copy machine and other office equipment, lower ozone levels, provide more oxygen in the air, and remove stale odors. Install efficient exhaust fans where needed.

Increase fresh air ventilation of elevator shafts and monitor the effects of wind direction on building pollution. Underground parking garages and those attached to buildings create the potential for carbon monoxide in building air. Create parking garage idling/warm up prohibition policy to avoid unnecessary emissions.

Increase fresh air to 100% during remodeling to reduce/eliminate unnecessary occupant illness.

8. Carpet Do’s and Don’ts
Thoroughly vacuum carpeted areas daily (or more often when/where required) to remove trapped dirt and residues from perfume, smoke, and pesticides that are tracked in from the outdoors. Avoid scented vacuum cleaner bags, potpourri or other carpet fresheners as these products pollute the air.

Clean carpeting safely by using least toxic, perfume free carpet cleaning products. Do not use deodorizers and stain repellant chemicals as these become imbedded in carpeting fibers and padding and outgas to create more indoor air pollution.

When carpeting needs to be replaced, consider using safer alternatives that include hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and other low VOC flooring materials. Carpeting harbors dirt, mold, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that are nearly impossible to completely remove and which become airborne when disturbed. Most carpet padding and adhesives contribute to indoor air pollution.

9. Pick storage areas wisely
The location of storage areas is crucial to good indoor air. Never store gasoline, toxic chemicals, cleaning products, disinfectants, equipment, machinery and other toxic or air polluting items near ventilation systems or fresh air intakes.

Do not store sanitary paper products near disinfectants and cleaners because they will absorb the chemicals and their odors.

10. Maintain, maintain, maintain…
Properly maintain furnace and filters using additional HEPA or other types of filtration

Fix all leaks in roof/flashing

Keep plumbing in excellent repair to avoid leaking and subsequent mold

Maintain low humidity in the building to avoid mold problems


The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI) conducted an informal poll to determine the above “top ten” causes of building air pollution and any potential solutions that would be readily achievable and no/low cost. The Indoor Environmental Quality Report recently published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), under the auspices of the U.S. Access Board (http://www.access-board.gov/news/ieq.htm), was used as a resource. ONFCI’s president, Toni Temple, participated in the NIBS/Access Board project both as a Project Steering Committee member and as a member of the four working committees. A copy of the NIBS report is available on the NIBS website at http://ieq.nibs.org . The report will provide additional information and serve as a useful reference tool.

OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED
(ONFCI)
P.O. BOX 29290
PARMA, OHIO 44129
(440) 845-1888