Nanotechnology gets up close and personal

Consumers are using cosmetics and toiletries that contain unregulated and untested nanomaterials, says a new report.

The report released this week by Friends of the Earth (FOE), documents 116 products it says contain nanoparticles, a large number of which are available to Australians either in stores or online.

"We believe this represents a small fraction of the number of products that are actually on the market," says Georgia Miller of the FOE nanotechnology project.

Products listed in the report include well-known brands such as L'Oréal, Revlon, Clinique, Chanel and Estée Lauder, says Miller.

The Nanomaterials, sunscreens and cosmetics: small ingredients, big risks report is based on publicly available information from manufacturers of the products or ingredients, or retailers, says Miller.

Nanoparticles are generally those under 100 nanometres across and manufacturers are not required to label products containing them.

And there is some concern among scientists that such tiny particles may have toxic characteristics, yet there is limited scientific information available on their safety.

Among their concerns are whether creams and lotions containing nanoparticles can penetrate deep into the skin.


Nanotechnology gets up close and personal

Trapp Candle

10 Easy Steps To Making A Gel Candle
By Matt Ream

Candles were once used primarily as a light source, but now they are commonly used as decorations, scented indulgences and for romance. While many consumers prefer to purchase candles at retail or online outlets, true crafters enjoy making gel candle themselves. To those do-it-yourselfers, making gel candles can be done by following the 10 simple steps outlined below.

Step 1. Gain a clear understanding of candlemaking safety, which would include dealing with hot wax, never leaving your workspace unattended, what to do if problems arise, etc. Crafters can learn more about making gel candle safety on the labels of the products purchased.

Trapp Candle

Lawn mower

The idea of a machine to cut grass was conceived in Gloucestershire, England around 1830 by freelance engineer Edwin Beard Budding. Formerly a carpenter at Chalford, he was possibly inspired by a rotary cutter designed to cut the nap off wool cloth at the Brinscomb Mill. Budding's mower was designed primarily to cut the lawn on sports grounds and expansive gardens as a superior alternative to the scythe. His patent of 25 October, 1830 described "a new combination and application of machinery for the purpose of cropping or shearing the vegetable surfaces of lawns, grass-plats and pleasure grounds." The patent went on to state, "country gentlemen may find in using my machine themselves an amusing, useful and healthy exercise."

Lawn mower

Ceiling Fan - Know The Pros and Cons before buying a Ceiling Fan

Have you ever encounter times while you are sitting in your living room, dripping with sweat. When the weather outside is sweltering and it is even hotter inside. Then it is time to end your suffering and install a ceiling fan.

While you are shopping for a ceiling fan, you may want read more about each and every brands available in the market. Then have come to the right place.

Ceiling Fan

Trumpeter swan life history

Swans hold a special place in human culture. References to swans can be found in Greek mythology, Roman and Egyptian history, and the writings of Christian prophets in Europe and Asia. Swans were used on coins in Germany and the badge of Henry IV in England, where records of laws relating to the ownership of swans date back to the 12th century A.D. (Banko 1960).

Swans belong to the family Anatidae and the subfamily Anserinae (Bellrose 1976). They have heavy bodies and short, strong legs. Their large webbed feet and long neck make them well adapted for feeding on aquatic vegetation in shallow marshes and lakes. Adult swans will consume about twenty pounds of leafy aquatic vegetation in one day.

Trumpeter swan life history