Questions Surround Safety Of 'Nano-Silver' Technology
05.02.10
While some companies are marketing eco-friendly products with “nano-silver” technology that promises to fight bacteria, some critics are saying the development could actually be bad for the environment.
One example is the high-tech new Samsung SilverCare Washing Machine. The first of it's kind, the washer is remarkably energy efficient and uses no hot water or bleach. Instead, special plates inside release billions of tiny bits of silver at a touch of a button.
"Those silver ions from the plates get injected into your laundry. Using that technology it kills 99% of the bacteria in there," explained Best Buy sales manager Shaun Charles.
Popular odor-fighting underwear, athletic clothes and anti-microbial socks are some of the other new products that can be found laced with nano-silver. There's even an anti-microbial teddy bear is infused with nano-silver.
The trend is one that alarms environmentalists.
"It's of great concern that we're starting to use it
Source: KTVU.com
The Most Energy-Efficient Home Appliances
04.02.10
Out of the products in 2009, required to deliver energy efficiency labels such as refrigerators, air conditioners, drum washers, and dish washers were picked on a pilot basis to make the list of the top 9 most energy-saving products. For refrigerators, LG Electronic's 752ℓ "R-T758VHHW" came out on top in the category of "more than 500ℓ (with a dispenser or a home bar)". In the category of more than 500ℓ (without a dispenser or a home bar), 705ℓ "5ED5FHKXVT", produced by US Whirlpool and imported by Electrom, was number one. In less than 500ℓ refrigerators, the winner was 178ℓ 'HFD- 189LC', produced by HISENSE of China and imported by Halla Welthtech.
Among 10kW to 17.5kW air conditioners, Samsung Electronic's 10kW "AIXC4H100B3/RIXB HF035B2" topped the list. Among 4kW to 10 kW air conditioners, Samsung Electronic's 6kW "AF-V15HGA" ranked first, and 2.5kW "RAS-07SKCV-K", manufactured by Toshiba of Japan and imported by Carrier, finished first among less than 4kW air conditioners. In the category of 7kg-15kg drum washers, Daewoo Electronic's 7kg "DWD-700 WNM" showed the highest energy efficiency. Among dish washers for fewer than six people, Tongyang Magic's "DWA- 1650P" was the best, while "FAVORIT 60870" (for up to 12 people), produced by Electrolux and imported by Core Incorporated, came in first place.
Source: Korea IT Times (press release)