Like Life, Water Cycles Too

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

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Superfunds Near You

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) on December 11, 1980. Commonly referred to as Superfund, the Act created a tax on industry that was placed into a trust fund to be used to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

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The Invisible Killer in Your Home: Radon

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

We are in a continual battle to protect our fragile alveoli every day.  Escaping into a climate controlled building can protect us from criteria air pollutants, but puts us at risk for a much more dangerous gas. 

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A Tale of Two Mosquitoes

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Ah, spring. It is the best of times, it is the worst of mosquitoes. It is the season of light, it is the season of disease. While Dickens described the French Reign of Terror, we will discuss the mosquito Reign of Terror organizing in your backyard.

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You Can Win This Battle...The Captivating Conculsion

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

In the previous two posts, we learned about the criteria air pollutants, and the harm they cause to your health and the environment. In the third and final post, we will discuss ways to reduce the impact these particles have on your life.

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The Saga Continues...Criteria Air Pollutants, Part 2

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

In the last post, we introduced the six criteria air pollutants. In this installment, we delve deeper into their malicious nature, and the damage they can do to life and property.

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Criteria Air Pollutants, Part 1

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Have you noticed some days there seems to be a "haze" in the air?  Ever wondered what exactly you inhale into your lungs with each breath? This series on criteria air pollutants intends to provide these answers. Here, the bios and roles played by each will be laid out in this macabre drama taking stage in your delicate skin, lungs, and other mucous membranes.

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Water Treatment Facilities

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Clean water is the key to maintaining any civilization.  John Snow is credited with linking a cholera epidemic to contaminated drinking water in 1855.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diarrheal diseases (such as cholera) kill more children....

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Harmal Algal Blooms

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Who of you can resist dipping your toes in an inviting lake or pond on a hot summer day? Even dogs appreciate the fun and relaxation that comes with swimming and wading in water. Hidden in that water are many toxins, some produced from harmful algal blooms. Learn more here

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Are you a Fomite?

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

What is a fomite, you might be wondering?  Is it a thing? A place, a condition, or a person?  It can actually be three of these things. Learn more here

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One Health, One Earth, Many Toxins

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

After the recent loss of my beloved gelding, the topic of secondary toxicosis in wildlife came to mind. Digging a grave in dry, hard ground in December is never fun. Thankfully, my neighbor was kind enough to lend me his backhoe and his dad. He did question why the hole needed to be 8-10 feet deep.....

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Foaming Manure Pits

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

This subject is a little more obscure for the majority of our readers, but to those affected by it, understanding the risks and required safety steps is truly a matter of life or death. 

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Personal Protective Equipment

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often overlooked in day-to-day activities. But, in some cases, your life could literally depend on your PPE.

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Biosafety Level Labs

Author: Kayla Wells DVM, MPH, DACVPM

What is a BSL? Sounds kind of scary, but they are very important in research and diagnosing disease. BSL stands for Biosafety Lab. There are four levels of BSLs. Each handles increasing levels of infectious material, and therefore require higher measures of protection for lab workers.

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CHNOPS, the best stuff on Earth

Author: Christopher Lee DVM, DACVPM

CHNOPS is the basic building blocks for organic material. Find out more in the short, fun discussion. Learn why it is important to know about CHNOPS

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