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.  ..read more

  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 ..read more

  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.  ..read more

  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 ..read more

  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.  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.  ..read more

  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:  Slotted manhole covers that allow pressure relief. (This will not work for sanitary sewers as it allows storm water to enter the sanitary sewers).  Inspection of wiring in areas below ground to assure the wires are in good shape.  This is often done using infrared cameras. Early det ..read more

  Flowers at the Como Conservatory - St. Paul, MN - N. Carlson The University of Minnesota Extension is offering training on Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has a list of all of the Pesticide Categories with licenses and requirements.    Coming soon there will be a PesticideSmart website available to the general public to help individuals make informed decisions about pesticide use.   Current concern is focused forest management practices for the Spruce Budworm that cyclically attacks spruce trees in ..read more

  Darkfield photo of fungal growth - N Carlson The MDH (Minnesota Department of Health( is offering school IAQ plan trainings in fall 2022, in-person statewide and a webinar. This training will discuss the state’s best practices for school IAQ management plans. School staff, service providers, and others are welcome to attend. The training is free. Registration is required. See MDH School IAQ Plan Training for details and registration. When and Where Mankato: September 22, 2022 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) South Central Service Cooperative 2075 Lookout Drive, North M ..read more

Soot - microscopic brightfield - N. G. Carlson Wildfire resources for home owners have recently become available.  First Street Wildfire Model Risk factor - How to find your homes climate risks using your zip code Wildfire forecasting National Academies of Science  ..read more

  Sunlight through the clouds - N. Carlson Weather Support Request for Events  Event Ready (planning resources and situational awareness for your event) Weather History for your county (or anywhere in the USA):  www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents Wisconsin State Climatology: https://aos.wisc.edu/~sco Minnesota State Climatology: https://climate.umn.edu  or    https://climateapps.dnr.state.mn.us  ..read more