!44: Denver Mattress Coupons Coupon: December 2011

!±8± Asbestos Home Test Kit Review

Home test kits for asbestos testing are sold in several stores and online, and this article reviews these asbestos home test kits to determine whether they are a good deal or not. The asbestos test kits seem like an inexpensive way to assess asbestos exposure, but do they work and are the worth the price? The short answer is that they are a scam, but this is explained further below.

Why Test for Asbestos?

Asbestos is mineral that can form in such small fibers that it can easily become airborne and inhaled into the lungs. Once this occurs, there is a chance of asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer occurring. The more frequently and longer this occurs, the better chance of these illnesses developing.

Test Kit Issues

The first thing one must do before purchasing a home test kit is to determine if lab fees are covered in the cost. Asbestos presence in materials cannot be determined without analysis by a microscope, so for the most part these test kits are simply 'sampling' kits. The real analysis is performed in the lab. The problem is if the kit does not include lab fees, then you are basically just paying for a few Ziploc plastic bags. That is pretty much all these kits contain - a few Ziploc bags to put your samples into before sending them off to the lab. How much does 2-3 Ziploc bags cost? I would hazard that they are less than an asbestos test kit.

The next issue is if you go ahead and spend the money for the handful of Ziploc bags (a.k.a. 'test kit'), is the lab that is chosen for you going to give you a good deal? The answer is likely 'no'. The lab fees with these kits can run . Many asbestos labs hate dealing with private individuals, but they will still quote a 'high' fee of or so. Their real industry clients often get quoted to per sample, and you can sometimes find labs that will give this price to random Joe's off the street as well. The US government maintains a list of accredited labs at ts.nist.gov/Standards/scopes/plmtm.htm.

Conclusion

So the problem with these home test kits is that first you pay several dollars for several cents worth of the Ziploc bags, then if you follow the instructions you will send these to a lab that will way over-charge you. You can just as easily buy your own Ziploc bags and send the samples to whatever lab gives you the best deal.

Asbestos Home Test Kit Review

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!±8± Outdoor Space Design Tips - Patio Pizazz and More

There is one spot that is often overlooked when searching for more living space - the outdoors. Backyards aren't just a place for swing sets and barbeques anymore. Today, more people are treating their backyards like another room. Whether you want an inviting, entertainment area, a private retreat or simply a spot for basking in the sun or stargazing, your patio can easily be transformed to perfectly suit your needs and desires.

A porch or patio, surrounded by nature is the perfect setting for sharing with family and friends - or to simply relax quietly. Just like the interior of your home, your exterior decorating and arrangement will be as individual as you are, where you can showcase your own style and preferences. Here are a few simple, ideas that will give your outdoor space a feeling of welcome and beauty all its own.

Inspiration

Choose a theme that reminds you of a favorite setting or vacation destination to create a sense of flow and unity - an island setting, a mountain chalet, an Italian village, botanical gardens - whatever appeals to your senses.

Color

• A variety of colorful plants in the ground, pots, railing and window boxes, hanging baskets or a variety of interesting containers such as wagons, wooden or metal boxes, and old boots. Your only limit is your imagination!

• A painted fence, trellis, gate or shutters will give emphasis to bright flowers when placed behind or near the flower bed.

• Coordinating chair cushions, tablecloths and umbrellas.

• Paint a back or side wall. This will accent your backyard landscape and give you a color break and interest as you look out the windows - it can even camouflage an unsightly view. The color of your plants, garden accessories and yard art will pop against your newly painted wall.

• Are you tired of looking at that old garage or woodpile from the back porch? Put up a wood fence to block the view, paint it a bright color and plant your favorite perennials in front. This can be fun and functional at the same time.

Accessories

Personalize your outdoor living space with either handcrafted or store bought items made from fabric, wood or metal:

• Statuary.

• Yard art such as stakes, sculptures, weather vanes, colorful windsocks and flags. For original accents, search for garage and basement "finds" such as old buckets, stepladders, watering cans and furniture. Paint them or let them weather in the elements. Clay pots, decorated or left natural, add a homey touch.

• Trellises and garden arbors.

• Stepping stones to connect separate areas in the yard or as walkways around the outside of the house.

• Birdhouses and bird feeders. Welcome wild birds by adding hand-painted birdhouses and decorative feeders.

• Table settings and candles to match the color scheme and theme.

Lighting

For added drama in the evenings, use:

• String lights to accent an arbor, railing, umbrella or trees.

• Add a floodlight to highlight trees or garden statuary.

• Line a walking path with luminaries or distribute them throughout a flower bed.

• Minnow buckets with pillar candles make unique and fun luminaries.

• Solar lighting for railings, gardens, window boxes and pathways.

Sound

Supplement the sounds of nature by:

• Adding a tiered table or free-standing fountain.

• Hanging wind chimes from the patio ceiling or in nearby trees.

Comfort

• Hammocks

• Benches, chaise lounges, chairs and ottomans

• Swings and gliders

• Gazebo

An added benefit of spicing up your patio design with color, interest and comfort in mind: you bring the outdoors in, by creating an enjoyable view - not to mention a visual extension of the space! And, a burst of color, a birdhouse collection, statuary, the sound of wind chimes and water will brighten your day. When it comes to decorating your outdoor spaces, the possibilities are endless. You can create the feeling of an exotic getaway, a calm and quiet place or a lively, gathering spot right in your own backyard.

Have fun and be creative when decorating your outdoor "room." ENJOY!