Abstract: Method of forming a concrete slab to reduce or eliminate control joints includes preparing a substantially flat base, overlaying one or more barriers on top of the base, placing a concrete mixture on top of the barrier(s) and base to form a concrete slab, and allowing the concrete to cure without forming control joints. The base is prepared with a flatness of about ±¼ inch over 10 feet. A side edge is prepared along a periphery of the concrete slab by extending a vapor barrier from a bottom surface of the slab up the side edge toward a top surface of the slab and covering the side edge. A plurality of post-tensioning cables are positioned to extend through the slab and configured to compress and assist in controlling accelerated displacement of the concrete slab during curing and shrinkage. The concrete slab is formed of an evenly gradated and low slump concrete having high fiber content, minimized cement content, and maximized size of large aggregate.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent support cushion for a user is disclosed comprising a first member having first and second surfaces, the first member constructed of a first material in which the first member is substantially liquid permeable and the first material is substantially liquid impervious. The cushion includes a second member having first and second surfaces, the second member constructed of a second material in which the second member is substantially liquid permeable and the second material is substantially liquid impervious. The cushion also includes a third member, the third member is liquid absorbent; and wherein the second member is positioned between the first and third members and wherein the first, second and third members are constructed such that liquid passing through the first and second members is absorbed by the third member.

Abstract: Method of forming a concrete slab to reduce or eliminate control joints includes preparing a substantially flat base, overlaying one or more barriers on top of the base, placing a concrete mixture on top of the barrier(s) and base to form a concrete slab, and allowing the concrete to cure without forming control joints. The base is prepared with a flatness of about ±¼ inch over 10 feet. A side edge is prepared along a periphery of the concrete slab by extending a vapor barrier from a bottom surface of the slab up the side edge toward a top surface of the slab and covering the side edge. A plurality of post-tensioning cables are positioned to extend through the slab and configured to compress and assist in controlling accelerated displacement of the concrete slab during curing and shrinkage. The concrete slab is formed of an evenly gradated and low slump concrete having high fiber content, minimized cement content, and maximized size of large aggregate.

Abstract: A novel method for isolating DNA from juices and ciders is described. This method is low cost and yield large quantities of highly purified DNA even though one uses a small quantity of juice or cider. A method for determining if a juice or cider is safe to consume and/or the quality of the juice or cider are also described. For these methods, one can perform qPCR on the DNA which can be obtained using the disclosed method or any other prior art method, and comparing the amount of DNA from microorganisms is present in the juice and/or cider to determine the safety and/or quality of the juice and/or cider. These methods work even if the liquid was pasteurized.

Abstract: A process for deterring behavior of pets which includes providing a device comprising a reflective metalized plastic sheet having a thickness of about 0.5 to 10.0 mils, having a reflective and non-reflective side and capable of making a sound when the sheet is flexed by pressure from a pet, a fibrous layer, and a decorative fabric layer, where the layers are joined together to form the device, and the reflective side of said reflective plastic layer is oriented outward, where the device is capable of being folded or rolled-up, and when placed on an object, the device deters pets from getting on said object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling animal activity with an adhesive sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet includes strips uniformly spaced apart on a transfer layer including a bisected protection layer. In another embodiment, the sheet is flat and generally rectangular. In another embodiment, the sheet is rolled. In yet another embodiment, the sheet is deployed from a dispenser. In one embodiment of the method, the sheet is deployed by locating an area of activity to be controlled, removing the control sheet from the transfer sheet, placing the control sheet on an the area of activity to be controlled and then systematically and sequentially removing the first protection sheet and the second protection sheet. In another embodiment, the area to be controlled includes a surface discontinuity requiring placement of the control sheet along the discontinuity.

Abstract: A composite layer for resisting erosion includes a sacrificial layer for exposure to an erosion environment, a body layer, and an erosion resistant layer located between the sacrificial erosion layer and the body layer for protecting the body layer upon erosion of the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A sheet for pest control, wherein said sheet is of polymeric material and comprises at least two layers; a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer contains a herbicide and one or more pesticides selected from among fungicides and insecticides, and the top layer optionally containing an insecticide and/or fungicide. Other aspects of the invention include a polymeric composition used in the preparation of the sheets and a method for pest control in agriculture, horticulture and gardens.

Abstract: The method is for treating a marine object. A composition is provided that has an organic substance. The composition is applied to the marine object. The composition has a first layer and a second layer. A first organic substance on the first layer attracts bacteria. The bacteria consume the first organic substance and during this process use oxygen. The bacteria thus reduce an oxygen level in a boundary layer adjacent to a surface of the marine object. The first layer of the composition erodes to expose the second layer. The bacteria consume a second organic substance of the second layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gypsum board coating comprising cardboard with a water-repellent treatment, containing a treatment agent which prevents the growth of micro-organisms. This invention also relates to a gypsum board comprising such a coating and a method for producing the cardboard-coated gypsum board.

Abstract: A kraft paper sheet contains and/or is coated with a fungi growth-inhibiting agent that causes the kraft paper sheet to be fungi growth resistant. The kraft paper sheet alone or as part of a layered sheet material is used as a central field portion of facings for various faced building insulation assemblies. The facings, as part of an insulation assembly, are fungi growth resistant; may be perforated to provide the facing with a selected water vapor permeance; and/or may include a bonding layer, such as a heat activated bonding layer, that bonds the facing to an insulation layer of the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to polysaccharide fibres having water absorption properties characterised by the incorporation within the fibres of at least one substance having anti-microbial properties, and to wound dressings formed from said fibres. The polysaccharide fibres are preferably formed from alginate or alginate containing additional polysaccharide materials to give additional absorbency (such as, for example, sodium carboymethyl cellulose). The fibres preferably contain a silver compound as an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An improved, long-lasting aqueous-based fungicidal composition is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally benign crop protection compounds that interfere with the attachment of a broad range of plant pathogens to plant cells surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yarn with antimicrobial effects. The antimicrobial antifungal effect of the yarn is derived from nanosilver particles (diameter between 1 and 100 nm) which are adhered to the yarn. The yarn contains fibers which are made of cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, blending fabric, synthetic fiber, or any combination thereof. The yarn can be used to make cloth to be used particularly for treating patients with burns or wound. The cloth made from the antimicrobial yarn can be further used to make clothes such as underwears, socks, shoe cushions, shoe linings, bed sheets, pillow cases, towels, women hygiene products, laboratory coats, and medical robes. The present invention also provides a method for making the antimicrobial yarn.

Abstract: An antibacterial fiber and twisted yarn having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0 % by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of A12O3, 1-22 mol % of one or more selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: A sheetlike article comprising a single-layer homogenous matrix containing at least one active substance such as a crop protection agent, biocide, fertilizer, plant strengthener, cosmetic substance or fragrance, is produced by applying the at least one active substance to at least one of two layers of identical composition, placing the two layers atop one another so as to enclose the at least one active substance, irreversibly joining the layers with the at least one active substance therebetween under pressure to form a laminate and storing the laminate under defined conditions for a duration sufficient to effect migration of the at least one active substance into the base layer and connection of the layers at their interfaces.

Abstract: An antibacterial cloth having an antibacterial imparting glass composition complexed therewith. The glass composition comprises 0.1-5.0% by weight of Ag2O in a composition containing 45-67 mol % of P2O5, 5-20 mol % of Al2O3, 1-22 mol % of one or ore selected from MgO, CaO and ZnO, and 1-20 mol % of B2O3. An antibacterial fiber contains the antibacterial imparting glass composition in a ratio of 0.1-2.5%.

Abstract: A fiber cement composite material providing improved rot resistance and durability, the composite material incorporating biocide treated fibrous pulps to resist microorganism attacks. The biocide treated fibers have biocides attached to inner and outer surfaces of individualized fibers to protect the fibers from fungi, bacteria, mold and algae attacks. The biocides selected have strong affinity to cellulose and do not interfere with cement hydration reactions. This invention also discloses the formulation, the method of manufacturing and the final fiber cement products using the biocide treated fibers.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having antifungal properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings and an antifungal agent effective at inhibiting fungal growth. A preferred antifungal agent is cetyl pyridinium chloride. The antifungal agent can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. In addition, the antifungal agent may be encapsulated in a material that releases the antifungal agent over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the aforementioned antifungal gypsum board.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard that exhibits antimicrobial characteristics is disclosed. A method for making the wallboard is also disclosed. Suitable antimicrobial agents that may be applied to the wallboard or any components thereof include propiconazole, sodium pyrithione, tolyl diiodomethyl sulfone; tebuconazole; thiabendazole; 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A base textile with a camouflage pattern is subjected to hot fluid streams to create flat regions and puckered or wrinkled regions, enhancing the three dimensional characteristics of the resulting material.

Abstract: This invention is a rapid low-cost technique for manufacturing thick high-performance carbon and ceramic composites in the form of uniformly densified near-net shaped structures. This is accomplished by impregnating composite preforms with low-viscosity wetting monomers which undergo polymerization followed by pyrolysis reactions in the preform ultimately creating ceramic and/or carbon matrices. Since the monomers possess low-molecular-weight they have low viscosities. Thus, if they wet the fiber and partially-densified preform they can easily impregnate even the smallest pores. Once inside the preforms, polymerization of the monomers is then initiated, resulting in a liquid matrix-precursor of the high molecular weight needed to produce a superior matrix (upon pyrolysis) with high efficiency.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having antifungal properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings and an antifungal agent effective at inhibiting fungal growth. A preferred antifungal agent is cetylpyridinium chloride. The antifungal agent can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. In addition, the antifungal agent may be encapsulated in a material that releases the antifungal agent over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the aforementioned antifungal gypsum board.

Abstract: A method for preserving wood that includes impregnating the wood with a wood preservative agent based on one or more compounds of at least one metal of the 1st and/or 2nd subgroups of the periodic system and fixing the metal(s) for purposes of reducing the danger of leaching. The wood is (i) impregnated with a preservative containing a water-soluble zinc compound or (ii) wood that has already been impregnated with a zinc-free preservative or one that contains at least one metal compound of the 1st and/or 2nd subgroups is impregnated with a second preservative that contains at least one water-soluble zinc compound, and wood impregnated in accordance with (i) or (ii) is impregnated with an aqueous solution of a salt of trimercapto-s-triazine (TMT), dithiocarbamate or trithiocarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative mould resistant gypsum wall board for use in constructing walls. The wall board is formed from a non-biodegradable gypsum wall board having opposite sides. The wall board has a water resistant gypsum core sandwiched between two glass fibre reinforced structural matts. A water vapour permeable decorative plastic sheet is bonded to one side of said gypsum wall board by a water vapour permeable adhesive layer. The water vapour permeable sheet may consist of a perforated sheet of decorative vinyl. The finished wall board is decorative, inherently mould resistant and will not act as a vapour barrier.

Abstract: A refuse container for receiving refuse being mountable to a stable surface such as wall or a ground surface comprising: an anchoring structure; an anchoring structure-to-stable surface attachment for solidly attaching the anchoring structure to said stable surface; a protective casing defining an enclosed casing volume, and defining a casing aperture for allowing the refuse to be inserted into the casing volume; a casing-to-anchoring structure releasable attachment for releasably attaching the protective casing to the anchoring structure; an open top refuse receptacle mounted within the casing volume and positioned so as to receive the refuse when dropped into the casing volume from the casing aperture; a theft prevention means for selectively preventing the detachment of the protective casing from the anchoring structure and selectively preventing the withdrawal of the refuse receptacle from the casing volume.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stain resistant and water repellant textile fabric comprising: a) treating a textile fabric with an aqueous primary treatment composition comprising at least about 5 weight percent of a fluorochemical textile treating agent, based on the weight of the primary treatment composition; b) drying the treated fabric at an elevated temperature to obtain a primarily treated fabric; c) providing a polymeric film on one side of the primarily treated fabric, the film comprising an aqueous secondary treatment composition comprising at least about 4 weight percent of a fluorochemical textile treating agent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition; and d) drying the treated fabric with the film at an elevated temperature to obtain a secondarily treated fabric.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that amine oxides enhance the performance of azoles as fungicides and wood preservatives. Also, amine oxides have been found to provide waterproofing properties and enhance the uniform distribution and penetration of azoles into wood substrates. The present invention provides a composition comprising an amine oxide and an azole, such as a 1,2,4-triazole. The composition of the present invention may be incorporated into or be a wood preservative and waterproofing system, or agricultural product. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for preserving and/or waterproofing a wood substrate by applying the composition to the wood substrate. Yet another embodiment is an article comprising a wood substrate and the composition of the present invention. The invention also provides a method of controlling fungi comprising applying an effective amount of the composition of the present invention to the fungi or the area on which the fungi grow.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water repellant, water resistant, stain resistant fabric that feels like fabric rather than plastic. The fabric of the present invention is prepared by treating a fabric with at least one treatment composition comprising from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of fluorochemical(s), which is then backed with at least one polymeric film to provide a water repellant, water resistant, stain resistant fabric.

Abstract: There is disclosed a substance releasing material including a substrate having at least one beneficial substance adhered thereto by at least one layer of bonding agent. The beneficial substance or substances is releasable by the action of a release agent. Examples of the beneficial substance include an anti-rust agent, a foodstuff preservative, a sterilising agent, and a foodstuff flavouring.

Abstract: An improved mould resistant gypsum wall board for use in constructing walls is disclosed. The wall board comprises a water resistant gypsum core having opposite first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces of the gypsum core being covered by a non-biodegradable structural mat, a plastic sheet bonded to the structural mat cover of the first surface by a bonding agent, the bonding agent being made of a non-biodegradable adhesive. The structural mat is preferably made of fiberglass and the bonding agent preferably consists of an aqueous solution of a plasticizer, ethylene vinyl acetate and an acetate copolymer. The plastic sheet is preferably made of vinyl and contains an anti-biotic chemical agent selected to inhibit the growth of mould.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antifouling agents containing (A) at least one multifunctional carbosilane and/or carbosiloxane of formula (I) Q[(CH2)mSiR1nX(3−n)]p  (I)  and/or a partial condensation product thereof, wherein each R1 is independently a C1-C18 alkyl and/or C6-C20 aryl, X is OH, C1-C4 alkoxy, C6-C20 aryloxy, or C1-C6 acyloxy, n is 0 to 2, m is 2 to 6, p is an integer ≧2, and Q is either (i) a linear or cyclic silane or siloxane or (ii) an unsubstituted hydrocarbon or a hydrocarbon in which at least one carbon atom is substituted with at least one member of the group consisting of O, N, S, and P, and optionally (B) one or more alkoxysilanes, (C) an organic solvent and/or water, (D) a catalyst, (E) inorganic nanoparticles, and/or (F) other additives.

Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment and pharmaceutical products, thereby forming a breathable package for containing such items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics and a coating composition on at least a portion thereof, the coating composition containing a desiccant and at least one atmosphere control agent so as to provide controlled atmosphere characteristics for items packaged therein. Methods for using breathable packaging materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Food industry disposable wet sanitizer wipe(s) (10) for food preparation surfaces, utensils, cooking instruments, containers and the like; using U.S. food industry approved legal sanitizer(s) and their respective legal solution parts per million of quaternary ammonium; chlorine/bleach and/or iodine which is saturated/impreganted into at least one absorbent fabric sheet(s) (11) and/or sponge(s) (12) which optionally may have at least one foldable line (13); such absorbent fabric and/or sponge is enclosed by at least one over-wrap (19) layer and sealed (26) on at least one border margin and/or side edge (21) thereof. A release-opening (22) permitting a food-related instrument and the like, to enter the sanitizer packet (20) from at least one exterior face (25) surface(s) of the packet (20) or blister pack (30). The packets and blister-packs may be non-articulated and/or articulated to each other by release lines of separation (24) which permit easy individual packet separation as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive assay for objectively determining the genotype of cucurbit plants, particularly species of melon, with respect to resistance or susceptibility to Fusarium wilt infection. The assay of the present invention uses a polymerase chain reaction to amplify sample DNA using either an AM or FM oligonucleotide primer pair. The PCR product which results from either primer pair differs in size, depending upon whether the template DNA was obtained from a plant susceptible or resistant to Fusarium wilt, permitting easy and rapid identification of plant genotype.

Abstract: A food wrapping cloth comprises a fabric serving as a material and formed of a warp and a weft; the warp being composed of a cellulosic fiber yarn and a twist yarn formed by twisting an antibacterial yarn with a cellulosic fiber yarn, the antibacterial yarn being formed by depositing an antibacterial metal on a synthetic resin film and cutting the antibacterial metal deposited on the synthetic resin film to be a fine and long yarn; and the weft being composed of a cellulosic fiber yarn.

Abstract: An antimicrobial material having at least one yarn having fine fiber of 1.0 denier or less and at least one yarn having antimicrobial fiber that are engaged with each other, wherein the antimicrobial fibers impart an antimicrobial property to the entire material. In a preferred embodiment, the yarns of fine fiber and yarns of antimicrobial fiber are woven or knitted together. It is further preferred that the fine fiber be less than 0.3 denier, have a diameter of approximately 3 microns, and have a generally triangular cross-section with sharp edges, therefore allowing the fine fiber to substantially remove bacteria, fungi and other microbes from a surface. It is also preferred that the antimicrobial fibers comprise an acetate fiber spun together with polyester to give the antimicrobial fiber added strength.

Abstract: A moisture containing wooden core substantially fully encapsulated within a formed in situ substantially non-wetting water impervious thermoplastic envelope. An effective amount of an insect and fungi controlling water soluble reagent is provided within the envelope. Preferably, there is sufficient moisture in the envelope so that the reagent will migrate substantially throughout the wooden core. The encapsulated workpiece is preferably formed by dipping or spraying the moist wood core with the aqueous reagent, and encapsulating the resultant treated core before it dries out so that the core remains moist throughout its expected life span. Green freshly harvested wood can be treated, coated, and used in direct competition with dried wood, without risk of its warping, splitting and checking during its expected useful life. Boron containing compounds are preferably used as the infection controlling reagents.

Abstract: A liquid repellant, stain-resistant, antimicrobial fabric. At least one composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and a fluorochemical composition is applied to a fabric such as a jacquard, to produce a treated fabric. The liquid and stain-resistant, antimicrobial, fabric essentially retains its natural texture, is durable and is easy to handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing adhesion of aquatic organisms on structures in the water such as ships. In the method, the underwater part of a structure in the water is covered up with the sheet. The sheet is made of a polyolefin and less than 1 mm thick, and has apertures each of which has a surface area of 1 to 60 mm2, the surface area in total of the apertures occupying 20 to 80% of the entire surface area of the sheet. The sheet has a tensile strength of 15 to 37% as measured under JIS L1096A and a tear strength of 3 to 9 kg as measured under JIS L1096A-1.

Abstract: An excellent antibacterial property is afforded upon a metallic article by simple steps of coating a dispersion liquid or a solution of fine particles made of an antibacterial ingredient on the surface of the metallic article and pressing the resulting coated surface of the metallic article under a non-heated condition or rubbing the resulting coated surface of the metallic article. In addition, a conventional rolling step or the like can be used itself without any change in the above treatment, which is economically extremely advantageous. Furthermore, since the antibacterial metallic article according to the present invention is obtained under the non-heated condition, the antibacterial ingredient is not deteriorated. Further, since the antibacterial property is not lost through some abrasion, excellent antibacterial property can be exhibited over an extended time period. Further, there is no fear that surface characteristics of the metallic article, for example, a tone of color will change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in an anodic aluminum oxide coating on which microbials are easy to adhere and propagate, for constantly keeping it clean. The present invention provides an anti-microbial aluminum product comprising: a porous oxide coating covering the surface of the aluminum core for the product and an inorganic bacteria controlling ingredient being carried in the micropores of the oxide coating. The anodic oxide coating is preferably sealed.

Abstract: A carbon--carbon composite clutch friction material for use with a wet lubricant under severe operating conditions is disclosed, the material comprising a woven carbon fabric mesh (suitably a satin weave mesh) infiltrated with pyrolytic carbon to an unusually high density in the range of at least 1.3 g/cc to about 1.5 g/cc. By infiltrating the woven carbon fabric with carbon to such high density, a wear-resistant friction material is provided that still retains enough surface texture for lubricant transport.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: A plurality of garments are impregnated with an effective amount of permethrin to provide protection against insects by use of a combination of an industrial washing machine and holding tank containing permethrin solution of predetermined strength. The permethrin solution is pumped through the washing machine during washing and returned to the holding tank after the wash cycle is completed. The process is repeated as often as needed. Extracted liquid resulting from a spin cycle to dry the garments after washing may also be circulated to the holding tank and ultimately recirculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric protectant having an excellent effect in preventing the hatching of eggs of fabric pest insects. The fabric protectant comprises a paper or paper-like sheet carrying 2, 3, 5, 6-tetrafluorobenzyl 1R-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate (Transfluthrin) and 1-ethynyl-2-methyl-2-pentenyl 1R-cis, trans-chrysanthemate (Empenthrin).

Abstract: A cord is impregnated with a rodent repellent such as an N,N-dialkyl-sulfenyl dithiocarbamate. The impregnated cord can be positioned along an elongated member, such as a buried electric cable, to protect the elongated member from damage by rodents. Preferably, the cord is wrapped around the elongated member to form a coil along the length of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method for impregnating rock or landscaping material with bio-active and/or colored fluid. To impregnate the rock or landscaping material with bio-active chemical, the rock or landscaping material is heated to dehydrate it, and cooled to an ambient temperature in a dehumidified chamber, and then placed in a pressurizable container which is filled with bio-active chemical. The pressurizable container is placed under pressure for a sufficient time that the bio-active fluid is forced into the interstices of the rock or landscaping material. When the rock or landscaping material is removed from the pressurizable container, it has been impregnated with bio-active chemical and gradually emits the bio-active chemical. The rock or landscaping material may be cleaned using water or a solvent. The bio-active chemical used can be a herbicide, pesticide, plant or insect growth hormones, repellents of cats, dogs, mice, or other pests, or fertilizers.