#volcano vaporizer health risks

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Delving into the Environmental Consequences of Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanoes: Shaping Our World and the Environment

Imagine the earth rumbling beneath your feet, spewing out molten rock and sending ash clouds towering into the sky. That's the power of volcanoes, volcanic eruptions. These natural wonders not only create awe-inspiring spectacles but also shape our world and environment in profound ways.

Volcanoes and Climate Change

Volcanoes release gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during eruptions. Sulfur dioxide transforms into sulfuric acid, forming acid rain, which wreaks havoc on forests, lakes, and buildings. It can even cause breathing problems in humans.

On the other hand, carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. Although volcanoes release a relatively small amount of CO2, large eruptions can still affect climate patterns worldwide.

Ash, Air, and Health

Volcanic eruptions also shower the atmosphere with ash. This ash can disrupt air quality and pose health risks. It can block sunlight, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems. Crops and infrastructure can suffer as well. Inhaling ash can irritate the lungs, especially for those with breathing conditions, and inflame the eyes and skin.

Lava and Landforms

When lava flows out of a volcano, it reshapes the landscape. It can form new islands or peninsulas, creating habitats for wildlife and attracting tourists. However, lava can also destroy existing landforms, such as forests and buildings, and even alter the paths of rivers.

Biodiversity: Impacts Both Good and Bad

Volcanic eruptions can have both positive and negative effects on biodiversity. The ash and lava from eruptions can nourish the soil, fostering plant growth. They can also create new habitats, increasing species diversity.

Yet, eruptions can also destroy ecosystems. Ash and lava can block sunlight, preventing plants from photosynthesizing. Volcanic gases can also prove toxic to living organisms.

Volcanic Legacy

Volcanic eruptions are integral to shaping our planet. They release gases that influence climate, produce ash that affects air quality, and create new landforms that shape biodiversity. Understanding the environmental impacts of volcanoes is crucial for minimizing risks and safeguarding human health and the delicate ecosystems that surround them.

Did you know that some of the world's most famous volcanoes are still active today? From Mount Vesuvius in Italy to Mount Fuji in Japan, these natural wonders have shaped human history and continue to fascinate us today. Click here to learn more about some of the most famous volcanoes in the world: Famous Volcanoes.

How Do Volcanic Gases Affect Air Quality and Human Health?

Unleashing a Toxic Mix

When volcanoes roar, they unleash a cocktail of gases that can wreak havoc on our air and health. While water vapor might be the star of the show, other nasties like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide are the real culprits.

A Breathtaking Threat

Breathing in these volcanic vapors can lead to a whole host of health hassles. Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide play dirty with our lungs, making us cough, wheeze, and feel breathless. In serious cases, these gases can even cause lung failure.

Heart Matters

Volcanic gases, especially carbon dioxide, can put a damper on our hearts by messing with our body's ability to use oxygen. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, so it's no laughing matter!

Eyes and Skin on Fire

Heads up folks! Volcanic gases can also get friendly with our eyes and skin, causing irritation and burning sensations. It's like a toxic spa day we definitely don't want!

Who's at Most Risk?

The elderly, little ones, and those with lung problems are more likely to feel the heat from volcanic gases. So, if you fall into any of these categories, extra caution is advised!

Steps to Stay Safe:

If a volcanic eruption strikes near you, here's what you can do:

Hunker Down: Stay indoors and close those doors and windows tight.

Mask Up: If you have to venture outside, wear a mask to filter out those pesky gases.

Limit Outdoor Time: Keep your adventures brief and clear of any volcanic fumes.

Health Effects of Volcanic Gases:GasHealth ConcernsSulfur DioxideRespiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, eye and skin irritationHydrogen SulfideRespiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, eye and skin irritationCarbon DioxideCardiovascular problems, asphyxiation

Remember:

Volcanic gases are a serious threat to air quality and human health. By following these precautions, we can protect ourselves from their harmful effects and enjoy the volcanic spectacle from a safe distance!

What is the Impact of Volcanic Ash on Ecosystems?

The Earth's fiery spectacles, volcanic eruptions, don't just leave behind awe and wonder; they can also have a profound impact on the environment. One significant consequence? Volcanic ash! This stuff doesn't just look impressive; it can have far-reaching effects on our ecosystems. Let's dive into the details:

Air Quality and Breathing Woes

Think of volcanic ash like tiny dust particles in the air. They're so small they can float around for ages, making the air we breathe a bit dodgy. These little particles can find their way deep into our lungs, causing irritation and inflammation. If you stick around in a volcanic ash zone for too long, you might end up with respiratory problems like bronchitis or even asthma. Even our furry friends can suffer, especially those grazing animals with their sensitive lungs.

Water, Water Everywhere... But Not So Pure

When volcanic ash settles on water, it's not a pretty sight. It can make the water cloudy, even turn it a nasty color. Plus, when ash mixes with water, it releases chemicals that can change the water's pH levels. That's bad news for all the creatures living in the water. They can get sick or even die. In the worst-case scenario, too much ash can block up rivers and streams, causing floods and drowning out their homes.

Plants and Animals: Winners and Losers

Volcanic eruptions can be like a weird game of chance for plants and animals. On the upside, ash can act like fertilizer, giving plants a boost, especially in areas where the soil isn't the most nourishing. But on the downside, a thick layer of ash can bury and choke plants, blocking out the sunlight they need to grow. Animals face similar challenges. They can breathe in too much ash and get sick, or their homes can get buried, leaving them homeless and vulnerable.

The Bottom Line

Volcanic ash is like a double-edged sword. It can have both positive and negative effects on ecosystems. Some plants and animals might benefit from the nutrient-rich ash, while others suffer from respiratory problems or habitat loss. And let's not forget about our own lungs! It's important to remember that volcanic eruptions are a natural part of the Earth's processes, but their impact on ecosystems can be far-reaching and complex.

How Can Volcanic Eruptions Influence Weather Patterns?

Picture this: a majestic volcano erupts, spewing forth ash and dust into the sky like a fiery fountain. But what you might not realize is that these awe-inspiring events can also leave their mark on the weather. Here's how volcanic eruptions can shake up the atmosphere:

The Sunblock in the Sky: Dust and Ash

Volcanoes unleash a cloud of tiny particles known as ash and dust, which act like a thick blanket in the sky. Just like sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, this blanket blocks out some of the sunlight that normally reaches Earth. And when less sunlight gets through, it can make things a bit cooler for us down here. How much it cools depends on the size, location, and how long the volcano decides to show off.

The Mix of Warm and Cool: Volcanic Gases

But it's not just ash and dust that these eruptions rumble up. They also release a whole range of gases, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Sulfur dioxide, like a mischievous trickster, can team up with water vapor to create tiny acid drops that bounce around in the atmosphere, scattering sunlight and making the weather cooler. On the other hand, carbon dioxide is like a cozy blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere and potentially leading to a bit of extra warmth in the long run.

The Climate Changers: Super Volcanoes

Some volcanoes truly earn their superhero status—they're called super volcanoes. These giants have the power to erupt with such force that they blast a massive amount of ash and gases up into the stratosphere. That's the top layer of our atmosphere, where these volcanic visitors can wreak havoc on the climate. They can cause extreme cooling or warming that can last for years, even centuries!

The Bottom Line:

Volcanoes can shake up our weather by puffing out dust, ash, and gases.

Dust and ash act like sunglasses, blocking sunlight and making it cooler.

Volcanic gases can have a mixed bag of effects: some cool us down, while others cozy things up.

Super volcanoes can throw some serious punches, potentially altering our climate for years to come.

Volcanic Eruption Weather Impacts:ImpactCauseCoolingAsh and dust block sunlightCoolingSulfur dioxide forms aerosols that reflect sunlightWarming (long-term)Carbon dioxide traps heatExtreme cooling or warmingSuper volcanic eruptions

FAQ

Q1: How do volcanic eruptions impact the climate?

A1: Volcanic eruptions can inject gases and dust particles into the atmosphere, influencing the climate. Dust and ash can temporarily cool the climate by shading incoming solar radiation, while volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling.

Q2: What are the potential health effects of volcanic emissions?

A2: Volcanic emissions can include harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen halides. Exposure to these gases can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, ocular and dermal irritation, and other health issues, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

Q3: How do volcanic eruptions affect ecosystems?

A3: Volcanic eruptions can have a range of impacts on ecosystems, including catastrophic local effects from ashfalls and lava flows to more diffuse global effects from volcanic gases and aerosols. Ash can trap hazardous gases, impact water quality and aquatic ecosystems, and affect biodiversity.

Q4: How can volcanic eruptions influence ocean ecosystems?

A4: While less studied, volcanic eruptions can affect ocean ecosystems through nutrient deposition and other changes. Volcanic ash and gases can alter water chemistry, affecting marine life and food webs. However, observing and understanding these impacts can be challenging due to inaccessibility and research limitations.

Q5: What are the long-term environmental consequences of volcanic eruptions?

A5: Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. They can also release other gases and aerosols that can have long-term impacts on the climate system. Additionally, volcanic eruptions can disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and ecological processes over time.

[jcmarchi]

What’s Behind Toxic Levels of Mercury in Tropical Birds? Gold Mining, Study Shows - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/whats-behind-toxic-levels-of-mercury-in-tropical-birds-gold-mining-study-shows-technology-org/

What’s Behind Toxic Levels of Mercury in Tropical Birds? Gold Mining, Study Shows - Technology Org

The tropics are home to more than 75% of all species and are projected to support 50% of the world’s human population by mid-century, but little is known about mercury pollution in these life-filled regions.

Black-spotted Bare-eye (Phlegopsis nigromaculata). Image credit: Vincent A. Vos via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

A new UCLA-led study published in the journal Exotoxicology sheds light on the problem by focusing on tropical birds.

Researchers analyzed feathers collected from nine countries across Central America, South America and the West Indies and discovered some of the highest mercury concentrations ever found in songbirds, with one green kingfisher having 30 times the amount of mercury considered safe.

In many cases, gold mining was the root of the problem, said Chris Sayers, lead author of the study and a UCLA graduate student in ecology and evolutionary biology.

“The most important finding of our study was that mercury concentrations were nearly four times higher at sites impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities,” he said.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining is the single largest source of mercury pollution in the world, accounting for almost 38% of human-generated mercury pollution. These operations use mercury to access tiny flecks of gold in soil and sediment.

Mercury binds to the gold, forming an amalgam, and heating the resulting nuggets vaporizes the mercury, leaving the gold. In the process, mercury ends up as waste material in the ground and water and as vapor in the atmosphere.

Such small-scale operations are difficult to monitor, and miners argue that the use of mercury is necessary to mine quickly and efficiently, Sayers said.

Clearing forests for agriculture by burning vegetation is another human source of environmental mercury pollution.

Mercury is also found in the environment as a naturally occurring element, emitted from volcanoes and volcanic rocks, which are found more frequently in the geologically active tropics. The intense precipitation in these regions can add to the problem, stirring up mercury that has settled on land and in riverbeds and making it more likely to be consumed by animals.

The researchers also found high levels of mercury in carnivorous bird species and birds with aquatic habitats. Mercury accumulates more in carnivorous animals, they said, because it accumulates first in their prey. The higher up the food chain an animal is, the greater the risk of high mercury levels. Birds who live in aquatic habitats are also exposed to additional mercury because the toxic metal collects in riverbeds.

The study, conducted by 37 scholars from seven countries, is the largest to date on mercury levels in tropical birds. The researchers arrived at their findings by analyzing 2,316 blood and feather samples from 322 bird species — the most extensive database on mercury concentrations in tropical birds in the world.

The findings have implications beyond tropical birds, which ecologists use as a proxy for overall ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to pollution, how they interact with habitats and the ease with which they can be studied. If birds in an ecosystem have elevated mercury levels, it’s likely other species do too.

That includes humans. Human communities — particularly subsistence fishing villages downstream from gold mining operations — are particularly vulnerable to mercury pollution. And birds that have consumed high levels of mercury can suffer from immunological problems that make them more susceptible to diseases, some of which can be transmitted to people.

While more research is needed, local communities that benefit from gold mining need to be better informed about the long-term damage mining may be doing to their environment, said Claudia Vega, a co-author of the study and coordinator of the mercury program at Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica in Madre de Dios, Peru.

Beyond its use in jewelry, gold is an essential component in many electronics products, from smartphones to life-saving medical devices. And although governments around the world have pursued policies that would make mining operations more sustainable, pushback from the gold industry has stymied many of these efforts, Sayers said. At the very least, he said, consumers can help by purchasing products that contain only certified sustainable gold.

Having a broad range of local researchers involved in the study helped the authors better identify locations where mercury pollution could pose a problem, said Sayers.

“This research serves as a wakeup call for bird conservation in the neotropics while also demonstrating the efficacy of thoughtful and equitable collaboration with local stakeholders,” Sayers said.

Written by David Colgan

Source: UCLA

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Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements

Anyone who has taken two seconds to survey the breadth of the vaporizer market quickly notices that various brands tout their heating element as "the best available" while pointing out health risks associated with their competitors' models. Evaluating all these (sometimes conflicting) statements can be quite a task. The purpose of this article is not to endorse a specific type of heating element, but instead to gather the available information about heating elements in one place to aid people in making informed decisions when buying a vaporizer.

Why Do Heating Elements Matter? The heating element is the most integral part of any vaporizer. It regulates the temperature of the air that catalyzes the active ingredients as the air passes through it. A note: the air passing through the heating element may be either propelled by a pump in balloon-style models i.e. the Volcano Vaporizer or by one's own in direct-inhalation style vaporizers i.e. the VaporCannon. Some models, such as the herbalAire, are capable of both balloon and direct-inhale style vaporization. A primary requirement for all heating elements is precision - you want your vaporizer to actually be at the temperature you set - but health considerations may also play when people shop for vaporizers.

Types of Heating Elements:

1: Ceramic

Ceramic heating elements are the most commonly type of heating elements. Their proponents argue that they are the cleanest and therefore healthiest option. This statement holds some truth: ceramics can withstand very high temperatures (about 3000*F) before the material starts to transform to a gas and are therefore very clean and healthy. Some companies take this logic a step further and argue that since other types of heating elements have lower "boiling points" they are dirtier and less healthy. This argument is somewhat flawed: while other heating elements have lower boiling points, these points are usually still well in excess of typical vaporizing temperatures. Read about the specific types below for more info.

Another important consideration when evaluation vaporizers with ceramic heating elements is the quality of the ceramic unit because the term "ceramic" is used to describe types of elements that are quite different in design. This is due to the fact that "ceramic" merely refers to whether or not the unit incorporates some ceramic into the heating element's design, it does not mean that the air only touches ceramic material. This makes buying vaporizers with ceramic heating elements difficult unless one knows the specifics of the designs used by each manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb cheaper vaporizers are more likely to have exposed low-quality wire or solder within the heating element's ceramic structure that can emit toxins. So steer clear of that digi vape if you want quality vapor. While the only definitive test is to take an element completely apart to see how it is constructed, some manufacturers will address these questions if you contact them. The manufacturers of the low quality models will dodge them.

Low quality ceramic elements reflect poorly on all ceramic heating elements, which is unfortunate because a well-designed ceramic element is very clean. Top of the line ceramic heating elements are very precise too, although precision is also a function of the circuitry and computer chip technology used with the heating element.

Examples of vaporizers with good ceramic heating elements: VaporBrothers, Phedor and Hotbox

2: Aluminum

Some of the best vaporizers on the market use aluminum heating elements. Manufacturers say that aluminum is more precise than ceramic elements because it responds faster the temperature changes:

"One reason the Volcano maintains such perfect temperature control is because it uses an aluminum element and block, and aluminum has different properties than potential practical designs using ceramics. An aluminum element and block can more rapidly adjust for effects of air pressure and flow over plant material…the key to vaporization is maintaining control over temperature and flow, which ultimately leads to more perfect control over vapor density."

Critics of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements cite health risks associated with exposure to aluminum, namely an increased risk of Alzheimer's. It is important to note two things here. The first is from the Storz & Bickel FAQ page:

"Q. Does the aluminum heating block emit any substances which are subsequently inhaled by the user?

A. No. the top temperature reached in the heating block 240°C (464°F) is by far below the temperature that is needed to emit any substances out of the aluminum alloy AlMgSi, melting point 660°C (1220°F); boiling point 2519°C (4566°F) used by us. This is documented by an analysis of the air produced by the Volcano on top temperature made by the University of Leiden, Netherlands."

So a well designed aluminum heating elements seem to be quite clean. More here oxva小蠻牛v2

As for the increased risk of Alzheimer's: it's hard to be certain whether something does or does not play a role in the development of Alzheimer's because the illness itself is not completely understood, but aluminum does not appear to significantly increase a person's susceptibility. These articles from Scientific American and Alzheimer's.org discuss this conclusion in depth.

[cityvape1]

Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements

Anyone who has taken two seconds to survey the breadth of the vaporizer market quickly notices that various brands tout their heating element as "the best available" while pointing out health risks associated with their competitors' models. Evaluating all these (sometimes conflicting) statements can be quite a task. The purpose of this article is not to endorse a specific type of heating element, but instead to gather the available information about heating elements in one place to aid people in making informed decisions when buying a vaporizer.

Why Do Heating Elements Matter? The heating element is the most integral part of any vaporizer. It regulates the temperature of the air that catalyzes the active ingredients as the air passes through it. A note: the air passing through the heating element may be either propelled by a pump in balloon-style models i.e. the Volcano Vaporizer or by one's own in direct-inhalation style vaporizers i.e. the VaporCannon. Some models, such as the herbalAire, are capable of both balloon and direct-inhale style vaporization. A primary requirement for all heating elements is precision - you want your vaporizer to actually be at the temperature you set - but health considerations may also play when people shop for vaporizers.

Types of Heating Elements:

#1: Ceramic

Ceramic heating elements are the most commonly type of heating elements. Their proponents argue that they are the cleanest and therefore healthiest option. This statement holds some truth: ceramics can withstand very high temperatures (about 3000*F) before the material starts to transform to a gas and are therefore very clean and healthy. Some companies take this logic a step further and argue that since other types of heating elements have lower "boiling points" they are dirtier and less healthy. This argument is somewhat flawed: while other heating elements have lower boiling points, these points are usually still well in excess of typical vaporizing temperatures. Read about the specific types below for more info.

Another important consideration when evaluation vaporizers with ceramic heating elements is the quality of the ceramic unit because the term "ceramic" is used to describe types of elements that are quite different in design. This is due to the fact that "ceramic" merely refers to whether or not the unit incorporates some ceramic into the heating element's design, it does not mean that the air only touches ceramic material. This makes buying vaporizers with ceramic heating elements difficult unless one knows the specifics of the designs used by each manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb cheaper vaporizers are more likely to have exposed low-quality wire or solder within the heating element's ceramic structure that can emit toxins. So steer clear of that digi vape if you want quality vapor. While the only definitive test is to take an element completely apart to see how it is constructed, some manufacturers will address these questions if you contact them. The manufacturers of the low quality models will dodge them.

Low quality ceramic elements reflect poorly on all ceramic heating elements, which is unfortunate because a well-designed ceramic element is very clean. Top of the line ceramic heating elements are very precise too, although precision is also a function of the circuitry and computer chip technology used with the heating element.

Examples of vaporizers with good ceramic heating elements: VaporBrothers, Phedor and Hotbox. More here 煙彈推薦

#2: Aluminum

Some of the best vaporizers on the market use aluminum heating elements. Manufacturers say that aluminum is more precise than ceramic elements because it responds faster the temperature changes:

"One reason the Volcano maintains such perfect temperature control is because it uses an aluminum element and block, and aluminum has different properties than potential practical designs using ceramics. An aluminum element and block can more rapidly adjust for effects of air pressure and flow over plant material...the key to vaporization is maintaining control over temperature and flow, which ultimately leads to more perfect control over vapor density."

Critics of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements cite health risks associated with exposure to aluminum, namely an increased risk of Alzheimer's. It is important to note two things here. The first is from the Storz & Bickel FAQ page:

"Q. Does the aluminum heating block emit any substances which are subsequently inhaled by the user?

A. No. the top temperature reached in the heating block 240°C (464°F) is by far below the temperature that is needed to emit any substances out of the aluminum alloy AlMgSi, melting point 660°C (1220°F); boiling point 2519°C (4566°F) used by us. This is documented by an analysis of the air produced by the Volcano on top temperature made by the University of Leiden, Netherlands."

So a well designed aluminum heating elements seem to be quite clean.

As for the increased risk of Alzheimer's: it's hard to be certain whether something does or does not play a role in the development of Alzheimer's because the illness itself is not completely understood, but aluminum does not appear to significantly increase a person's susceptibility. These articles from Scientific American and Alzheimer's.org discuss this conclusion in depth.

[dhrumil12]

The Great Benefits of Using Vaporizers to Inhale and Enjoy Your Cannabis Products

The Great Benefits of Using Vaporizers to Inhale and Enjoy Your Cannabis Products

Techniques for the utilization of cannabis have advanced Vaporizers to Inhale. A great many people are moving from smoking joint or bong to more secure strategies like utilizing present-day vaporizers. As more states are sanctioning pot items, more business people are turning out to be more imaginative and creative in changing the manner clients burn through cannabis. The utilization of…

[esalebeging]

Aluminum herbal vaporizers

The main reason for the popularity of the aluminum is that it can respond very fast to the temperature changes. The success of the herbal vaporizers also depends on the aluminum as the core material in heating element. Aluminum is known for its designs properties and is more famous as compared to ceramics. According to the scientific properties, an aluminum element or even a whole block can easily adjust the flow and effect of air pressure. This is the reason, why herbal vaporizers can perform the task of vaporization very easily.

The aluminum herbal vaporizers are known for their controlled vapor density.But every good thing has some risks associated with it. Critics of vaporizers say that if the aluminum is used in the vaporizers then more health risks are associated. The most common health risk is the disease called Alzheimer's. The main question which arises in the mind of people is that does the block of aluminum heating element emit any substance which when inhaled by the user can cause some problem?

Well, the answer to this is that aluminum heating element block doesn’t emit any substance because the temperature attained by the heating element in 240°C which is considered to be far less as compared to the heating of alloys of aluminum which goes till 660°C. Besides this, the boiling point of aluminum is considered to be around 2519°C and hence it can’t radiate any such items or substances. So in the end it can be easily concluded that the aluminum heating element is considered to be the clean and safe option in the herbal vaporizers.

The mystery which has to be solved is empty lipstick tubes Company the risk of Alzheimer's associated with the Aluminum heating element. Till now there is no case registered which says that aluminum is solely responsible for causing the Alzheimer's in the human’s body. So to understand this illness more scientific researches have to be made so that clear results can be obtained. Some of the vaporizers which are extensively using the aluminum as the heating element are Volcano and herbal vaporizers and they are doing a good business in the market and hence making aluminum as a successful element in the vaporizers.

[thevividgreenmoss]

By any reasonable measure, the neoliberal dream lies in tatters. In 2008 poorly regulated financial markets yielded a world-historic financial collapse. One generation, weaned on reveries of home ownership as the coveted badge of economic independence and old-fashioned American striving, has been plunged into foreclosure, bankruptcy, and worse. And a successor generation of aspiring college students is now discovering that their equally toxic student-loan dossiers are condemning them to lifetimes of debt. Both before and after 2008, ours has been an economic order that, largely designed to reward paper speculation and penalize work, produces neither significant job growth nor wages that keep pace with productivity. Meanwhile, the only feints at resurrecting our nation’s crumbling civic life that have gained any traction are putatively market-based reforms in education, transportation, health care, and environmental policy, which have been, reliably as ever, riddled with corruption, fraud, incompetence, and (at best) inefficiency. The Grand Guignol of deregulation continues apace.

In one dismal week this past spring, for example, a virtually unregulated fertilizer facility immolated several blocks of West, Texas, claiming at least fourteen lives (a number that would have been much higher had the junior high school adjoining the site been in session at the time of the explosion), while a shoddily constructed and militantly unregulated complex of textile factories collapsed in Savar, Bangladesh, with a death toll of more than 1,100 workers.

In the face of all this catastrophism, the placid certainties of neoliberal ideology rattle on as though nothing has happened. Remarkably, our governing elites have decided to greet a moment of existential reckoning for most of their guiding dogmas by incanting with redoubled force the basic catechism of the neoliberal faith: reduced government spending, full privatization of social goods formerly administered by the public sphere, and a socialization of risk for the upper class. When the jobs economy ground to a functional halt, our leadership class first adopted an anemic stimulus plan, and then embarked on a death spiral of austerity-minded bids to decommission government spending at the very moment it was most urgently required—measures seemingly designed to undo whatever prospective gains the stimulus might have yielded. It’s a bit as though the board of directors of the Fukushima nuclear facility in the tsunami-ravaged Japanese interior decided to go on a reactor-building spree on a floodplain, or on the lip of an active volcano.

So now, five years into a crippling economic downturn without even the conceptual framework for a genuine, broad-based, jobs-driven recovery shored up by boosts in federal spending and public services, the public legacy of these times appears to be a long series of metaphoric euphemisms for brain-locked policy inertia: the debt ceiling, the fiscal cliff, the sequestration, the shutdown, the grand bargain. Laid side by side, all these coinages bring to mind the claustrophobic imagery of a kidnapping montage from a noir gangster film—and it is, indeed, no great exaggeration to say that the imaginative heart of our public life is now hostage to a grinding, miniaturizing agenda of neoliberal market idolatry. As our pundit class has tirelessly flogged the non-dramas surrounding the official government’s non-confrontations over the degree and depth of the inevitable brokered deal to bring yet more austerity to the flailing American economy, we civilian observers can be forgiven for suspecting that there is, in fact, no “there” there. For all their sound and fury, these set-tos proceed from the same basic premises on both sides, and produce the same outcome: studied retreat from any sense of official economic accountability for, well, anything.

...You’d think that our recent bruising encounters with the devastating fallout from the deregulators’ handiwork in the housing market of the early aughts should, by rights, render Friedman’s complaints about the public sector’s assaults on market virtue the deadest of dead letters. But, if anything, the ritual defense of the market’s sovereign prerogative has dug in that much more intractably as its basic coordinates have been discredited. As critics such as Dean Baker routinely point out, the stalled recovery out of the Great Recession is almost exclusively a function of the failure of our neoliberal economic establishment to speak honestly about a collapsed housing bubble that created a yawning shortfall in demand—a shortfall that, amid the paralysis of credit markets in the same recession, could be jumpstarted only by government stimulus.

All sorts of absurdities have flowed from this magisterial breakdown in comprehension. Since the neoliberal catechism holds that stimulative government spending can never be justified in the long run, much of our debate over the recovery’s prospective course has been given over to speculative nonsense. Chief among these talismanic invocations of free-market faith is the great question of how to placate the jittery job creators. At virtually every turn in the course of debate over how steeply to cut government spending in this recession, our sachems of neoliberal orthodoxy have insisted that any revenue-enhancing move the government so much as contemplated would spook business leaders into mothballing plans to expand operations and add jobs. It became the all-purpose worst-case scenario of first resort. If health care reform passed, if federal deficits expanded, or if marginal tax rates were permitted to rise for the vapors-prone investor class, why, then the whole prospect of a broad-based economic recovery was as good as shot.[*]

And since neoliberalism is most notably a global—or properly speaking, the globalizing—ideology, such pat distortions of economic reality are no longer confined to the Anglo-American political economy. Nor are they confined to strictly cognitive errors in policymaking. The collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh has yielded commentary from neoliberals that might well merit entry into the psychiatric profession’s DSM-5 as textbook illustrations of moral aphasia. Here, after all, was a tragedy that would appall even the darkest Victorian imaginings of a Charles Dickens or a Karl Marx: factory workers earning a monthly wage of $38 crowded into a structurally unsound multistory facility built on a foundation of sand above a drained pond. Three stories of the factory had been hastily erected on top of an already unsound existing structure just to house the fresh battalions of underpaid workers demanded by bottom-feeding international textile contractors.

Government inspectors repeatedly demanded that the facility be shuttered on safety grounds, but the plant’s proprietors ignored their citations, reckoning that the short-term gains of maintaining peak production outweighed the negligible threat of a fine or safety citation. Nor was there likely to be any pressure from Western bastions of enlightenment and human rights. The ceremonial stream of Astroturf labor-and-safety-inspecting delegations from Western nations made zero note of the cracked and teetering foundations of the Rana Plaza structure. Lorenz Berzau, the managing director of one such industry consortium (the Business Social Compliance Initiative), primly told the Wall Street Journal that the group isn’t an engineering concern—and what’s more, “it’s very important not to expect too much from the social audit” that his group and other Western overseers conduct on production facilities. And, as Dave Jamieson and Emran Hossain reported in the Huffington Post, labor organizers have long since learned that the auditing groups serve largely as pro forma conduits of impression management for consumer markets in the West. The auditing of manufacturing facilities in the developing world “ends up catering more to the brands involved than the workers toiling on the line,” Jamieson and Hossain write.

Yes, factory owners and managers well understand the permissible bounds of discourse in such Potemkin-style inquiries—and instruct their workforce accordingly. “What to say to the auditors always comes from the owners,” a Bangladeshi line worker named Suruj Miah told the two reporters. “The owners in most cases would warn workers not to say negative things about the factories. Workers are left without a choice.” Sumi Abedin, one of the survivors of an earlier disaster—a factory fire in the nearby Tazreen plant that claimed the lives of 112 workers in November 2012—told the Huffington Post that on the day of an international audit team’s visit, management compelled workers to wear T-shirts designating them as members of a nonexistent fire safety committee, and had them brandishing prop fire-extinguishing equipment that plant managers had procured only for the duration of the audit.

What this disaster ought to have driven through the neoliberal consensus’s collective solar plexus is something close to the polar opposite of its cherished, evidence-proof theory of the captive regulator: a largely cosmetic global watchdog effort funded overwhelmingly by private-sector concerns, far from delivering oversight and accountability, has incentivized fraud and negligence. And conveniently enough, it’s the race-to-the-bottom competitive forces unleashed by the global workplace that ritually sanctify all of this routine dishonesty. In their malignant neglect of worker safety measures, local factory managers are able to cite the same market pressures to maximize production and profit that have prevented the ornamental Western groups conducting audits of workplace safety practices from releasing their findings to the workers at risk of being killed by the neoliberal regime of global manufacturing.

Still, the dogmas of neoliberal market prerogative are far sturdier than a collapsing factory or a raging fire on the production line. If the dogmatists have thrown overboard Hayek-era intellectual values like experimentation and skepticism, at least they can stave off their inevitable extinction by shoring up Friedman-era platitudes and, from the mantles of the nation’s most prestigious universities and op-ed shops, try to pass them off as the nation’s highest common sense. So former University of Chicago law professor Richard Epstein, who helped found the influential law and economics movement that essentially transposed the shibboleths of public choice theory into legal doctrine, has patiently explained that the just and measured response to the collapse of Rana Plaza is to seek enforcement of preexisting building codes across the Bangladeshi private sector. Writing on the heels of the disaster, in the Hoover Institution’s web journal, Defining Ideas, Epstein takes pains to rule out the passage of any “new laws” to improve worker-safety standards or international monitoring efforts.In other words: Bangladeshi workers can either be more safe or starve more rapidly.But lest even this minimal recourse to regulation sound like too heady a plunge into statist remedies, Professor Epstein also cautions that the aggrieved and grieving workers in the Bangladeshi garment trade must not veer recklessly into unionism or other non-market-approved modes of worker self-determination. After all, he reasons, “in order to stave a shutdown off by improving factory safety, the savvy firm will have to raise its asking price from foreign purchasers . . . and may have to lower wages to remain competitive.” (This is another classic myth of the neoliberal faith—the rational “trade-off” between personal safety and wages that the independent broker makes when he or she contracts with an employer to freely exchange time and skills for wages. Only, of course, the notion of such rational choice has been reduced to a bitter farce in workplaces such as Rana Plaza, where the basic human rights of workers are only acknowledged theatrically, for the purposes of Potemkin auditing tours.) A more activist approach to the crisis in global worker safety would create intolerable distress to Epstein’s utopian vision of the carefully calibrated relations of global market production. Sure, the EU might ban exports of clothes bearing the taint of labor exploitation—but such a measure would just perversely create “undeserved economic protection” for EU economies that are net clothing exporters (and by implication, would deprive consumers of the sacred right to the cheapest possible attire that bullied and undercompensated labor can provide).

Neoliberalism, the Revolution in Reverse

[13thpythagoras]

czar putin's big mistake was getting distracted by petty borders rather than focusing on healing and growing his zones of cultural-economic control.

Instead of a renewably-powered solar-laced high capacity trans-Siberian bullet train, sadly, Putin's putting all his eggs in the oil-and-gas basket and praying for global warming and a warm northwest passage- a pie in the sky approch to a game longer than a human lifespan, which could also backfire badly and trigger natural planetary counterbalances hidden in the mysteries deep inside the earth. (Consider we are just learning that there is more than 10x water (in vapor form) inside the earth's mantle than there is in the world's oceans. Disrupting the earth's water-ice balances could trigger water dynamics we don't understand- what if a sudden influx of cold fresh water into the mantle lubricates plate boundaries and creates a plethora of new volcanoes, potentially starting geologic activity that would risk creating a winter world, or snowball planet. This may all be wrong but it's just one potential vector that comes with disrupting global oceanic salinity.)

Winning now for Russia would have looked like fossil fuel divestment, cultural investment, energy independence, even dare I say it, solarpunk pradigms, could have lifted Russia quickly into the 23rd century. Yet here we are trying to re-win the 20th century all over again, potentially taking us back a thousand years in terms of risk profile.

Putin may have a chess engine at his side but it's a real one-brain-cell approach to kingship, muchless governance, which is like 99-dimensional chess....and it's clear to me at least, Putin's a king by now, but a bad one, a despot, a tyrant. Vlad the Wicked. Just as Eurasian-steppe-warlords spread the bubonic plague over castle walls via catapault as a means of biological warfare from the 300s-1300s AD to bring about a midieval era, today we see Vladimir Khan buying foreign leader puppets and instantiating pandemic-causing public health policies that again tend to cause plague and bring about a midieval return to smaller town or agrarian life. The same playbook the Spaniards used on the Mexica people to the point of one of the worst genocides in recorded history- play a fool for a few years, install a plague, and subjugate. A century later the English would use this Geneva-convention violating tactic against indigenous North Americans. None of that infected-blanket giving was accidental, it's what genocide looks like though, and it is the karmaic legacy of the USA, one that needs addressing, and healing, and mending before the USA could ever truly fill the shoes it wants to fill, as a hegemon. To be a king, and not a philosopher king, is to be a despot.

[mycbdblogs]

Marijuana creates Health Risks

Cannabis is a brown, eco-friendly, or grey mix of fallen apart parts from the Marijuana plant. Although it consists of various active ingredients that boost your brain and swiftly alter your consciousness degree. After cigarette and alcohol, it is the third most prominent over used medication in the world. The use of Marijuana and its growing is unlawful in the U.S. However, it is a by-product of the Cannabis Sativa plant which contains numerous active substances made use of to eliminate severe and chronic signs. Short term and also lasting health risks of Marijuana. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is an active component discovered in Marijuana founded in marijuana as well as its products. If somebody consumes a powerful dosage then it goes from the lungs right into the blood stream. After it enters into the lungs it might influence the functioning of brain-like control, concentration, memory, and reasoning.

Generally, it is rolled and smoked like a cigarette or placed in hollowed-out stogies or pipes. More youthful grownups are currently largely making use of dry natural herb vaporizers like the Volcano Hybrid to smoke their best Marijuana site. Its impacts might start within minutes to hrs. Cannabis Short term Effect. It has highly impactable on the nerve cells that manage sensory perception and also satisfaction. People appear to perceive short-term side effects which are momentary yet they might show to be unsafe if driving under the influence of marijuana. It may cause undesirable side effects like:. loss of sychronisation. troubles with memory or discovering. distorted understanding. problem thinking and also trouble fixing. a reduction in restraints. a raised cravings. feeling lightheaded or sleepy. Long-Term Effects. In research, it has actually been discovered that there might be long-term impacts as well as extreme wellness threat differs on how you consume it, as well as how often you use it. Talked about listed below:. Respiratory system Disease: A combination of Marijuana comprised of chemicals similar to tobacco smoke that can aggravate bronchial flow and also lungs. You might experience a burning throat or mouth sensation, persistent coughing, and also respiratory disease. Effects on Heart: It may drastically impact the flow of heart prices. Breathing in of Marijuana creates growth of your capillary, your heart prices get unexpectedly eruption that may result in redness of the eyes. Fertility concerns: A research study discloses the truth that taking Marijuana creates delayed ovulation in ladies and lowers sperm count in guys. During the pregnancy period, it may impact the developing baby. Although the youngster may have problem in analytic abilities, issues with memory concentration. Emotional issues: Excessive consumption of Marijuana causes some psychological disorders. We most likely notification indications of clinical depression, schizophrenia, as well as problems of bipolar disorder are typically located signs in patients. Immune System Problems: It might trigger a body to barely withstand the body in eliminating infections by damaging a person's resistance degree. Other problems. Profession Problems: As per cannabis legislation if regret is found then various major offenses troubled a person may end up with rap sheets. After that it may hurt their plans for college or locating a work. Wrongdoer Charges: There are conflicting government legislations versus using, expanding, or offering cannabis. However it is lawful to have percentages of marijuana in particular standards like medical usage.

[engelspolitics]

Destruction of Pompeii

https://www.grunge.com/144753/the-most-disturbing-part-of-pompeiis-destruction-isnt-what-you-think/

Residents had warnings but didn’t heed them;

· Two concurrent festivals meant there were much more people in Pompeii than usual; in the middle of a multi-day celebration for Augustus, who had died 65 years earlier and was defied

· Public celebrations including street musicians, fortune tellers, plays, and athletic events.

· Day before the eruption was Vulcanalia, the festival of the god Vulcan à god of fire and volcanoes, which is where he was supposed to keep his forge

o Volcano warning signs (smoke, small earthquakes, rumblings) were now interpreted as good omens from the god

If the wind had kept the usual late summer direction (southwesternly) the volcano would have blown ashes and gas away from Pompeii; but for some reason the wind was northwest

· Clouds of ash and gas smothered people

· As Pompeii is on a bay and the wind was blowing towards city no escape by ship

o unexpected wind pattern, along with some fruit and the weight of the clothing some people were wearing, could mean the eruption was actually later in the autumn and that we have the date wrong

When Pompeii was being excavated in the early 1800s, the archaeologists realized that when they found a skeleton, it was always surrounded by a void in the compacted ash

· Diggers started pouring plaster of Paris into the spaces à emotions emerged

· In 2015 casts were CAT-scanned à finding out ages, sexes, and health

Pliny the Younger is our only eyewitness to what happened, and he didn't write about it until more than two decades later (event happened when he was eighteen)

In Pompeii victims were smothered by ash and gas, crushed when buildings collapsed, or hit and killed by falling debris

· In Herculaneum and Oplontis people were hit by pyroclastic surges à mixtures of ash, lava blobs, and noxious gases which can move 50 mph and can be 1000 degrees

· This immediately flash-fries a person à bodily fluids boil instantaneously, including those inside their brain, and the head explodes. Within 10 minutes, all soft tissue vaporizes

Pompeii’s art was preserved extremely well; a lot of graphic art (households had penis shaped oil lamps, statues of Priapus (boner supposedly a threat to thieves)

· Pompeii was lost to history until workmen digging an underground channel in 1599 unearthed some of it; an expert they called in was so shocked that he covered it all back up

o When excavations started in 1800s, the sexual stuff was moved to the Secret Museum Naples; only men of "mature age and respected morals" allowed to see it.

o Much of the adult art came from the brothels; pornography to get clients in the mood while the real brothel consisted of small, window-less cells of all stone, where all prostitutes were slaves

Pompeii suffers under modern-day robbers; however as it is thought bringing things from Pompeii home brings bad luck, hundreds of items have been sent back to authorities

Mount Vesuvius is today still considered the most dangerous volcano in the world, worse than some supervolcanoes; worst eruption happened in 1631

· 6m people live close to Vesuvius (Naples 15 km away); 3m at serious risk if it erupts

· Vesuvius does not show many warning signs and has a fast timescale for eruptions; last eruption in 1944 but it could easily happen again

o Italian government has emergency plans; at least 600,000 people would need to be evacuated from the immediate risk zone on the lower slopes of the volcano

Pompeii was long neglected between 1950s-2000; in 2008 government eclared state of emergency because of the poor condition of the site

· Swarmed by souvenir hawkers, fake parking attendants, random tour guides; few signs, few security guards, and only three bathrooms; part of the site that was still buried was being used as an illegal trash dump.

· Frescoes deteriorated quickly, losing thousands of pieces per year; restoration work started in 1978 still not completed

o State of emergency allowed for a special commissioner to make changes

Archaeologists excavated ten tons of excrement from a cesspit beneath Herculaneum; sifting through it to find out what people ate, what illnesses they had (wig)

[theselfcaremaven]

How to Heal and Recover from Chronic Fatigue as an Empath

Today we will cover how to heal and recover from chronic fatigue as an empath.

Before you begin, take some time to stop, breathe, and center yourself.

WHY DO EMPATHS SUFFER CHRONIC FATIGUE?

Quite simply, most empaths suffer from some kind of chronic fatigue because of their tendency to absorb energy, but not release it.

Empaths who suffer from chronic fatigue will feel tired all the time, even with good sleep or a healthy diet. Even simple things in life, like going shopping, will become monumental tasks that end up causing energetic lethargy within the mind, body, and energy field.

Just picture a cloud: the more water vapor condenses within a cloud, the heavier and greyer it becomes. The same is true for us humans, and empaths in particular: the more energy that ‘condenses’ within us, the more weighed down we become. If this weight is not released, it accumulates within us, causing what we call chronic fatigue.

SIGNS THAT YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE

Chronic fatigue is not just physical but it is also mental, emotional, and even spiritual. Here are some tell-tale signs:

◆ Constant physical tiredness

◆ Loss of memory

◆ Forgetfulness

◆ Lack of concentration

◆ Muscle and joint pain

◆ Inability to exercise due to exhaustion

◆ Headaches

◆ Unrefreshing sleep

◆ Exhaustion in social situations

◆ Difficulty carrying out simple tasks (e.g. driving) due to tiredness

OTHER CAUSES OF FATIGUE (IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)

As empaths, fatigue is usually caused by an inability to release the emotions we absorb from others. But there are also other reasons:

1. Unexpressed thoughts and feelings

When we are not transparent with our thoughts and feelings we grow resentful, bitter and oppressed, feeling misunderstood, taken for granted or treated as worthless beings by other people. Although we might blame other people for their insensitivity or intimidating personalities, it is really our choice not to express our authentic needs, desires and opinions. However, don’t mistake sharing your thoughts and emotions with slamming them in other people’s faces angrily or obnoxiously. To openly express our feelings and opinions we need to be firm but approachable, vulnerable but self-possessed.

Solution: Learn to be assertive by communicating openly but confidently about your thoughts, needs, and desires. This skill will prevent you from repressing your authenticity.

2. Refusal to face or process uncomfortable feelings

What happens when you refuse to fully experience your grief, shame, anger or other fierce emotion? The answer is that it creates an immense amount of psychological burden as it is buried deep down within you, bubbling away in the dark like a volcano waiting to erupt at any moment. For a long time, I refused to face and process my rage, pushing it down into my shadow self where it lurked for years. As a result, I experienced immense fatigue on a daily basis, and could hardly stand being around people because of the brimming hatred I harbored all the time. Eventually, I learned that it is not a “bad” or “evil” thing to welcome uncomfortable and dark emotions, as no emotion within us is innately “good” or “bad,” but is instead pleasant or unpleasant, constructive or destructive.

Solution: Pay attention to your dreams which express repressed and hidden emotions in endless arrays of symbolism and metaphor. Perhaps you always dream of falling, which might represent unacknowledged fear? Perhaps you frequently dream of fire or different forms of destruction, which might represent unacknowledged anger? Write down these dreams in a journal. Once you have discovered what you are repressing, approach your healing process slowly and gently. What healthy ways can you find to express your hidden feelings?

3. Self-betrayal

When we betray ourselves we refuse to acknowledge our hopes, dreams, and desires for life as valuable or worthy. Additionally, when we betray ourselves, we listen solely to the voice of the rational and linear mind which tells us to “grow up,” “be responsible,” “do your duty,” and “be a good citizen” rather than balancing this with the voice of the heart which tells us to “follow your bliss,” “enjoy life,” “take that risk,” “be free.” Thus, when we betray ourselves we end up doing what everyone else says we should do; namely to get 9-5 jobs, buy into debt and center our lives around buying, consuming and upgrading what we materially possess. Self-betrayal is essentially replacing our authentic needs with the expectations, judgments, and demands of others.

Solution: Ask yourself, what would you really prefer to be doing right now with your life? You might even like to reflect back on the past and rediscover a lost dream which you sacrificed on the altar of “acceptability” and “normalcy.” What emotions arise when you realize that you have betrayed yourself, and what can you do to face these realizations with courage and humility?

4. Disconnection from your body

When we are out-of-touch with our feelings, thoughts, needs, and desires, we are also naturally distanced from our body’s requirements as well. Our fast-paced lives, materialist society, and family structures rarely encourage the development of self-awareness, and yet self-awareness is perhaps the most vital life skill one needs in order to function in a healthy way. I always assumed that I was a pretty “self-aware” person before I started suffering from chronic fatigue, health problems and anxiety a few years ago. But I had to face the hard truth: I was completely disconnected from my body, and I was suffering so terribly as a result of this split.

Solution: Like me, you might like to work on changing your diet, learning about your food intolerances (such as gluten), getting more sleep, removing yourself from unnecessary stressful situations and people, and committing to exercise every day. You might also like to get back in touch with nature, which is an immensely powerful way to recover from your extreme fatigue.

5. Too much noise, not enough solitude

How often do you get to sit down, relax, and not have to worry about anything or DO anything? How often do you get to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and the singing birds? How often do you get to introspect and reflect on your life or what means the most to you?

Please keep in mind that while watching the TV or browsing the internet is enjoyable, it is not what I define as “solitude” or “me time.” Why? Because these forms of entertainment are largely used as forms of escapism or addiction. In solitude, we get to be still with ourselves, the present moment, and the present state of our lives. In solitude, we get to reflect on our past actions and choices, and our future direction. In solitude, we get to consume ourselves in our creative passions and dream-driven pursuits.

When we fill our lives with too much mindless noise and commotion, we lose touch with the center and soul of who we are.

Solution: What time in your day can you make to spend time alone, without stimulation or escapism? What can you do, or not do, in your solitude to get back in touch with your soulful center? If you would like to start meditating, I highly recommend downloading a free app called "Calm" on your phone.

DAY 2: ENERGY REVIVAL

Practice: Proactively nurture, protect, and enhance your energy levels by choosing one of the practices above (written under the “solutions” headings). Choose a practice that appeals to you, and if necessary, set reminder notifications on your phone or computer each day. We provide more in-depth guidance on how to overcome chronic fatigue in our book Awakened Empath.

Duration: Try to spend one week minimum with your energy revival practice

Time: 10 to 30 minutes a day

Purpose: To protect your energy reserves

Recommended herbs: The following herbs, in our experience, help to preserve and balance the energy levels of highly sensitive people. You might like to use these herbs in conjunction with your energy revival: Ashwagandha* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/ashwagandhatea/), Damiana* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/damianatea/), Maca Root* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/maca-tea/), Ginkgo Biloba* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/ginkgobilobatea/), Passionflower* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/passionflowertea/), Siberian Ginseng* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/siberianeleuthero/), Holy Basil* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/holybasiltea/), Rhodiola Rosea, and Yerba Mate* (https://lonerwolf.com/go/yerbamatetea/). (If you’re pregnant or on medication, please check the suitability of each herb.)

Other Recommended Practices: Ensure that you get plenty of sleep, light exercise (such as walking), increase your vitamin B intake, and avoid stimulants/depressants such as caffeine and alcohol.

Watch out for the next lesson (Day 3!) about how to heal deal with energy vampires and narcissists.

Luna & Sol

* = This is an affiliate link. If you decide to purchase anything we link to, we get a small percentage to help with our work at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

[xoarinternationalllc-blog]

The Many Ways Drones Are Becoming Invaluable for Scientific Research

Anyone familiar with drones is no doubt aware of their military use and their burgeoning popularity among hobbyist unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots. While most are likely aware that they’re increasingly employed for commercial applications as well (cinematography, delivery, agriculture, etc.). However, less well-known is that drones are becoming an increasingly invaluable asset to scientific research. That value is proving to be an impressively prolific one, too. In fact, drones are being taken advantage of by biologists (micro, marine, terrestrial, etc.), climatologists, geologists, ecologists, volcanologists, and meteorologists—so scientists in pretty much every branch of natural and life science are benefitting from the use of UAVs. Drones are demonstrating an ability to reach places with more agility, easier access, and (extremely important for virtually all scientific studies), far lower cost than other research media are capable. The following is a record of just a few of ways in which drones are emerging as a precious scientific aid, both above water and land. Above Water Drone technology is being deployed over bodies of water for a variety of reasons. Thermal imagery from above is revealing fascinating, and often daunting, data regarding the effect of climate change on coastal regions. It’s proven particularly beneficial in arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. Drone propellers, being safer to engage right over the surface of oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes, allow UAVs to perform a more active role. In a series of studies undertaken in the Arctic and tropical waters, drones have dropped pods the size of a soda can called “micro-drifters” that collect and analyze the atmosphere for temperature, pressure, and water vapor levels. Once in the water, a micro-drifter functions as a sort of micro-buoy capable of recording and transmitting data about salinity and temperature measurements at different depths back to the drone. Biologists have also been using drones to collect a wealth of health and other biological information from the blowhole exhalations of whales. In fact, an analysis of just 19 whale blow samples revealed six new species of virus from five different families. Above Land It’s known that animal research is often influenced by the fact that observing the subjects can influence their behavior. Drones have been found to at least mitigate this. Scientists and citizen scientists alike have been able to observe populations of bears, flamingos, sea turtles, leopard seals, the earlier-mentioned whales, migratory seabirds, and many, many more, with drones. And apparently, they do so with significantly greater accuracy than more traditional means. This, along with the emergence of less intrusive drones, such as ones made to resemble small creatures like hummingbirds, means the observing can be done with even less stress to the studied populations. In a practical application that could save farmers a good amount of money, drones have recently been used to identify diseased olive trees by temperature differentials, which allows the scientists to cull them before they show symptoms (which is long after they are contagious). Additionally, a team in Costa Rica took advantage of the fact that a drone motor isn’t as at risk of having its engine clogged with ash to study the noxious, poisonous gasses being vented by volcanoes. On top of these examples, there are dozens of additional experiments being undertaken with drones, and seemingly, only more to come. About XOAR For more than 40 years, XOAR has been recognized as an industry-leading innovator for their contributions as well as the precision, quality, and efficiency of their drone technology. Their RC propellers, drone motors, and other UAV products employ cutting-edge technology and the finest material, most skillful engineering, and the highest standard of manufacturing. That expertise extends to industrial UAVs, propellers for LSA, civilian aviation, ultralight aircraft, commercial applications, RC airplanes, mid-to-large size UAVs (including octocopter parts and gear), and more. XOAR’s propellers have been long lauded for quietness during flight, their superior agility, impressively low air friction, and overall excellent performance while in flight. Take your UAV to far greater heights for your drone hobby or drone business, at Xoarintl.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/GSsLmw

[roxysbeachlife]

Marijuana Vaporizers: A Beginner’s Guide

Vaporizing is a safe and healthy alternative to smoking cannabis.

Vaporizing (or “vaping”) has been getting a lot of attention lately as a safer way of consuming nicotine than smoking cigarettes.

The e-cigarette has become more popular than ever in recent years, and it seems like vape shops are popping up on every corner.

While marijuana vaporizers are different than e-cigarettes, the principle is the same. Vaporizers can be used to deliver THC from marijuana in a way that avoids the health drawbacks of smoking.

Many people still choose to smoke marijuana, but studies show that vaporizing can be safer and more effective in the long run.

How It Works

(Photo: Jon Williams/Flickr)

  What are vaporizers? How do they work?

Vaporizers are devices that heat marijuana to the point where its active ingredients are released in a gas that can be inhaled, while avoiding combustion (burning) and the production of smoke.

Combustion and smoke normally occur at above 230°C (446°F), while vaporizers operate at a lower temperature range.

The vapor or gas produced by a marijuana vaporizer consists mainly of THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.

THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana responsible for the high. Terpenes are fragrant compounds that give marijuana its particular flavor and scent.

When you vaporize marijuana, these compounds get mixed together, resulting in a flavorful, potent hit.

A typical dry herb vaporizer has a battery/power supply, an herb chamber, a heating element, a mouthpiece, and buttons/dials for control.

When marijuana is placed in the chamber and the device is turned on, the heating element heats the marijuana to the desired temperature, and the vapor is released and pulled out of the device via the mouthpiece.

Popular vaporizers include the Volcano, the PAX 2, and the Magic Flight Launch Box. Vaporizers come in desktop, portable, and pen form, and can be used with dry herb, wax/oil, or e-liquids.

Vaporizing vs. Smoking

Let’s set the record straight: smoking marijuana is not as bad for your lungs as smoking cigarettes.

Smoking methods for marijuana include joints/spliffs, bongs, pipes, and dabbing. These are by far the most common ways of consuming marijuana, and casual users tend to be most familiar with these tried-and-true methods of getting high.

Unlike cigarette smokers, marijuana smokers don’t appear to be at any increased risk for lung cancer or permanent lung damage.

However, smoking is still not recommended due to negative effects on the respiratory system.

Smoking marijuana has been linked to respiratory problems, including bronchitis, a type of lung inflammation. Symptoms of bronchitis include cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.

This could be explained by the fact that smoking weed is known to weaken the immune defenses of the lungs, leaving them more vulnerable to infection. Small tar deposits have also been found in the lungs of marijuana smokers.

Vaporizing avoids these problems by delivering the active compounds in marijuana without the harmful and irritating by-products created by smoking.

Types of Marijuana Vaporizers

There are 3 major types of marijuana vaporizers: desktop vaporizers, portable vaporizers, and vape pens.

Vape pens and portable vaporizers are small portable devices. Vape pens, like the Dr. Dabber Aurora, tend to be used with oil and wax products, while portable vapes, like the Firefly or the PAX 2 are usually compatible with dry herbs.

Desktop or tabletop vaporizers are bigger devices that can produce large quantities of vapor. The most well known is the Volcano vaporizer. Other popular desktop models include the Extreme Q, Vapir Rise and Herbalizer.

These vaporizers work by filling a bag with marijuana vapor, which can then be inhaled through a mouthpiece on the bag.

One major decision any vape user has to make is whether they want a conduction or convection vaporizer. Conduction models apply heat directly to marijuana, while convection models heat the air around the marijuana to warm it indirectly.

Conduction vaporizers are cheaper, but have the drawback of uneven heating. Convection vaporizers are expensive and take longer, but heat more evenly and produce a better result.

Temperature for Vaporizing

The best temperature for vaporizing would maximize the amount of cannabinoids and terpenes released, while minimizing toxic by-products.

In a 2004 study, scientists vaporized marijuana using the Volcano vaporizer at temperatures between 155-218°C (311-424°F). The researchers analyzed the composition of vapor produced at different temperatures. They also compared the composition of the vapor to marijuana smoke.

The study concluded that a vaporizing temperature of 185°C (365°F) maximizes beneficial compounds such as THC, CBD, and terpenes, while minimizing harmful compounds found in smoke.

These days, many vaporizers allow you to set and control the temperature. This means users can choose which temperature to vape at in order to enjoy the benefits of specific compounds.

Vaporizing points of major cannabinoids and terpenes

Compound Vaporizing Point (°C) ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 157 Cannabidiol (CBD) 160-180 Cannabinol (CBN) 185 Cannabichromene (CBC) 220 Cannabigerol (CBG) 52 ∆-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆-8-THC) 175-178 β-myrcene 166-168 β-caryophyllene 119 d-limonene 177 α-pinene 156 α-terpeneol 217-218

THC and CBD are two major cannabinoids found in marijuana. THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana responsible for the high, while CBD is responsible for non-psychoactive effects such as analgesic and anti-anxiety effects.

Terpenes are fragrant compounds that give marijuana its particular flavour and scent. They also have significant effects on the body, such as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Benefits of Vaporizing

What are the advantages of using a vaporizer?

Studies have shown clear benefits to vaporizing as opposed to smoking marijuana.

The main benefits include a reduction of harmful compounds such as tar, fewer respiratory symptoms and more efficient delivery of THC. Other reported benefits include a cleaner taste and stealth/discretion.

Marijuana vapor contains less toxins.

A 2004 study compared the composition of marijuana vapor and smoke and found the smoke contained many more compounds, including known toxins.

The vapor was more pure and consisted mainly of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Another study, conducted in 2007, took blood samples from subjects who smoked or vaporized marijuana. They found that the subjects had similar levels of THC in their blood, but vape users had lower levels of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion that can cause serious poisoning and even death at high concentrations.

Vaporizing avoids the lung problems caused by smoking.

When marijuana smokers switch to using a vaporizer, they tend to have less respiratory problems.

A 2006 study by Earleywine and Barnwell analyzed self-reported respiratory symptoms in cannabis users, and found that vaporizer use predicted lower levels of respiratory problems.

Another 2010 study by Van Dam and Earleywine took marijuana smokers and switched them to vaping for 1 month.

When they compared users’ reports of lung symptoms before and after, they found that switching to a vaporizer led to a reduction in symptoms.

Vaporizing is an efficient delivery method.

A 2004 study, which compared the composition of marijuana vapor and smoke, found that vaporizing is at least as efficient as smoking, and possibly more.

Users generally agree that vaping is more effective and that they require less marijuana to achieve the same high.

This could be due to the fact that some THC is lost in the “sidestream smoke” — smoke that gets lost in the air while a joint is burning.

With vaping, less THC gets lost in this way because the mouthpiece delivers the vapor directly to the user, and the user has control over the heating element.

Smoking methods such as joints or pipes also result in the destruction of some THC due to high temperatures.

Users report more stealth and a cleaner taste.

A 2014 study researched the experiences of vaporizer users. They identified the stealthy aspects of vaporizing as a major benefit, including the lack of odor and lack of visible smoke.

Users also said they enjoyed the cleaner flavor of vapor as opposed to the harsh taste of smoke.

Vaporizing also provides more control over dosing compared to smoking. Vaporizers tend to be more consistent and often feature precise temperature settings.

Achieving a consistent dose can be challenging when smoking. It’s hard to pack two bowls exactly the same!

Drawbacks of Vaporizing

(Photo: King Dragon/Shutterstock)

What are the risks and drawbacks of vaporizers?

Like most things, vaporizing may have some drawbacks as well. One major concern is that there are currently no long-term studies on the safety and health effects of vaporizing.

Vaporizing could pose a health risk.

Dr. Mitch Earleywine, who published two studies on the effects of vaporizing on the respiratory system, suggests that it still makes sense to switch to vaping, because it has been shown in studies to at least be safer than smoking.

“I think it is clear that smoking anything is not ideal for health. What little research we have seems to strongly favor vaporizing over smoking,” he explains.

There are also some concerns with heating propylene glycol (PG), a chemical commonly used in vaporizer e-liquids. Propylene glycol is safe for ingestion and topical application, but it hasn’t been evaluated for inhalation. If you’re concerned, it’s best to stick to dry herb vaporizers.

Certain vaporizers may be of poor quality, and could leach chemicals into the vapor. When it comes to the air you’re breathing, it’s probably best to splurge for a reputable brand.

Vaporizing may seem like an ideal method at first. But it’s important to recognize which of marijuana’s risks it can address, and which it can’t.

Marijuana poses other risks, such as adverse psychological effects and addiction, and vaporizing can’t address these.

Vaporizing has practical drawbacks, too.

Vaporizing has expensive start-up costs. A desktop vaporizer will run you at least $200, while portable models start at $80. For some people, especially occasional users, it just doesn’t make sense to invest that kind of money.

New or inexperienced users may also find they accidentally get too high. For one, you don’t lose as much THC in the sidestream smoke. Second, the vapor has a cleaner taste and is less harsh than smoke, so it’s easier to inhale more.

Vaporizing also take a little more time. Vaporizers must heat up before releasing vapor, so they’re not ideal if you just want a quick hit on your way out the door.

Summary

Vaporizers heat marijuana (dry herb, wax/oil, or e-liquids) to a temperature where the active ingredients are released into a gas, but not so hot as to produce smoke.

Smoking marijuana creates harmful by-products and tar similar to what is found in tobacco smoke.

Vaporizing avoids the drawbacks of smoking while offering many of the same conveniences, such as rapid effects and the ability to easily control your dose.

While vaporizing does require an upfront investment, it pays off by reducing users’ respiratory symptoms.

Long-term studies are still needed to determine the safety of vaporizers.

Marijuana users should compare the pros and cons of vaporizers with other consumption methods to decide what works best for them.

(Featured Image Photo: Doug Shutter/Shutterstock)

Article: VAPORIZERS

Filed under: Cannabis, CBD, Health, HEMP, marijuana, Medical marijuana, Vape Tagged: analgesic, anti anxiety, Beginner, Benefits, cannabinoids, CBD, cleaner taste, convenient, dry herb, e-liquids, guide, heat, less toxins, marijuana, oil, Pain Relief, Terpenes, THC, Vape pens, was from WordPress http://ift.tt/2q8PBVo via IFTTT

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Depersonalization Induced by E-Cigarettes and Vaping

Assessing all these (sometimes contradictory) statements could be a real task. The objective of this informative article is not to endorse a specific type of heating element, but instead to assemble the available information about heating elements in a single position to aid individuals in making informed choices when buying a Vape Clouds.

Do Heating Elements Matter? The heating element is the most integral part of any vaporizer. It regulates the temperature of the atmosphere that catalyzes the active ingredients as the air passes through it. Some models, like the herbalAire, are direct and capable of both balloon - inhale fashion vaporization. A primary demand for all heating elements is precision - you want your vaporizer to really be in the temperature you place - when folks shop for vaporizers, but health factors could also play.

#1: Ceramic Ceramic heating elements are the most commonly kind of heating elements. Their proponents assert that they're most healthy choice and thus the cleanest. This statement holds some truth: ceramics can withstand quite high temperatures (about 3000*F) before the material starts to transform to a gas and therefore are thus really clean and healthy. More than a few companies take this logic a step further and claim that since other forms of heating elements have lower "boiling points" they are dirtier and less wholesome. This argument is somewhat flawed: these points usually are well in excess of vaporizing temperatures that are typical, while other heating elements have lower boiling points. Read about the particular types below for more details.

Another significant consideration when evaluation vaporizers with ceramic heating elements is the quality of the ceramic unit since the term "ceramic" is employed to spell out types of components that are fairly distinct in layout. That is as a result of fact that "ceramic" merely refers to whether or not the unit features some ceramic into the heating element's layout, it does not follow the atmosphere only reaches ceramic material. Unless one understands the specifics of the layouts used by every maker, this makes buying vaporizers with ceramic heating elements difficult. As a general rule of thumb vaporizers that are more affordable are somewhat more likely to have exposed low-quality wire or solder within the ceramic construction of the heating element that can emit toxins. Should you need quality vapor, steer clear of that digi vape. In the event you contact them, while the only definitive test would be to take an element completely apart to see the way that it's assembled, some makers will address these questions. The producers of the low quality versions will dodge them.

Low quality ceramic components reflect poorly on all ceramic heating elements, which will be unfortunate because a well-designed ceramic part is extremely clean. Top of the line ceramic heating elements are very precise although precision can also be a function of computer chip technology and the circuitry used together with the heating element.

Cases of vaporizers with great ceramic heating elements: VaporBrothers, Phedor and Hotbox

#2: Aluminum

Aluminum heating elements are used by a few of the most effective vaporizers on the market. Manufacturers state that aluminum is more accurate than ceramic elements because it reacts quicker the temperature changes:

"One reason the Volcano preserves such perfect temperature control is since it uses an aluminum element and block, and aluminum has distinct properties than potential practical designs using ceramics.

Health risks related to exposure to aluminum, specifically an increased risk of Alzheimer's are cited by critics of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements. It truly is important to notice two things here.

So a nicely designed aluminum appear to be quite clean.

As for the increased risk of Alzheimer's: it's hard to be certain whether something does or will not play a part in the creation of Alzheimer's since the illness itself is not entirely understood, but aluminum will not appear to significantly increase a person's susceptibility.

Examples of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements that are good: herbalaire, Volcano

#3: Glass

When it comes to heating elements glass is actually precisely the same as ceramic. Just one vaporizer with an all-glass heating element is currently accessible: the Vapolution Vaporizer.

JUDGMENT: Picking on a Vaporizer with the Right Heating Element

In the end picking a heating element is an issue of private choice. Health considerations are paramount for a few, while precision may dictate the choices of others. Those worried about health should really be suggested that the type of plastic hosing used and form of plastic tube used inside distinct versions are also rather important, however this is really an issue for an alternative article. The priciest vaporizers obviously have the very best heating elements - this is a big part of everything you are spending for - but some midrange versions also offer fairly viable (usually ceramic) alternatives. Before you buy too do a little research, it'll pay off. This article has provided you a place to start out.

[waitingforyou04]

Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements

Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements Anyone who has taken two seconds to survey the breadth of the vaporizer market quickly notices that various brands tout their heating element as "the best available" while pointing out health risks associated with their competitors' models. olej konopny cbd sklep Evaluating all these (sometimes conflicting) statements can be quite a task. The purpose of this article is not to endorse a specific type of heating element, but instead to gather the available information about heating elements in one place to aid people in making informed decisions when buying a vaporizer. Why Do Heating Elements Matter? The heating element is the most integral part of any vaporizer. It regulates the temperature of the air that catalyzes the active ingredients as the air passes through it. A note: the air passing through the heating element may be either propelled by a pump in balloon-style models i.e. the Volcano Vaporizer or by one's own in direct-inhalation style vaporizers i.e. the VaporCannon. Some models, such as the herbalAire, are capable of both balloon and direct-inhale style vaporization. A primary requirement for all heating elements is precision - you want your vaporizer to actually be at the temperature you set - but health considerations may also play when people shop for vaporizers. Types of Heating Elements: #1: Ceramic Ceramic heating elements are the most commonly type of heating elements. Their proponents argue that they are the cleanest and therefore healthiest option. This statement holds some truth: ceramics can withstand very high temperatures (about 3000*F) before the material starts to transform to a gas and are therefore very clean and healthy. Some companies take this logic a step further and argue that since other types of heating elements have lower "boiling points" they are dirtier and less healthy. This argument is somewhat flawed: while other heating elements have lower boiling points, these points are usually still well in excess of typical vaporizing temperatures. Read about the specific types below for more info. Another important consideration when evaluation vaporizers with ceramic heating elements is the quality of the ceramic unit because the term "ceramic" is used to describe types of elements that are quite different in design. This is due to the fact that "ceramic" merely refers to whether or not the unit incorporates some ceramic into the heating element's design, it does not mean that the air only touches ceramic material. This makes buying vaporizers with ceramic heating elements difficult unless one knows the specifics of the designs used by each manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb cheaper vaporizers are more likely to have exposed low-quality wire or solder within the heating element's ceramic structure that can emit toxins. So steer clear of that digi vape if you want quality vapor. olej konopny sklep While the only definitive test is to take an element completely apart to see how it is constructed, some manufacturers will address these questions if you contact them. The manufacturers of the low quality models will dodge them. Low quality ceramic elements reflect poorly on all ceramic heating elements, which is unfortunate because a well-designed ceramic element is very clean. Top of the line ceramic heating elements are very precise too, although precision is also a function of the circuitry and computer chip technology used with the heating element. Examples of vaporizers with good ceramic heating elements: VaporBrothers, Phedor and Hotbox #2: Aluminum Some of the best vaporizers on the market use aluminum heating elements. Manufacturers say that aluminum is more precise than ceramic elements because it responds faster the temperature changes: "One reason the Volcano maintains such perfect temperature control is because it uses an aluminum element and block, and aluminum has different properties than potential practical designs using ceramics. An aluminum element and block can more rapidly adjust for effects of air pressure and flow over plant material...the key to vaporization is maintaining control over temperature and flow, which ultimately leads to more perfect control over vapor density." Critics of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements cite health risks associated with exposure to aluminum, namely an increased risk of Alzheimer's. It is important to note two things here. The first is from the Storz & Bickel FAQ page: "Q. Does the aluminum heating block emit any substances which are subsequently inhaled by the user? A. No. the top temperature reached in the heating block 240°C (464°F) is by far below the temperature that is needed to emit any substances out of the aluminum alloy AlMgSi, susz konopny cena melting point 660°C (1220°F); boiling point 2519°C (4566°F) used by us. This is documented by an analysis of the air produced by the Volcano on top temperature made by the University of Leiden, Netherlands." So a well designed aluminum heating elements seem to be quite clean. As for the increased risk of Alzheimer's: it's hard to be certain whether something does or does not play a role in the development of Alzheimer's because the illness itself is not completely understood, but aluminum does not appear to significantly increase a person's susceptibility. These articles from Scientific American and Alzheimer's.org discuss this conclusion in depth. Examples of vaporizers with good aluminum heating elements: Volcano, herbalaire #3: Glass Glass is basically the same as ceramic when it comes to heating elements. Only one vaporizer with an all-glass heating element is currently available: the Vapolution Vaporizer. CONCLUSION: Picking a Vaporizer with the Right Heating Element In the end picking a heating element is a matter of personal choice. Health considerations are paramount for some, while precision may dictate the choices of others. Those worried about health should be advised that the type of plastic hosing used and type of plastic tubing used inside different models are also very relevant, but this is a topic for a different article. The most expensive vaporizers obviously have the best heating elements - this is a large part of what you are paying for - but some mid-range models also offer quite viable (usually ceramic) options. Do a little research before you buy too, it will pay off. Hopefully this article has given you a place to start.

[whenwealone]

Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements

Overview of Vaporizer Heating Elements Anyone who has taken two seconds to survey the breadth of the vaporizer market quickly notices that various brands tout their heating element as "the best available" while pointing out health risks associated with their competitors' models. olej konopny cbd sklep Evaluating all these (sometimes conflicting) statements can be quite a task. The purpose of this article is not to endorse a specific type of heating element, but instead to gather the available information about heating elements in one place to aid people in making informed decisions when buying a vaporizer. Why Do Heating Elements Matter? The heating element is the most integral part of any vaporizer. It regulates the temperature of the air that catalyzes the active ingredients as the air passes through it. A note: the air passing through the heating element may be either propelled by a pump in balloon-style models i.e. the Volcano Vaporizer or by one's own in direct-inhalation style vaporizers i.e. the VaporCannon. Some models, such as the herbalAire, are capable of both balloon and direct-inhale style vaporization. A primary requirement for all heating elements is precision - you want your vaporizer to actually be at the temperature you set - but health considerations may also play when people shop for vaporizers. Types of Heating Elements: #1: Ceramic Ceramic heating elements are the most commonly type of heating elements. Their proponents argue that they are the cleanest and therefore healthiest option. This statement holds some truth: ceramics can withstand very high temperatures (about 3000*F) before the material starts to transform to a gas and are therefore very clean and healthy. Some companies take this logic a step further and argue that since other types of heating elements have lower "boiling points" they are dirtier and less healthy. This argument is somewhat flawed: while other heating elements have lower boiling points, these points are usually still well in excess of typical vaporizing temperatures. Read about the specific types below for more info. Another important consideration when evaluation vaporizers with ceramic heating elements is the quality of the ceramic unit because the term "ceramic" is used to describe types of elements that are quite different in design. This is due to the fact that "ceramic" merely refers to whether or not the unit incorporates some ceramic into the heating element's design, it does not mean that the air only touches ceramic material. This makes buying vaporizers with ceramic heating elements difficult unless one knows the specifics of the designs used by each manufacturer. As a general rule of thumb cheaper vaporizers are more likely to have exposed low-quality wire or solder within the heating element's ceramic structure that can emit toxins. So steer clear of that digi vape if you want quality vapor. olej konopny sklep While the only definitive test is to take an element completely apart to see how it is constructed, some manufacturers will address these questions if you contact them. The manufacturers of the low quality models will dodge them. Low quality ceramic elements reflect poorly on all ceramic heating elements, which is unfortunate because a well-designed ceramic element is very clean. Top of the line ceramic heating elements are very precise too, although precision is also a function of the circuitry and computer chip technology used with the heating element. Examples of vaporizers with good ceramic heating elements: VaporBrothers, Phedor and Hotbox #2: Aluminum Some of the best vaporizers on the market use aluminum heating elements. Manufacturers say that aluminum is more precise than ceramic elements because it responds faster the temperature changes: "One reason the Volcano maintains such perfect temperature control is because it uses an aluminum element and block, and aluminum has different properties than potential practical designs using ceramics. An aluminum element and block can more rapidly adjust for effects of air pressure and flow over plant material...the key to vaporization is maintaining control over temperature and flow, which ultimately leads to more perfect control over vapor density." Critics of vaporizers with aluminum heating elements cite health risks associated with exposure to aluminum, namely an increased risk of Alzheimer's. It is important to note two things here. The first is from the Storz & Bickel FAQ page: "Q. Does the aluminum heating block emit any substances which are subsequently inhaled by the user? A. No. the top temperature reached in the heating block 240°C (464°F) is by far below the temperature that is needed to emit any substances out of the aluminum alloy AlMgSi, susz konopny cena melting point 660°C (1220°F); boiling point 2519°C (4566°F) used by us. This is documented by an analysis of the air produced by the Volcano on top temperature made by the University of Leiden, Netherlands." So a well designed aluminum heating elements seem to be quite clean. As for the increased risk of Alzheimer's: it's hard to be certain whether something does or does not play a role in the development of Alzheimer's because the illness itself is not completely understood, but aluminum does not appear to significantly increase a person's susceptibility. These articles from Scientific American and Alzheimer's.org discuss this conclusion in depth. Examples of vaporizers with good aluminum heating elements: Volcano, herbalaire #3: Glass Glass is basically the same as ceramic when it comes to heating elements. Only one vaporizer with an all-glass heating element is currently available: the Vapolution Vaporizer. CONCLUSION: Picking a Vaporizer with the Right Heating Element In the end picking a heating element is a matter of personal choice. Health considerations are paramount for some, while precision may dictate the choices of others. Those worried about health should be advised that the type of plastic hosing used and type of plastic tubing used inside different models are also very relevant, but this is a topic for a different article. The most expensive vaporizers obviously have the best heating elements - this is a large part of what you are paying for - but some mid-range models also offer quite viable (usually ceramic) options. Do a little research before you buy too, it will pay off. Hopefully this article has given you a place to start.