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This is the second e-Newsletter in a new series called “e-Matters,” which is a blog-like document written by the Nebraska Masonry Institute, with a definite bias, dealing only with matters affecting masonry.  This "e-Matters" covers Burnished CMU's, specifically Designing and Constructing without Problems.  Please feel free to download a copy for yourself and pass it on to anyone who might be interested.

(NUI) - The horrifying images of the fire at a Rhode Island nightclub have heightened Americans' concerns about fire safety, according to the results of a new national survey. A survey of 1,000 American adults, commissioned by the National Concrete Masonry Association, shows more than 61 percent of Americans say they are more worried about fire in public and commercial buildings because of what they've heard and read about recent fires.” Recent fire tragedies have raised a very serious red flag about how well buildings are designed, constructed, operated and maintained to protect the lives of occupants," said Gene Corley, senior vice president of Construction Technology Laboratories and head of the team that analyzed the design implications, damage and mechanics of the collapse of the World Trade Center.

(NUI) - The growth of mold in buildings not only presents health-related problems, but also requires expensive home repairs. Some homeowners who find mold in their home have to completely remove and replace walls and ceilings where the mold growth has been discovered. Mold can grow when its food sources - such as wood construction materials and furniture, paper in drywall and wallpaper, and organic fibers in fabrics, carpet backings and dust -  are exposed to high levels of moisture.