Abstract: An improved paint stripper is provided and comprises at least one paint-stripping agent modified with at least one heavy metal remediation agent. Optionally, one or more viscosity-modification agents, dispersants, or other additive is also included. The invention also provides a kit for making a heavy metal-remediating paint stripper, comprising a vessel containing a paint-stripping agent and a dissolvable packet containing a remediation agent. To use the kit, a painter or other laborer opens the vessel containing the paint-stripping agent and deposits therein the packet containing the remediation agent. The packet dissolves, thereby releasing the remediation agent into the stripping agent.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric matrices and films comprising fixation reagents that are capable of reacting with solubilized metals to form less soluble metal compounds. The fixation reagenst may include inorganic sulfides and phosphates, as well as adsorbents. The polymeric matrices may be comprised of polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl acetates. In some embodiments, the polymeric matrix is selected to be at least as soluble as the selected fixation reagent, particularly under the conditions in which the matrix is expected to come into contact with the solublized metal.

Abstract: A data visualization system for visualizing data comprising at least one data set, wherein the data visualization system comprises: user controls for permitting a user to supply instructions to the data visualization system; a model database comprising a plurality of virtual three dimensional models; and a processing engine adapted to receive user instructions provided through the user controls and, in accordance with those instructions, (1) select a virtual three dimensional model from a plurality of three dimensional virtual models contained in the model database, (2) access the at least one data set, and (3) populate the selected virtual three dimensional model with the accessed at least one data set, whereby to generate a data structure comprising the selected virtual three dimensional model embodying a specific instance of the accessed at least one data set; whereby the data structure can be used as an input to an image rendering engine so as to generate a two dimensional image for display to the user.