Would your water supplier overdose you with fluoride? Yup!

FLUORIDE 2 min read

From: WQP

In Sandy, Utah, a do not drink advisory was lifted for 600 residents previously cautioned not to drink from their kitchen taps. Why?

Elevated levels of copper and lead.

The contamination occurred when supply employees inadvertently released undiluted fluoride into their water system for about two days.. The town authority is facing backlash because of its late notification of residents of the potential contamination quickly.

According to The Deseret News, an investigation into the town’s water quality began Feb. 6 when residents reported a potential problem. The state was then notified Feb. 8. Approximately 150 residents reported possible symptoms from drinking contaminated water. Several dogs fell ill as well. While Sandy officials announced Feb. 15 that the water was safe to drink again, the do not drink advisory was reissued until lab results were able to determine the amount of lead and copper concentrations.

Test results from two homes revealed lead levels 26 times higher than the federal threshold and copper levels 22 times higher, according to Utah Division of Drinking Water Director Marie Owens.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll ever be able to know exactly what the homes were exposed to during the 44-hour time frame that the fluoride event was happening,” Owens said. “We can’t go back and retroactively sample that.”

While the do not drink advisory was lifted Feb. 17, many residents still have questions regarding the quality of their water. Residents are questioning whether they need to replace their pipes and copper fittings and have asked the town to test their drinking water.

“What condition are my pipes in right now? What condition is my water heater  in now that I’m not going to be continually exposed?” said Jodi Monaco, resident. “I just want to know. All of us just want to know.”

To their credit, he town is paying for water tests and asks residents to collect water samples. Sandy has been cited by the Utah Division of Drinking Water for failure to adequately notify the public about potential contamination. The agency must be notified of contamination within 24-hours.

“Once I became aware this was more than just a localized event, which was how it was presented to me originally… it was sort of an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Mayor Kurt Bradburn. “We put everything out on social media. We activated our emergency protocol so we could literally take people door to door and make sure we spoke to them, gave them water, gave them notice. But the point is, we could have done that sooner. And that’s what I deeply apologize on behalf of all residents that we didn’t do that sooner.”

Ian: So.. is this an isolated incident? Unfortunately, no. Here in Australia we were alerted to high fluoride levels on the Gold Coast some years back when the water authority was implementing their new desalination plant.

The Big Question

The question remains: can an off-the shelf water filter cope with this kind of incident. In our view, it`s a no. But there is hope. The UltraStream, (our invention) is an extremely high level performance water filter with a design brief of finding and incorporating the world`s best filtration media. It`s not just talk. We`ve tested its fluoride reduction over the life of the filter and received a reading of 97% removal.

Can an outdoor fireplace also be used as a grill

Many styles are possible for outdoor fireplaces that have grills. The traditional types are made of brick and stone, but you can also find a wide range of options today, including granite and metal. For a truly unique piece of grilling, you can hire a stone mason. Although this type of outdoor grill can be more costly than prefabricated ones, it is customizable to your space and tastes. 

Fire pits that are smokeless

The smokeless fire pit can be a great option to host backyard events. They burn at a higher temperature and produce more heat than a traditional fire. While they do require more fuel, the smoke produced by them is less. Smoke is made up of particulate matter, which is left behind by unburned wood and escapes during secondary combustion.  If you use aromatic wood, these can reduce smoke but also create a pleasant smell.

These fire pits also have other benefits, such as grilling. These fire pits can burn more materials and are also portable. The only downfall of smokeless fire pits is the high cost. You will need to find a quality product that is within your budget. If you want the highest quality, you can choose a model that comes with additional features, such as a protective heat shield.

Easy to clean a smokeless firepit. They feature a bottom ash tray that makes cleanup a breeze. The sturdy stainless steel construction makes it easy to empty the ash tray. It is also rust and heat resistant. The pit is lightweight enough to be transported in your car. This will make it easy for long car trips.

When shopping for a smokeless fire pit, make sure you consider the style of your home and the usage of the pit. A pit with plenty of accessories is a must if you intend to grill often. Consider whether you would like a modern and sleek pit design. Also, think about whether you want the heat to be increased by elevating the pit.

Stainless steel is one of the best materials for smokeless fire pits. It resists corrosion, which can be crucial in outdoor settings. The material can withstand water and other elements. It can be easily transported, even when subject to moisture, and it will not get dented.

Propane or charcoal grills

Both charcoal and propane grills are safe for use outdoors, but it is important to keep them away from flammable materials and away from the home. Propane barbecues should not be installed near deck railings or branches, and should be cleaned often to avoid fire hazards. Propane barbecues are dangerous because they can explode if the propane tanks is damaged or a leak happens.

Charcoal grills are also safe to use as fire pits, but they should be installed in an open space with ample space around them. High-pressure propane grills can be dangerous as they contain high levels of gas. A spark from the grill can cause a fire, and the gas can ignite and cause an explosion.

In some New Jersey communities, propane grills can be used to make an outdoor fireplace. The code guidelines must be followed. Grills must not be placed within 5 feet of flammable materials. They also need to be kept at least 10 feet from combustible construction.

These propane fireplace inserts are made of self-contained metal pieces that fit into existing masonry fireplace openings. They can also fit into non-existent fireplace openings. Propane fireplace inserts make use of realistic gas logs. They are not required to vent through a chimney or wall, unlike indoor fireplaces.

Both charcoal and propane grills produce toxic smoke. Charcoal grills give off higher amounts of carbon monoxide, which contributes to air pollution. Charcoal grills also do not have dials to control the flame and can catch nearby objects on fire. Propane grills, on the other hand, have dials that allow you to regulate the temperature. This prevents harmful carcinogens like asbestos from building up.

Converting a fire pit to a grill

It doesn’t take much to convert your outdoor fireplace to a grill. Just follow these steps. One of the most important steps to make your outdoor fireplace a grill is to find a gas supplier. This can be done by asking your neighbor or calling your local gas company. To install your gas line, it is important to get a professional.

Wood fires are great for outdoor cooking. These fires can bring out your inner caveman. Wood fires can be more than beautiful. They also taste great. A backyard firepit can double as a grill and be a popular family attraction during the summer months.

It is relatively easy to convert your propane fire pit into a grill. However, it will require you to dig gas lines to connect to an outdoor gas grill. Make sure to check local laws before making a change. Natural gas is a renewable fossil fuel that is plentiful in the natural world. Natural gas has a 50 percent lower carbon dioxide burn rate than wood and coal, which makes it more beneficial for the environment.

Converting an outdoor fireplace to a gas grill requires a little more knowledge than you might think. To prevent burns, it is important to have the appropriate safety gear.  You should use high-density fabric gloves, and you should avoid using damp materials to fuel your fire pit. Avoid soft woods and stick to dry hardwoods.

Timing is key to cooking on an open flame. It is important to wait until large logs catch fire before you can cook on them. It’s also important to keep an eye on the flame and ensure the wood is hot enough. Fattening foods are not recommended for your firepit. Fatty foods can produce extra smoke, and may even lead to the fire catching fire.

Safety considerations

A fireplace outdoors can be great for entertaining and cooking. However, it is important to remember safety precautions. It’s important that you keep an eye on fire spread quickly and that meat is cooked at a safe temperature. You should also adhere to any rules and regulations of your homeowner association regarding fire safety.

Grill fires cause significant property damage, which can cost homeowners $37 million per year. Over half of all home barbecue fires are set up in the evening. Most occur on patios or decks. Grill fires can be caused by leaks or mechanical problems.

It is dangerous to use a grill outdoors. Grills can cause burn injuries and contain explosive gases and grease. Grills should be kept at a safe distance from your house and deck railings to avoid any potential dangers. They should not be placed near walls or any other structures.

When using an outdoor fireplace as a grill, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations regarding open flames. Children and pets must be kept at least 3ft from open flames. You should also keep your guests at 10ft. You should also check for heat before you leave the area.

Make sure that you have sufficient ventilation and a strong lid before lighting an outdoor fireplace to grill. This will ensure that your pets and children are safe from the heat. Also, the vents should be directed upward to keep the smoke and embers from entering the surrounding area.

Cost

It is important to understand the cost of installing an outdoor fireplace for grilling. It can vary greatly depending on what you plan to use it for. These appliances tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional grills. However, these units are well worth the cost, as they can greatly enhance the value of your home.

It is important to consider the dimensions and shape of an outdoor fireplace before deciding on the price. Although many outdoor fireplaces can be built by you, they are often more flexible and customizable. They also come in prefabricated designs. However, larger models may cost more than a small prefab, and shipping costs can also be higher.

A custom-made outdoor fireplace with grill may cost you up to $1,000, while prefabricated kits can be as affordable as $200, depending on what design and materials are used. Additionally, custom fireplaces can take several hours to build and can be as expensive as $2,000 or more. However, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always hire a landscape designer or contractor to help you build it. They can help you comply with code requirements as well as safety concerns.

The flexibility that an outdoor fireplace gives you is one of the benefits. It can be used for grilling and cooking. Many come with a pizza oven or rotisserie and even a hook to hang pots. There are many grill plates and other appliances that can be used to make an outdoor fireplace. Prices and lead times vary for each one.

Another consideration is choosing the right material. The materials can be made of brick, concrete, or clay, or a combination of these materials. Before you buy an outdoor fireplace, consult with professionals. Prefabricated models are better if you intend on using the fireplace as a grill.