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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - NCBI
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - PLOS
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in
Aug 14, 2014 - 2009; USEPA 2014). Generally, PAHs originate from natural sources (volcanic activity, forest fires, natural oil seeps and indirect synthesis.
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Osuji L.C, Ilechukwu I.P, Onyema M.O. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba,. Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS(PAHs) IN SEDIMENT
reference station lies on the Tigris river before 25 Km from entering to Missan city. ... Keywords: Pollutioin,PAHs, Sediment, Al-Khalaa River,Missan Province.
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Site in North China: Concentration, source and health risk. 2 ... Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China. 20 ... Furthermore, vehicular emission, coal.
Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ...
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. IRAN ... (i.e., Tehran refinery site with clayey-sand soil composition and Bushehr oil zone with silty-sand.
by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - ScienceOpen
Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) - International
vegetables and fruits and their influences by some treatments ... PAHs concentrations than those obtained from non- ... drying, smoking and cooking like grilling,.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - jan.ucc.nau.edu - Northern ...
Phenol, Alkylphenols, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using the bacteria Hydrogenophaga palleronii. ..... Q., Li, R., Li, T., 2013, Biodegradation of phenol by using free and immobilized.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Woods Hole ...
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Friends Science Publishers
Its area from Shahdara Bridge to Ballouki. Headworks (near Lahore ..... collected from a commercial farm and River Chenab at Trimu Head,. Jhang. Pak. J. Zool.
Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Iron ...
Wensheng Xiao1, Xinli Xing3,4, Hongmei Xu5, Junji Cao2**. 1 School of ...... Tsai, P.J., Shih, T.S., Chen, H.L., Lee, W. J., Lai, C.H. and. Liou, S.H. (2004).
Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Mediate ...
3) were introduced into the AhR binding site of the ABCB6 promoter at base pairs ...... epithelial BEAS-2B cells following exposure to 2-nitrobenzanthrone and.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the ...
Oct 11, 2013 - [email protected] or download from www.wrc.org.za ... has been reviewed by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and approved for.
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PAHs compound found in smoked meat exhibit a cancerous substance affecting human health ... to prepare meat products namely; Kundi, Kilishi, Balangu, Suya and Asun using traditional and oven drying methods. .... Therefore, the aim of this study is to
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ... - IDOSI
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May 24, 1996 - ing biomarkers of exposure and effect for ... The effect of occupa- ..... Contribution of nitropyreneto the mutagenic activity of coal fly ash. Environ ...
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Nitro-PAHs and Related Environmental Compounds: Biological Markers of Exposure and Effects
Lung cancer is an important disease in the United States and around the world. There were 885,000 cases and 770,000 deaths from lung cancer worldwide in 1985, the last year for which complete statistics are available (2). The lung is the site of 11.9% of all tumors worldwide, making lung cancer the most common neoplastic Glenn Talaska,l Patricia Underwood,' Andrew Maier,' disease in the world. In the United States, Joellen Lewtas,2 Nathaniel Rothman,3 and Marlene Jaeger' lung cancer accounts for 28% of all cancers. There were 170,000 cases of lung 1Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati Medical cancer in the United States in 1993 and School, Cincinnati, Ohio; 2U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 149,000 deaths (3). There is virtually no Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; 3National Cancer Institute, difference in the 5-year survival rate in the Bethesda, Maryland United States and the rest of the world; 87% of lung cancer cases are fatal within 5 Lung cancer caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHs and related years. Thus, an educated public and the environmental agents is a major problem in industrialized nations. The high case-fatality rate of availability of modern medical treatment to the disease, even with the best supportive treatment, underscores the importance of primary provide early diagnosis and treatment have lung cancer prevention. Development of biomarkers of exposure and effects to PAHs and related had virtually no impact on the course of compounds is now underway and includes measurement of urinary metabolites of specific PAHs this disease. as well as detection of protein and DNA adducts as indicators of effective dose. Validation of these It has been estimated that 76% of all markers in terms of total environmental dose requires that concurrent measures of air levels and potential dermal exposure be made. In addition, the interrelationships between PAH biomarkers U.S. lung cancer cases are due to tobacco smoking (4). The trends for tobacco sales must be determined, particularly when levels of the marker in surrogate molecules (e.g., protein) and lung cancer rates are positively correor markers from surrogate tissues (e.g., lymphocyte DNA) are used to assess the risk to the target lated within a 20- to 25-year latency period organ, the lung. Two approaches to biomarker studies will be reviewed in this article: the progress made using blood lymphocytes as surrogates for lung tissues and the progress made developing (3). Cigarette sales to American females noninvasive markers of carcinogen-DNA adduct levels in lung-derived cells available in have increased in the last 20 years, and bronchial-alveolar lavage and in sputum. Data are presented from studies in which exfoliated there seems to be a nascent increase in the urothelial cells were used as a surrogate tissue to assess exposure to human urinary bladder rate of lung cancer in this group. It is carcinogens in occupational groups. Environ Health Perspect 104(Suppl 5):901-906 (1996) difficult to differentiate cases of lung cancer arising from environmental exposure from Key words: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lung cancer, biomarkers, DNA adducts, those due to smoking. This stems from the lymphocytes, urothelial cells fact that while there is a fairly large list of occupational and environmental lung carcinogens (Table 1), the majority of persons Introduction at risk are exposed to soots, tars, combusLung cancer remains one of the most epidemiological evidence suggests that sev- tion products, and other complex mixtures serious and troubling environmental dis- eral occupational groups are at significantly that have similar chemical composition to eases. The overlapping causes and patho- increased risk for developing lung cancer, tobacco smoke. Therefore, the specific genesis of the disease make it difficult to including populations exposed to poly- chemical agents that cause lung cancer from estimate the proportion of lung cancer cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such smoking and those caused by most environcases attributable to the ambient environ- as coke oven workers and steelworkers (1). mental exposures are likely to be the same ment versus those caused by specific agents Table 1 gives a list of the agents identified or closely related. Moreover, the "trail" left such as tobacco smoking. However, or strongly suspected of being occupational by both these exposures in terms of disease lung carcinogens, Table 2 gives a list of or biomarkers are similar. The potential for occupational groups with potential expo- interaction (potentiation, additive, and synsure to coal tar, and Table 3 lists complex ergistic effects) between occupational and This paper was presented at the Conference on Air Toxics: Biomarkers in Environmental Applications mixtures containing PAHs. Clearly, there environmental exposures has made it held 27-28 April 1995 in Houston, Texas. Manuscript are numerous people in the general populadifficult to assess the proportion of total received 24 May 1996; manuscript accepted 5 June tion as well as in specific occupational cancers directly attributable to the lung 1996. This work was supported in part by National groups who might be exposed to these general environment. The effect of occupaInstitute of Environmental Health Sciences 1 P30 ES agents. The focus of this article is the tional exposure within certain groups is 06096. in develop- profound; some exposed workers have been Address correspondence to Dr. G. Talaska, Depart- advances that have been made ing biomarkers of exposure and effect for shown to be at 10 to 50 times greater risk ment of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati Medical School, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056. PAH lung carcinogens and how these than controls (1,5). Telephone: (513) 558-0519. Fax: (513) 558-4397. markers can provide a framework relevant There are several important reasons why Abbreviations used: PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydroto the and prevention of occupa- the development of biomonitoring methods study carbons; B[alP, benzolalpyrene; BAL, broncoalveolar tional and environmental disease. lavage; MOCA, 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline). is highly desirable for environmental lung
Environmental Health Perspectives * Vol 104, Supplement 5 * October 1996
TALASKA ET AL.
Table 1. Occupational lung carcinogens. Soots and tars Arsenic Uranium Asbestos Vinyl chloride Bis(chloromethyl)ether Beryllium Chloromethyl ethyl ether Cadmium Chromates Chloroprene Coke oven emissions Lead Mustard gas Tobacco smoke Nickel
Table 2. Occupations with potential exposure to coal tar. Boat builders Asphalt workers Coal tar workers Briquette maker Pavers Coke oven workers Electrode makers Creosoters Furnace workers Flue cleaners Railroad track workers Pitch workers Roofers Road workers Tile pressers Shinglemakers Rubber workers Waterproofers
Table 3. Some complex mixtures containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Coke oven tar Coal tar pitch Tobacco smoke Aluminum reduction Marijuana smoke electrodes Combustion products, Asphalt and crumb in general (e.g., rubber asphalt foundries) Used gasoline engine oil Roofing tar
cancer and environmental lung carcinogens. A primary responsibility of environmental health professions is to prevent environmental disease. Lung cancer advances in discrete premalignant stages including hyperplasia, metaplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. If biomarkers could be found that indicate earlier stages, it would be possible to use preventive measures (e.g., vitamin or nutrient therapy) to halt the progress of the disease. On the other hand, there is some doubt that secondary prevention of this type would be useful because, even with early detection as currently defined, the mortality rate from lung cancer is extremely high. In addition, there is strong evidence for the theory of "field cancerization" with lung cancer (6). This theory is based on the random probability of critical mutations in populations of cells in the lung exposed to carcinogens. After exposure of either longer duration or magnitude, all the cells will sustain mutagenic hits, and there is increasing probability that there will be multiple, independent tumors. To support this theory, it has been shown that the lungs of persons with primary tumors have many areas of aneuploidy and other atypical molecular and cytogenetic markers distant from the primary tumor (6). In addition, it has been reported that about 50% of long-term survivors of lung cancer develop new primary tumors. These data reinforce the notion that primary prevention is the major tool against lung cancer. The major promise for biomarkers of environmental carcinogens is their potential use in primary prevention as sentinels of significant exposure and early effects of carcinogens; biomarkers can also be used to guide and monitor the efficacy of exposure intervention strategies. Figure 1 displays a model for a linear relationship between exposure and disease with several intervening stages. If biomarkers are available represent these stages, they can be exploited to characterize exposure in an increasingly selective way relative to disease. It is clear from the graph that the doser a marker to
the occurrence of the disease, the better its ability to predict the disease. On the other hand, implicit in Figure 1 is the possibility that certain markers may be too closely related to disease outcome to be useful in prevention. Carcinogen biomarkers should measure an event in the disease process, making it biologically relevant to the disease. Measurement of the marker should also accommodate individual differences in exposure and susceptibility. The marker should be readily detectable and show a dose response with measurement of external dose. An important criterion for a marker in environmental health is that the marker measure either a reversible event or one that has a low probability of resulting in disease so that if interventions are used, both the level of the marker and the risk of disease will be decreased. Although exposures to tobacco smoke are via inhalation, this is not necessarily true for all environmental PAH carcinogens. In many cases dermal absorption is a significant component of total exposure. Relying on air monitoring for exposure assessment is fraught with error if dermal exposure plays a significant role. This occurrence has best been documented for the aromatic amineinduced urinary bladder carcinogens in dye and rubber workers, but the evidence increasingly suggests that this may also be true for exposure to other carcinogens (7). For example, young children may be exposed via the dermal and oral routes as they crawl on contaminated surfaces and
place contaminated objects in their mouths. Recent preliminary data indicated that children had higher levels of PAH metabolites in their urine than their mothers (8). Biological monitoring can estimate total internal dose from all routes of exposure. Since the carcinogenicity of many exposures is now recognized, personal protective equipment is often used to reduce exposure. However, there is a wide variation in the proper use of such equipment, and there is almost no use of protection by persons in the general population. By taking biological samples of the internal dose of the exposure, the efficacy of the protective devices can be measured in the exposed persons. PAHs and Nltro-PAHs in Ambient Air
Exposure Internal dose
Effective dose
Early effects Surveillance
Preclinical effects
Individual sensitivity
Figure 1. Model for a linear relationship between exposure and disease with intervening stages.
and Certain Occupations The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a major component of combustion-generated particulates in polluted ambient air, is well established, as are the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of these materials. The role of nitrous compounds, specifically the nitro-PAHs, which are known to be direct mutagens, has not been investigated as thoroughly. Better information regarding atmospheric sources, diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in air levels, half-lives, and isolation and identification of the nitro-PAH compounds as related to exposure and accurate risk assessment is needed. Nitro-PAH compounds are generated by diesel and gasoline-powered engines and appear in the exhausts of these engines (9). Industrial facilities such as coal-fired power plants have also been identified as emission sources (10). In addition to direct emission, some nitro-PAHs such as 2-nitrofluoranthene and 2-nitropyrene have been shown to be formed from the reaction of oxides of nitrogen with hydroxyl radicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air (11,12). Sources of nitro-PAH generation in the indoor environment include kerosene heaters and gas and liquified petroleum gas burners (13).
Environmental Health Perspectives - Vol 104, Supplement 5 * October 1996
BIOMARKERS FOR PAHs
The levels of nitro-PAHs found in the production of DNA adduct-forming and 1 ,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy- 1,2,3,4-tetraenvironment have been the subject of mutagenic intermediates; detoxification hydro-6-aminochrysene (19). numerous reports. Levels of 1,6-dinitropy- occurs by the formation of ring phenols. Recent studies indicate that 1-nitropyrene ranged from 0.026 pg/m3 to 7.5 pg/m3 6-Nitrochrysene is metabolized through rene may follow a metabolic route similar in various U.S. industrial, urban, and subur- two possible routes, as shown in Figure 2 to that of 6-nitrochrysene. While Howard ban areas (14). Organic extracts from (17). The major pathway, which has been et al. (20) have shown that 1-nitropyrene is coastal sediments off the shore of Barcelona demonstrated in mice, involves ring oxida- ring-oxidized to the 6-ol and 8-ol by rabbit contained 1-nitropyrene, 6-nitrochrysene, tion producing trans-i ,2-dihydro-1 ,2-dihy- CYP2C3 liver microsomes, Silvers et al. and 6-nitrobenzo [a] pyrene (15). Some droxy-6-aminochrysene and subsequent (21) found that human liver microsome inferences regarding the importance of formation of 1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy- P4503A4 oxidizes 1-nitropyrene to form nitro-PAHs to the total mutagenic load of 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-aminochrysene, predominantly the 3-ol. It has been sugambient atmospheres can be drawn from which forms a deoxyguanosine adduct gested that in mice these oxide intermedithe current database. The direct-acting (18). The former reaction is catalyzed ates are conjugated with glutathione in the mutagenicity of the nitro-PAHs as com- by CYP1A2 and the latter by CYP3A4 liver. The conjugates are released into the pared to the promutagenicity of B[a]P and in human liver microsomes (19). Inter- bile and converted to cysteine conjugates in other PAHs as seen in the Ames bioassay estingly, the same study showed that the upper intestinal tract. Finally, these are have been well documented (11). Thus, CYPlAl catalyzes the conversion of degraded by cysteine conjugate 3-lyase of certain PAHs must be transformed meta- 6-nitrochrysene to trans- 1,2-dihydro- 1,2- the intestinal microflora in the lower bolically through a mammalian enzyme dihydroxy-aminochrysene in human intestinal tract, and these reaction products system, while nitroaromatic compounds lung microsomes (19). Alternatively, may result in formation of a 1-nitropyrene can be reduced to the corresponding 6-nitrochrysene can be reduced to the cor- K-region epoxide adduct (22). It has also N-hydroxy aromatic amine by the tester responding N-hydroxy-6-aminochrysene, been demonstrated that 1-nitropyrene can strain without the addition of mammalian which is activated to an electrophilic nitre- alternatively be nitroreduced, and NADPHenzymes. Results from numerous studies nium ion that forms adducts at the C8 cytochrome C reductase has been suggested indicate that extracts of polycyclic organic position of deoxyadenosine (18). N- to be responsible for this conversion in the matter collected from cities in the United Hydroxy-6-aminochrysene can also be HepG2 cell line (23). States and Japan did not need mammalian reduced by human liver CYP3A4 to 6These data suggest that nitro-PAHs, as metabolic activation to be mutagenic; aminochrysene, which is shunted into the well as the better studied PAHs, are present therefore, these urban particles must con- major pathway through formation of in urban environments and that they make a tain, in addition to promutagenic PAHs, other direct-acting mutagens. Due to their high mutagenic potency and their relative levels in the air, the impact of nitro-PAHs on the environment needs to be addressed. The mutagenic profiles of the extracts were also found to vary according to the OHNO; presence of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, the amount of organic carbon, and other processes that potentially occur between OH ambient aerosols and reactive gases. The contribution of nitro-PAHs to the mutagenicity of airborne extracts from homes was evaluated in the Barcelona 02 study mentioned above. Nitro-PAHs N OH NO2 accounted for about 50% of the mutaOH genicity of particulate from samples collected from a home in the city. Similar Further tests conducted in a rural home during metabolism various particulate-generating activities such as burning charcoal, smoking tobacco, and cooking indicated that nitroDNA adducts PAHs accounted for a maximum of 33% of the mutagenicity (16).
Metabolism of Nitro-PAH Several of the nitro-PAH metabolic pathways have been studied. Most clearly defined are the metabolism of 6-nitrochrysene and 1-nitropyrene. Generally, nitroPAH metabolism consists of activation by ring- or N-oxidation, resulting in the
Further metabolism
DNA adducts
Figure 2. Metabolism of 6-nitrochrysene.
significant contribution to the genotoxicity of these environments. These compounds can reach the lung where they can be metabolically reduced or oxidized to electrophilic species capable of binding to DNA and other biological macromolecules. The extent of human exposure and the biological effects, if any, of exposure to these compounds have not yet been determined.
Blood Lymphocytes in Monitoring Environmental Exposure
Blood lymphocytes have potential as surrogates for measurement of damage in target organs. Lymphocytes circulate throughout the body and potentially contact circulating carcinogens or their metabolites. They are easily obtained through a blood sample. These cells should integrate exposure over their lifespan because they do not divide Biomonitoring for PAHs until they are induced to do so in culture. and Nitro-PAHs The lifespan of different lymphocytes is Measurement of carcinogen-DNA adducts variable, and this may have a profound is an appropriate marker in the context of effect on their response. For example, Savela disease prevention. Adducts form in target and Hemminki (29) noted that there was tissues at elevated levels that approximately no statistically significant difference between reflect the increased risk for the particular DNA adduct levels in crude lymphocytes exposure. For example, adduct levels in the of smokers compared to nonsmokers. lungs and urinary bladder of smokers were However, when comparisons were made proportional to the increased cancer risk in on different cellular fractions, it was noted those organs relative to the levels in con- that while the levels in the relatively shorttrols (24,25). DNA adduct levels have also lived granulocytes (which account for 40 to been shown to respond to exposure inter- 75% of total lymphocytes) were not differventions. The levels in ex-smokers were ent between the groups, there was a 2.4-fold significantly lower than those in smokers higher level of DNA adducts in the T leukowhen sufficient time was allowed for cytes of the smokers. We reported a case adducts to be cleared by cell turnover or study of an individual who was given DNA repair. Finally, although adducts are 6-nitrochrysene as an antineoplastic agent directly related to the disease process by (17). The adducts in the lymphocytes of being the ultimate mutagens, the large size this person appeared to co-chromatograph of the genome, the relatively small size of with a 6-nitrochrysene-dihydrodiol-DNA the critical targets, and the fact that DNA adduct standard prepared in vitro, suggestrepair occurs make it unlikely that any ing that ring oxidation may be more imporspecific DNA adduct will result in a tumor. tant than nitroreduction for this compound. As with any other surrogate tissue or Thus, if exposure is reduced before critical mutations, there will be a correspondingly marker, it is important that the relationship lower probability of disease. between the levels of response in the surrogate be compared to that in the target. Noninvasive Techniques for Animal studies indicate that there might not Monitoring DNA Adducts be a significant relationship between DNA Techniques to monitor carcinogen-DNA adducts in leukocytes and the target organs adduct levels in humans have undergone for all compounds. B[a]P, the compound rapid development since their advent. often used to model effects for the larger Early studies in humans employed surgi- family of PAHs, was shown to be the excepcal samples from target and other tissues. tion, as the levels of B[a]P-DNA adducts As mentioned above, increased levels of were correlated with the levels in target tiscarcinogen-DNA adducts were seen in sues (30). On the other hand, Van Schooten lungs and urinary bladders of tobacco et al. (31) have shown that there was no smokers (24,25). Other studies of persons correlation between the individual adduct with this exposure indicate that adduct levels in lymphocytes and surgical samples levels are elevated in the oral cavity, heart, of the lung in a series of lung cancer patients. and placenta (26,27). Lung macrophages Thus, it appears difficult to generalize obtained from smokers during bronchial regarding the utility of white blood cell alveolar lavage (BAL) have not been adduct levels as a surrogate for the levels in significantly elevated (26). On the other the target tissue. Animal and human studies hand, significant differences were noted in may be required to empirically determine BAL cells when persons were exposed the relationship for any particular exposure. environmentally to smoky coal, a fuel used for heating and cooking in some Exfoliated Cell Techniques areas of China, where there is a high rate Our approach to the issue of human of lung cancer (28). biomonitoring has been to exploit the
exfoliation of cells from lung and urinary bladder. Lung and urinary bladder are two major targets for occupational carcinogens. And, while it is difficult to obtain samples of tissues from these organs noninvasively, we reasoned that since cells from the lung and urinary bladder regularly exfoliate, it might be possible to capture these cells and use them to monitor exposure and effects within the tissue. Although estimates vary considerably, the lifespan of both urinary bladder and lung cells has been reported as about 100 days (32,33). We have shown recently that certain DNA adduct levels in exfoliated urothelial cells in cigarette smokers were related to reported smoking history, urinary mutagenicity, and the levels of 4-aminobiphenyl-hemoglobin adducts (34,35). We have also reported that the levels of carcinogen-DNA adducts are similar between bladder cancer cases and controls and are related to smoking history (36). We reported the results of a case study in which a worker was accidentally exposed to 4-4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA). The MOCA-DNA adduct levels in exfoliated urothelial cells of this individual were extremely high immediately after exposure, then decreased rapidly, probably as a function of the rapid loss of highly exposed cells (37). We recently studied a group of workers exposed to benzidine and benzidine-based dyes (38). Morning urine samples were obtained from workers and controls and analyzed for excretion of benzidine metabolites, acetylation phenotype, and levels of specific benzidine-DNA adducts in exfoliated urothelial cells. We found that the major DNA adduct in the exfoliated urothelial cells of benzidine workers was
N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N'-acetylbenzidine. The mean levels of this adduct were about 20 times higher in the benzidine production workers than in controls, but only about twice as high in the benzidine dye workers relative to the same comparison group. This study further supports the use of this technique to noninvasively biomonitor selected populations. Because PAHs and nitro-PAHs reside on the particulate fraction of combustion products, it might be anticipated that the lung, not the urinary bladder, is the major target organ. In addition, the lung is capable of carrying out both the oxidative and reductive metabolic reactions required to activate these compounds. We have also performed preliminary studies with cells exfoliated from the lung and collected in sputum samples. We have seen that in a
very small sample (n = 3), the adducts in DNA from cells collected in sputum samples were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the adducts in DNA from cells obtained by brush biopsy from the same individual.
Conclusion Exposure to PAHs and nitro-PAHs in the environment may have a significant impact
on certain individuals. Individuals at particular risk are those who are exposed to high levels of these compounds; those in proximity to emissions from diesel equipment, for example, as well as those who may be predisposed metabolically to production of high levels of genotoxic metabolites. Biological monitoring may likely provide more pertinent information than air sampling data because of the multiple
pathways of exposure. Methods have been developed to monitor the levels of carcinogen-DNA adducts in blood lymphocytes and in exfoliated urothelial cells. These techniques may prove to be mutually exclusive or complementary and studies should be done in exposed populations to determine how adduct measurements in these tissues are related.
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Delolos KB. Relationships of DNA adduct formation, K-ras activating mutations and tumorigenic activities of 6-nitrochrysene and its metabolites in the lungs of CD-1 mice. Carcinogenesis 15:1377-1385 (1994). Chae YH, Yun CH, Guengerich FP, Kadlubar FF, el-Bayoumy GAK. Roles of human hepatic and pulmonary cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of the environmental carcinogen 6-nitrochrysene. Cancer Res 59:2028-34 (1993). Howard PC, McManus ME, Koop DR. The role of cytochrome P450 2C3 in rabbit liver microsomal metabolism of 1-nitropyrene and 3-nitrofluoranthene. J Biochem Toxicol 9:71-78 (1994). Silvers KJ, Chazinski T, McManus ME, Bauer SL, Gonzalez FJ, Gelboin HV, Maurel P, Howard PC. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (nifedipine oxidase) is responsible for the C-oxidative metabolism of 1-nitropyrene in human liver microsomal samples. Cancer Res 52:6237-4623 (1992). Kinouchi T, Kataoka K, Miyanishi K, Akimoto S, Ohnishi Y. Role of intestinal microflora in metabolism of glutathione conjugates of 1-nitropyrene 4,5-oxide and 1-nitropyrene 9,10oxide. Tohoku J Exp Med 168:119-122 (1992). Belisario MA, Arena AR, Pecce R, Borgia R, Staiano N, De Lorenzo F. Effect of enzyme inducers on metabolism of 1-nitropyrene in human hepatoma cell line HepG2. Chem Biol Interact 78:253-257 (1991). Phillip DH, Hewer A, Martin CN, Garner RC, King MM. Correlation of DNA adduct levels in human lung with cigarette smoking. Nature 336:790-792 (1988). Talaska G, Al-Juburi AZSS, Kadlubar FF. Smoking-related carcinogen-DNA adducts in biopsy samples of human urinary bladder: Identification of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl as a major adduct. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88:5350-5354 (1991). Lewtas J, Mumford J, Everson RB, Hulka B, Wilcosky T, Kozumbo Wm, Thompson C, George M, Dobias L, Sram R, Li X, Gallagher J. Comparison of DNA adducts from exposure to complex mixtures in various human tissues and experimental systems. Environ Health Perspect 99:89-97 (1993). Foiles PG, Miglietta LM, Quart AM, Quart E, Kabat GC, Hecht SS. Evaluation of 32P-postlabeling analysis of DNA from exfoliated oral mucosa cells as a means of monitoring exposure of the oral cavity to genotoxic agents. Carcinogenesis 10:1429-1434 (1989). Mumford JL, Lee X, Lewtas J, Young TL, Santella R. DNA adducts as biomarkers for assessing exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tissues from Xuan Wei women with high exposure to coal combustion emissions and high lung cancer mortality. Environ Health Perspect 99:83-87 (1993). Savela K, Hemminki K. DNA adducts in leukocytes and granulocytes of smokers and nonsmokers detected by the 32P-postlabeling assay. Carcinogenesis 12:503-508 (1991). Reddy MV, Randerath K. A comparison of DNA adduct formation in white blood cells and internal organs of mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[cg]carbazole, safrole and
cigarette smoke condensate. Mutat Res 241:37-48 (1990). 31. Van Schooten FJ, Hillebrand MJX, Van Leeuwen FE, Van Zandwijk N, Jansen HM, den Engelse L, Kriek E. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon DNA adducts in white blood cells from lung cancer patients: no correlation with adduct levels in lung. Carcinogenesis 13:987-993 (1992). 32. Clayson DB, Lawson TA. Mechanisms of bladder carcinogenesis. In: Carcinoma of the Bladder (Connolly JG, ed). New York:Raven Press, 1987;91-100 33. Cotes JE, Steel J. Work-related Lung Disorders. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Press, 1987;436. 34. Talaska G, Schamer M, Skipper P, Tannenbaum S, Caporaso N, Unruh L, Kadlubar F, Bartsch H, Malaveille, C, Vineis P. Detection of carcinogen-DNA adducts in exfoliated urothelial cells of cigarette smokers: correlation with smoking, hemoglobin adducts, and urinary mutagenicity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prevent 1:61-66 (1991). 35. Talaska G, Schamer M, Skipper P, Tannenbaum S, Caporaso N,
Kadlubar F, Bartsch H, Malaveille C, Vineis P. Carcinogen-DNA adducts in exfoliated urothelial cells: techniques for non-invasive human monitoring. Environ Health Perspect 99:289-291 (1991). 36. Vineis P, Bartsch H, Caporaso N, Harrington AM, Kadlubar F, Landi MT, Malaveille C, Shields PG, Skipper P, Talaska G, Tannenbaum SR. Genetically-based N-acetyltransferase metabolic polymorphism and low level environmental exposure to carcinogens. Nature 369:154-156 (1992). 37. Kaderlik KR, Talaska G, DeBord DG, Osorio AM, Kadlubar FF. 4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloraniline)-DNA adduct analysis in human exfoliated urothelial cells by 32P-postlabeling. Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prevent 2:63-69 (1993). 38. Rothman N, Bhatnagar UK, Hayes RB, Kashyap R, Parikh DJ, Kashyap SK, Schucte PA, Butler MA, Jaeger M, Talaska G. The impact of N-acetyltransferase activity on benzidine urinary metabolites and urothelial DNA adducts in exposed workers. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93:5084-5089 (1996).
Report "Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - NCBI"
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Began his musical career with a concert performance at the age of nine that was so well-received that he was sent to Vienna to study under Czerny. In 1826, still only twelve, he undertook a concert tour of Hungary, Poland and Germany. In 1838, he settled in Paris and became friends with many of the great composers and musicians of the day, includin Chopin, Liszt and Halle. He made a living in Paris teaching and giving performances of his many pianoforte pieces. In 1849, and again in 1862, he toured England, giving performances at, among other locations, the Crystal Palace. Today, the best-known works remain his Studies.


It has been called a trade spat, a trade dispute, a trade confrontation, a looming trade war and even a trade bluff.
On Friday, unless there is some type of deal between Washington and Beijing, the rhetoric will become reality: a trade war.
The United States would impose 25 percent tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese machinery, medical instruments, aircraft parts and other goods. In return, China would impose the same tariff rate on the same value of US goods, mostly farm products and seafood.
Those directly or indirectly connected to the hundreds of products facing tariffs from the US and China -manufacturers, growers, middlemen, consumers and even other countries -would face the impact.
The only certainties from Friday would be loss of sales for some, sales gains for others and higher prices for many. The biggest uncertainty is what comes next.
US President Donald Trump has threatened more tariffs: 10 percent on an additional $200 billion of Chinese goods and then another $200 billion in tariffs for any further Chinese retaliation. He also said he is contemplating a 20 percent tariff on European autos.
China's Ministry of Commerce has said the Trump administration is capricious and has further inflamed trade provocations, forcing China to make a strong response.
China is fully prepared to take multiple measures to respond if the US comes up with a new tariff list to adopt trade-distorting practices, a ministry spokesman said.
The immediate impact is expected to be minimal for most businesses and consumers. But economists say the world eventually could be pushed into a recession by the combination of the June 1 steel and aluminum tariffs Trump imposed on Mexico, Canada and the European Union -the first two nations accounting for about half of US imported metals -and retaliatory tariffs, including Chinese tariffs.
For Stephanie Nadeau, owner of the Lobster Company in Arundel, Maine, the potential impact of a 25 percent tariff is clear. Some 70 percent of her lobster exports go to Asian markets, especially China.
China's US lobster imports increased from $108.3 million in 2016 to $142.4 million last year as an emerging middle class can now afford them.
"It is Maine lobstermen, the men and women on boats in Alaska, and families harvesting and processing seafood in the Pacific Northwest who will feel the brunt of the administration's misguided policy. It is not clear where these trade actions will ultimately lead; what is clear is that they will negatively impact American seafood jobs," John Connelly, president of the National Fisheries Institute, said in a statement to China Daily.
Businesses and industries across the US economy have been lobbying the White House to let up on tariffs for months, as have politicians of both main political parties, with little success.
And Trump has continued to sing his own praises for the tariffs.
Some US steelworkers, despite being the intended beneficiaries of the steel tariffs, may lose their jobs.
Novolipetsk Steel, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, imports as much as two million tons of steel slabs annually. CEO Bob Miller has estimated that up to 1,200 jobs could be at risk. The company could also pull back from planned plant investments, including $600 million in Pennsylvania and Indiana alone.
Businesses in Michigan are already feeling the impact of the steel and aluminum tariffs. Kent Ensing, vice-president of supply management at Zeeland, Michigan-based furniture manufacturer Herman Miller, said his company does not import raw steel or aluminum from Canada, Europe or Mexico, but has still felt the impact of the tariffs.
"US domestic mills raised their prices immediately after tariffs were announced," Ensing told the Holland Sentinel. "The current domestic prices are now equivalent to the imported prices with the tariffs."
Behlen Manufacturing Co in Columbus, Nebraska, is a global leader in steel fabrication, and now faces 30 to 40 percent higher domestic steel prices. Behlen does not use foreign steel but domestic prices rose after the tariffs were introduced, just as they did after March 2002 tariffs.
The Beer Institute -a trade group that represents beer manufacturers -said US brewers fill and sell about 36 billion aluminum cans and bottles per year. Aluminum cans are the single largest cost in US beer production, according to an analysis from economic research firm John Dunham & Associates.
The US beer industry creates 2.23 million US jobs, which is 1.4 percent of all the nation's employment, according to Dunham's analysis. The aluminum tariff will add an additional $347.7 million in costs for brewers and put more than 20,000 of those jobs at risk, he said.
In Texas, oil and gas operators and construction and manufacturing depend heavily on steel and aluminum from Europe, Mexico and Canada.
The new tariffs will only increase costs for those and other businesses, still reeling from price rises from duties Trump imposed earlier this year on steel and aluminum from China and most of the world's other suppliers.
Patrick Jankowksi, regional economist at the Greater Houston Partnership, a business advocacy group, said the tariffs could spur another round of cost-cutting and layoffs at Houston energy and manufacturing firms that many had hoped had ended.
The state of Minnesota said on Thursday that $641 million of its exports -from steel to pork to soybeans -would be affected by counter-tariffs from China, Canada, Mexico and the European Union. This comprises $265 million in products from Canada, $159 million from China, $150 million from the EU and $67 million from Mexico.
Wheatland Steel and Trim is a Tower City, North Dakota, company specializing in steel roofing. Moses Wipf, a manager with Wheatland, said farmers might want to build themselves a new barn, but the increased price of steel -and a lull in corn and soybean prices -might put this out of reach.
The Kansas City Federal Reserve released the results of its June manufacturing survey on Wednesday, which showed strong growth, but manufacturing executives are concerned that Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum and Chinese products could drive up prices and disrupt business activity.
The Dallas Fed's manufacturing survey, released the day before, also contained concerns about the effects of Trump's tariffs.
"I can't believe the effect the tariff response has had on the metals trade," a fabricated-metal producer said in response to the Dallas survey. "Somebody needs their head examined if they think this is good for the American economy."
US agriculture will bear the brunt of the countermeasures to be imposed by China.
Soybean growers face a loss of 69 percent of Chinese sales, said Purdue University agricultural economist Wallace Tyner, who analyzed data for the US Soybean Export Council.
Soybean prices hit a nine-year low recently as China seeks to buy the crop from other countries.
US soybean exports to China total more than $12 billion annually. The loss of US sales comes because the retaliatory tariff will make US soybeans more expensive than those China can buy from other countries, principally Brazil.
Pork-producing states face retaliatory tariffs on certain products shipped to China because of Trump's tariffs. Mexico has said it will raise the tariff on certain US pork products from 10 percent to 20 percent on Thursday.
As Mexico -a prime buyer of pork -looks for alternative sources, Buhr said tariff-free Canadian and EU pork producers look to benefit at the expense of US hog farmers.
Robert Kudrle, an international trade professor at the University of Minnesota, said, "Whenever a buyer can easily substitute something cheaper for your product, your market goes down."
Whether the US public cares about farmers' suffering is anybody's guess, Tyner and Buhr said. But what may rouse consumers is the ripple effect of tariffs.
"Some people still talk about this as a stare-down" that will end with both sides finding a compromise, Duncanson said. "I'm not sure about that."
As Indiana, a steel- and aluminum-producing state, celebrated Trump's imposition of tariffs on imported metal, Tyner wrote a news release reminding his fellow residents that the state also is one of the largest producers of auto parts, and those materials were about to cost significantly more.
The same can be said of rising farm machinery costs in rural communities or any of the 300 frequently used boat parts facing the Chinese tariffs, said Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice-president at the National Marine Manufacturers Association. They cumulatively could mean a $2,000 price increase on 14- to 16-foot boats that generally cost in the low five figures.
The ripple effect may finally hit home when most people directly experience the costs of tariffs at the cash register, Kudrle said.
The US tried to limit the first list of Chinese products to be taxed to those that were not everyday purchases, Kudrle added.
"You can do that when you're putting tariffs on $34 billion or $50 billion worth of products," he said. With Trump's latest threat to add another $200 billion worth of Chinese products to the tariff list, Kudrle predicted, "It will be impossible."
Zhao Huanxin in Washington and Linda Deng in Seattle contributed to this story.


What is the Most Cost Effective Hot Water Heater?
Water heaters are essential appliances to have for any home or business. There have been many improvements made in the industry in order to match with the demand of different technological features being added and higher energy efficiency ratings. New water heater installations can now be tankless, high recovery, electric, gas powered and even boosted with water heater pumps! With all of the water heater options out there, you can decide if you'd rather have higher temperatures at times or faster distribution of heat to your pipelines. If you're wondering what the most cost-effective options are, first consider what you would like your water heater to do. You may also consider water heater cost of installation, what brands to gravitate to, monthly bills and the price range of the different types of units.
Water heater installation can technically be made by a homeowner if they are given the green light by local codes and ordinances. Some jurisdictions, however, may require you be a licensed professional for water heater installation or at the very least hold a permit.
Water heaters are appliances that if installed improperly can cause many problems down the line where repairs or replacements may be needed. The typical life span of a water heater is 10-years and mistakes with installations can cause them to wear prematurely. With water heater installations it's important that instructions be read without making assumptions of what steps are to be followed next. Certain types of water heaters, like electric water heaters, require certain precedents in order to ensure safe installations. Power should remain off in these cases and your breaker panel should have a water heater distinction where this can easily be achieved. Although this is an easy precaution, some properties don't have an easily viewable panel and pull-disconnect boxes, disconnect switch or breakers would need to be installed near the water heater unit. With gas water heater units, the location of placement is very important. There should be a minimum clearance area so flammable objects aren't met with exposure. The area itself should never be enclosed as there can be increased chances of carbon monoxide poisoning once entering the room for adjustments. Perhaps the most important parts of installations that can go wrong are incorrectly installed TPR valves and drainpipes. Piping changes depending on where a water heater is installed and for each unit, there is usually a particular specification in size, directions parts should be pointing and more.
What is the best brand of water heater?
Overall the best brand of water heaters that is fairly moderate in price is Rheem. Rheem water heaters have a reputation for being durable and reliable with models in electric, gas, solar, tankless and hybrid styles.
What's cheaper gas or electric water heater?
In general, your local utility costs can determine which option would be better as far as gas or electric water heaters. What you can keep in mind is that although gas water heaters tend to cost more than electric heaters, they typically are cheaper to operate.
How much does it cost to have someone install a water heater?
What size hot water tank do I need?
Water heater tanks come in different gallon sizes. Depending on the capacity of hot water you want to be stored in your home the options can start at 30 gallons and go up by 10 digit increments until they reach 80 gallons. A good method in choosing which size is right for you is to determine how many occupants you have on your property. Typically, a 1-2 person household would only need a minimal amount of 30 gallons. 2-3 people would require 40-50 gallons, 3-4 people 50-60 gallons and 5 plus people from 60-80 gallons. As of such, the main point of consideration for water heater tanks is the recovery rate at which the water heater refills the tank. Essentially, a good water heater will refill the storage capacity of the tank within an hour.
If you're having water heater installation questions be sure to contact your local plumber so you may know the differences between a tankless water heater installation compared with an electric water heater installation. Water heater purchase and installation can be as tricky as a gutter repair if you're not aware of the specifications required of each unit. It's best to be safe with any type of new installation as often a qualified professional will be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise in a technically accurate manner. Get better water distribution and prolonged heated water with a new water heater installation!
If you're interested in water heater installations in St Louis, MO call 314-348-7503 with Flow King Rooter!
Posted in Uncategorized on March 20, 2019 at 4:09 pm by Flow King Rooter.
Create a new aesthetic & add ambiance to your bathroom so you can feel at home!
Your bathroom should ideally be a place of relaxation and cleanliness, it doesn't have to just be an empty literal wasteland where you conduct your business, salute the room in thanks and promptly leave. No matter the size of your bathroom, there are changes you can make to add a sense of space or fill up space so it isn't bare. From small bathroom improvements in decor to appliance replacements, there is a range that can fit anyone's budget! A bathroom is a place where you start and end your days, have it begin and end on a good note with a bathroom remodel and design that fits both your tastes and budget.
Remodeling is when you are changing the structure, appearance, form or function of an area or thing. The layout and design of the room is therefore improved upon.
Renovations involve updating, repairing or restoring already existing structures into a new state.
The costs of remodels vary depending on the extent of remodels you choose to undergo. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is $10,265! However, as long as you have a bathroom remodel budget, you can get the changes you want by taking into factor that there are a variety of different quality and pricing options for a number of your interest that can rival even the high-end versions!
Bathroom skylights add natural lighting, scenery & create a sense of open space!
Shower and Tub Replacement: Changing the bathtub to an option that has advanced settings or more room can instantly give you a sense of class and provide you with comfort in movement. If you have a smaller space, there are different ways tubs are designed that can provide you with more ease without sacrificing space.
Toilet or Bidet: believe it or not, bathrooms have a plethora of toilet upgrade options, you can have comfort vs standard height for example and some even light up! A bidet can even have music!
Flooring: there are many types of flooring out there but it's important to keep in mind that certain flooring materials don't go well with humidity or moisture. Consider choices like porcelain, vinyl or ceramic tiles to add texture to the room while also being waterproof.
Countertop: from natural stones such as marble or soapstone to crushed glass or quartz, a new countertop can pull on earthy elements in your bathroom design.
Sink: from vessel sinks that come with freestanding bowls to wall mounted sinks that can fit into tight spaces, water flow never looked so good!
Skylight Installation: bathroom skylights can negate the feeling of enclosure often associated with bathrooms. It will allow for a look into the sky and provide a glow of natural light that can give the room a fresher look.
Switch out cabinets/doors: believe it or not, but these changes are relatively cheap at under $100 and are great pops of design.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a bathroom?
Small bathroom remodels are more often than not what is called for instead of huge fixes. Small changes can greatly improve the look and feel of the room much more than you were initially anticipating.
Small organizational changes & adding decor that fits a theme ties-in space & creates a sense of warmth.
Change or add handles or towel racks: these nicely embellish your space and add a sense of elegance and modernity.
Paint: you can have an accent wall, add a backsplash, paint or gloss the cabinets and doors instead of switching them out!
Organization: develop a theme for your soap dispenser, vanity trays or other organizational bathroom tool holders to create a streamlined look.
Decor: The options are endless! Add a rug, potpourri, succulents, glass jar of marble or sand, picture frames or themed shower curtains and towels to embellish your space.
Upgrading the shower head: this change provides comfort can improve the look of your shower, there are a variety of settings from mist, massage, rain and more!
Mirror framing: adding a mirror frame has a grounding effect on your vanity or sink area and ties the room in together nicely.
Remodeling your bathroom doesn't have to cost too much as long as you have a budget and choose fixes that are essential to the flow of the space! With these bathroom improvements, your bathroom will have a new sense of style, ambiance, and aesthetic that will welcome you into the room!
For bathroom remodels in the St Louis, MO area call 314-348-7503 with Flow King Rooter!
Posted in Uncategorized on February 19, 2019 at 9:29 am by Flow King Rooter.
Well Painted Cabinets are Lovely, But They Also Consume Additional Space.
So you've completed all your online searching, examined return on investment, and come to the grand conclusion that a bathroom remodel is the perfect home improvement project for the month. The only problem? You aren't certain how to remodel a bathroom. That's okay, because we have a simple and succinct guide to help you in your exciting project! Follow these tips to help you design and complete your special task.
First off, you need to decide how much time, effort, and money you're willing to invest into this project. When it comes to bathroom remodels, a rushed job only guarantees disaster! To guarantee results, you'll need to start with a firm budget, estimate the cost of materials and labor, then prioritize which elements of the bathroom need care first. This is especially important if you are working with a tighter starting budget.
Unless you have professional-level skills in plumbing and electric wiring, you'll want to call and get estimates from your local services first. If you're purchasing new appliances, countertop materials, and flooring, you'll also want to talk with their respective vendors. Once your designs are complete, find out which parts of the renovations you'll be equipped to complete personally, such as demolition. We highly recommend that you rent a dumpster on demo day, so that you can save yourself the time of taking several trips to the local landfill.
Additional Lighting Makes a Bathroom Space Appear Larger.
As you plan out your remodel, it's important that you develop your plan in a chronological order, especially if you are replacing any appliances and flooring. First, you'll need to factor in the draining and removal of your plumbing appliances. Next comes demolition, tearing out the floors and drywall.
From here, your carpenter, plumber, and electrician enter the scene to make additions and adjustments to your existing structure and utilities. This is a phase you do not want to rush, as the subsequent inspection will determine whether you get to continue on schedule or halt your progress to complete rework. Nothing should be hooked up at this point, merely in place for when the project nears completion. Assuming the groundwork passes inspection, you'll then get to start installing new insulation and drywall.
The last phase of your bathroom remodel is where your careful design and planning pays off. The walls can now be painted and your inspector should be making final checks. Then comes any tile laying, installation for cabinets, and flooring work. As the project comes to a final close, your local services will then hook up your plumbing and electrical fixtures… and you're done!
According to The Spruce, you can count on a full bathroom renovation to take a month and a half (or 46 days). That's because every home renovation is fraught with delays, last-minute design changes, late arrivals, and so on. The actually work itself can typically be completed with 25 working days. When you set out on your project, try to absorb these common delays into your time table.
Can You Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?
Much of the work mentioned above can be completed by a savvy homeowner. However, the carpentry, plumbing, and electric work should be completed by a professional to ensure safety and pass inspection. You should plan for a DIY remodel to take considerably longer, and include more contingency costs in your project estimate.
Updated Fixtures and Sinks Can Transform Even the Smallest Bathrooms.
Don't replace; restore! Renovations take lots of time and money, but simple restoration work can transform your bathroom within a matter of days. Without having to make expensive updates to your plumbing and electric system, you can save thousands of dollars.
If you have to make replacements, try saving money with secondhand or alternative materials. One of the best ways to do this is shopping online on Craig's List, eBay, etc. and buying leftover materials from other home improvement projects around the US. You can turn just about classy piece of junk into a towel rack or a set of shelves. Visit your local antique store for inspiration!
For traditionally expensive updates, such as expensive woodwork or a granite countertop, try asking your suppliers about reclaimed wood or an "imperfect" granite slab. These materials come considerably cheaper, and provide just as much beauty and style (maybe more) for your bathroom remodel. Finally, if you're wanting to update that toilet, simply replace the lid and seat with a more luxurious alternative (and kept the base).
What Should I Do With a Small Bathroom?
Small bathrooms don't have to be a hindrance. In fact, turning your small bathroom into a luxurious getaway only takes a little imagination. If you're running short on small bathroom remodel ideas, however, here are a few tips to help you out!
Skip the cabinets and stick with open shelves.
Pick lighter colors for your flooring and walls.
Install additional lighting or even a skylight.
Light and openness can make any room feel larger. That's why so many remodeled bathrooms utilize white and light hues to "expand" a bathroom. Open shelves produce a similar effect, allowing you to see more of the existing space. You don't have to do a lot of electric work to upgrade your lights. If you're worried about the space becoming too bright to relax, install a dimmer switch as well.
Open Spacing Makes Any Bathroom Feel More Luxurious.
Ask for Assistance For Your Bathroom Remodels!
Whether you're looking for toilet replacement or fixture repair, our team at Flow King Rooter is happy to help however we can with your bathroom remodel in St Louis, MO! Give us a call today at 314-348-7503 to consult with one of our seasoned plumbers.
Posted in Uncategorized on November 15, 2018 at 3:40 pm by Flow King Rooter.
What's Causing My Slow Drains?
Your home's drain system is a seldom thought-about construct- until it malfunctions. Then, you're suddenly faced with slow or non-moving drains, clogged pipes, and a risk of costly damages. However, there are things that can be done to prevent and eliminate slow drains in your home with quick, affordable slow drain repair.
Slow Drains Are a Nuisance. Let Us Clear Your Drain Problems.
Drain Clogs- When your drain is clogged, it will dramatically decrease the water draining speed.
Main Water Line Clogs- If multiple drains within your home are slow, you could have a clogged water line which will cause all of your drains to slow.
Need for Booster Pump- If your home sits below it's main plumbing line, a booster pump may be necessary to push draining water toward the drain pipe.
Rooftop Vent Clogs- When the air vent on your roof is clogged by debris or material from damaged roofing, the air in your water lines can't escape, causing a backup in your pipe.
Some roof systems, like metal roofing, can help prevent roof vent problems by helping to keep the vent opening clear of loose roof material and separated seams that can lead to damage.
If you're having problems with slow drains in your St Louis, MO home, call the Flow King Rooter team for comprehensive drain cleaning and slow drain repair. We provide a complete inspection to identify the entire issue and discuss your service options with you to ensure you receive exactly what you're looking for. Call the Flow King Rooter specialists today at 314-348-7503 to schedule your slow drain repair appointment in the St Louis, MO area.
Posted in Uncategorized on October 2, 2018 at 4:32 pm by Flow King Rooter.
The garbage disposal in your home is a great tool, but unlike popular belief, it is not a destroy all for your home. There are actually many things you cannot put down it and if you can avoid it, don't put much of anything down there. The reason for this is because it can get clogged and over time and time again, it will do this. Knowing what you can and can't put in your garbage disposal is the key to making sure your home is clear of clogs and also, that you don't have to have a plumber come out and replace your garbage disposal because it was broken by something that was thrown down in there.
Know What You Can't Throw Into Your Garbage Disposal.
Bones – I hope this goes without saying, but we have seen it before and i'm sure we will see it again. The bones from your meat will not shred away by throwing them down your drain and tossing a switch. Use your trash can for this.
Rice – Rice absorbs water and it may disappear when you put it in there, but once it begins to collect water, it will expand and it can actually create a really serious block in your pipes.
Oil – Oil is the same way and will end up adding to the clogs in your sink.
Coffee Grounds – These are very small but grainy and because of that, they will just spin around and around and never go anywhere.
If you have trouble with your garbage disposal and need help in St Louis, MO, call us at 314-348-7503, today!
Posted in Uncategorized on August 28, 2018 at 10:32 am by Flow King Rooter.


"In one seductive chapter after another, we're led through an extended elegy that expands from private sorrow to lost empire, a potentially ponderous scope that makes the novel's gracefulness all the more remarkable."
Jonathan Weisman on "No. 4 Imperial Lane"


The water was alive. As the labyrinthine mangroves of Dayasan gave way to the Hinatuan Passage, the currents shift in from all directions, wrestling and wringing out waves and whirlpools. "The sea is dancing," the boatman poetically remarked. Referring to these turbulent waters, many say that the Spanish word surgir meaning "to spurt or come forth" gave rise to the province's sonorous name: Surigao.
Located on the northernmost end of Mindanao island and facing the abyss of the Philippine Deep, Surigao del Norte is characterized by an enormous lake on a peninsula that breaks into a jigsaw of islands, making water a ubiquitous presence in the province. Through the millennia, these ancient waterscapes have become conduits of history, culture and commerce.
Best explored by boat, Day-asan Floating Village – the "Little Venice of Surigao" – demonstrates how residents prosper alongside the natural element. While the architecture may not be Italian Renaissance, the place nonetheless romances its visitors with charming houses on stilts, lobster pens, footbridges and dugout canoes. "This paradise is perfect for honeymooners," says Lydia Apao Bullivant of Daydream Laguna, a Balinese-inspired eco-luxe resort and teppanyaki restaurant in the heart of the mangrove village.
Surigao's love affair with water began eons ago. Along the city harbor, the Surigaonon Heritage Center (SHC) houses an archeological treasure of boat coffins excavated from a pre-Hispanic gravesite in Placer. "These were carbon dated at 140 AD, making them the oldest artifacts in Mindanao," Jun Almeda, SHC founder and author ofSurigao Across the Years reveals. "They were set afloat to ferry the dead to the afterlife." Intriguingly, Chinese porcelain was also discovered with the coffins, indicating that maritime trade with mainland Asia was already flourishing at the time.
Centuries later, water continues to shape local life. Dubbed the "City of Island Adventures," Surigao is a transport hub for exploring the world-renowned surfing capital of Siargao and 88 of its other islands strewn across the strait.
A visit to the insular barangays showcases the ingenuity born out of living in and around the ocean. Linking Nonoc and Hanigad islands, the CantiasaySan Pedro footbridge was built using native hardwood such as magcono (Philippine ironwood) to withstand the strong currents and occasional typhoons. Stretching for 391m over coral reef and sea grass beds, this resourceful answer to Samar and Leyte's San Juanico Bridge is the longest of its kind in the country. Crossing the bridge offers quaint sceneries of villagers traveling in purring bancas (outrigger boats) and children fishing from the scaffolds against a backdrop of rolling coconut tree-fringed hills and billowy cotton ball clouds.
During WWII, these beautiful islands witnessed the last battleship-versus-battleship action in world history: the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944 between American and Japanese forces. Bones from the past continue to surface to this day.
Last November 2009, local divers salvaged artifacts from a vandalized shipwreck off the pier. "We are now trying to identify this Japanese cargo ship," explains Jake Miranda of the Surigao Dive Club. Among the items recovered are helmets, gas masks, combat boots, IV bottles and razor sets. "The Surigaonon Heritage Center will eventually exhibit our finds." The naval artifacts were temporarily displayed at Hotel Tavern – a modernized relic in its own right – having been established in 1946 as a watering hole popular among American soldiers.
Back on the mainland, more water adventures await the insatiable traveler. Halfway between the cities of Surigao and Butuan, one can admire the majestic tranquility of Lake Mainit — the country's deepest — at Almont Lake Resort in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte just outside the provincial border. Kayaks and aqua bikes can be rented for a leisurely morning with white egrets and red-eyed starlings flitting amid bamboo groves and water hyacinths.
Named after its warm waters, the lake covers an area of over 170km2. According to Surigaonon legend, the vast body of water was once the site of the Diwata Mountains where forest nymphs lived in harmony with their pet hornbills. In time, the birds became too noisy and the fairies decided to leave, taking the mountains with them away to sea. The relocation left behind a cavity, which filled up with rainwater and became Lake Mainit, while the mountains became the island of Camiguin.
Trekking further inland, water emerges from the ground forming caves and falls along the way. "Our grandfathers took refuge here during the war," says local guide Verlison Gohil, climbing down Silop Cave into a limestone cathedral of drip-curtain walls and terraces lit up with the orange flicker of his kerosene lamp. Meanwhile, at Capalayan, a thick canopy of foliage and vines shelter an impressive 40ft waterfall cascading down slabs of dark slate.
Like the therapeutic stones of Mabua, traveling the picturesque province shows one the rewards of persevering with the ebb and flow of life. And how, sailing through the tides of time, Surigaonons emerged with a surging passion for their natural resources and deeply rooted cultural heritage.


Hey everybody! I'm Kyle McCormick, a newly selected and very excited foreign exchange student. I know that this experience is going to be a turning point in my life and I can't wait to pursue this opportunity.
Up until sixth grade, our mom home schooled me and my twin sister, Katie. We took advantage of the free time we were given and picked up violin at the age of four. Both of us have been playing ever since and I even started giving private lessons myself. Along with violin, we play a little piano and guitar. Music is a big thing in my life and always will be.
Besides music, I have been involved in other activities including dance, art, sports, and skateboarding. All of these have had a part in molding me into the person I am today.
I have always been one for adventure and I love going other places. Ranging from trips all over the U.S.A. on my snowboarding extravaganzas, to touring China for the heck of it, traveling has always come as a huge excitement.
I presently attend a small public high school called St. Petersburg Collegiate, which provides students with the opportunity to graduate high school with an associates degree as well. I started my actual schooling in sixth grade when I went to Pinellas Park Middle School for the MEGSSS program. In seventh grade, I joined a Civil Air Patrol unit stationed out of Northside Christian School, and I loved the administration there so much that I transferred to Northside School in eighth grade, where I stayed for two years, competing in every sport and excelling in school.
That's pretty much a biography about me in a nutshell, although as interesting as I may or may not sound, I am very fun and outgoing in person.
I'd like to extend my appreciation from my family, to the Rotary Club all the way to the families that I will be staying with. Thank you all very much.
So I am a week away from departing on my long adventure to Taiwan. As anxious and excited as I am, I am also afraid. I'm afraid of what I'm getting into… will the people like me? But what I'm most afraid of is what my life will be like when I come home. Who are my true friends? Will I be successful in Taiwan? I have never had so many emotions thrown together at once but it's one of the most indescribable excitements I have ever experienced. I know deep down that I will be happy no matter what I do and I know I will work my hardest in Taiwan to make a good impression on the people and show them what a good mature American boy is like.
It's so hard to say goodbye to friends, especially if I do not know if I will ever see some of them again. I love a lot of people here and am confident that when I come back they will still be here for me as I would be for them. This is the biggest adventure of my life and I plan to take full advantage of this awesome and amazing opportunity I am given. After weeks of stressing over assignments and making new friends with people that have the same interests as me and dealing with the unknowing of my final destination I am very well prepared to begin my adventure. I leave August 21st, which is in about a week, and I am going through every mixed emotion combination and I am courageous enough to admit that I am scared and confident enough to say that I will be successful. I thank you all who have made this possible.
Wish me luck on my adventure!!!
hey asked me if I was tired and I wasn't so they took me out to dinner. I impressed them as well as myself when my chopstick abilities were still good enough to pick up little things on the table. The food is so different from American food and I'm not sure if I like it or not yet. I got to where I am going to be living for the next few months and was surprised when I found out that it was an apartment building in the middle of Yung He. By the way, (Young Hee) is not the proper pronunciation for the city I'm living in, much to the dismay of many of you probable readers. Taipei is a HUMONGOUS city which is divided up into many sections, Yung He being one of them and I live on the 7th floor of the apartment complex. I have my own room with my own air conditioning unit which I take full advantage of every night. To all you people who continuously whine and moan about how hot Florida is...hush yourself...because you have NO earthly clue how hot it is here. So much for me not having acne anymore...hahaha that's ok.
Anyways when I got to my house, I met my host mother who didn't show much of an interest in me, but I think that was because she was so busy trying to make everything perfect haha. I didn't sleep all night much because of the jet lag, but partially because the bed is...well here try this...find a sauna the size of a small laundry room and set up a 2x4 piece of wood in the middle of it, put a sheet over the piece of wood and there you have it...my bedroom! HAHA Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining. It took a few nights of getting used to but I'm very glad I have my own room and a bed to sleep on. The next day I met with all the other exchange students at a school where we had our orientation. All of them are very nice and I know I will be seeing a lot more of them. I did a few other smaller things that day which aren't very interesting so I will talk about something else...hmm..
OH! up until this morning....which by the way it is August 27th and I have been here 4 days. Up until this morning I have not been able to sleep past 6:30. It was horrible!! I think my sleeping habits will be much more normal here in the upcoming days and I can't wait.
I did errands with my younger host sister and my host mother on the 25th as well as went to my school and registered. When I was walking with Li-Ting (my sister) an elderly gentleman was walking towards us and stared at me as if I had 3 heads or like I was some escaped alien from Area 51. I enthralled him enough to make him stop, turn around and continue to stare at my backside as if to ensure I was a real human being. I don't know whether to feel honored or awkward but I am getting used to being stared at. I like to tell myself that it's because they have never seen such a fine looking young man, even though it's really because white people are scarce here in Taiwan.
I have become relatively comfortable with using the Tijay Wren (MRT or Subway) system here in Taiwan - it is very easy. I went to Taipei city with a few of the other Rotary students I met and had a really great time shopping and exploring. The city is so huge but it is so much fun. Today I went to Da'an which is a very very beautiful public park. I took the bus system there all by myself today and once again impressed myself and my host mom when not only did I make it there without being lost, but I made it home too!!
I forgot to mention that one thing that made my day when I first arrived was that the outlets here are the same as in Florida so I don't have to worry about getting a converter! My parents gave me a SIM card for a cell phone as well as an old phone and they politely refused to change it into English so I'm stuck with a cell phone in Chinese hahaha. One thing that really made me laugh is that while walking the other day, I heard Fur Elise blasting from around the street corner and I thought to myself OH! they have ice-cream trucks here in Taiwan too!! But when the source of the rather irritating jingle came into sight, it was a giant gross garbage truck blasting Fur Elise. How hilarious.
In my down time as well I taught my little sister Li-Ting how to play both parts of Heart and Soul on the piano. That was a HUGE mistake because for at least 6 straight hours she played the same 4 chords over and over and over and over and over and over again. It would have got annoying but I mostly felt pleased because I knew that she was enjoying herself because she had something to play on the keyboard.
Well....That about sums up my first 4 days. I have experienced so much more than just this mere journal entry but words can not describe the excitement and new things that I am experiencing. I am working hard at learning Chinese and have picked up many new words and phrases but am sometimes annoyed when I learn one phrase, then learn another, then forget the first one I just learned, because everything sounds so similar. But I know that eventually I will get the hang of it. Thank you all for you time and I will continue to appreciate your support and love.
School. Let's start there! I love school. That's a fact and statement you will probably only hear once from my mouth, but school here is so much different then school in Florida, and probably everywhere else in America. It is me and three other students at WanFang senior high school. I don't like two of the other exchange students (one is from Germany and one is from Denmark) because they are way too spoiled and hard to please and have proved they would rather sit by themselves in the library then socialize with the people here. I just don't like the disrespect. The other girl from America I like, because we can relate on a lot of things and she is just as interested as I am and we learn from each other.
School starts at 8 o'clock in the morning and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, I sit through a 4 hour long intensive Chinese class with about 9 other students and it helps in small ways, but you would be surprised how much of the language you can pick up just hanging out with the local people here. I am very happy with my Chinese so far, but am always asking questions like "how do you sayy...." whenever I can and no matter who I ask they are always thrilled to help me out. I am eager to learn more and more and more and push myself harder than I even thought I would. If anybody reading this didn't know before, um...Chinese is a rather DIFFICULT language and it takes a lot of determination to learn, but I am so excited about it I think I will do just fine =]].
If you are young and non-Taiwanese and want to know what it's like to be treated like a god, who can't screw up and is perfect at anything, please join me in Taiwan. The students and administration and local residents are so easily impressed, I am always being complimented about things that I never imagined I would be complimented in. I am always humble and thank them so much and pick out things about them that I like and compliment them equally as much. I make an effort to remember everybody's name and a little something about everybody I meet, but when like 25 new people surround you everyday taking pictures with you and etc, it's a little hard to remember EVERY name. Especially when names are weird. Some people's names aren't even English names like "Medicare...and DeeDee....and Joyfulness." haha it's so funny but it's just another thing I love here.
Anyways....school....school is great - the cafeteria serves like...real food at lunch, it's so cool! And so cheap too! Students don't change classes, teachers move classes and each class is 50 min long. There is a 10 min break between each class and between two classes later in the afternoon there is actually a 20 min session called "clean the environment" where every student is assigned a different part of the school, and they mop sweep, wash, wipe, and dust everything. It's so cool! The school stays very clean. We get out of school at 4 and everyday I hang out with new people and make new friends and do new things. Most kids go to "cram school" which is school after school, usually from 5 to 9 and then they get home...study till about 1 in the morning and then go to sleep. It's ridiculous.
Kids love to play basketball here, so my skills are improving! I'm horrible at basketball, but of course to them I'm like the best ever and I always say NO IM NOT!! hahaha and they laugh with me. It so ridiculously hot outside that if you climb up stairs for all of 5 seconds, you will be sweating. I'm surprised I'm not drowning in the humidity!! And forget being even semi close to being dry if you play sports outside! After basketball everyday I could probably get away with "oh yea, just got out of the pool" and people would believe me! The girls are active participants in playing sports too which is really cool! Nobody thinks anything is "dumb" and if they do they don't complain about it, they just do what they're told!!
Culture shock hasn't been much of an issue for me. I found that I am very aware of my surroundings and can easily change the little things that might be rude or awkward here. If somebody tells me not to do something, or warns me not to do something, I listen to them and sometimes my actions or words make people laugh and I have to explain myself. Like when people sneeze here it is automatic for me to say "Bless you!" and they just look at me like I'm nuts! So I let out a big sigh and grin and start to explain the best way I can that..."in America...when people "achoo" people say "bless you" because of the whole heart stopping for a second and it's just polite" blah blah, and sometimes I get an understanding nod, or sometimes I get a nod with a look of "I don't understand a word you're saying" smile and we both just laugh, whoever it might be. People love to sing here. Karaoke is a big thing.
p.s. "special note to my grandfather"
Every day here is filled with excitement but when it comes down to writing journals or remembering little things that have happened it's nearly impossible!
Lately the weather has been cooling down and it's really fantastic. It's so beautiful here and it's really enjoyable...School is still fun...I guess... It's getting rather boring because the excitement of being in a new place with new faces and things to see and do has slightly worn off but I think will never entirely go away. The other day actually my school had a little track meet...I guess I would call it a track meet....It was more like a qualifying run where the top 6 fastest people from the school will have a final race on the school's anniversary which is a very big festival. I happened to tell one of my classmates that I was a fast runner in the beginning of the year, and like every other non important small detail of my life they remembered that and I was selected from my class, along with another boy, to go race. It was just the 100 meter dash but I was excited and also nervous because my little legs haven't practiced sprinting in a very long time.
Anyways...After 400 other boys ran, it was my turn to race against the other people in my group and I did very well. I think actually I got 1st place out of everybody, not to brag or anything (sticks chest out slightly) but I was proud of myself and it was also great to represent my class in a good way. Wahoo 105!! (my class number) Now I have to run at the final school race on the 17th of November and I'm anxious and nervous but like usual will try my best.
After school everyday I either go to dance practice or wherever else I want to go. Dance club is like a hip hop/ popping dance and it's very new for me and very fun and I learn a lot. I went to this teen dance club/party thing last weekend and so many people can dance so well here it's really fantastic. I hope that I can learn something from them.
If I don't go to dance, I go play pool with my gazillion other friends from different schools. Playing pool here is very cheap and very very fun and it's a great place to hang out and talk with people and make new friends.
No matter where you go there are always Taiwanese people who are experts at a game or a talent or some sort of thing. Like, I went to a big arcade a while ago and there was every game you could possibly imagine. And on every machine like dance dance revolution, or guitar hero or some drum game, there was always a horde of people surrounding one or more people who just were amazing at that game. There were two guys once, that were dancing on this dance game and it was similar to dance dance revolution (it's a dancing game where you have to jump on 4 different arrows at a certain time) but while moving your feet you had to move you hands under these sensors so it was more interactive. Not only did these guys blow the game away but they had a DANCE ROUTINE!! Spins and jumps and flamboyant head thrusts and wrist waves. Oh god it was hilarious and unbelievable. While one was dancing, the other would be behind him doing the exact same thing with his eyes closed, as if practicing. It was so funny.
I have two very very good friends here. Alex (Wei Jun) from Belgium and Rodrigo (Chung Un) from Mexico. We love hanging out with each other. We hang out with other exchange students sometimes but we have created a top secret club called "Culture day"...Not really top secret anymore haha but it's a lot of fun. We go to different parts of Taipei and we walk up to random people or into random stores and we just start talking to people. We find it very very fun, and many people love talking to us. It provides us with a great opportunity to use our Chinese and learn more and more, we learn about people, make friends, and explore everything. It's really funny when I go places with a group of people and some girl or some guy from a store runs out and says hello to me and the people that I am with look at me like "what the hell?!" and I just smile and say ehh...Culture day... It's so much fun.
I am having the time of my life here no matter where I go, who I talk to, or what I do. I never think "boy get me out of here". I take advantage of every situation and expand my knowledge of the country and people everyday. This is such a wonderful convenient place to live.
One thing I do wonder about however, is that living here is almost like living in a false utopia. For instance, the news never says anything about the war going on. Never any depressing information. Even the newspaper is all local things, people getting arrested, male prostitutes being caught, upcoming celebrations, silly things like that, never anything happening worldwide. It is very strange to me. Kids here nearly shudder when I tell them that yes, I have shot a gun. Some kids didn't even know what happened on September 11th even after explaining to them what happened. All of them are well informed about the schools in other countries, the politics definitely and other important facts, but nothing about the worldwide tragedies. If there is news about it, it is not on for weeks and weeks, it is just there and gone in an instant. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. It seems to be working for the country because until you come here, you will never understand the peaceful living conditions that I am living in, the kindness of people, and how people obey laws, respect elders and work hard and try their best at everything. Taiwan is really a fantastic place and I wish I could be here forever.
I hope this provides you with a good enough update on me. =]] I will post again soon and maybe next time I will have more interesting, hopefully humorous stories to share with you.
Like usual, Taiwan is fabulous and exciting. The weather has FINALLY started to cool down, and it gets dark before 5 now. It went from being really really hot, to being cold and rainy, but as of now I prefer the cool wet. I have talked to some other exchange students, from Florida, and from everywhere else around the world and am glad to hear that most of them are having as good of a time as I am having. Some however, are finding out that other countries are not as kind as their home country. It makes me feel even more grateful that I am here in Taiwan because everybody is very kind and very nice.
Lately, some not so good events have occurred, but everybody is ok. One of my really good friends from Mexico received news that his best friend committed suicide and we were able to help him get through the loss, because all of us students here (like I'm sure every other Rotary youth exchange district is) are very close with one another and help each other out with different things. It's really great and we are all so thankful for the friendships and the relationships we have made here.
Two of my friends got hit by a motorcycle yesterday, and they are both ok, and thinking back on the event we all laugh very much. It was their stupid mistake but even typing it now makes me chuckle.
My Chinese is coming along quite well. It is such a hard language but, thankfully we have the Chinese classes and we learn as much as we can in them. Reading and writing are coming along, and it's such a great feeling when you respond to somebody in Chinese and their face lights up with surprise and they say Ni ting Dong ma? (which means like... you understand talk?) and you say Dway! (yes). They get so excited and of course ramble on at 2894 miles an hour in Chinese and then look at you waiting desperately to hear you speak Chinese again, but you just laugh and say I'm sorry!! And they laugh with you. All of the exchange students here want to continue Chinese class through our whole exchange and we are trying our best to convince the Rotary clubs here to please please please pay for us. haha We learn so much in the classes and I know that, after a few months I will be fluent enough to survive on my own here, but if having a Chinese class all year long, I would be so much better!! The thought of it is so exciting and I can't wait until that day comes.
As I lay on my traditional rock hard Taiwanese bed with surprising comfort, I listened to all of the noises of the city; the honking of cars and motorcycles, the rather annoying garbage truck that blast the beginning of Fur Elise over and over and over again, some young child screaming because they are being beaten over homework...(ok I'm kidding about that)...and every other little sound that i can hear from my bedroom. I thought to myself "wow, this is so...normal!" I remember the first few nights here and it was as if I was placed in a new world of sound where every little noise was so new and so different, it made everything so much more exciting!
I am now at that point in my exchange where everything isn't "new" anymore - it's now home. I have made lifetime friendships with people here already and they have become my temporary family here and the experience is unbelievable. At times I find myself thinking about the craziest things, for example. "wow I've been here for 5 months already! that went by incredibly fast! soon it will be over, and I'll be back home and then soon I'll be done with college...then soon I'll be old! then ill DIE! OMG what's heaven like!?!?!" Haha. It must sound silly to you "the reader" haha but if I had this discussion with an exchange student he would relate perfectly. It's pretty cool how far I have come with the language and the cultural adaptation within 5 months.
The weather here is beautiful. Well usually it's beautiful. It's the same as Florida, rainy one day, sunny the next. I have a pleasantly long new year vacation from my school, so I have spent a lot of time with my Taiwanese friends, or exchange student friends, checking out hot springs and different places around Taipei city.
I'm still having the time of my life here, and continue to learn things and am forever falling in love with Taiwan.
The dreaded time has come, and the goodbyes and farewells begin. I have been here in Taiwan now for about 9 or so months, and wow, let me tell you this has been the fastest year of my life.
Throughout this year, I have witnessed and experienced things I would never have imagined to experience. I can speak Chinese! Literally, me and my best friend were talking the other day, and we both became very proud of ourselves because we realized, we can talk about anything we want to!! Ya, we might use a lot of "this thing or that thing" but we can communicate with people that cannot speak English. At this point in time, I wish I didn't have to go home, not only because of the people and the place, but I feel that my Chinese is good enough that all I need to learn now is vocabulary. Within the group of exchange students I'm in, lately many many people have become hidden inside themselves, all dealing with the fact that yes, it's over and where did the time go. I had one day, where I was just so depressed and sad and furious and after that, I realized that, NO! now is not the time to be pessimistic, it's a time to reflect upon what all of us just went through, and to look forward to the future and seeing people again! Yes, of course I am sad, but if everybody in my group of friends just sits around all day frightened by the mixed emotions flowing through them, nothing will be OK. So I have promoted myself to be the one who cheers everybody up, and so far...it's working!
The saddest part about it is not "oh my god I'll never see you again blah blah" but the fact that all of us...the family that we have made, will never be together again. I know I will see people again in different places, but never again will all of us be in Taipei Taiwan singing along to Chinese music or eating weird food together. That is what gets at me most, but not enough to ruin the last month I have here.
On a more positive interesting note, almost every night I dream in Chinese. It's got to be the weirdest thing ever. My sister (from Florida) was with me one time on a bus here in Taiwan and SHE was speaking Chinese... sooo creepy. But one of the coolest things I have ever accomplished.
The weather here has become very hot again, but it's still tolerable. I'm now just about done with school and I can't tell you how thankful I am for that. Every high school student reading this should be so thankful that you don't go through what these kids go through. And no, it's not a good thing. School is school and ya gotta do it, but Taiwanese people take it wayyy overboard. I know kids here who wake up every single day at 5:30, school at 7:30 to 5:30, then an hour break, then to "cram school" from 6:30 to 9:30 come home and do allll of their homework and go to sleep around 1:30 and do it all over again. Saturdays usually included. It's insane. But nevertheless, I have more Taiwanese friends then I can count and it's a little embarrassing when I bump into somebody and they say "WHOA! Kyle oh my god long time no seee!!" and I'm like..."uhh ohh!!! hiiiiii"...not recalling their face or name. But I've gotten good at faking it so they don't feel unimportant.
I love the culture here. No matter where I go or who I meet, I always fit in. They are all so friendly and kind. I'm looking forward to coming back to Taiwan next year to study at a college here, that has a special Chinese class that has a great record. Sorry, change of subject really quick, but after not writing English words for soo long, some of them look really weird!! Haha, I forgot how to spell some of the simplest words and all of us exchange students laugh when one of us stupidly asks how to spell something very simple. Sometimes, I talk to foreigners in Chinese after they speak English to me. Or I find myself saying Chinese grammar while speaking English. It's fantastic.
I don't know what to expect from people when I get home. Of course all of my "friends" will ask me "oh! so how was Taiwan?" and that question is the worst question you could ask any exchange student upon their return. Imagine going to Mars for a year, having the adventure of your life, and meeting 100 best friends that are forever; then going home and having somebody ask you "oh how was Mars?"... It is impossible to explain in words the greatest experience of your life and just trying to explain it almost frustrates me because it's so hard to convey the emotion and friendships and the adventures that I had here. Every day is a new story and a new quest so I could sit down with somebody and talk to them for months about Taiwan. When people say "being an exchange student is an adventure of a lifetime" they aren't kidding. Unfortunately all good things come to an end, but where good times end, better times begin I hope, and I'm anxiously looking forward to coming back here to pursue my goals in Chinese.
Like I mentioned earlier, I could talk or type all day about things I'm feeling or thinking about and I don't really know how to stop! Haha. This past year has been fantastic and not a day has gone by that I've regretted coming to Taiwan.
I'd like to end this journal with a quote by Anatole France: "One must never lose time in vainly regretting the past or in complaining against the changes which cause us discomfort, for change is the essence of life."
Thanks everybody who made this possible. You know who you are and I am forever grateful.