The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, as part of proposed regulatory amendments, defined new rules for boilers. These regulatory amendments were implemented as a result of high gas emissions from boilers and fall under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The review of existing regulation was initiated in response to a court order that compelled the EPA to relook existing standards for boiler emissions.

The new rules for boilers are very stringent, but are generally more lenient for smaller household boilers. Boiler maintenance and boiler servicing is essential to every home. The EPA has stressed that failure to reduce gas emissions could cause the Agency to introduce boiler gas limitations in future.

The EPA’s focus on gas emissions is due to the UK’s need to meet its Kyoto Protocol target for the 2008 to 2012 period. This target aims to cut the UK’s greenhouse emissions by 12,5%. Last year, carbon dioxide emissions in the UK fell by 9,8%, with overall gas emissions falling by 8,6%.

This decrease is believed to be a result of the recession, which has led to lower energy consumption in homes across the UK. According to government figures, the switch from coal to nuclear power has also helped produce the dramatic drop in Britain’s gas emissions during the past year.

The UK’s energy and climate change minister, Joan Ruddock, said “the significant reduction in emissions would no doubt have been impacted by the recent economic circumstances. However, we still recognise the good progress we are making towards meeting our climate change targets, and should not underestimate the efforts made so far by government, industry, business and homeowners alike.”

Ruddock added that “the government are determined to strengthen and sustain the momentum behind the low-carbon transition in the UK.” This notion is backed by environmental campaigners, who have welcomed public efforts to ensure that energy efficiency remains on the public agenda. Homeowners can aid in reducing carbon emissions by doing routine boiler repairs. Always get a Baxi boiler professional to carry out a boiler servicefor optimum boiler performance.

Sufferers of lung or stomach cancer could benefit, as two new types of cancer treatment are now available in the UK.

People suffering with lung or stomach cancer could soon receive one of two new drugs, which will be recommended by a medical body.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), which provides guidance on the drugs used by the NHS, is recommending the medicines.

One is Iressa, or gefitinib, which can be used by lung cancer patients who have a genetic mutation.

Its manufacturer AstraZeneca will take part in a scheme whereby the NHS will pay £12,200 for patients who take the drug, regardless of how long they need to take it. The first two months are free.

Dr Carole Longson, health technology evaluation centre director at Nice, said: "Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with around 38,000 people diagnosed every year.

"Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for around 80% of all cases.

"Nice has already recommended a number of treatments for this condition and we are pleased to add gefitinib as an option for patients and their clinicians to consider.

"Gefitinib offers an advantage because it is taken in tablet form, can be taken at home, and would allow patients to carry on with normal daily activities."

The second drug is Xeloda, or capecitabine, which could be used by some of the 8,200 people who suffer with stomach cancer each year. The drug comes in tablet form, which would mean patients would need fewer hospital visits than they currently do.

If you need help and support to deal with cancer, visit Age Concern’s cancer page.  Age Concern offers a range of services which tailor to the retired.

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk and see what the company does to improve later life for everyone through their information and products.

As the bank holiday fast approaches, motorists planning on crossing the channel should check their breakdown cover. Roadside recovery experts, Green Flag, warn that European breakdown is as essential as travel and motor insurance when driving abroad, as the cost of breaking down can make a thrifty driving holiday an expensive getaway.

Dan Robinson, Head of Green Flag comments, "Many people are unaware that their insurance and breakdown cover doesn't always cover overseas trips. Our customers have an option to take out an annual policy covering UK and Europe if they're likely to do a number of trips, or they can just take out short term cover for each trip they take. Repatriating a car and its passengers, even from France, can be costly. Green Flag research shows that it could cost in excess of £5,000 to recover a family of four with a car and caravan from Spain. The further afield drivers are, the more crucial it is that they have cover in place. "

European Costs August 2009

Spain London Birmingham Glasgow
Santander (North) £1436 £1592 £2074
Madrid (Mid) £1812 £1968 £2450
Gibraltar (South) £1812 £1968 £2450

* This is for unaccompanied repatriation only
* The above price is for a standard car / 4x4
* Caravans, Trailers & Motor homes = above rate x 2
* All prices exclude VAT



Robinson continues, "Motorists can get stressed and worried if they breakdown in a foreign country as communicating with local garages can be difficult if they aren't fluent in the mother tongue. Green Flag customers can just call us, and we would get our trained linguists to make all the arrangements."

Green Flag European Cover will also cover:

• Breaking down in the few days before you go away

1 Emergency roadside repairs and emergency labour costs

2 Location and dispatch of spare parts

3 Flexible options if the car is out of use

• e.g. taking you and your passengers to the intended destination and then returning you to the vehicle once repaired

1 or accommodation for you and passengers while the vehicle is repaired

2 or money towards hiring another vehicle.

• A chauffeur provided if the only driver is taken ill
• if the only driver was unable to drive

To help prevent summer breakdowns, Green Flag recommends drivers service their cars before a long journey and pay particular attention to the following:

* Oil: Make sure you also check your vehicle's handbook to determine how often the oil filter needs to be changed.
* Tyres: It is important to check tyre pressure as incorrect levels could lead to punctures.
* Windscreens: The screen wash should be topped up regularly to shift dead flies and dust in the summer months.
* Lights: Lights need to be cleaned regularly to ensure you can see and be seen clearly in the dark.
* Water: The water helps the cooling system of the car, which, if incorrect, can lead to overheating of the engine, especially if the weather is hot and you are stuck in queuing traffic.
* Petrol: It may sound obvious, but always make sure you have enough petrol to make your journey. Green Flag responds to hundreds of calls every week from people who have run out of fuel.



ENDS

Notes to Editors
Online cover is available from only £20
Green Flag has an average response time of less than 30 minutes
86% of breakdowns are fixed at the roadside

Green Flag

With over 30 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with rapid breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a national network of thousands of independent recovery agents in the UK and mainland Europe

Green Flag is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 1557 or visiting http://www.greenflag.com

Green Flag Motoring Assistance breakdown cover is underwritten by Direct Line Insurance plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG. Registered in England No. 1810801. FSA registered No. 202684. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk

For more information please contact:

Claire Foster

Green Flag Press Officer

Tel: 020 8285 8682

Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk



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