Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Six

David Levesque


Throughout the last 5 articles, we at The Kanberra Group have been sharing our experiences and knowledge on the topic of Yacht Air Quality (YAQ). Combining more than 20 years in indoor air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group has been working closely with various areas of the marine industry to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. It is commonly accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors will always have a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the, again accepted, existence of mold and mildew, and the inevitable labor that comes with removing it from the yachts after storage and in-between use. Seafarers believe this is the way it has always been, and so it will always be. Simply not true. There is no need to re-invent the wheel for YAQ. Many air quality solutions have been successfully utilized by The Kanberra Group on US Navy ships and other large vessels, as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel.

Already a staple in the Mega-yacht industry, Kanberra Gel has been making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage, hospitality industry, health and fitness, real estate, pet stores and hardware stores.

We had discussed how air filters in your heating and cooling system are an essential component in establishing and maintaining YAQ. The first rule of any air quality management program is “source control.” Remove the contaminants and you improve the conditions. Proper filtration allows for the control and removal of most of those contaminants, thus improving the quality of air flowing through the coil which in turn assists in coil maintenance, reducing ductwork debris accumulation and improving air flow. Kanberra Filters are available through www.KanberraGel.com.

In one of the previous articles we had discussed in detail how in the indoor air quality industry we pay special attention to VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and how to control them. VOC’s are emitted from a variety of materials including housekeeping and maintenance products. At The Kanberra Group, we recommend performing general household cleaning using a revolutionary cleaning product called Activeion. More information on Activeion can be obtained by calling The Kanberra Group.

In another article we had focused on coil maintenance. Microbial growth on a coil can create a “Bio-film,” or membrane that essentially blankets the fins, eating away at the cooling coil over time and decreasing the amount of air passing through the system. Maintenance and repair can add up to high costs for the boat owner. At The Kanberra Group we utilize an advanced enzyme cleaner and post-cleaning treatment which is much safer for the boat owner and gentler on the system. Additional information on coil maintenance can be obtained by contacting The Kanberra Group.

Our last article addressed the ages-old challenge of off-season storage. No one cares more about your investment than you do. You certainly work hard to protect your vessel during the season, so why not give her the best care possible during storage? We trust you follow or pay someone to follow a strict program of winterization, however inevitably you will have some mold and odors come spring. Microorganisms will take residence in your boats’ canvas, upholstery, cushions and carpeting for the duration of winter. During the unfailing thaw in January/February, these microorganisms will come out to play. Throughout our travels and discussions we know the most common weapon used in the fight against off-season microbial growth is the hanging moisture bag. What we have learned, and heard, is these only provide some relief. Removing the moisture is important; however these bags do not remove the mold and bacteria spores currently present in the fabrics, upholstery and canvas, not to mention the bilge, holding tank and forward/rear compartments. This is where Kanberra Gel has provided a much-needed solution to the marine industry.

Many storage yards across the Northeast, Great Lakes, the Chesapeake region and many others around the world have incorporated Kanberra Gel into their winterization programs. A canister of Kanberra Gel placed in the vessel with all cabin doors, cabinets and lockers left open will provide protection for the duration of storage. In an enclosed environment the Kanberra Gel vapor will blanket the cabin areas, penetrate the canvas, upholstery, cushions and carpeting and eliminate and control any microorganisms thus ensuring an easier spring clean-up.

These past few years we have seen tremendous growth for The Kanberra Group in not just the marine industry but also in the hospitality industry, independent pharmacies, hardware stores, pet boutiques, automotive industry, real estate and health food markets. We have taken on hundreds of new retailers and distributors and exhibited at various select shows both in and outside the country. The awareness of the benefits of Kanberra Gel seems to be accelerating by the minute with calls and e-mails coming in from all over the world. 

In the past couple of years, The Kanberra Group has expanded its name in the marine industry with such offerings as improved filtration, integrated medical-grade air purification, in-line air duct purifiers and complimentary products to our very popular Kanberra Gel line. We have also recently launched the Kanberra Wipes. Like our gel and spray, Kanberra Wipes feature an all-natural proprietary blend Tea Tree Oils and other essential oils in a convenient surface wipe. Kanberra Wipes are infused with the natural antiseptic and antifungal properties of Tea Tree Oil and other oils to attack bacteria and mold on contact and neutralize associated odors with no chemicals including fragrances or perfumes. Safe around kids and pets, the wipes have countless uses — in the home, car, boat, travel and more. For more information on Kanberra Wipes, contact the Kanberra Group.


Have a great winter!

Chemical and "VOC" Reductions

Chemical and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Reductions

David Levesque

Every year, Americans pour a total of 5,280 tons of cleaning chemicals down drains. What we may not realize, in addition to being flat-out environmentally UN-friendly, one out of every three of those products is harmful to humans, animals and plant life. Virtually every cleaning chemical label contains a human health warning — and for good reason. The potentially harmful chemicals in most cleaners vary from mild hydrogen peroxide in the greenest to well-documented poisons in the most toxic. Now most consumers are familiar with the hazards of ingesting or inhaling these products. However there exists another risk not commonly discussed: The release, or “off-gassing”, of Volatile Organic Compounds, better known as “VOC’s”. 

In the indoor air quality industry we pay special attention to VOC’s and how to control them as many studies have been performed on the negative effects they can pose to your health. VOC’s are compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Common sources which may emit VOCs into indoor air include housekeeping and maintenance products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints and laquers, paint strippers, pesticides and building and furnishing materials. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory impairment; some are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur at the levels of VOCs typically found in public and commercial buildings, however what is known is that any overexposure to VOC’s can have adverse effects on health.

To limit your exposure to harmful VOC’s, consider selecting products labeled as being low-VOC emitting. Many of today’s paints are manufactured to this degree. Always use any chemical products with adequate ventilation, and in the event the culprit is a new piece of furniture or building material, use every opportunity possible to introduce fresh air into the area. One new alternative to this dilemma of cleaning is a revolutionary new product called Activeion. This product uses the method of “Water Electrolysis” to effectively transform pure tap water into a general purpose cleaner and sanitizer. Essentially the water molecules are split into both acidic and alkaline droplets that clean and sanitize on contact. This one product alone can replace 8-10 of your normal household and marine cleaning products. Best of all, with zero VOC emissions, Activeion is the perfect compliment to your new YAQ program. More information on Activeion can be obtained by calling the Kanberra Group at 1-800-683-0021.

A Clean Smell

A Clean Smell is Not Always Clean Air…

David Levesque

What artificial smell do you associate with fresh, clean air? Could it be that ever distinct pine forest? Maybe it’s a vast meadow of wildflowers? Or how about a gentle ocean breeze or possibly even crisp mountain air? Well, what if I told you none of the above! What if I offered the possibility that the aforementioned smells were not at all clean air but instead are most likely causing more harm than good? The fragrances and odors left behind when we use cleaning products or “air fresheners”, intended to give us that “feeling” of fresh air, are actually chemical off- gases better known as VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches or dizziness. Now that I have your attention, what if I told you a product exists that can rid the air of impurities like mold, bacteria, fungi and even some viruses and leave behind a true clean, fresh smell of simply, nothing. That product is Kanberra Gel.  

Already a staple in the Mega-yacht industry, Kanberra Gel has been making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage, pet stores, hardware stores and pharmacies throughout the US, Canada, Caribbean and Europe.

A semi-solid, biodegradable gel composition made with pharmaceutical-grade Australian Tea Tree Oil, Kanberra Gel dissipates into the air to break down mildew, molds, and viruses at the molecular level. Tea Tree Oil is known around the world as a natural antiseptic most commonly used topically. Thanks to the formula in Kanberra Gel, those same antiseptic and antifungal properties can now be realized though an airborne release. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just truly clean air. Kanberra Gel is currently in use worldwide and is receiving rave reviews from captains, crews and vessel owners who attest it to be a superior alternative to chemical-based products on the market due to its long-lasting performance, ease of use and all-natural properties.  

Kanberra Gel is packaged in sealed, drip-free plastic containers that are placed either within a yacht’s air handling units, or simply out in the open. Because Kanberra Gel offers superior protection against mold, its health benefits are obvious. Kanberra Gel comes in 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32-oz containers and refills. If you would like to see Kanberra Gel sold in your local marina or specialty retailer please e-mail us and we’ll get working right on it! For a complete list of our locations visit http://www.kanberragel.com/.