HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-11-01, Page 44
Times–Advocate
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
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Editorial Opinion
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TIMES ADVOCATE
PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511
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Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.
Canada Jim Beckett – Publisher
Deb Lord – Production Manager
Scott Nixon – Editor
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Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850
Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • 519-235-1331
Peter Winkler -General Manager, Southwestern Ontario Division
EDITORIAL
Public
interest
high
As s the Nov. 13 municipal elections loom
closer, one thing is true after recent all
andidates meetings — voters are taking
an active role in this election.
Recent South Huron and Bluewater all candidates
meetings have been well attended, with South Huron
ratepayers numbering about 150 people packing a
meeting room in the Ranch House Inn last week. This
is a marked improvement over previous elections,
when there either weren't all candidates meetings or
they were poorly attended. This time around, a num-
ber of issues, such as water, sewage, agriculture and
the environment, have captured the imagination of the
public and spurred them to take part. While the
Crediton/Centralia sewer project has been the highest
profile issue at South Huron council over the past year,
it's clear many Exeterites are still upset over the can-
cellation of the large garbage pickup and it's some-
thing the new council may have to revisit. The wishes
of those people who want the pickup can't simply be
ignored, although those same people might have to
prepare themselves for a tax hike if the service
returns. On the other hand, people need to realize the
service was abused when it was available.
The public, so often blamed for not taking an active
role in politics or for not showing an interest in their
municipalities, should be given credit for taking an
interest and in asking (mostly) intelligent, thoughtful
questions at last week's meetings.
It's unfortunate with interest so high in South Huron,
Bluewater and Lambton Shores that there are so many
acclamations in Lucan Biddulph. There is, in fact, only
one position on that council being contested for. Again,
the mayor will be acclaimed.
There are a number of acclaimed positions in
Bluewater, but there are at least interesting races for
mayor, deputy mayor and in the wards of Hensall and
Zurich.
For those in municipalities using the vote by mail
method, make sure you vote. And make sure you read
the instructions carefully and call your municipal office
if you have any questions on how to complete your bal-
lot.
Indoor air quality important
Now that we're in the midst of fall with the cooler
temperatures, colourful leaves, meals a plenty and
spending more time indoors, I thought a news
release I received just the other day was a great
topic for my column this week.
The news release, "Cold weather means more
time indoors—Time to think about the air quality in
your home," actually surprised me.
I've never thought about what I'm breathing in, in
my home, which is kind of stupid considering my
house is over 100 years old, with two dogs and five
cats.
Yes, between the dust and the furballs you'd think
I would have actually stepped back and thought
about how important clean air inside really is, but I
hadn't until now.
According to the news release, Health
Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency studies conclude indoor air is actually
more polluted than outdoor air which
becomes a serious health concern since the
average Canadian spends 90 per cent of their
time inside.
Air quality indoors has become such an
issue in Canada that the Lung Association has
partnered with Beam Canada, a division of
Electrolux Home Care Products Canada, help-
ing Canadians better understand the impor-
tance of good air quality in the home and how
to eliminate indoor pollutants.
Although the news release doesn't go into
specifics regarding what health risks there
are.
According to the Health Canada website, health
risks vary from allergies, asthma, lung cancer, respi-
ratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia,
ear, nose, and throat irritation and inflammation;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many
others.
The pollutants, according to the Lung Association
are divided into two categories — biological and
chemical.
Biological pollutants include things like dust mites
and pet dander. Chemical pollutants are things like
air freshening sprays
There are several things you can do to help main-
tain cleaner air indoors, making your home healthi-
er to live in:
• Vacuum air vents and heat registers seasonally;
• Use a ventilating bathroom fan and kitchen fume
hood to extract humid air;
• Vacuum drapes, blinds and furniture
regularly;
• Minimize the use of pesticides indoors
by eliminating pests and the source of
food;
• Consider buying an PAGESair purifier
with a HEPA filter;
• Keep your home clutter -free to reduce
the surface area on which dust can collect;
• Replace traditional dusters with your
vacuums brush attachment;
• Install a carbon monoxide detector;
• Vacuum your mattress monthly to help
remove dust mites;
• Wash or vacuum stuffed animals regu-
larly.
For more tips on how to help improve the air qual-
ity in your home the Lung Association offers an
interactive guide at www.yourhealthyhome.ca
NINA
VAN
LIESHOUT
KICK THIS
AROUND
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