Comparative Toxicogenomics Database

The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) elucidates molecular mechanisms by which environmental chemicals affect human disease.


This is really heavy reading. Admittedly, most of it is over my head but after having our son I've made an effort to better educate myself about Indoor Air Quality.

The database won't be of interest to everyone but I thought I would provide a link to those inclined to learn more.

Comparative Toxicogenomics Database

Aluminum Wire

Back in the late 60's and early 70's when the price of copper exploded some Electricians used aluminum wire in Calgary homes. During inspections, Home Inspectors make a note of this. Research suggests aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 was 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach fire hazard conditions. Please read more at The Aluminum Wiring Information Website.

If concerned you should consult with an Electrical Contractor. While in your home, ask to have your GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers checked as well.

"It's a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one's safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract. "

Alan Shepard

Home Fire Safety

The City of Calgary has made some recommendations on how to improve home fire safety. You can check out their recommendations here.

They also have a page about planning your escape which you can find here.

They had one good piece of advice that I never thought about. If you live on a street with a back alley, make sure there is a street address on the back of the house or garage. Paramedics might needlessly waste time, trying to find your home.

Secondary suites & safety standards

Secondary suites, also know as basement suites or granny suites, are usually listed by Realtors as non conforming. We know what it means and it is a fair description.

The government of Alberta, Municipal Affairs section, has tried to make these suites safer. You can check out some of their safety standards for secondary suites here.

Some stuff is common sense though.

Make sure there are working smoke alarms and CO2 testers.

Double check - at least one window in the bedroom can be exited easily. No locked bars or obstacles blocking the window on the outside.

Next, make sure there is a fire extinguisher beside the exit.

This list is not exhaustive. There is a lot more that can be done to make sure people are not needlessly injured or killed.

Child Safety in the Home

My wife and I recently had our first child. A healthy baby boy. He is almost a year old now and is getting into everything. We've tried hard to "baby proof" our home without becoming neurotic, like some of our friends.

Most home safety is common sense. If you are looking for more information check out the Home Safety Council here.

What does GFCI mean?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks.

The picture to the left is a receptacle type you might find in the kitchen and the bathrooms. If you can't find one, it does not necessarily mean you don't have protection. There should be GFCI circuit breaker in the main service panel, sevicing the required area.

Different areas have different code requirements, to be on the safe side, ask you Electrical Contractor to double check you have protection and your service meets current codes.

Read more at the circuit detective.

A word to all the "Handyman Harrys". Yes, you are better off getting an Electrical Contractor.

Federal Pioneer (Canadian) Electrical Panels & Circuit Breaker Hazards

There are very few Federal Pioneer Electrical Panels in Calgary. If you have one, bring it to the attention of you Electrical guy or girl. Not everyone is on the same page as to whether they are dangerous or not. You can read more at InspectApedia.

Dryer Vents

The International Code Council makes the following recommendations;

M1502.5 Duct construction.
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.4 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces, with joints running in the direction of air flow. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct.


M1502.6 Duct length.
The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7,620 mm) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (762 mm) for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet (1,524 mm) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct.

M1502.2 Duct termination.
Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building or shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination.

M1502.3 Duct size.
The diameter of the exhaust duct shall be as required by the clothes dryer’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

M1502.4 Transition ducts.Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction. Flexible transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet (2438 mm), and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A.

What is an AFCI breaker?

An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting non-working electrical arcs and disconnect power before the arc starts a fire. You can read more at wikipedia or at the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The use of these safety breakers were written into Canadian code, in January 2002. Code and products are always changing. Next time your Electrical Contractor is in your house ask him/her to ensure your electric service is safe and up to code.

Window Egress

It is old, sad news. In January of this year some people died in an Edmonton basement suite fire. The bars on the basement windows were screwed into the windows frames. Later, the Fire Inspector found the the bars bent inwards and hand prints all over the wall. The people had no chance.

Inspectors talk a lot about window egress. Collins Essential English Dictionary defines egress [ee-gress] as; 1. the act of going out and, 2. a way out or exit [Latin egredi to come out].

Basically, can you get out the window in an emergency? It is something to think about this summer before it gets cold. It does not matter where you live house or condo - have a mini emergency drill.

Think about which window you would climb out of? Can you get out the of that window? What would make the job easier? Is there anything in the way? Teach your children the best way to exit the home in case of an emergency. Plan ahead.