Archive for the “Resources” Category
Removing mold via an ozone machine
November 15, 2007, 7:23 amHere’s a blog post from the site FixMyHouse that talks about using an ozone machine to remove mold:
Mold removal falls under the scope of the larger field of mold remediation. Usually, mold remediation entails complete elimination of mold from indoor areas, such as rooms in condominiums and offices. Mold growth is a common problem that is covered in occupational health. Mold usually grows in moist environments, such as rooms that do not have adequate ventilation and leave moisture trapped within the room’s structure. Mold can be dangerous to people who are allergic to it or have some kind of physical reaction to the presence of mold spores in the air. Some people develop fungus infections on their skin, or have asthmatic attacks from inhaling the mold spores. It is very important then to remove mold from a contaminated room.
Professional remediation personnel can act to diagnose if you have a mold problem in your indoor environment, and can recommend ways to undertake mold removal for you. One way is mold removal with the use of an ozone machine.
You may know an ozone machine by another name, which is Ozone Generator. The two names refer to one and the same machine which theoretically functions via the ozone blasting technique. Ozone blasting (also called High Ozone shock treatment) is supposed to be a cheap yet effective way to undertake mold removal in indoor places
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Research connecting mold to allergies and asthma
November 14, 2007, 7:19 amResearch Findings in Allergic Rhinitis Presented at ACAAI Annual Meeting
Newswise — Researchers are presenting nearly 350 abstracts on investigational findings in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases at the ACAAI Annual Meeting in Dallas, Nov. 8-14. Following are highlights of some key studies on allergic rhinitis.
“Nasal Allergies Adversely Affect Sleep and Productivity in Children.” (Abstract #1: Nov. 11 at 1:00 p.m.) – Jennifer M. Derebery, M.D., Los Angeles, et al – Investigators conducted a national telephone survey (Pediatric Allergies in America) of the parents of 500 children (4 to 17 years) with current nasal allergies. Their findings include: approximately one third of parents of children with nasal allergies reported that their children had difficulty getting to sleep (32 percent), staying asleep (26 percent), or experiencing a good night sleep (29 percent) compared with rates of 12 percent, 8 percent and 12 percent reported by parents of children without nasal allergies, respectively. Forty percent of parents reported that nasal allergies interfered with their child’s performance at school or daycare.
“Children with Nasal Allergies Experience Bothersome Symptoms That Affect Daily Activities.” (Abstract #10: Nov. 11 at 2:15 p.m.) – Michael S. Blaiss, M.D., Memphis, et al – In the national telephone survey (Pediatric Allergies in America) of the parents of 500 children (4 to 17 years) with current nasal allergies, one third of parents reported that their children cannot tolerate their nasal allergies.
According to the survey results, 55 percent of allergists, 38 percent of pediatricians, 27 percent of family practice physicians, and 26 percent of ear, nose and throat specialists agreed that a pediatric patient experiencing a nasal allergy attack cannot tolerate symptoms without relief. Parents reported a 29 percent decrease in productivity of their children with nasal allergies on days when symptoms were at their worst.
“Rhinitis Outcomes Questionnaire in Allergic Rhinitis and Immunotherapy Patients: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis and Web-based Implementation.” (Abstract #12: Nov. 11 at 1:45 p.m.) – Dan A. Dalan, M.D., Fargo, N.D. – This report is the first long term follow up of 1657 new allergic rhinitis (AR) and 116 immunotherapy (IT) patients using the rhinitis outcomes questionnaire and its use as a Web-based tool. Authors conclude that practice guidelines use in the treatment of AR and IT patients showed significant improvement and sustained health outcomes over five years. They use this validated electronic rhinitis outcomes questionnaire to record short and long-term improved outcomes, important in clinical patient care, research and pay for performance documentation.
“Mold Allergy and Live Christmas Trees.” (Abstract #P59: Nov. 10-11, Noon – 1:00 p.m., Clinical Connect Program) – William J. Rockwell, M.D., Bridgeport, Conn., et al – The allergic symptoms associated with decorating the home during the Christmas season are often attributed to the dust mites on ornaments and lights, the scent of the live Christmas tree and the mold that grows on the tree note the authors. Investigators measured mold counts 12 times over a two-week period between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6, after the live Christmas tree was brought inside and decorated. Spore counts rose from a baseline average of 800 spores/m3 to a maximum of 5,000 spores/mc by day 14 when the tree was taken down. This study demonstrates that mold-sensitive patients may experience allergic symptoms due to an increasing mold spore exposure from having a live Christmas tree in the home.
“Economic Impact of Allergic Rhinitis to Managed Care: A Retrospective Claims Analysis.” (Abstract #P234: Nov. 10-11, Noon – 1:00 p.m.) – Anand Dalall, Ph.D., MBA, Research Triangle Park, N.C., et al – In a study of 301,000 insured managed care enrollees with rhinitis, the burden of rhinitis to the health plan in terms of rhinitis-related total medical cost were $319 and total prescription costs were $338 for total cost of $657 per patient. Antihistamine (40 percent) was the most common class of medication utilized, followed by nasal steroids (21 percent). 37 percent of patients utilized more than one class of prescription rhinitis medication to control various symptoms. Authors conclude that medications that can treat more than one symptom effectively may reduce managed care costs.
About the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Funding for research into the health effects of mold exposure
October 30, 2007, 5:13 amHere’s a note from the Business Courier of Cincinnati that announces funding for some worthwhile research:
Several environmental health studies planned at the University of Cincinnati will benefit from $1.6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Tiina Reponen, a professor of environmental health, received more than $785,000 to analyze the health effects of mold exposure in children under age 6. Her goal is to find a solution to maladies cause by mold, including asthma and allergic rhinitis.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Mold Can Be a Problem Long After Floodwaters Recede
October 17, 2007, 10:22 amHere’s a recent press release from FEMA with advice for home owners after flooding:
ROCKFORD, Ill. — It is common for mold problems to appear five to six weeks after a flood, but Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) officials say you can take steps to combat mold growth and its potential to cause serious health problems and structural damage to homes.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Understanding the symptoms of mold
October 10, 2007, 5:57 amMold is a serious health problem, but the health risks of exposure to black mold have only recently come to light. Before, doctors thought that these were symptoms of other illnesses. The role that black mold exposure plays in these symptoms is just beginning to be fully studied.
Here are some common symptoms of black mold exposure that are often mistaken.
(more…)
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Students protest mold at Westview High School
October 2, 2007, 10:02 amThe outrage around mold continues to grow, especially as people understand the full impact that it can have on their health and well-being. Here’s a great story from the Jackson Sun that describes students standing up and taking action to protect themselves:
More than 80 students, some wearing paper face masks, held a demonstration outside of Westview High School this morning to protest a mold problem they believe is making them sick.The protest falls just days after the parents of a Westview student filed a lawsuit against the school system, Superintendent Richard Barber, H&M Construction Inc., air quality professionals and Weakley County following their son’s illness. The parents believe his illness is connected to mold he was exposed to while attending school.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Mold removal cost: About $40,000
September 30, 2007, 9:57 amUnfortunately the cost of mold removal can be really high. Here’s a starting story I found in the Charlotte Observer:
York County officials don’t know how moisture got into a York County Courthouse file room, but getting rid of the resulting mold will cost the county nearly $40,000.Mold was discovered on some York County Common Pleas Court files in mid-August, Assistant County Manager David Larson said. The company called to investigate the problem, WPC Engineering, Environmental and Construction Services, found the plaster walls in the auxiliary civil court file room were damp.
The County Council on Monday authorized the money needed to remove mold from the 93-year-old building and store files in a portable trailer while the area is cleaned. Removing the files, sanitizing and cutting off the water source are expected to take about two to three weeks, and Larson said work could start as early as Monday.
No employees have reported health problems associated with the mold, but the county isn’t taking any chances. “We can’t have people in that area,” County Manager Jim Baker said. “The contaminated section is preventing employees and others from accessing files.”
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
A blog post on mold removal
September 30, 2007, 9:54 amAs more people become familiar with the dangers of mold and empower themselves to remedy the situation we see more and more successful stories, such as this one I found on an unrelated blog:
So when we saw what was underneath the cabinets and walls of our kitchen, CD and I had a profound ‘Holy Crap!’ moment. 80-year-old dust and mildew is not unexpected, but then again - who can be prepared for what we found?
After locking our son in his hermetically sealed environment with filters going an mach speeds, we consulted the Internet and our family doctor about what to do.
Short of doing a complete gut removal of the room (which we did with the back room of the house but couldn’t afford to do again) here’s the consensus that we followed.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, General category)
Paperless drywall resists mold, has rougher finish
September 30, 2007, 9:48 amThis is an interesting technology that when implemented may dramatically reduce the potential for mold infestation in homes. Here’s a quote from an article from the Arizona Republic:
Paperless drywall is a fascinating product. Although traditional drywall with paper facing is fine in many instances, paperless drywall solves a few pesky problems that paper-faced drywall has had for years.
Traditional drywall has a firm gypsum core that is wrapped with special paper. Not all drywall has the same paper facing. Some drywall products have colored paper facing (blue or green) that inhibits the absorption of water that might soften the gypsum core.
Paperless drywall is covered front and back with fiberglass that is highly water resistant. It also comes with a moisture-resistant gypsum core. Not all traditional drywall has this type of core.
Paperless drywall was created to help minimize the spread of mold in homes. Is it moldproof? Absolutely not. It is mold-resistant, as the fiberglass mat that replaces the paper is not a food source for many common molds. Some molds feed on the paper facing of traditional drywall if the drywall becomes damp and stays moist.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
The Mother Of All Natural Mold Fighters - Tea Tree Oil
August 15, 2007, 12:06 pmHere’s an interesting home remedy from The Good Human blog:
I think I found the holy grail of uses for a natural cleaning product. By combining 3 drops of all natural tea tree oil and about a cup of water in a spray bottle you can effectively both remove mold from your tub and shower and help to keep it from coming back. Seems that tea tree oil kills the mold bacteria and stays behind to fight off future growth, making it a great mold fighter that is way safer to use than bleach. To be sure you are getting the best tea tree oil you can get, look for the kind derived from the actual Melaleuca Alternifolia, or as we call it, the tea tree. Although that seems obvious, there are a lot of different brands and versions of tea tree oil, so be on the lookout. You can find tea tree oil at most natural food stores. Oh, and once you clean out the problem area, just make sure you spray down the area with this mixture every once in a while to keep the mold from coming back.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Renters need to check for mold, mildew in property
August 13, 2007, 11:41 amDue diligence on the part of prospective tenants is something that increasingly has to involve mold. Check out this article from St. Petersburg Florida:
Jodie Baker, 25, struggles to tend for her ill son while her other two sick children beg for attention at her feet.
“They have had some kind of ongoing stomach virus that has come and gone for the past three months, vomiting and fevers,” she said.
Baker said her children started getting sick about two weeks after she moved into her new Midtown apartment.
“All three of my children are asthmatic,” Baker said. “I’ve had them out of day care for three weeks.”
While the ailments of the kids might not be directly attributable to possible unhealthy conditions in the apartment, renters should, however, be aware of possible health hazards that can come with new leases, said Jeannine Mallory, spokeswoman for the Pinellas County Health Department.
Renters should be extra cautious before signing a lease because they do not benefit from home inspections like potential homeowners do.
“Mold and dust and mildew are really big allergy and asthma triggers,” Mallory said. “You can inspect the property before you move in with an eye towards any health issues that you might have.”
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
AAOHN Hosts Mold Webcast
August 7, 2007, 11:38 amThis looks like a fascinating event to be held by a respectable organization about the mold crisis that threatens individual and public health:
The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses has recently announced that it is hosting a one hour webcast, titled “The Mold Crisis: An Update on Current Thoughts and Practices,” conducted by René R. Salazar, Ph.D., CIH, on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007 at 2 p.m. EST. Participants will receive 1.0 CNE credit.
The purpose of the webcast is to offer an industrial hygiene approach to recognizing and evaluating mold problems of non-industrial, indoor environments. The presentation will discuss scientifically-sound methods of assessing mold problems, common methods of characterizing potential exposures to individuals, and generally recommended remedial response strategies. AAOHN says participants will learn the basic characteristics of mold elements, their ecological benefits, and how they have come to be perceived as hazardous agents.
Salazar holds an undergraduate degree in microbiology, and masters and doctorate degrees in Public Health from the University of South Florida, College of Public Health.
Questions posed to faculty during the live webcast program through a chat function will be answered in the last 10 minutes of the program. Questions not answered during the broadcast will be posted with answers in the online archive.
The registration fee for AAOHN members is $50 if registering online, and $60 if registering via fax or by mail. For non-members, the registration fee is $75 if registering online, and $85 if registering via fax or by mail. There is a 3-for-2 registration offer available only to AAOHN members working for the same employer who register via fax or by mail. For registration information and complete details go to www.aaohn.org or call 770-455-7757.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, General category)
Preventing Summertime Mold
July 27, 2007, 11:18 amHere’s an informative article from WSIL in Southern Illinois:
With the summer season upon us, some local cleaning companies are urging residents to be aware of a fungus that could be taking over your home. While mold has it’s share of benefits for the environment, it could be harming your house, and your health.
The Centers for Disease Control say mold grows both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in moist and humid environments, can be different colors, and may have a musty smell.
With over one-thousand different types of mold, James Mueller with Majestic Janitorial Supply says chances are, there’s some in your home.
“Mold grows at 50% humidity or above so if you can maintain a 50% or below humidity, you can control mold,” says Mueller.
But that can be easier said than done since humidity and moisture are everywhere. “Something as simple as cooking, washing dishes, shower of course– steam we get in our bathrooms.”
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Blog post on mold from New Orleans
July 17, 2007, 8:24 amHere’s a blog post from Matt Robinson in New Orleans regarding his own exposure to mold in the wake of Hurricane Katrina:
Those good people at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine are determined to let us know how filthy our environment is. They have a program called the Healthy Home Project to test indoor air quality, and are testing the air in my home for mold, radon, nitrogen dioxide, and other undesirable things. In the photo is the tiny machine that tests for mold spores. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see how badly my house in infested with mold.
Luckily my apartment is on the second floor, so it avoided floodwaters two years ago. But it’s over half a century old, maybe more, and even if it hasn’t been flooded it still has had summer after summer of stale humidity behind it.
Having worked in the Lower 9th Ward last summer, I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’ve been exposed to ambient mold in the air before, and my body seems to have dealt with it acceptably. I was smoking a great deal at the time, though, under the (possibly deluded) impression that, if I kept the cilia of my lungs clogged with nicotine and tar, there would be no room for mold or other toxins to take up residence.
I haven’t smoked in over a month, though, so if my dubious theory was correct, I have less tolerance to airborne matter now. I won’t go back to smoking, no matter what the air tests find (unless there’s another hurricane that hits Louisiana this year … then you better believe I’m gonna crumble like a house of cards), so I hope the air in my home is clean.
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Black Mold Removal for Home
June 13, 2007, 9:17 amBlack mold is a one form of fungus. It is commonly occurred in homes and buildings. It is formed by warm and air moisture. Naturally it is decomposed by organic materials like that woods, plants and leaves.
Black mold spores are anytime placed in the atmospheric air surface. They become to enter with the clothing pets and air. It grows anywhere commonly known as moisture has wet cellulose materials, paper products, ceiling tiles etc. It provides dust, insulation, paint, carpets and upholstery also helps to support their growth in moisture conditions
Molds have various types and different colors. The indoor molds are commonly known as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, Penicillium and Alternaria. The toxic mold found in homes are two types of black molds, they are Memnoniella and commonly known as Stachybotrys.It affects the immune systems and caused allergy reactions to the human body.It is removed by home mold removal products.
http://www.mold-removal.biz/black-mold-removal-for-home.htm
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Group helps homeowners avoid mold
June 9, 2007, 9:16 amAn Internet search reveals that there are more than 33 million sites one can visit to learn about controlling moisture and mold. Coming to the rescue of homeowners and builders alike who are looking for simple, understandable advice is the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), which recently announced its top 10 nominations for the best sources of information on mold prevention. These sources and a newly updated brochure on controlling moisture and mold are available through the Coalition’s Web site (www.responsiblemoldsolutions.org).
What’s encouraging about these various information sources is they support one fundamental message: If you control moisture, you’ll control mold. That has been at the heart of what RSMC has communicated over the past year. There is a common misperception among homeowners and builders that water intrusion is inevitable and therefore mold-resistant products are the answer. This is simply not the case. While mold- resistant products can play an important role, dry buildings and homes are the result of careful design, construction and maintenance.
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/06_08-08/HOM
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Moldy home problem may cause headache
May 29, 2007, 9:09 amDizziness may be one symptom caused by mold growing in the damp corners of your home, but it could also be your insurance policy causing the problem.This much is clear: Scientists have not yet found a causal link between mold growth and serious illness, but have found an association between so-called “sick homes” and respiratory problems, according to the Indoor Air Quality Association Inc. of Rockville, Md.
In his book, “The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold,” Michael Pugliese of Atlanta says on top of the respiratory problems, mold can cause nervous system woes, such as headaches and tremors; depression and memory loss; fatigue, lack of energy; dizziness; nausea; low-grade fever; skin rashes, itching, welts or hives; and changes in or suppression of the immune system.
None of the symptoms of mold has ever been scientifically proven, and none disproven, said Keith Lessner, spokesman for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America in Des Plaines, Ill.
During a mold hysteria in the late 1990s and early 2000s, insurance companies paid out millions of dollars to homeowners embattled by mold, he said. A jury in Texas awarded Melinda Ballard $32 million in a mold damage lawsuit against Farmers Insurance Company, but it was later reduced on appeal to $4 million plus interest and legal fees.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x539254861
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)
Mold Inspection Service
May 16, 2007, 9:08 amPALM SPRINGS, Calif., May 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. (OTCBB:EVSP) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Clearvision Productions and will be launching a national media campaign, commencing on June/July of 2007 in the U.S., which will focus on building brand awareness for EVSP and the Company’s moisture and mold management inspection plan.
“Under this program, Clearvision Productions will assist EVSP in expanding the awareness of Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. within the business community and to the general public both nationally and internationally. Clearvision Productions will also focus on building name brand awareness in the market area for Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. proprietary products such as the CEHI and MMM programs,” stated Ed Torres, Chairman and CEO of Environmental Service Professionals, Inc.
“Clearvision Productions’ ‘MediaCampaign,’ http://www.fortunebroadcasting.com, for EVSP is designed to build brand awareness with the public and business community by mass dissemination of information on TV, print, radio and the Internet. The campaign includes production and nationwide distribution of a TV News Spotlight (2-8 min); Video News Release; Internet Streaming Video; 10-minute Corporate Video, DVD, Trade Show Loop Presentation; a sixty second Radio News Release, professionally recorded and distributed to over 6,000 Radio stations; and 1-3 column News Features with photo and contact info distributed to 10,000 newspapers reaching an estimated 20 million readers,” stated David Alvarado, Executive Producer, Clearvision.
The TV programs will air for at least six months on national and local cable, satellite and broadcast affiliates throughout the U.S. and Canada. Programs will air in primarily Top 50 markets between 6:30am and 10:30pm daily — with the majority expected to be during primetime hours (5:30 pm-10:30 pm). Over 90 million households will have access to the programming. Also Newspaper Feature placements and Radio News Release placements are also part of the MediaCampaign package. Monthly updates of EVSP’s headlining events will appear in a major financial/business eNewsletter sent to over 650,000 opt-in subscribers.
About Clearvision Productions
Clearvision Productions and its affiliates, located in Hollywood, California (http://www.fortunebroadcasting.com), is one of the leading media production and news placement syndicates in North America — providing HD production & broadcast facilities, extensive distribution & tracking resources, and a worldwide team. Clearvision Productions has provided performance-based media booking services, national and local programming, and broadcast/print-ready News Features for over 20,000 TV, radio and print media outlets. Clearvision Productions’ “Pay Only for Results” services have been successfully used by Fortune 500 companies, emerging companies, ad agencies, PR firms (it’s their best kept secret), national associations, non-profits, and government agencies worldwide. Clearvision Productions clients include Baxter Medical, Cable & Wireless, Canon, Cessna, Epson, FEMA, Kellogg’s, Hill & Knowlton, LDS Church, Lexus, Marriott, Nickelodeon, Occidental Petroleum, Ogilvy, Pepsi, Princess Cruises, Qualcomm, Salvation Army, Sony, Space Adventures, Technicolor, Teradata, Viseon, Westinghouse, World Vision, and Yonex.
About Environmental Service Professionals, Inc.
Environmental Service Professionals, Inc. (EVSP) is a Nevada corporation headquartered in Southern California. EVSP’s strategy is to acquire several businesses that have complimentary goals for dealing with environmental issues and resolving environmentally sensitive problems. EVSP has already completed two acquisitions and is in various stages of discussion or contact with several other companies that management believes are good operational and economic fits. The current acquisition candidates, if they are acquired, will include some that will be free-standing subsidiaries and others that will be absorbed into existing operations.
EVSP’s inspection division, since 1996, has offered franchised inspection services for addressing mold and moisture intrusion that can have an acute or chronic negative impact on the indoor air quality of commercial and residential buildings. The division has franchises and branch offices in many regions of North America that are independently owned and operated.
EVSP’s strategy, in-part, requires the division to replace the franchise structure and establish a new method of service delivery, the Certified Environmental Home Inspector program (”CEHI”). The division is to continue to refine and implement both the annual Mold and Moisture Maintenance (”MMM”) and the National Builder’s Mold and Moisture (”NBMM”) subscription-based maintenance programs including all related product and services. EVSP intends to provide Peace of Mind to the consumer for their Family, for their Home and for their Health.
For more information visit www.espusa.net
Safe Harbor:
Statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the failure to complete successfully the development of new or enhanced products the Company and services may not have adequate capital to execute its business plan or make important business acquisitions in order to grow,, the lack of market demand for any new or enhanced products and services the Company may develop, any actions by the Company or its partners that may be adverse to the Company, the success of competitive products, other economic factors affecting the Company and its markets, seasonal changes, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from those expressed in this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any statements in this press release.
CONTACT: Environmental Service Professionals, Inc.
Ed Torres, CEO
760-327-5284
info@espusa.net
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
Mold/HVAC Cleaning Available Through SiteStuff
May 15, 2007, 9:06 amPure Air Control Services, a national indoor air quality (IAQ) consulting firm, has joined SiteStuff to provide members with professional IAQ services. SiteStuff is a leading procurement company of products and services for commercial real estate properties and corporate facilities. SiteStuff’s members can now utilize Pure Air Control Services, for the following professional IAQ services:
* Building Health Check - economical and forensic IAQ evaluations of buildings and homes
* Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory - AIHA accredited environmental laboratory
* Building Remediation Sciences - Duct Cleaning & Mold Remediation
* IAQ-Screen Check Do It Yourself (DIY) products and evlau-aire testing equipment available
* IAQ Training - In-house, web and field training available on a national basis
Recently, Pure air Control Services was retained by CB Richard Ellis to remove mold contamination from a governmental facility in Georgia. As a result of the quality of work provided by Pure Air Control Services, the property personnel from CB Richard Ellis have requested similar IAQ services.
“We have chosen SiteStuff in order to gain visibility into property level activity and to provide IAQ services on a recurring basis,” said Alan Wozniak, President of Pure Air Control Services. “Since we work with both private and public sector in identifying and remediating IAQ concerns, we felt that the SiteStuff procurement solutions program would assist us in helping real estate management firms to identify and resolve indoor air quality issues.”
“I am excited that CB Richard Ellis has decided to utilize Pure Air Control Services at their other properties,” said Ed Ziegler, VP of Business Development. “I believe their involvement in choosing Pure Air Control Services is a testament to the value we deliver and our excellent IAQ customer service.”
About SiteStuff:
SiteStuff, Inc. is the nation’s leading procurement company in the commercial real estate industry. Serving over 1 billion square feet of commercial real estate, SiteStuff helps companies reduce procurement costs, streamline the invoice and accounting process, as well as provides information that gives companies greater control over their spend. SiteStuff works with industry leading companies including: CB Richard Ellis, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., PM Realty Group, REIT Management and Research LLC., Trammell Crow Company and Wells Fargo & Company.
About Pure air Control Services:
The parent company, Pure Air Control Services (www.pureaircontrols.com), a certified MBE 8(a) company and U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply schedule contractor (#GSA-10F-0488R), is an indoor environmental consulting firm with expertise in industrial hygiene, microbiology, public health, building science and mechanical engineering. The firm provides an array of do-it-yourself IAQ Screen Check kits ranging from Mold, Allergen, Fiberglass to a 5 minute mycotoxin field test. You can order on line at: www.indoorairtest.com
In addition, through it’s Building Remediation Services division, the firm provides HVAC cleaning cleaning and mold remediation services. Over the past 22 years the firm has over 500 million square feet of building/home diagnostics/remediation experience in over 10,000 buildings/homes and has analyzed over 100,000 environmental laboratory samples. In addition, the professional staff have served as expert witnesses in over 100 mold/IEQ-related cases.
Source:
Pure Air Control Services
Environmental Diagnostic Laboratory (EDLab)
800-422-7873 x 804
www.pureaircontrols.com
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources category)
DNA Forensic Mold Detection
April 23, 2007, 9:03 amExtensive research conducted by the US EPA, using State-of-the-Art DNA forensics, has established the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, otherwise known by the acronym ERMI. The ERMI study narrowed down the total number of critical mold species to 36 indoor-indicator mold species. Furthermore, the 36 species were subdivided into two very different groups of mold (fungal) species; these included the Group 1 and Group 2 molds. The Group 2 molds were found to be common in most homes and in low concentrations. Occupants living and working in indoor environments that contained predominantly Group 2 molds were healthy and suffered few respiratory related illnesses, nor did the building structures suffer leaks and water intrusion.
However, Group 1 molds were much less benign, and occupants of these homes and environments suffered significant respiratory and asthma related illnesses. Moreover, Group 1 molds were significantly correlated to water intrusion due to poor construction or leaking pipes. Furthermore, EPA scientist and other reputable scientific investigators have amassed a body of published scientific research that conveys a major paradigm shift in the way mold samples are both collected and analyzed.
Currently 99% of all mold samples are collected from the air. Inspectors pump air, often for as little as 5 minutes, onto a sticky device called a spore-trap (not unlike flypaper). They send the spore trap to a lab for analysis, and the lab spits back a report, based on the shape and size of the spores they see. It is important to keep in mind, that a mold cannot be identified as belonging to a particular species using a spore trap analysis, regardless of how much training or how many degrees a spore trap analyst has. Unfortunately, many of the group 1 and group 2 mold spores are small and round and all get lumped into a common small-round spore trap grouping called Asp/Pen. Hence, neither an ERMI score nor any substantial conclusion can be drawn from spore trap analysis.
The EPA solved this problem by using good science to make major breakthroughs in both mold sampling and analysis.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=68548
—Administrator | no comments
(posted in the Resources, News category)