Michigan’s High Mountain Cannabis Co. mold and fungus prevention efforts lead to rich harvests

Mold and fungus is one of the most pressing issues facing the North American cannabis growing industry.

Fungus and molds, such as Botrytis, are leading causes of infections that can result in entire crop destruction and sometimes even force cannabis grow-op closure for weeks of remediation.

However, cannabis growers are fighting back by combating mold, fungus and other microorganisms with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Cannabis grow-ops are specifically using the UV-C wavelength, which is lethal for mold, bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants.

UV isn’t new as it has been used for more than a century to sanitize water. More recently, the HVAC industry has developed UV lamp kits for HVAC systems to prevent mold and biofilm growth inside air handler units and to neutralize airborne microorganisms as they circulate through the ventilation system.

Consequently, cannabis growers have increasingly installed UV-C germicidal lamp systems in their facilities’ air handlers. One example is High Mountain LLC, Vassar, MI, an 8,500-square-foot facility that relies on UV-C lamps in its HVAC air handlers to prevent mold and fungus contamination.

The UV-C systems, combined with tight HVAC humidity/temperature control, help grow rooms operate at sanitary levels similar to cleanrooms. High Mountain’s impressive harvests are typically three-lbs/1,000 watt light (or a minimum 100-lbs/50-light room), which is considered the high end of the productivity scale in Michigan.

Based on previous mold suppression efforts, COO/co-founder Brandon Schmitzer, plans UV-C lights for an upcoming 10,000-square-foot expansion in the wake of the facility’s addition of recreational use certification to its original 2020 medical marijuana certificate from Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA).

“Mold is a constant battle in the medical marijuana growing industry, because it’s critical to keep (microbial) colony-forming units under the strict government standards we must meet during test processes,” said Schmitzer. “UV-C is an important part of the puzzle in keeping a facility sanitary.”

Consequently, High Mountain hasn’t encountered the mold challenges other Michigan grow-ops have faced, such as remediation, harvest delaying re-testing/inspection and, in some extreme cases, crop destruction.

Schmitzer and his HVAC contractor, Martin Proctor, president, Proctor Plumbing LLC, Vassar, chose APCO-X, a combination of UV-C disinfection technology and activated EverCarbon™ media catalyst air treatment for HVAC systems. Manufactured by Fresh-Aire UV, Jupiter, Fla., the APCO-X units were strategically placed in air handler return ductwork between the air filter and coil to prevent mold and biofilm growth on both. The UV-C light also neutralizes airborne mold and microorganisms in the airstream. While UV-C addresses biological contaminants, the APCO-X V-Twin EverCarbon Matrix is infused with lifetime warrantied activated carbon media to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs, such as material off-gassing, solvents and glues, cleaning chemicals, and general nuisance odors are removed from the airstream before grow room HVAC distribution. The EverCarbon Matrix includes an antimicrobial-coating. The APCO-X process does not introduce any additives or oxidizers into the air that may pose issues to occupants or plants.

The facility operates 22 HVAC split systems ranging from 2 tons to 5-ton, 2,000-CFM units manufactured by Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating, Waller, Texas. The three flower rooms operate six 5-ton units each with air distributed through fabric ductwork manufactured by FabricAir, Suwanee, GA. The, Combi 70 fabric duct employs an anti-microbial agent that also helps prevent surface biological growth.

“We’ve been manufacturing coil and duct mount UV disinfection systems for more than 20 years for all types of building applications,” said Aaron Engel, vice-president of business development, Fresh-Aire UV. “For example, healthcare facilities employ UVC disinfection to address hospital associated infections (HAIs). Grow facilities are no different, except they’re mitigating cross-infection of plants within the facility as well as disinfecting the HVAC equipment which can introduce mold and fungus into the facility. Germs are germs. What’s important is applying the right strategy and product for the application.”

High Mountain’s five-year plan includes a goal of 10 more buildings, dependent on power availability. Regardless of the number of buildings, all HVAC systems will definitely be using UV-C to prevent mold and mildew growth on and around the cannabis plants, according to Schmitzer.

Source: Mechanical Hub

Lap of Luxury

“Feel the beauty you deserve.”

This is the friendly greeting and reminder to clients instantly visible when visiting the Zazú Salons website. Its Instagram page features an array of buttery blondes, shiny chestnut curls, and razor-sharp nails in golden amber and festive hues. The Zazú feed is also interspersed with cute graphics such as “May your day be as amazing as your hair,” as well as more serious entreaties, like promoting paraben-free products and encouraging followers to say no to animal testing.

Nestled in historic downtown Hinsdale, Zazú Salon’s flagship location has become the gold standard for luxury salons. Zazú Salon has been bringing the very best of hair and beauty to the greater Chicago area for over 40 years. The original salon’s doors first opened in Hinsdale in 1979, and today, Zazú has six chic salon locations in Hinsdale, Naperville, Wheaton, the Chicago Gold Coast, and its newest branch in Elmhurst—which opened in November.

A family-owned business, Zazú’s commitment to making each client feel a part of the Zazú family as well is part of what makes this salon so unique.

“We want you to feel welcomed and at home … our entire team believes that the foundation of your unique experience begins with the art of listening to your needs,” says the Zazú Team. The staff at Zazú Salon is also committed to making each client’s luxury experience specially tailored to them, with personalized recommendations for seasonal services and other offers.

The Zazú Salons group prides itself on a fleet of highly trained stylists and technicians, whose skill and dedication make no request or service impossible. From the latest and most cutting-edge techniques in the world of hair, beauty, and self care, to replicating the perfect Instagram ombre or nail design, Zazú Salon will make sure you leave feeling satisfied and your absolute best.

Even in light of a global pandemic, Zazú Salons and their team’s commitment to personalization and client care has only improved. In addition to installing FreshAire UV filters to sterilize all air circulation in Zazú Salons, there is a new contactless check-in, check-out, and booking features to maintain as much sanitation and social-distancing as possible.

“We worked very hard to find the balance between being as safe as possible for all of our guests and staff, while still not losing that personal touch that we’re so proud of … we purposely have tried to keep each service as familiar and relaxing as possible,” says the Zazú team.

In the world of fashion, 2020 brought cozy loungewear to the forefront and saw the popularity of the “Nap Dress” reach an alltime high. Looking ahead to the new year ahead, Zazú Salons is predicting that extensions will be every salon’s must-have style.

The beauty of hair extensions is they can add fullness, length, and even color to brighten up and enhance your natural cut. Extensions are also a great option for anyone who has cut their hair short, that way they’re not limited to one style until their locks grow back out. Another new year’s trend already on the rise at Zazú Salons—a continued demand for facials featuring their newest upgrade add-on to address “maskne.”

Thanks to Zazú’s attentive guest service and care, customers have stayed loyal, still eager to return to the salons for a chance to relax and escape from the noise and stress of everyday.

The Zazú family is so thankful and appreciative of all their clients’ past and continued support. They are thrilled that they can continue to pamper guests and look forward to many more years of being Hinsdale’s preferred salon.

Zazú Salon is located at 18 E. Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale. For more information and alternate locations, visit zazusalons.com, download the Zazú Salon Group app, and find Zazú Salons on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @zazusalons.

Source: jwcdaily.com/hinsdalelivingmagazine/2021/01/01/lap-of-luxury/

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Roughly half of all private sector employees in the United States work for a small business and right now, there is perhaps no worse time to be a small business owner or employee than during the current coronavirus economy.

A great deal of those small businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, have furloughed or laid off employees. Of the roughly half a million people out of work in Florida due to COVID-19, about one third worked in food services or retail.

“We were really clicking on all cylinders and having to make that hard adjustment has been tough,” said Nick Stump, owner of the Fleet Feet run shop in Delray Beach. Stump recently laid off about half of his part-time staff.

Stump’s Fleet Feet store is empty, except for untouched products. The history teacher turned run shop owner has moved sales online to stay afloat.

“You’re seeing companies adapt and that’s exactly what’s going to have to happen in this economy,” financial expert Tom Essaye said. “The state could open tomorrow, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people will flock to restaurants, the mall and bars. This is unfortunately going to be a longer recovery.”

Essaye encourages companies to try whatever they can to stay in business, including seeking out government assistance and loans. Stump says his full time job is now looking for things like that to help his business.

But small businesses owners are also concerned about what the state of the economy will be when whatever government assistance they received dries up.

Many worry they won’t be able to continue paying employees into the summer.

“If you consistently believe in yourself, which is what you did when you first got into this, you can make it,” Stump advised fellow small business owners. “You’re going to do it.”

Not every business is suffering, however. Manufacturing has not been nearly as badly hit as other businesses, according to the State of Florida. In fact, some factories are even seeing a boom.

“We have received so many requests for our technology,” said Ron Saunders, Co-Owner of Fresh Aire UV, a company making ultraviolet-light disinfectant systems. “We are three months behind on orders that I could ship if I had enough personnel.”

Saunders’ company is one of the few hiring in order to meet their unprecedented demand. Employees are also working overtime; Saunders says some of their households are only down to the one Fresh Aire UV paycheck after spouses lost jobs.

“When we come in on Saturdays, the roads are empty and this parking lot is full,” he said.

It’s been nearly two decades since Fresh-Aire UV opened our doors and we are so proud to celebrate –– because of you –– we’ve sold more than 1-million pieces of our IAQ equipment! The IAQ industry is now a necessity instead of a nicety.

Many of you may (or may not) know that Fresh-Aire UV’s facility in Jupiter is a final assembly manufacturing facility dedicated to assembly, testing and shipping. To build our products core components – we have very tight partnerships with our vendor supply chain who make the build of our hard parts, such as UV lamps and power supplies. We own the equipment, tools, dies (and patents), associated with the development and manufacturing of our products. We are also vested in dedicated assembly lines with our partners to the manufacture of our products to our specifications.

Starting in March when the pandemic first hit, we ramped up our standing orders by more than 5 times normal volume in response to the first few weeks of the pandemic. Since most of our partners have historically worked with us for more than 15 years with a relatively predicable product demand – they were all used to delivering goods to us with a normal 10-12-week lead cycle. With the unpresented demand that we received – our partners all reacted immediately in various ways to respond to the new demand that we received (many of whom were under shelter in place orders in their respective states and countries).

There are various efforts our partners have undertaken in response to striving for more UV systems to fulfill our order pipeline.

Stay tuned… we have millions of dollars in materials on order with hundreds of thousands of lamps/power supplies in the pipeline.