Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

The article I read, “Lead Paint and Your Children”, posted November 12, which is all about the quality of paint used in building and home construction brings to our attention the dangers of using lead-based paint. The article discussed the hazard of children’s exposure to lead.

The article cited the study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which revealed that lead-based paints contain the potent neurotoxin, which has negative effects on the brain, kidneys, and the nervous system. Lead exposure in children can cause delays in physical development, lower IQ levels, shorten attention span and increase behavioral problems.

However, the study also reported that since the banning of lead-based paints in 1978, the percentage of exposed children dropped drastically from 88 per cent to 1.8 percent in 2005.

The article cautioned homebuilders against using materials that might contain toxic materials, which could put the inhabitants in danger.

Here are steps that could help reduce exposure to lead:

• Keep play areas free of dust and dirt
• Leave lead-based paint areas of the house undisturbed
• Do not peel off paint
• Use doormats before entering the house
• Have old water pipes checked for lead content
• Eat food rich in iron and calcium

Nonetheless, no amount of warning can stopped dishonest home builders from using materials with toxic content. A more stringent federal law must be passed to ensure that our homes are free from contamination of hazardous elements. Perhaps we can start with the strict implementation of the construction liability laws.

“Whatever Happened To AB 60”

I wonder what happened to the bill proposed by a Santa Barbara assemblyman seeking to improve safety measures for cyclists? I just come across an article, “Wider Berth for Bicyclists Sought To Cut Road Deaths”, posted December 2006, and cannot help but ask about the status of the bill now. Has it been enacted into law? Are the changes sought carried out in the proposed bill.

If enacted, AB 60 or more commonly known as the California Bike Safety bill, will help cyclist by increasing the awareness of other motorists on the safety of bicycle users. The law would also help reduce bicycle accidents in California where a sizeable member of the population used bikes.

Among the important points in the bill included the following:

• Increase penalty for motorists who strike cyclists
• Greater state funding for cycling development projects like street enhancements, improvement of traffic signs, etc.
• Bike safety education
• 3-foot buffer zone for bicycles that are passed by cars or other motorists

This bill is seen by many as the hope of every bicycle user to ride safely on California streets. It has been two sessions past and the bill has not seen the light of day.

Many Californians, especially bike users, are looking forward to the day when the AB 60 will finally be implemented. But the bill’s weakness is apparently due to the low lobbying support it gained even from bicycle users themselves, who are divided by political infighting in their local organizations.

Despite this, I would like to see AB 60 enacted into law if only to ensure the safety of bike users in California. I hope other states will follow and draft their own safety measures for cyclists.

A Pile-up on Highway 99

A massive highway collision has left two individuals killed and more than thirty other seriously injured last Saturday, November 3. This great disaster has also managed to clog the entire northbound portion of Highway 99 in Fresno, California, closing the traffic flow in the said area.

According to the reports of the Los Angeles Times, the accident that involved more than a hundred vehicles was caused by a thick fog complemented with speeding above the limits. The authorities have also apprehended a 62-year old man who was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The police believe that this man was the major cause of the accident since his car was found out to be near the front area of the pile-up.

I just cannot figure it out how the emergency personnel have managed this situation. It must be hell-like scenario seeing those automobiles wreckages and hearing those injured people’s cry for help. It is also extremely dangerous for these emergency units to provide help knowing that an explosion may happen anytime due to gas leaks.

It is unimaginable how most of the victims manage to survive only incurring injuries. Yet, I would suggest that these poor victims still seek justice no matter how trivial their injuries are. They should still consult their most trusted car collision attorneys in pursuing a lawsuit against whosoever are liable for this deemed as one of the worst disaster that happened on Highway 99 in the last ten years.

Whatever it takes, those who have been negligent and imprudent in their actions should be given their lessons. All these victims deserve to be guaranteed of speedy and just compensation. Like any other victims of car accidents, all of them have the right under the law.