Protecting Our Oceans


As pollution becomes a growing concern, especially for the oceans, many families are looking for ways to reduce the pollutants and trash that they generate. And while many steps have been taken over the years, the growing population combined with greater use of disposable items has made protecting the oceans more difficult. 

You may think that there is little which can be done, at least by a single family. But when the efforts of one family are combined with many others, that can make a huge difference in protecting life in the ocean. All it takes is starting small and doing what you can to help sustain marine life. And it makes for a fun family project as well. 

With the recent celebration of World Ocean Day, here are a few tips you and your family can follow to help protect our oceans. 

Reduce Single Use Plastics 

One of the biggest pollutants in the oceans is single use plastic items. From water bottles to plastic bags, straws, and packaging, over eight million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year. By reducing the number of plastic products that we use, families can keep more of it from winding up in the ocean. 

Start by assessing how much plastic is being used in your home and then take steps to curb its use. Refillable bottles, not using straws, and properly disposing of plastic packaging can go a long way towards protecting our oceans. 

Respect Sea Life

The ocean was made for everyone to enjoy. But you and your family can help protect marine life by being respectful of nesting sea turtles, coral reef systems, and the like when on vacation. In addition, you can reduce the usage of materials from the ocean by not purchasing items made from coral, tortoise shells, or sharks which are common at seaside retail businesses. 

The less you purchase such items, the less in-demand they will be, the more such creatures will be left alone. 

Purchase Sustainable Seafood Products

Overfishing is one of the greatest concerns that many have with protecting ocean life. You can help contribute to protecting such life by purchasing seafood that came from fisheries and farms. It’s easy to tell by looking for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) labels.

By purchasing seafood from fisheries and farms, you can help reduce fishing in the oceans. This reduction will help protect marine life. 

Learn More about the Oceans

Perhaps the best way to initiate change is to learn more about life in the ocean and what effect we have on it. From watching videos and documentaries to visiting museums dedicated to ocean life to art exhibitions and more, there is much you can do to help educate your family on how we can protect the ocean and its inhabitants. 

There is much you and your family can do to protect marine life. By reducing the use of plastics, purchasing sustainable seafood products, and educating yourself more about the impact of pollutants, the more your family can contribute to protecting life under the sea.  

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

Oil Wells and Their Negative Effects on the Environment and Living Close to Them 

 

Although fossil fuels are still an important part of providing power for vehicles and the electrical grid, they come with many negative effects in terms of the environment and those who live close to them. With studies that date back decades, the negative effects of being near oil and gas wells have been properly noted. 

But what are the negative effects that homeowners might expect if they live near oil or gas wells? The answer begins with the contaminants found in such areas and how they can affect the health of you and your family. 

Air Pollution

In one study by Stanford University, researchers discovered that those living within 2.5 miles of an oil or gas well experienced a higher degree of air pollution. This higher level resulted in greater negative health effects for those who lived nearby. Particularly those who lived downwind from the oil or gas wells themselves. 

Disrupting Wildlife

Although all human activity influences wildlife, oil and gas wells are particularly notorious for changing established patterns of wild creatures. This includes disrupting the nesting and breeding of a wide range of species. 

Such effects are magnified on wildlife that migrates. Having to pass near oil and gas wells not only changes their well-established patterns of travel, but the negative health effects also influence their breeding and the raising of their young. The result is a greater risk of lower wildlife populations all due to the presence of fossil fuel-producing sites. 

Negative Health Effects

The measured effects ranged from mild, allergic symptoms to more serious health concerns. Being located near oil and gas wells may increase the likelihood of heart disease, and premature birth, and augment the negative effects of asthma. 

For those susceptible to allergies and respiratory illness, the presence of oil and gas wells means increased exposure to toxic particles in the air. From carbon monoxide to volatile organic compounds or VOCs, the adverse health risks increase when exposure to these chemicals occurs. 

Climate Change Concerns

The increased amount of pollutants, particularly greenhouse gases, has a negative impact on the Earth’s ability to regulate temperature. The result is a warming climate that may lead to catastrophic effects in our lifetime. 

Both in terms of where the oil and gas are produced and how they are used means detrimental effects on our climate. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions starts by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

Other Effects

The most widely known is when oil spills occur. The effect they have on wildlife can be devastating. And while the big spills get all the media attention, it is the more frequent smaller spills and contamination of surrounding environments that do the most damage over time. 

Add to this side effects such as increased light pollution, the odorous smell, and the generally dirty nature of oil and gas wells and you have a substantial effect on the environment. The only recourse is to begin the move away from petroleum-based products which will reduce the presence of oil and gas wells. 

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you. 

 

How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Cancer

Most companies in the US stopped using asbestos over forty years ago however, materials that contain asbestos are still found in millions of older buildings across the country. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that contains properties that block heat and dampen the spread of fire. Its fibers can be dangerous to humans when inhaled into the lungs and can potentially lead to cancer in individuals if exposed over a long period of time. 

Since asbestos is found in older buildings and is still used in small amounts in certain appliances and other devices, it is still possible to become exposed to asbestos. 

Where Does Exposure to Asbestos Happen? 

For the most part, exposure to asbestos occurs over a long period of time when working in buildings that have asbestos or generally being exposed to products that contain asbestos. Other possible exposure could occur during a disaster or if you live near a site contaminated with asbestos.

Until the early 1980’s ceiling and floor tiles, drywall, insulation, paint, and even cement contained asbestos. You can find small amounts of asbestos in automotive parts such as clutches, brakes, and other friction-associated materials. So, while the driver of a vehicle is most likely safe from asbestos exposure, a mechanic who works in garages or auto shops is more likely to be exposed. 

How Exposure Can Lead to Cancer

The microscopic fibers of asbestos that float in the air can be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed. The body can get rid of most of the fibers, but many can become permanently stuck. 

When the fibers accumulate over time, the result can be inflammation and damage to the DNA of cells. This can lead to cancers such as mesothelioma and other diseases that include:

  • Laryngeal, Lung, and Ovarian Cancer
  • Diffuse Pleural Thickening, Pleural Effusion, and Pleural Plaque
  • Asbestosis, Atelectasis, and Pleurisy 

Most cancers or diseases caused by exposure to asbestos take decades to develop. For individuals who are exposed to asbestos frequently due to their line of work or constantly being in older buildings can protect themselves to a certain degree by wearing the proper safety equipment. This includes respirator masks. However, the most effective method is to have the potential asbestos removed safely from the site. 

Why Call Brickley Environmental?

If you suspect that your building has asbestos, call the professionals at Brickley Environmental. We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to identify and remove asbestos from your property. In addition to asbestos removal, Brickley Environmental offers additional services, including the following:

  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal 
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation

Call the friendly, courteous staff at Brickley Environmental today. We will listen to your needs, answer questions about our services, and provide the services needed to ensure that the asbestos or other unwanted materials are removed. 

For more information about asbestos exposure and how it can cause cancer, click here to visit the National Cancer Institute website.

The Effect of Electronic Waste on Children

The advancement of digital devices has changed the world – mostly for the better. However, there is a growing issue of electronic waste or e-waste that is having a devastating effect, particularly on children. The buildup of e-waste over the past couple of decades has been enormous. The health effects are only now being fully seen, especially among children. 

What is Electronic Waste? 

E-waste is the term used to describe electronic products that are on the verge of no longer being useful or useable. This can include electronics such as TVs, smartphones, fax and printer machines, computers, etc. If any of these electronics break or become outdated, that is when they often become eligible for being refurbished or recycled. 

E-waste recycling is a massive market with facilities placed all around the world. It is estimated that more than 18 million children are engaged in e-waste recycling. Although recycling itself is a good thing, certain elements that can be found in electronics can also be harmful to humans, especially children, such as lead and mercury. Such exposure can hinder their mental development and create serious, long-term health issues. 

Electronic Waste Is A Growing Issue

The volume of e-waste around the world has grown by more than 20% just in the past five years. Today, it is estimated that the amount of e-waste created is the equivalent of filling up 350 cruise ships.

As the use of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices continues to grow, so will the volume of electronic waste. With just over 17% being sent to proper recycling centers, the rest is dumped illegally. This exposes its harmful elements to adults and children. And while the effects on those living in third-world countries are the most apparent, cases of wrongful e-waste and contamination are growing in countries such as the United States and Europe as well. 

The effect on health is considerable. The effect that e-waste has on the environment is quite damaging. With more areas subject to illegal dumping, the underground market for e-waste materials continues to grow. That means more toxic chemicals being released into the environment making for a more dangerous world. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

If you have electronic or e-waste on your property, Brickley Environmental can help. We offer our knowledge, experience, and equipment that will identify and remove your waste. Our trained technicians understand how to safely remove waste from properties like yours. In addition, we offer several other services as well which include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Demolition
  • Hazardous Waste Removal 
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation & More 

For additional information about e-waste, click here to view the EPA website.

How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

It is inevitable that during the colder months, sicknesses and germs are more prevalent. There is a multitude of actions that can be taken to prevent and reduce your risk of catching a cold, COVID-19, or the flu. Here are a few simple tips you can employ that may help you stay healthy this season.

Distance

Keep your distance from people who are experiencing symptoms. If you yourself are experiencing symptoms, it is important also to keep your distance from others. Another important prevention method to keep in mind, however simple it may be, is to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing.

Wash Hands to Remove Germs

One of the oldest and most effective ways of preventing the spread of germs is washing your hands frequently. Washing for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to remove germs and prevent potential viruses from spreading.

The primary means of transmitting colds, COVID-19, and the flu is through contact with the droplets of infected people who talk, sneeze, or cough. If droplets of an infected person come in contact with your hands, this is an easy way for you to get sick as well. This is also why it is important to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.

Vaccines & Anti-Viral Drugs

Even some of the best preventative measures are not 100%. With that said, it is helpful to consider the following:

  • Getting vaccinated 
  • Using anti-viral drugs
  • Vitamins & Zinc
  • Getting plenty of sleep 
  • Eating a healthy diet 
  • Drinking plenty of fluids 

Clean and Disinfect Germs From Your Home, School, and Work

The cleaner you keep your home, the more difficult it is for viruses to survive outside of a human host. While cleaning is important to keep viruses from attaching to organisms or organic matter where they live longer, disinfecting destroy these viruses on contact. It is important to implement the below on a consistent basis.

  • Routine cleaning & disinfecting of all surfaces and frequently used objects
  • Providing disposable towels, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and soap 
  • Staying home when sick 

Why Call Brickley Environmental?

If you need remediation services, Brickley Environmental is here to help. Our knowledgeable, experienced staff will answer your call, listen to your needs, and provide you with the following services to address any problem you may be experiencing. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Hazardous Waste Removal
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation
  • Demolition & More 

Call today and find out more about our services. We hope that you stay safe during the cold and flu season.

For more information on staying safe during this cold and flu season, click here to visit the CDC website.