With the start of spring planting, anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks will again become a familiar sight.  Because of the risks that can occur if a tank is involved in an accident, caution should be used when handling these tanks.  Fortunately, there are regulations in effect to reduce these risks, whether the tank is on or off the road. Safety chains are required to be attached when tanks, empty or full, are moved on the road at a speed faster than 15 miles an hour.  "If the hitch pin should work out of the drawbar, the chains help to control the nurse tank," says George Maher, Ag Safety Specialist.  The safety chains should allow turning without binding to reduce the chance they will break. "Because of the weight, only two tank wagons can be pulled at one time with either a pickup, tractor or truck," Maher says.  "The highest speed at which a nurse tank can be moved on any public road is 25 miles an hour, and only between sunrise and sunset." When several implements and tanks are pulled together, the whole assembly cannot be longer than 75 feet.  "It is not uncommon for long strings of implements to swerve from side to side while moving down the road," Maher says.  "This is extremely dangerous.  When pulling more than one implement or tank, travel at a slower speed and exercise greater caution." "Transporting tanks is an age-appropriate task," Maher says.  Youngsters must be at least 14 years of age and have a valid drivers license to pull tanks, and even then, they can only do it for their parents.  To pull tanks for an employer, a youngster must be at least 16 years of age with a valid drivers license. Slow moving vehicle signs are also required to be displayed on tanks and must always be visible.  Most often, they are painted on the rear of the tank, in high visibility of other drivers. "All paint and labels on tanks must be maintained.  'Anhydrous ammonia' must be displayed on all four sides of the tank in green letter, 2 or more inches high," Maher says.  Regulations also call for 'non-flammable gas' or '1500 DOT' placards and 'inhalation hazard' to be painted on all sides.  All tank valves should be labeled to indicate whether the opening is for liquid or vapor service.  Other labels must also be maintained that explain first aid procedures and safety instructions.

"Give every nurse tank a safety inspection before you take it from the bulk filling facility," said Maher.  "Be certain it has all the safety equipment, including goggles, gloves, and 5 gallons of clean water."

Engineer Offers Recommendations for Decreasing Spray Volumes and Drift

As sprayers begin making their way across the region's crops, they bring with them the potential for spray drift - the fine spray drops that move away from their intended target.  Eliminating all of those drift-susceptible droplets is impossible, says a North Dakota State University agricultural engineer, but applicators do have considerable control over the spray drops they are applying."Some applicators are reducing the spray volume for foliar application of herbicides based on spray equipment manufacturers' recommendations," notes Vern Hofman of the NDSU Extension Service.  "In some cases, applicators that had been applying 8 to 12 gallons per acre (GPA) are reducing this to 5 gallons per acre or even less."  Sometimes the applicators are also increasing spray pressure to improve coverage with the reduced volume."These actions are usually not recommended," Hofman says.  "Cutting application rates reduces drop size, which can reduce deposition on the target and increase drift potential."  Hofman notes that droplets under 100 to 150 microns are susceptible to drift.  By comparison, a human hair is about 100 microns thick."Producing small drops may help improve crop coverage, but getting the fine drops to land on the intended plants may be difficult," he explains.  "Some of those very fine drops will remain in the spray stream crated by the spray pattern and move around leaves instead of landing on them.  A drop need to have enough mass to break loose from the stream to deposit on a leaf.  Small drops may not be able to do so."Small drops produced from conventional sprayers lose their velocity very soon after they are produced.  For example, a 50-micron drop will  lose its velocity 3 inches from a nozzle and a 100-micron drop will lose its velocity 9 inches from the nozzle.  Then, the drops depend on gravity to carry them to the target."When the droplet has lost its velocity, even gentle breezes may carry them out of the target field," Hofman says.  The problem is compounded because the active ingredients of many sprays do not evaporate while their carrier, water, does so readily.  The carrier evaporates, causing a small drop of concentrated spry they may be susceptible to drift.Water in a spray formulation begins to evaporate immediately after the drop is formed.  At 90 F and 36% humidity, a 50-micron drop will evaporate to pure chemical in less than two seconds and will then be vulnerable to move in any wind.Hofman notes that some equipment manufacturers are designing sprayers with a high-speed air stream (air-assist sprayers) that carries the spray drops to the target.  In concert with that technology, some manufacturers are recommending the use of low amounts of carrier, a practice not listed on the label and therefore illegal with certain pesticides."The high-speed air stream may increase the problem of carrying spray past the leaf because a larger drop may be needed to break free from the air stream to deposit on the target," Hofman says.  A study in Canada has shown increased drift from air-assisted sprayers early in the growing season because the high-speed air stream hits the ground and rebounds, carrying spray with it.  Fine drops then remain in the dissipating air stream.  "The problem occurs when the plant canopy is small early in the growing season.  If herbicides are being applied with an air-assist sprayer, it may be the best to reduce airflows so the rebounding air does not increase drift," he says.To compensate for reduced spray volumes, some applicators may increase operating pressure from 30 to 40 pounds per square inch to 50 to 60 pounds per square inch or more, believing they can drive small drops into the crop canopy and increase coverage.  "In reality, the opposite occurs," Hofman says.  "Smaller drops are being produced that are losing velocity very quickly after they leave the nozzle.  At the same time, evaporation is reducing their size more, making them more susceptible to drift."In addition, small drops have low momentum and very little energy to be driven into the plant canopy.  Increasing pressure causes small drops to be produced with an increased potential to drift.  Reducing spray volumes reduces drop size and increasing pressures reduces drop size even more with a resulting increase in drift potential.New air-induction spray nozzles are available that do reduce drift potential, Hofman notes.  They produce large drops even at higher pressures (50 pounds per square inch and above is the optimum for several of the nozzles).  Until more research is done, they should only be used with systemic herbicides.  "These nozzles produce large drift-resistant drops, but may reduce coverage as well," he says.Air induction nozzles are available in small sizes, but if better coverage is necessary, Hofman advises applicators to use higher spray volumes and flat-fan nozzles.  Higher volumes produce larger spray drops that will be more resistant to drift.  He recommends keeping pressures under 40 psi with flat-fan nozzles.  If an applicator uses extended range nozzles, operating pressures can be reduced to 15 to 20 pounds per square inch and the proper spray pattern will be maintained.  "With those recommendation, larger drops are produced with fewer fines.  That will help reduce the drift potential," he says.A Droplet Approach to Controlling Spray Drift: Size Does Matter100 microns -- human hair
Very fine droplets measuring less than 120 microns are collected efficiently by insects and needles on coniferous plants, but tend to remain in the air-stream and are carried around the stems and leaves of weeds.150 microns -- sewing thread300 microns -- toothbrush bristle
Fine and medium droplets measuring between 120 and 350 microns deposit more efficiently on stems and narrow vertical leaves such as grasses when there is some air movement.420 microns -- staple

850 microns -- paper clip
Coarse and very coarse droplets measuring more than 350 microns deposit most efficiently on large flat surfaces such as broad leaf weeds.

Emergency Preparedness Is Essential

 "Help, help!  Dad's caught in the auger!" can be the most chilling and unnerving cry to be heard on a farm, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural safety specialist.In 1994, North Dakota farmers and farm workers suffered more than 1,300 farm injuries that were treated at a medical facility.  Of those injuries, 440 were musculo-skeletal injuries, and 69 of the victims spent at least one day in a hospital."Producers should be prepared because an injury can occur on their farms," Maher says.  "Every farm should have at least two people that are trained in first aid and CPR.  Family members who are trained in first aid and CPR can improve the victim's chances of survival and speed the recovery.  Recovery from an agricultural injury can be much easier if quality treatment is given to the victim as soon as possible in the first hour after the accident."The first hour, also known as the golden hour, is quality time for first aid.  "It is usually hard to think that a serious injury can happen on your farm, but it is even more agonizing to realize that 'I didn't know what to do,' or 'I didn't want to do the wrong thing, so I didn't do anything,'" Maher says.  "This does not help the victim and really adds to the risk of the victim not surviving."When a course in first aid and CPR is offered locally, several family members should take it.  In most areas of North Dakota, it takes significant time for the rescue squad to get to the farm, Maher says.  Treatment administered during that time can improve the chances of survival and speed the recovery time.  

First aid and CPR courses are offered frequently across the state.  Check local newspapers or ask local rescue personnel about such courses.  Most courses are offered at little cost or are free.  "It is an excellent opportunity to gain those needed skills," Maher says.  "Even if you took a course several years ago, you still need the latest training.  It's important because a family member may someday need your help."

Anhydrous Equipment Needs Frequent Safety Inspections

Faulty anhydrous ammonia equipment is a disaster waiting to happen according to a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist.  Equipment used in the application of anhydrous ammonia needs a continual safety-check during the application season.A good place at which to start the inspections is with the personal protective equipment for the handling and application of ammonia.  "Gloves and goggles should always be in the safety kit on each nurse tank," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension service.  "The goggles must be unvented and the gloves must be approved for anhydrous ammonia work.  Ammonia will easily pass through the vents of any shop-type or chemical vented goggles, so they are not acceptable."The five gallon emergency water reservoir should be checked also.  It should contain fresh, clean water.  Since ammonia will be absorbed by the water over a period of time, the water should be changed daily.The nurse tank hose is a vital connection between the tank and your field applicator.  "Check for kinks, bruises, makeshift repairs, worn spots, and abrasions," Maher says.  "The valve body and valve wheel must be in good condition and the bleeder valve has to be usable.  The hose shuld be bled of ammonia properly so it will be safe for you to attach to the applicator.  All of the hose parts have a very important job to do when it comes to attaching the tank to your field applicator."Everyone involved with the sale, service, transport, or application of anhydrous ammonia should carry a five ounce squirt bottle of water.  The water should be changed daily to be sure it is not tainted with ammonia when applied to an eye exposed to anhydrous ammonia.Always carefully check the field applicator to make sure it is ready for use.  The breakaway coupler should work properly every time.  The hoses to the injector knives need to be properly supported with no droops or sags.  The applicator shut-off mechanism must operate reliably.  The side reflectors and SMV sign should be clearly visible.  The applicator should be securely attached to the tractor by using a safety clip on the hitch pin.  Inspect the applicator tires to make sure they are fit for road travel ad fieldwork."Transporting anhydrous ammonia in nurse tanks can be risky, especially when using tanks from a retail source," Maher says. "Rarely do you know who had the tank last and what kind of abuse it may have received.  Before leaving the retail source, check the wagon assembly to be sure it is roadworthy.  Are there safety chains on the drawbar?  Is there a safety clip for the hitch pin?  Are the tires properly inflated and in good condition?  Do the wheels have all the lug nuts?  Is the frame straight and are all the welds secure?  Is the nurse tank properly placarded with the SMV sign and other required decals?  The person behind the wheel when a nurse tank is being moved on public roads is completely responsible for everything that happens to it."

Inspect your ammonia application equipment frequently during the application season.  Using safe equipment and following safe practices is the only way to minimize the risk of anhydrous ammonia exposure and injury, Maher says.

Anhydrous Ammonia Is Tough on Human Beings

Anhydrous ammonia is a highly effective form of nitrogen fertilizer which accounts for its popularity.  But anhydrous ammonia can also be a highly effective killer, notes a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist. And the extremely cold conditions in Minot will complicate the situation for medical and clean-up personnel, says George Maher with the NDSU Extension Service. Cold weather will keep the anhydrous ammonia from vaporizing as fast, so the problem could last longer.  Also, large volumes of water will be needed to neutralize and dilute the anhydrous ammonia.  "That obviously poses hazards and challenges in this kind of weather," Maher says. "Because anhydrous ammonia is used so widely there are many opportunities for injury from it," Maher says.  "Some exposures result in serious injury to the victim and others in short-term discomfort lasting the better part of a day or more.  In general anhydrous ammonia is not friendly to the human body."  According to the North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, North Dakota producers use about 345,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia a year.At standard conditions, anhydrous ammonia is a clear, colorless gas with a very sharp, characteristic odor.  "The odor is probably the strongest safety feature of anhydrous ammonia," Maher says.  "One sniff, at only 50 parts per million concentration, clearly tells you what you are dealing with and will drive you from the area."  More than a sniff can disable a person so much that escape is impossible.  At 5,000 parts per million, suffocation happens quickly.Anhydrous ammonia is a liquid when compressed or cooled.  The boiling point is -28 F.  "It is so cold it will freeze-burn exposed tissue," Maher says.  "It can freeze skin to the point where clothing is literally frozen to the skin.  The victim must have a steady flow of water over the exposed flesh to thaw the clothing from the skin.  Simply pulling off the frozen clothing will result in layers of skin being pealed off too."Treating victims of anhydrous ammonia in extremely cold temperatures could be a problem, Maher says.  "Hypothermia and thermal shock could be concerns."The injury is also a chemical burn.  Anhydrous ammonia is extremely corrosive -- chemically destroying flesh, burning deep.  First aid is to dilute the ammonia with a continuous flow of water.  The flushing must be constant, continuing until arrival at the hospital where medical help takes over.  Exposure to 2,000 parts per million will cause a burn and serious blisters.  Recovery from an anhydrous exposure burn is similar to a burn from fire.  Scar tissue will eventually cover the injury."There is a very strong attraction between anhydrous ammonia and water," Maher explains.  "One gallon of water will absorb 1,300 gallons of anhydrous ammonia vapor.  As a result, anhydrous will absorb moisture from any tissue: eyes, skin, mucous tissues of the nose, mouth, throat and lungs, and result in a freeze-dried burn."It will become trapped under contact lenses and seriously burn the eye, usually resulting in some blindness.  Exposure to only 700 parts per million will result n permanent eye damage.  Never attempt to remove contact lenses from a victim, just maintain a constant flow of clean water over the victims eyes until delivery to the hospital.Maher says that inhaling anhydrous ammonia will result in such excruciating pain that it may prevent breathing -- it could actually hurt too much to breathe.  Anhydrous ammonia will attack the mucous linings of the upper respiratory tract and lungs.First aid consists of flushing the mouth and throat with as much clean water as possible.  Little can be done for the lungs and upper respiratory tract except by emergency medical technicians who can administer oxygen under the direction of a physician.  Recovery from such internal injury is extremely difficult, at best.Every contain of anhydrous ammonia, bulk storage unit, semi-trailer tank, nurse tank, or field applicator must have the safety kit on it, Maher says.  The gloves and goggles must be in excellent condition.  "Gloves and goggles not used will not protect you," he notes."Not every exposure to anhydrous ammonia is going to result in serious, life-threatening injuries," Maher says.  "But, the chance of such injury is more than enough to demand the strongest effort in preventing exposure.  There is nothing wrong with being too careful and using protective equipment as much as possible.  It simply reduces the risk."

For more information on safety issues related to anhydrous ammonia applications, refer to "Anhydrous Ammonia: Managing the Risks", AE-1149, a publication from the NDSU Extension Service available through county extension offices or the Web at http://www.ext.noak.edu/extpubs/ageng/safety/ae1149-1.htm, or contact George Maher at 701-241-8288.

Working around grain bins is not without risks.  These include grain entrapment and possible suffocation, entanglement in augers and other machinery, and health risks from grain dust and molds.  All of these risks present a real danger, calling for the utmost caution and care according to an agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University. "There is always a risk of grain being bridged when it is taken from the bin," say George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.  "If the grain should stop flowing after the auger has been running for a while, it is very likely that the grain has been bridged." Bridged grain is grain that has stuck together to the extent that it is self-supporting and does not flow.  When viewed from the top of the bin, the grain will appear as if it has not been disturbed or as if nothing has been taken from the bin. "Your first thought is to go in the bin and check it out," Maher says.  "But don't enter the bin or even consider stepping on the grain.  It will collapse under your weight and pull you down into the grain and possibly suffocate you.  There is a large, empty cavity under the grain surface and nothing there to support your weight."Bridged grain can be safety poked and prodded down in the bin without going into the bin.  Use a long pole, a 2x4, a length of pipe or a steel rod.  Use a length of non-conducting PVC pipe if there are electric wires overhead.  You can "harpoon" or throw the pipe into the bridged grain when the pipe is attached to a length of rope which is tied to the bin, all done while you are safely positioned outside the bin. Do not attempt to dislodge the grain while the auger is running.  Shut it off so the pole cannot get caught in the auger.  It would be safety to electrically "lock-out" grain moving equipment while knocking down the bridged grain.  This can be done with padlocks and chains, notes Maher.  "Locking out the grain handling system prevents it from being turned on by someone else who does not know what you are doing or where you may be." Try to always be along side the bin-roof door or hatch as you work to dislodge the grain.  "When the grain mass does collapse, there will be a sudden rush of air, grain dust, and perhaps moldy dust," Maher says.  "This dirty air can be sickening and nauseating.  Inhaling the fumes that will surround you could cause a fall.  Obviously, if you get dizzy or black-out at the top of a grain bin or on a bin ladder, you are in serious danger of falling." Be careful while working on the bin ladder.  A safety strap looped around you and anchored to the bin or ladder can prevent a fall if you should slip.  A life-line rope securely anchored inside a bin can be a lifesaver when needed.  Check it's condition and be sure it is serviceable.  Preventive maintenance always pays, sooner or later, Maher says. It's also a good idea to keep grain bin sites clean of scrap iron or other materials in case of an accidental fall. Inspect the complete grain handling system to make sure all shields and guards are in place and functional.  Replace those that are damaged or missing.  Warning and informational decals should be inspected and replaced as necessary.  They may seem needless at the time of inspection, but when they are needed and cannot be found, the price can be very high, Maher says. Use a two-strap dust mask or cartridge respirator when there is bothersome grain dust to contend with.  Much of last year's grain went into on-farm storage with a high moisture content.  If storage conditions were not carefully managed, this fall there will be high levels of risky molds and other micro-organisms in the grain.  Working with this grain can present a health risk.

Those who have asthma or certain allergies need to consider using a filter respirator.  The respirator will keep organic dust and mold spores from causing respiratory or other health problems.  When healthy individuals inhale dust from moldy grain they may suffer flu-like symptoms that can be severe.

The Rewards are Priceless for Farm Safety Efforts

This is the planning season for agricultural producers.  Spring plans are being made for machine use, crop variety selection, fertilizer use, crop chemical selection and land use.  A farm safety specialist at North Dakota State University urges produces to include safety management in their planning. "Including safety in the farm plans can certainly help bring other plans to reality," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.  "There should be a safety management plan in place if farm safety is to be accepted as a serious issue.  Farm safety doesn't just happen, it has to be planned and it has to be proactive." Maher points out that there are no jobs on a farm where the worker is the only one who needs to be knowledgeable about what's going on. Similarly, the family that works together should plan for safety together.  "When an accident happens and an injury results, everyone will be affected, so the family needs to plan and execute safety management together," Maher says. The safety management plan should include: 1.  An emergency response plan.
2.  Giving first aid.
3.  How to avoid becoming another victim.
4.  Being sure that everyone knows how to call for help and give directions to the farm.
5.  Training in regard to emergency procedures for all farm equipment.
6.  How to stop and shut off the machinery. "Every hazardous job should be explained and discussed so everyone has some understanding of the safety concerns for that particular work," Maher says. Assigning age appropriate tasks is an important part of farm safety planning.  "Nearly everyone who is capable of working usually helps on most family farms," Maher says.  "But some jobs are too demanding for certain individuals of a certain age, young or old.  When work is assigned, age, as well as physical and emotional maturity, must be considered." If all of the family is to be capable and responsible for farm safety, the must be safety training.  "Training in CPR and first aid is definitely age appropriate, but start as soon as possible.  When family members know that everyone mature enough can give first aid or CPR if needed, they are likely to feel more secure working on the farm," Maher says.  "Attending a CPR or first aid class together would be an excellent family activity to do as a family unit." Safe farms have safety policies, he adds.  It will be a safer farm when youngsters know they are not permitted in particular buildings or areas because of certain hazards.  "Decisions need to be made and followed in regard to who can operate particular machines, who can do which chores, and who can go in certain buildings or areas.  There will be more peace of mind when parents know their youngsters are safety smart," Maher says. There should be at least one farm safety inspection every year on the safe family farm.  Those inspections should involve everyone on the farm, Maher stresses.  Ideally, there should be a safety inspection tour before each major farm season begins.  Inspect tillage, fertilizing and planting equipment before tillage and planting season starts; chemical application equipment and procedures before spraying season; mowing and baling equipment before haying season; and all harvest equipment and procedures before that season starts.  "The farm that operates by allowing one season to blend or blur into the next, without taking real time for safety concerns is more likely to have a higher injury rate," he says.

If farm safety tours are to be useful and effective, there should always be a follow-up to the tours.  Use safety checklists with machinery and farm procedures, and keep records of safety inspections and safety training.  "You can't remember everything all the time, but if it is on paper, you'll have a record to help you," he says.

Most collisions between motor vehicles and trains occur at rural crossings. The advice to "stop, look and listen," is still a good safety practice, especially at rural crossings, notes an agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University. "Collisions between motor vehicles and trains are preventable, if the driver of the motor vehicle  takes the time to be cautious," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "The train will always take longer to stop than a motor vehicle. It simply cannot stop in time to prevent a collision," Maher notes. The average automobile weighs less than 2 tons while the average train weighs approximately 12,500 tons, 6,250 times heavier. A fully loaded farm truck
can easily weigh 10 tons, but the train is more than a thousand times heavier. "A train cannot be stopped in time to avoid a collision even though it has brakes on all of its wheels. When the brakes are fully applied on the train, there is nothing more the crew can do. They are helpless to prevent a collision with a car or truck on the tracks," Maher says. "More
than a mile is needed to bring such weight to a safe stop. Only the motor vehicle is able to stop in time to avoid a collision." Train crews frequently report motor vehicles scooting across the tracks at the last minute. When the crossing gates are down it is illegal to drive around them. "The time spent when waiting for a train to pass through the crossing is very little compared to the time spent in a grave," Maher says. When there are no crossing gates at rural crossings the driver of the motor vehicle must determine when it is safe to cross. That’s when it’s especially important to stop, look and listen. Stop. 
When stopping at a crossing, urban or rural, do not pull right up to the sign or crossing gate. Stay back one or two vehicle lengths from the tracks. When a train derails, the railcars may criss-cross over the tracks, spreading out and destroying everything in their path. The greater the distance from the tracks the greater your margin of safety. Look. 
Urban crossings usually have crossing gates and flashing lights while rural crossings rarely have that equipment. Often the crossings are only marked by the railroad crossing crossbucks or a caution sign. Visibility at rural crossings may also be limited. Take the extra time and effort to watch for trains. If your windows are fogged, frosted or dirty, roll them down.

Listen. 
Survivors of train/motor vehicle collisions often report they didn't even hear the train. Trains don't always create a lot of noise. There are times when they seem to move with little or no noise at all. It can be very difficult to hear a train when it is coasting downhill and the wind is blowing from you towards the train. Turn down the sound system in your vehicle when approaching crossings. Slow down and make an  effort to listen for the train.

Is It Mold or Isn’t It?

Concern about illnesses caused by certain types of mold has increased as high water tables and flooding have contributed to an ideal environment for mold growth. As people scour their homes for mold, what they find may not necessarily be mold. "People are looking in places where they probably haven't paid too much attention in the past, like storage rooms in basements," notes NDSU Extension Service water quality specialist Bruce Seelig. "In some cases, what they’re finding are mineral deposits, not mold." The wet, humid conditions that contribute to mold growth in basements are often the result of a high water table. If the water table comes into contact with basements that are inadequately drained or sealed, moisture will slowly seep through the foundation, Seelig explains. The result is not only a damp environment, but mineral deposits (salts) left behind as water evaporates from basement walls and floors. "As water evaporates over time, salt crystals grow and become obvious to the naked eye. These crystals can take many different forms depending on the relative amounts of sodium, calcium, magnesium, carbonate, chloride, and sulfate or other physical factors such as the relative humidity or rate of evaporation," Seelig says. Many different types of salts exist and each has its own properties, such as solubility. Solubility of a salt is a measure of the total amount of salt that can be dissolved in a given quantity of water. Usually chloride salts, such as table salt, are extremely soluble. Carbonate salts such as lime, on the other hand, are generally very insoluble. Calcium and magnesium carbonates are two common salts found throughout North Dakota that are relatively insoluble, Seelig says. Upon evaporation, they cause light colored powdery deposits that accumulate over relatively long periods of time. These deposits can be removed with a dilute acid solution such as vinegar but cannot be effectively removed with water alone. The white plaque that is often seen on plumbing fixtures and in water tanks or on basement walls and floors are carbonates and are quite harmless. Sulfate salts tend to be less soluble than chlorides but more soluble than carbonates. Sulfate salts are generally the type of soluble salt found in North Dakota, Seelig says. Sodium and magnesium sulfates are soluble salts that exist in much of the geological material in North Dakota. These salts are readily dissolved and transported in groundwater. "When they are redeposited on basement walls and floors they often take on a white filamentous or moldy appearance. These deposits are easily redissolved by water," he says. Deposits of soluble salts on basement walls and floors are harmless from a human health standpoint. However, groundwater with a high concentration of sulfate (more than 150 parts per million) is corrosive to concrete basements. "Sulfate corrodes concrete by degrading the cementing agent and by forming crystals in the pores that eventually expand and physically break down the internal structure of the concrete," Seelig explains. As one might expect, as the amount of sulfate in the groundwater increases and the longer the concrete basement is in contact with groundwater, the greater the damage from corrosion. Solutions to this problem include a proper tile drainage system around the basement foundation and floor that quickly removes water from the immediate area of the basement. Also, some types of cement are more resistant to sulfate corrosion than others. Standard Portland cement (Type I), which is usually used for most structures, is the least resistant. Type II cement has some resistance and can be used where sulfate concentrations in the groundwater are 150 - 1000 parts per million. Type V cement has high resistance to sulfate corrosion and should be used where groundwater has sulfate concentration of more than 1000 parts per million. Some areas of North Dakota have significant areas of saline or sodic soils. These areas are likely to have water tables close to the surface with high concentrations of sulfate salts. Only a field investigation will provide accurate information that can be related directly to a given building site; however, a homeowner or prospective homeowner can get a general idea about the soils in their area by consulting a county soil survey at the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

"A little extra time and money spent prior to and during the construction of a new home may save thousands of dollars down the road," Seelig says.

Remember that Farm Equipment Is Intended To Be Pulled By Tractors

Although it’s common to see farm machinery like hay rakes, big  round balers, grain drills, cultivators, field disks and many others being pulled on public roads behind pickup trucks and other motor vehicles at the posted speed limits, an NDSU farm safety specialist notes the practice may involve considerable danger.  "Most owner’s and operator’s manuals include instructions on the safe towing of the machine. And, most of these manuals include a statement to the effect of ‘never tow a farm implement behind anything other than a properly sized and ballasted tractor.’ There are several reasons to support this recommendation," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. First, most pieces of farm machinery weigh considerably more than what the pickup is rated for as a pulled load. The braking ability of the vehicle doing the towing is less than what is needed for safe stopping in an emergency. "Pickup trucks simply do not have the weight and weight distribution needed to control the load, although they do have the ability to move the implement at greater speed than a tractor," Maher notes. Stability is another factor. Turning on gravel roads requires the towing vehicle be heavy enough to maintain control of the towed load. The vehicle that is pulling a load such as a piece of farm machinery needs to be heavier than the pulled load. The pickup truck is not as stable as a tractor would be in making a turn or stopping while pulling a farm machine, Maher says. Farm implements are originally equipped with specialized implement tires. These tires are designed, built, and rated for speeds of less than 20 miles per hour. "Even though they may survive a trip at speeds over 20 miles per hour, they cannot be depended on to survive many trips at higher speeds. A tractor’s maximum road speed is also the maximum speed for the tires on the implement," he says. The slow moving vehicle sign that is often permanently mounted on implements cannot be displayed legally at speeds over 25 miles per hour. On some machinery it is difficult to cover it and keep it covered. Maher notes that visibility while on the road is a major safety factor in moving farm machinery. "The electrical system on a farm implement is wired to be compatible with a tractor’s electrical system, and not a farm pickup or truck," he notes. "Most motor vehicles do not have the correct connector to power the implement’s lighting system. Towing farm equipment behind a pickup or truck without proper lighting and SMV signs is a hazard and illegal in most states."

"Don’t subject your employees and family members to undue, extreme risk by having them tow farm equipment with anything but a properly equipped farm tractor. Take the time needed to read the instructions under ‘towing this implement’ and then follow them. The time saved by using a pickup or truck to pull farm implements without the proper lighting is not worth the risk of a vehicle crash," Maher says.

New Web Site Provides Extensive Information Related to Moisture in the Home

A new North Dakota State University Extension Service Web site, "HomeMoisture.org," provides extensive information on topics related to moisture in the home. "Indoor air quality is very important to health," notes NDSU Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang. "Many indoor air quality problems are directly related to moisture problems, so controlling moisture contributes to improved indoor air quality." The site provides information on:

Home Moisture. 
Includes general information about moisture in the home as well as causes, effects, and possible solutions to these types of problems. Links are provided to several publications at universities across the country.

Indoor Air Quality.
Information and publications regarding the quality of air inside of buildings. Also, information is provided on the effects of poor indoor air quality and ways to solve problems. Links are provided to national resource centers such as Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes, EPA, and the American Lung Association.

Mold. 
The site includes numerous links to publications dealing with the serious problem of mold in the home.

Coping With Disasters. 
This section contains links regarding both the physical and emotional aspects of dealing with a natural disaster including information from the Red Cross. General Housing. 
This section contains links and information regarding general housing topics including energy conservation. Keep Your Home Healthy. 
An interactive publication is designed to help you ensure that your home provides a safe and healthy environment.
Care for People. The site includes links to publications regarding a family's emotional well-being and stress level.

Contacts. 
People to contact with regards to home moisture or indoor air quality issues.