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There is more steel recycled in
North America each year than aluminum, plastic and glass
combined.
Each year, steel recycling saves
the energy equivalent to electrically powering about 1/5 of the
households in the USA for one year.
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IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY
7
JUNK CARS TO BUILD
A 2,500 sq. ft. HOME
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IT TAKES
75
OLD
GROWTH TREES TO
BUILD THE SAME HOME
(Today we are
using new growth trees so it takes even more)
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Steel recycling programs reduce
the solid waste stream resulting in saved landfills space and
conservation of natural resources.
In 1999, steel plates and beams
used in construction were recycled at a rate of 95% also rebar
and other steel construction material posted a recycling rate of
45%.
14.2 million cars were recycled
in 1999 (enough to circle earth 1-3/4 times) and every ton saves
2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of
lime stone.
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W h i c h
w o u l d y o u p r e f e r t o
s a v e ?
Toxic Mold
"WE ARE BUILDING HOMES
THAT ARE GOING TO BE DEADLY..."
says Kaye Kilburn, a professor of medicine at the
University of Southern California who has studied toxic mold.
Molds can grow on
virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There
are molds that can grow on wood,
paper, carpet and foods.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York
City Health Department).
No one knows for sure why mold problems
are on the rise. Scientists say it could be due to modern
construction methods. Newer houses have
walls that contain cellulose, where mold can thrive.
(not steel homes) Because houses today are more airtight,
indoor air quality is more likely to affect people's health.
Black molds that
are found in buildings and homes have led to widespread property
damage and illness. Insurance companies are often
reluctant to deal with these claims and many do not pay them.
Lawsuits have been commenced in many states against insurers who have
not honored their contracts to homeowners. Other lawsuits have
been brought on behalf of individuals who have been harmed by mold
exposure at home or work. People exposed
to mold can develop serious breathing problems including asthma
attacks.
Mold is very common and can be tested
to see if it is "Toxic." Unfortunately, one of the more
common types is the black mold known as
stachybotrys atra. Strachybotrys produce airborne
mycotoxins which can lead to a range of health problems.
A Harvard University study that
surveyed 10,000 residential homes, discovered that mold produced a 50
to 100% increase in respiratory problems. A study done by the
Mayo Clinic concluded as many as 37 million suffers of chronic sinus
infections may be attributed to mold.
After a leak,
water damage or plain poor construction that allows dampness in the
interior of a home or business structure, the mold grows rapidly.
In many cases the structure lacks adequate ventilation leading to
moisture buildup and mold breeding areas.
The mold spreads on wood, tiles, drywall, paper & carpet, it is
often out of sight growing behind walls or under floors. In many
cases the problems have forced homeowners to leave or even
condemnation of the home itself.
(Steel does not absorb
moisture so does not allow the mold to grow).
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