A Concerned Scientist @BE@qoto.org

@maleve

I've noticed a lot of people falling into the trap of just reading the PR pieces. Those are written to minimize the actual documents, because they know that's what'll get picked up by the news outlets.

The document itself is significantly better than the press release, but could always be better still.

https://www.cdc.gov/orr/school-preparedness/infection-prevention/index.html

https://qoto.org/@BE/112459419849371791

@mfennvt @StillIRise1963

They *are* cute, but I have to say, my cabin in the woods was sagging a little bit suddenly, and I just found out a giant ground hog tunnel went right under a line of piers underneath it. $11,000 to jack up the cabin last week and re-set the piers and now I don't love them quite as much as I did two weeks ago

@colorfiend

I just saw the press release, if that's what you were talking about, which is a travesty. Unfortunately, that's expected. The politicians make the PR team put out the most minimizing press releases possible.

On ventilation it just says:

"Take steps for cleaner air by improving ventilation in schools. Schools should consider ventilation enhancements and design when undergoing remodeling or when undertaking new building construction to optimize clean air."

The full document is at least better than that! :)

@colorfiend

I both agree and disagree. The school my kids went to in 2019 was only a couple years old, so I understand some of the limitations there. On the other hand, the school my wife taught in is about end of life and they've been talking about building a new one, and I certainly hope they don't make the same mistakes in ventilation that they did with the one the kids were in.

"Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirement in accordance with ventilation design codes."

"Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air."

"Opening windows, when doing so does not create a safety hazard, to increase ventilation."

"Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation."

It's definitely not the detailed solutions that you might like to see, but, that's also not really the goal of this document. They already put out "Ventilation in Buildings" last year with more details.

The CDC has added new guidance for schools to their site. It is *not* COVID specific and titled "Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools".

I don't think it's great, but I also don't think it's bad. I see it as another tiny positive step in the process.

They do mention ventilation and filtration under "Everyday Actions for Schools to Prevent and Control the Spread of Infections" and masks make an appearance in a couple of places.

https://www.cdc.gov/orr/school-preparedness/infection-prevention/index.html

@giflian

The real indignity is that the 12yo's working on it with her now. I've been sidelined

@giflian

Oh no. Now I have to go tell her she was right on top of the indignity

My wife's reviewing a future Biology curriculum and she came to me with a sentence she needed to suggest a revision for because it was "just stupid." It said:

"Plants are easier to study because they don't move."

I tried to get her to change it to "Plants are easier to study because they don't scream" and apparently my "future's not in curriculum."

@bicmay

We keep blaming obesity and ignoring the effects of pollution. Just a couple of examples.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-022-05695-5

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10453031/

@KanaMauna

Yup. As it was always going to be, unfortunately.

The last link above, to the actual bill, now states "Senate Judiciary Committee Substitute Adopted 5/14/24" without a link to the substitute. It took me a little digging to find a link to it.

https://dashboard.ncleg.gov/api/Services/BillSummary/2023/H237-SMCE-99(CSCE-38)-v-5

I think the opening is pretty clear on the subject of whether they intend to remove the right to wear masks for health and safety reasons:

"SECTION 1
Under Article 4A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, Prohibited Secret Societies and Activities, it is generally a crime for an individual to wear a mask in public. However, under G.S. 14-12.11(a)(6), an
individual can wear a mask in public for the physical health or safety of the wearer or others. If an individual wears a mask in public for health or safety reasons, a law enforcement officer can require the individual to remove the mask during traffic stops and criminal investigations when the officer has reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

Section 1 of the PCS would repeal G.S. 14-12.11(a)(6), and individuals would no longer be able to wear
masks in public for health or safety reasons."

@Nonya_Bidniss

It definitely is a lot. I've also spent years trying to be as plastic free as possible, and it's hard in modern society.

Just going back to the water part, even if your utility filters out all micro and nano plastics, most houses have PVC or PEX pipes, which also shed micro plastics over time on your end. Filtering at your tap is the only real solution, but, utilities could do a lot more, too.