Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Three

David Levesque

As mentioned in the previous blogs, combining two decades in air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group has begun to work 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 has been our goal to introduce these solutions one at a time in hopes of providing a broader knowledge base on Yacht Air Quality (YAQ) to the readers. 

As mentioned in the last article, it is often 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 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. Today there are many technologies and systems available to help optimize and maintain YAQ. A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhance the well-being of passengers, but also improves the maintenance of the craft itself. 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. 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 globe 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. Touted as being able to clean the air while saving money on costly upkeep, Kanberra Gel effectively eliminates mechanical and upholstery damaging mold and odors while blanketing the cabin with a protective vapor enhancing overall cabin air quality and comfort. You can visit www.kanberragel.com for more details. 

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. The latter translates into less strain on the air handler resulting in higher energy efficiency. Kanberra Group’s exclusive 3-ply antimicrobial filter offers distinct advantages and costs less than pleated filters that can be purchased in discount outlets. With a unique 3-ply construction, Kanberra Filters allow particles to load throughout the depth of the media, from large to small particles without clogging the first layer and reducing air flow. The Kanberra Filters also have an internal wire frame which results in a better fit within the filter rack. This alone reduces bypass found with most cardboard frame filters. Kanberra Filters feature an antimicrobial treatment which reduces airborne microorganisms by up to 86.5% in one pass of air. Kanberra Filters are available through www.KanberraGel.com.

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.

Fall is Beautiful

Fall is Beautiful...Fall Allergies are Painful

One in five people in the US has asthma or allergy symptoms which accounts for about 55% of the US population including both children and adults. Allergies rank 5th among chronic diseases in the US and are responsible for multiple ER visits and missed work or school. An allergy occurs when the body’s natural defense system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, latex and certain foods. Allergies and asthma symptoms may also be triggered by changes in the seasons and some sufferers may find that their symptoms are worse during one particular season. Pollen counts tend to be high during the fall in certain geographical locations and mold can develop in windy weather or in the fall. Some people may be susceptible to year-round allergies because of exposure to indoor molds. When you react to these allergens, you may experience a runny nose, coughing, itching, hives, headaches, red, itching, painful, burning or watery eyes or other symptoms. Most of these reactions are mild and tolerable but there are others that can make your life miserable and then a few others can be sudden and life-threatening. Some allergens may trigger asthma, a chronic respiratory problem that can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. There is no cure for asthma and its symptoms can get worse at any time. There are also irritants like pollution, chemicals including fragrance, and smoke that can negatively affect your airways and cause these symptoms which can last for weeks or even months.   


There is no cure for allergies or asthma but you can devise a plan that can help avoid triggers and manage, control or reduce your symptoms so you can live a productive, active and healthy life. Triggers are the irritants and allergens that make your symptoms feel worse and intolerable. Below is a list of things you can do to avoid triggers and to manage symptoms:

1. Avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Try some relaxation techniques and other stress busting activities. 
2. Exercise indoors in cold weather and when pollution is high. Consider changing your exercise routine when your symptoms are not well-controlled.
3. Maintain a clean and dry home environment. Clean air filters or replace them at least once a year and clean heating vents before turning the heat on for the first time. If you have carpeting, have it professionally cleaned at least every 12 months. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a high quality filter. Wear a mask when cleaning, dusting or using cleaning agents with strong scents. Use a damp mop for dusting. Make sure you don’t have any water leaks. Have someone else clean areas of your house where mold growth may be a problem.  
4. Avoid cleaning products with irritating ingredients or chemicals like deodorizers or perfumes. 
5. Avoid using humidifiers to prevent growth of mold. Use a dehumidifier during humid weather. 
6. Use feather-free bedding or mite-proof covers. Wash them frequently using hot water.     
7. If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom or out of your house or your car. Bathe your pet at least every two weeks and wash your hands frequently. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your bedroom. 
8. Wash your hands often. Wash off and change your clothes after being outdoors. 
9. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, quit. Don’t allow others to smoke in your home or car.
10. Consider using air purifying and deodorizing products with natural ingredients. 
11. Remove clothes from the washer and dry them immediately.

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality - Part Two

David Levesque

Combining two decades of air quality research and improvement, the Kanberra Group had begun to work 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. As mentioned in the last post, it is often 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 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. Today there are many technologies and systems available to help optimize and maintain YAQ. A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhance the well-being of passengers, but also improves the maintenance of the craft itself. 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 is making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage. 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 globe 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. Touted as being able to clean the air while saving money on costly upkeep, Kanberra Gel effectively eliminates mechanical and upholstery
damaging mold and odors while blanketing the cabin with a protective vapor enhancing overall cabin air quality and comfort. 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. Kanberra Gel is currently available at select retailers and distributors and the list is growing to include chandleries all around the Great Lakes. You can also visit www.kanberragel.com for more information.


Filtration

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 duct work debris accumulation and improving air flow. The latter translates into less strain on the air handler 
resulting in higher energy efficiency. Two schools of thought are typically debated for filtration: 1) The denser the filter, the greater the efficiency of absorption, however the larger strain on the air handler or 2) The less dense the filtration the less efficiency of absorption, however the less strain on the motor. Both are true in most cases however what if you could have a dense filter with high absorption but at the same time maintain efficient air flow? Kanberra Group’s exclusive 3-ply antimicrobial filter offers distinct advantages and costs less than pleated filters that can be purchased in discount outlets. With a unique 3-ply construction, Kanberra Filters allow particles to load throughout the depth of the media, from large to small particles without clogging the first layer and reducing air flow. The Kanberra Filters also have an internal wire frame which results in a better fit within the filter rack. This alone reduces bypass found with most cardboard frame filters. Did you know that a ¼ inch gap between a cardboard filter frame and track will leak or bypass 30% of air volume, thus negating the filters purpose and rated filter efficiency? The 3-ply Kanberra Filter seals for 100% LEAK-FREE filtration. Kanberra Filters are also made with 100% synthetic fibers which are not affected at all by moisture and humidity, unlike the traditional cotton-polyester media most commonly used in other filters. Lastly, air filters can be a barrier to micro-organisms and at the same time a collection site for microbial growth. This alone will translate to nasty growth on the A/C coils. Kanberra Filters feature an 
antimicrobial treatment which reduces airborne microorganisms by up to 86.5%. Contact us here for more information on Kanberra Filters. 

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality

David Levesque

It is often accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors always has a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the 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. Today there are many technologies and systems available to help optimize and maintain yacht air quality (YAQ). A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhance the well-being of passengers, but also improves the maintenance of the craft itself. There is no need to re-invent the wheel for YAQ. Many air quality solutions have been successfully utilized on US Navy ships and other large vessels on the water today as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel. The Kanberra Group, combining more than two decades in air quality research and improvement, had begun to work closely with various areas of the marine industry several years ago to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. 

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. 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 globe 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. This completely natural gel disperses droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just a natural eucalyptus and lemon scent. Touted as being able to clean the air while saving money on costly upkeep, Kanberra Gel effectively eliminates mechanical and upholstery damaging mold and odors while blanketing the cabin with a protective vapor enhancing overall cabin air quality and comfort. 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. In air handling systems, Kanberra Gel continually works as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent, killing infecting organisms within the air stream, thus protecting HVAC components such as fan coil units and filters from mildew and mold growth. In testing, Kanberra Gel was shown to remain effective for up to 45 days or more making it ideal for monthly maintenance programs. Because Kanberra Gel offers superior protection against mold, its health benefits are obvious. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, sinus ailments, and other respiratory problems. Kanberra Gel comes in 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32-oz packages.

Small Boat Storage

Storage of any vessel poses a laundry list of issues. Dampness and temperature fluctuations inside a boat provide a permanent breeding ground for mold and fungus. The airborne spores attack and feed on cellulose and other organic material in the boat, which also causes bad odors. For storage, simply remove the lid and place the Kanberra Gel container on the cabin floor. All interior hatches, cabinets, doors and stowage spaces in the cabin should be left open to ensure the active vapor from Kanberra Gel can reach all areas. Leave Kanberra Gel to work for at least three weeks during storage. The effects should last around 2-3 months. Vaporization will cease if the contents freeze. The process will begin again as soon as the temperature allows Kanberra Gel to thaw. One 4 ounce container of Kanberra Gel is enough for a boat up to 12 feet. One 8 ounce container is enough for a boat up to 40 feet. It is a good idea to place a 2 ounce container of Kanberra Gel in the toilet and cockpit stowage areas. 

Kanberra Gel is currently available at select retailers and distributors and the list is growing to include chandleries all around the Great Lakes. You can also visit www.kanberragel.com for more details.

Straight From Mother Nature

Straight From Mother Nature

David Levesque spreads the message of natural odor eliminator Kanberra. 

Q: Tell us about Kanberra, and how it works.

Levesque: Kanberra products feature a pharmaceutical-grade selection of Mother Nature’s own proven antiseptic tea tree oils, purposely blended in unique and effective forms. In our initial product, Kanberra Gel, the blend is taken airborne through basic dissipation, allowing the oils to interact with mold, bacteria, fungi and some viruses to essentially rid the air of impurities and associated odors.  Kanberra Spray features the same unique blend, only here it’s immersed in a natural emulsifier that can be used for air and surfaces. In fact, it’s so effective and natural, it’s safe for topical use on humans and dogs. Some of the benefits include air purification, flea and tick repellent, odor control and as a soothing wound healer.  

Q: Kanberra Gel is made with Australian tea tree oil. What are some of the benefits of using it in your product?

Levesque: For over 400 years tea tree oil has proven to have powerful, yet natural, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Many pet products, such as shampoos, use Tea Tree Oil in their formulas for this purpose. At Kanberra the additional blend and innovative airborne delivery 

create a unique usage.   

Q: Kanberra Gel was not originally made to be a “pet” product. How did you end up in the pet industry?

Levesque: It comes as a surprise to many of our customers that Kanberra Gel was initially developed as an all-natural alternative to the harsh sanitizing chemicals used in the cleaning process of ventilation systems. We are part of a 20 year old indoor air quality company with 

a long history of being the largest ventilation cleaning contractor for the U.S. Navy. Kanberra was born from our desire to revolutionize this indoor air quality industry with natural solutions.   

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with Kanberra Gel.

Levesque: I came to our parent company, Indoor Air Professionals, nine years ago with an extensive background in retail and direct sales and was hired to assist in our residential air quality division. At that time, the product, which became Kanberra Gel, was unnamed and used primarily in-house for our ventilation hygiene service. Several of us used the samples of the product in other areas, such as our cars, homes, gym bags and boats. After launching some 

exhaustive market research and brand development, we established the Kanberra division. Our first major bite was in the global mega-yacht industry, and we’ve been playing catch up ever since.

Q:What’s next for Kanberra Gel? 

Levesque: At Kanberra we’re continuing to build our line with complementary products that utilize our unique blend of natural oils. We hope to launch 1-2 new products each year, and most, if not all, will be functional across all our major market silos, from pets to natural 

product retailers to marine and RVs.  

Storage Season is Coming

Storage Season is Coming…And So is the Mold…

STOP IT Before it Occurs!

David Levesque

First of all, don’t give us a hard time for bringing up the end of boating season. It’s not our fault Mother Nature didn’t exactly play nice this year. Hopefully most of you were able to log some precious time on the water but let’s face facts; haul-outs and shrink wrap are in the near future. So what is your plan this year to combat the moisture and mold that inevitably occurs every off-season? Let me guess; hanging desiccant bags right? Oh wait, those eventually saturate and end up dripping everywhere. What about the moisture buckets? Oh that’s right, we’ve been informed they do the same thing as the bags so you’ve got to place them in the sink, but then that’s no good either because you certainly can’t have any overflow moisture draining into the pipes during freezing temperatures. So that leaves you with the chlorine dioxide pouches. What? You can’t use those within 18” of fabrics, electronics or metals? Well then, where in the name of Neptune are you supposed to put them on a boat? Certainly seems like the options are becoming increasingly limited.  

OK, so maybe it seems we’re picking a little too much on the traditional storage methods for preventing moisture and mold. But we must be honest. With all our travels this past year we’re only repeating what we’ve been told by you, the boating public and people in the industry. The overwhelming theme is that you’re running out of options. So let’s look at some facts; storage in the north, barring extenuating weather issues, is going to be anywhere from 5 to 7 months long. During that time the condition of your boat when it’s first stored will be challenged throughout the off-season by an increasingly humid environment, limited ventilation, active mold and bacteria spores waiting for the right chance to nurture and, in some parts of the country, freezing temperatures. And let’s not forget the literal greenhouse created when the above mentioned goodies have the opportunity to bake in the heat.  

We’ve already run through the various traditional processes and the recent frustrations associated with them, which are well documented. We know moisture will accumulate in the boat during storage and should be controlled in some way. However we also know that even if we are successful to some degree in removing that moisture most of us will still have mold growth and odor presence in the spring. So now what? Let us suggest you try thinking outside the box a bit. What if we offered a solution in the form of a product that can rid the air of mold, bacteria, fungi and even some viruses, naturally and without any chemicals we might add, and when used during storage will prevent mold growth and odors? That product is Kanberra Gel.  

Now before you roll your eyes and think this is just some self-serving promotion read on a bit further. For the past couple years many readers of this publication and your fellow boaters from Maine to San Diego, and Miami to Seattle, have been using Kanberra Gel in storage and throughout the season with well documented success. Originally introduced in 2008 and quickly regarded worldwide in the Mega-yacht industry as a superior, all-natural product to eliminate mold, bacteria and fungi, Kanberra Gel has been experiencing growth across the country in a variety of markets. And we might add, Kanberra Gel not only has an extensive presence in marine, but can also be found in over 400 locations throughout the country ranging from hardware and pet stores, natural foods and holistic pharmacies.

A semi-solid, biodegradable gel composition made with pharmaceutical-grade Australian Tea Tree Oil, Kanberra Gel dissipates into the air to break down bacteria, molds, and fungi at the molecular level. Tea Tree Oil is known around the globe as a natural antiseptic most commonly used topically. Thanks to the formula in Kanberra Gel, those same antiseptic and antifungal properties are experienced through an airborne release. On boats, this completely natural gel disperses droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just clean air, the way nature intended. We’ve been told by industry experts, very few times before has one product made such an immediate and significant impact on the marine industry. It’s a classic example of problem/solution. Only this time, the solution is so unique and it simply works.    

Too good to be true you say? Well we certainly can’t blame you for reacting in that manner. But the facts are what they are. Don’t take my word for it; look online, check with your local marina or even contact us directly. We’re certain you’ll find Kanberra Gel to be the product you’ve been waiting for to protect your investment. Follow us on Facebook or visit www.kanberragel.com for additional information and a complete list of locations. Soft Seas….