Unfortunately in today's society most people that have any type of eating problem or dietary restrictions with regards to amount of food have very little to go on as to what is a healthy portion. Restaurants, fast food chains and even home cooked meals are often served in portions that are simply too large to allow for weight loss or weight maintenance.

Since portion control is invaluable in counting calories, carbohydrates and even fat, knowing the precise weight of what you are eating in order to do the calculations is a must. What is the largest and smallest weight that most digital food weight scales will measure?

Each digital food weight scale will differ slightly as to the minimum amount it can weigh accurately as well as the maximum. Some of the more expensive or deluxe models can typically weigh up to 11 pounds and weight smaller amounts of more than 1/8 ounce. There are also some scales that only weigh up to 5.5 pounds and also weigh a slightly larger low end amount of ¼ ounce.

Understanding what types of measurements you need to make as well as the types of foods and ingredients you will be measuring is an important consideration when selecting digital food weight scales that will meet your dietary requirements.

What scales are good for measuring multiple items for cooking, baking and food preparation?

Almost all digital food weight scales that are good quality will have a tare function. This allows you to measure multiple ingredients into the same bowl by just pressing the tare button function between each ingredient. The one thing to look for in addition to the tare feature is the automatic time out feature. In some models it is only a few minutes until the machine automatically shuts off to conserve energy or battery life. If this happens in the middle of a recipe you may need to start over again. Some models have variable settings for automatic shut off while others don't have an adjustment feature.

How long does it take to read digital food weight scales and what are some possible concerns?

Most digital food weight scales have a fairly quick LED read-out display that should give a final and true weight within a few seconds. Some scales will have more bouncing around of the numbers which does mean you have to wait to confirm that the numbers aren't still adjusting. Quality and price does influence this factor as the cheaper scales tend to be more problematic in this regard.

Another feature to consider with regards to the readout is the location of the display as well as the actual size of the display. LED panels can easily be hidden by the shape of larger bowls, so a pull out display or one that is clearly visible and not overshadowed by the rim of a bowl is important.

Most electronic kitchen scales are battery operated, although there a some that are AC powered and some that are dual battery and AC powered options. In general most of the electronic kitchen scales that are battery powered do have the option to use rechargeable batteries, which are much more environmentally friendly as well as cost saving over time.

Other energy saving features on many different types of electronic kitchen scales include auto off systems. These systems shut off the LED display and read out if the scale is not used for a set period of time. Typically touching the power on button is all that is needed to reactivate the scale, some may even come on with pressure on the weigh plate of the scale.

Is there a real difference in the price and the quality of electronic kitchen scales?

In electronic kitchen scales, as with almost any other type of product, there is a correlation between price and quality. The very low cost electronic kitchen scales often are not as accurate as the middle of the price range and the upper price range models, plus they typically also have a shorter overall life when used fairly regularly.

Less expensive electronic kitchen scales also tend to be more standard and basic in their features, often not offering the additional features that the top end models do. However, there are many companies that constantly take models out of service or change model styles, then reduce the price of existing "old" stock. Finding this higher priced scales at a discount price a great find and a terrific way to get an outstanding scale at a budget price.

How do electronic scales stay accurate?

Good quality electronic scales are designed to self-calibrate very quickly upon start up. This allows the scales to continually stay in balance, not like the old scales that had to be manually adjusted for. In addition electronic scales that are constantly used also have a zero function, bringing the scale back into balance with the simple push of a button.

Why is a tare function important on an electronic kitchen scale?

The tare function allows the user to actually zero the scale even though an item or items are actually on the scale. This is important if you want to weigh something that simply cannot be placed on the plate or in the basket provided with the electronic kitchen scale. In this case a bowl, plate or container can be placed on the scale when it is empty, then the scale button for the tare function is pushed. The item to be weighed is then added, and the scale automatically deducts the weight of the container in the read-out. This saves having to manually weight the container, weight the container and ingredients and then subtract the weight of the container. For people that use their scales often this saves a lot of headaches and possible mistakes.

Children, especially those with asthma, allergies or respiratory problems in their family are often much more sensitive to irritants and allergens in the air than adults. Unfortunately homes, schools and other public places where children tend to gather are often full of these types of allergens and irritants. UV sterilization is one way that parents and school systems can provide improved indoor air quality or IAQ for their children. Ultraviolet sterilization actually destroys or deactivates the molds, viruses, germs and bacteria that may be triggering both asthma and allergic reactions, plus it can also help to cut down on the risk of flu epidemics. Since N1H1, Avian flu and even all the very contagious Influenza A strains are more problematic, treating the air and ridding it of contaminants just makes good sense. Since children are estimated to miss 14 million days of school because of asthma related illnesses, this is a very important consideration.

UV sterilizers can be portable units used in specific rooms or facilities, they can be units installed in air conditioning systems to treat the air moving through the system or they can be room sterilizers that are used as a combination of air filters, purifiers and UV sterilizers.

What health benefits can I expect to see with the use of UV sterilization in the home and how quickly will they occur?

In most cases homes, schools and businesses that install ultraviolet sterilization systems in their air conditioning units or as portable units in the building will notice an immediate improvement in air quality and a decrease in odors and irritants in the air. For those units installed in air condition coils continue cleaning of the air around the drip pan, coils and drains will continue to kill and eliminate the yeast, bacteria and mold colonies, increasing the efficiency of the system and preventing mold spores and other contaminants from entering into the rest of the system. This all begins immediately upon operation of the UV sterilization system. Full effects in very contaminated systems are seen within a few months resulting in decreased air quality complaints and odor problems.

Are there any possible harmful effects of UV sterilization around children or adults?

Correctly maintained and installed UV sterilization systems pose no danger to humans, regardless of their age. The units installed in air conditioning systems are designed to prevent any possible exposure and children and adults will have no contact with the UV light emitted by these types of UV sterilization systems. The room systems that feature UV sterilization either have the bulbs sheltered from any potential exposure to humans, or they are designed to have motion detectors that shut off to prevent any accidental exposure.

Specially designed bulbs used in various types of UV sterilization units also do not prevent ozone, ensuring a very safe and healthy environment even during the sterilization cycle.

In general a UV air purifier system should not need to have the bulbs cleaned on any type of routine basis. This is because in some systems there are filters that the air passes through before reaching the bulbs that actually remove most of the larger dust particles and other microscopic particles that may be present. Even in those UV air purifiers that don't have pre-bulb filters the UV rays from the light will actually degrade the particles over time, literally self-cleaning the surface. In some instances if oil from someone's hands or any other type of adhesive material gets on the bulbs, clean with a soft cloth and a solution of 99% alcohol. Always use a lint free cloth and only clean when necessary.

What does UV actually mean and can UV be seen by the naked eye?

UV air purifiers use a technology known as ultraviolet light. This is a naturally occurring light in the spectrum that is beyond what the human eye can detect. UVC is the type of UV light used in ultraviolet air purifier systems. It is also known as short wave UV and is the most effective at killing germs, molds, viruses, bacteria and other type of naturally occurring and man-made types of contaminants. Another common term for UVC is UVGI which stands for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. This type of UV, UVC or UVGI is potentially harmful to any living organism, including humans. Exposure to UVC light can have serious health effects as it does destroy organic material including DNA within individual cells. High levels of safety back-ups such as infrared motion detectors and LED displays that show the cycle of room type UV air purifiers make this advanced technology both safe and efficient for a wide range of home and facility applications.

If I already use a filter system in my home or office air conditioner, do I still need to consider a UV air purifier?

Standard filters, including HEPA filters and activated carbon filters are a good way to eliminate odors and some types of allergens and irritants from the air. However, they are not designed nor do they claim to remove the smallest particles, many which are the most problematic. Viruses, bacteria and even mold spores are simply too small to be trapped by these types of filters. UV air purifiers can be used in conjunction with other filtration systems to provide a very comprehensive improvement to indoor air quality. Filters are helpful in making the ultraviolet air purifier even more efficient as they remove the dust particles that the germs may be on. This then allows the UV light to immediately start destroying or deactivating the target microorganism. Some of the newer portable types of UV air purifiers incorporate all three types of air treatments, HEPA filters, activated charcoal and then UV light for fast and efficient cleaning.

There is no need to completely install a new system if you wish to use a UV air cleaner such as the UV Air Cleaner 4400 or any other HVAC UV air cleaner. This is because the systems are all designed for retrofitting, simply requiring an installation in the air conditioning coils to eliminate the molds, bacteria, yeast and other contaminants that are found in those damp, humid and warm conditions. These systems are designed to work with either exterior-mounted types of UV air cleaners or mounted directly, which is called nested, into the existing system. The design of the UV air cleaners allows a full range of light 360 degrees around the unit, providing a very comprehensive air sterilization process.

Keep in mind that the UV air cleaners work on more than just the coil area. The HVAC system itself is kept clean including drip pans and drains. This ensures that spores from these traditional problem areas are not blown through the system and spread throughout the facility.

What about energy efficiency; doesn't the UV Air Cleaner 4400 or other types of UV air cleaner systems actually cost a lot to operate?

In virtually all cases the cost of the operation of the UV Air Cleaner 4400 or any other type of UV air cleaner system is going to be more than offset by the increase in indoor air quality, the increase in productivity on the job and the increase in efficiency of the HVAC system. This is because the system itself is not under attack from bacteria, yeast and molds that can inhibit cooling and efficiency, resulting in more electricity to keep the temperature managed.

UV air cleaner systems have been linked in studies by the EPA, McGill University, Journal of Asthma and the Air and Waste Management Association as dramatically reducing the cost of illness to companies, in some cases by as much as 20% with just a short study period.

How difficult is it to change out the UV lights in UV air cleaners?

New designs in soft glass UV lamps have made changing these lights a very simple and easy process that doesn't require any special tools or skills. Soft glass combines barium silicate as a surface treatment on the inside of the bulb, which allows the lamp to emit more UV even during continual use than traditional types of UV bulbs. In addition these bulbs don't produce ozone, making them a great option for use in any facility. Changing the bulbs in UV air cleaners is done about every 12 months, however there is no need to clean the bulbs between changes. They are changed just like a fluorescent bulb and should be disposed of in the same fashion. Hospitals or other medical facilities that require UV air cleaner systems for infectious disease control should change out the tubes more frequently as required by specific guidelines.

In general all buildings and facilities, including private homes, schools, hospitals, long term care facilities, prisons, offices and stores all have some level of mold and mold spores in the air. UV air purifiers, if used either as stand alone units are as part of the HVAC air system in the building can significantly reduce the number of mold spores and mold colonies in any given building or room.

UV air purifiers are really essential in HVAC systems as they work to eliminate mold, yeast and bacteria from developing in the air conditioning coils. The drain pans and coils are an ideal location for these contaminants to grow as the area is dark, moist and typically very warm. Without the use of air purifiers with UV lights, these coils and the drains around them produce huge amounts of airborne spores and contaminants that are then blown throughout the building with the warm or cool air.

Not all molds in the air are harmful but it definitely is problematic for individuals. UV air purifiers reduce the viable spores, ensuring that the mold cannot grow and form new colonies, dramatically reducing the respiratory problems within a few weeks of use.

Can UV air purifiers reduce or eliminate black mold?

Black mold is considered to be the most problematic of all the molds, resulting in serious health complications and long term health effects with constant exposure. The correct name for black mold is Aspergillus Niger, and UV air purifiers that use high power UV lights are considered to be essential in completely remediating homes, office buildings and other facilities that have been found to have been contaminated with black mold.

It is also important to note that according to the Environmental Protection Agency exposure to molds and other irritants and contaminants in the air can actually not be seen immediately, but may cause serious health complications in later years. The length of exposure over time combined with the type of contaminant as well as any pre-existing respiratory or health conditions will all affect how significantly poor air quality impacts an individual.

What are other common molds besides black mold that UV air purifiers can reduce or eliminate?

There are several different types of molds that can be eradicated through the use of an ultraviolet air purifier. Two common types of molds and fungal spores found in indoor air are Penicillium italicum and Cladosporium. Penicillium italicum is a plant type of fungus that is often found as the bluish green fungus growing on citrus fruits that have spoiled. Cladosporium has 40 different species that are typically found in rotting organic matter such as plants and wood materials as well as soil. Both of these types of molds can produce very extreme reactions in those with respiratory problems or related allergies. Using UV air purifiers to prohibit the growth of spores and reduce existing colonies is essential to cut down on respiratory problems.

In reality there are very few public buildings, private facilities and even private homes that would not benefit from some type of UV air sanitizer systems. The vast majority of buildings, regardless of their use will develop mold issues as well as airborne contaminants no matter how well kept and maintained they may be. The major problem with mold and airborne contaminants that may trigger respiratory problems or even increase the likelihood of viral and bacterial problems is that they are often found in areas that are not highly visible and areas that may not be cleaned on a regular basis. Leaving even a small area untreated can provide an opportunity for various types of microorganisms to continue to reproduce and spread, leading to reoccurring and highly drug resistant types of health concerns. Is it true that an ultraviolet air sanitizer can actually kill drug resistant Staphylococcus outbreaks? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) is considered to be highly problematic in hospitals, detention facilities, schools, public buildings and even in gyms and other facilities. It is a type of bacteria that contributes to problems with infections in hospitals and in other public areas and it is very resistant to any type of drug treatment. It is also incredibly easy to transfer from patient or person to person, even a slight blemish or scratch on the surface of the skin can provide enough for the bacteria to enter the body and start causing significant health problems and even death in already ill individuals. UV air sanitizers have been proven in laboratory tests to be 99.9% effective at destroying the Staphylococcus aureas in approximate 5 minutes at a range of eight feet around the mobile UV air sanitizer. At the seventeen foot range the same high destruction percentage was noted at about the ten minute mark. This allows any room to be treated for the Staphylococcus aureas that may be present in the air, while alcohol wipes and disinfectant is equally as effective at treating it on surfaces. The duel action of surface cleaning plus UV air sanitizers is ideal for any type of area where Staph or other bacterial or viral diseases may be an issue. Don't air conditioners have filters and other types of cleaning options for treating the air? Many air conditioning systems do have filters; however they typically filter out only the very largest of the irritants and allergens that may be present in the air you breathe. Many people mistakenly believe that indoor air is actually clean, when in fact the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that indoor air can have two to five times the number of pollutants found in outdoor air. Ultraviolet air sanitizers kill the germs, bacteria, molds and the yeast that can also be found in the air, all which may contribute to respiratory problems, chronic illness and overall loss in productivity and health for everyone working or living within the facility or home.

There are several different options when it comes to ultraviolet sanitizers and ultraviolet sanitizer systems that are very safe to use in public types of settings when humans are present. These systems are enclosed so the UV light is contained, preventing any possible health risks. UV sanitizers that are mounted within the coil systems of HVAC systems and air conditioners are shielded, preventing any possible concerns while still providing very high levels of sterilization in the air while the systems are in place. The coils themselves, often home to bacteria, yeast, molds and other contaminants and also kept free from these irritants, ensuring a very healthy indoor air quality or IAQ.

There are also mobile room ultraviolet sterilizers that are used only in vacant rooms. These types of UV sanitizers are designed to deliver maximum UV light, effectively killing or deactivating any microorganisms in the room. They do not require the air to circulate through but rather rely on the UV light rays to complete the damage. These systems have specially designed safety features.

What types of safety features are typical of mobile types of UV sanitizers?

Mobile types of UV sanitizers that are designed for use in vacant spaces should have several different types of safety features. One particular consideration is a LED type of display that clearly indicates what part of the sterilization cycle the system is in at any time it is plugged in. This LED display needs to be easily visible on the unit, even from a distance.

Another safety feature should include multidirectional infrared motion detectors that immediately shut off the unit when any type of movement is detected. This is an important consideration to avoid any accidental exposure to the high UV rays. These detectors should be mounted on each side of the mobile unit to provide complete coverage regardless of how the ultraviolet sterilizer may be positioned in the room.

How is a mobile UV sterilizer able to successfully clean the air in all areas of the room during the sterilization cycle?

Using high output UV lamps that are strategically positioned to provide maximum light distribution, mobile UV sterilizers simply shine the UV lights and create a comprehensive coverage of the room. In addition to the strategic location of the long UV germicidal bulbs, there are also built in reflectors that shine the light up and out, ensuring a full coverage of the room area. Killing the microorganisms occurs immediately as the UV light floods the room, however the areas closest to the light in a circular pattern are most quickly sterilized, then the sterilization radiates outwards. In most standard sized rooms with 9 foot ceilings the typical time to kill all airborne viruses and bacteria is not more than 5 minutes. Molds, which have a thicker protective layer are the most resistant to deactivation by UV light and will require up to three hours for full sterilization to occur.