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Frequently
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MOLD QUESTIONS Why is there mold in my house? Mold is always associated with moisture. In order to resolve a mold problem the source of moisture must be eliminated. What can do I do about a mold problem? An area of contamination is classified by the EPA as being small, medium or large. If the contaminated area is less than 10 square feet (3ft.x3ft.) it is a small affected area and can easily be cleaned by a homeowner. First stop water source and dry all materials and dispose of any moldy items. Second thoroughly clean contaminated areas with soap and then with a brush and a 10% solution of bleach (1 and 1/2 cups per gallon of water) using straight bleach is less effective, leave disinfectant on materials for ten to twenty minutes. Lastly carefully rinse the bleach solution and dry being careful not to create an over moist condition. Never mix bleach and ammonia together and insure adequate ventilation when working with bleach or any other disinfectant. Contaminated areas between 10 and 100 square feet are considered a medium affected area. Homeowners should wear protection and it is recommended testing and consulting be done to insure the problem is not larger. Some materials may have to be disposed of. Cross contamination should be a concern and plastic used to minimize its effects. Removal can release many spores into the air so measures should be taken such as wrapping affected materials before disposal.If the contaminated area is larger than 100 square feet (10ft.x10ft.) it is a large affected area and special care should be taken. Testing and consulting is strongly recommended to insure cleanup is targeting the correct area not causing cross contamination and ultimately to determine if cleanup was successful. A respirator should be worn for particulates and the area sealed off from the rest of the house with plastic. The area should be at a negative pressure as compared to other rooms in the building. Building materials will have to be discarded and replaced by a building contractor. How do I prevent or prohibit mold growth?The best way to prevent mold is to monitor water leaks within your home. Fix all plumbing leaks immediately and make sure your roof and windows are not leaking. Also monitor indoor humidity levels (ideal range between 30%-50%) and use a dehumidifier if needed to maintain proper levels. View Mold in My Home. What does dewpoint
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INDOOR AIR QUALITY QUESTIONS
I suffer from indoor allergies but can not afford testing or consulting what can I do reduce indoor allergens to feel better? - Talk to your doctor to see if a more serious condition exists. Keep windows and closed at night and during windy weather to reduce outdoor dust and pollen. You should be using a Hepa® type air cleaner; the air cleaner will use a replaceable Hepa® type filter that must be changed regularly to be effective. Hepa filters will greatly reduce indoor allergens. Never use the ozone setting as ozone gas is toxic (see below). Reduce dust mite levels by monitoring and keeping indoor humidity levels at 50% (use bathroom and kitchen fans to vent steam from building and use dehumidifiers if necessary). Dust and vacuum with an allergen or Hepa® type filter vacuum. Use mattress bags and wash sheets and all bedding material in hot water to reduce dust mites. Use non porous flooring that is that is easily cleaned and does not hold dust and dander. Choose building materials that are non allergenic. Brush pets regularly outside to reduce dander and pet dust. - Where can I get more info on I.A.Q.? - The following Websites have alot of useful information. Visit EPA's I.A.Q. web site CDC's Website or California's Dep Public Health Air Quality Program or California's Air Resources Board. - What are ozone generators and do they make the air cleaner to breathe? - Ozone generators are marketed to the general public but should never used. Ozone generators use electricity to generate ozone gas O3. Ozone gas is known to be highly toxic and should never be used in any occupied space indoors view EPA document on Ozone Generators Sold as Generators. |
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- MOLD SCAMS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
My Remediation Company offers Mold Testing or My Mold Testing Company also offers Mold Remediation Services? The mold industry like many other industry’s does have scam artists and most scams involve selling unnecessary remediation work and remediation services. If your remediation company offers mold testing or a Testing company offer to fix your problem, Look elsewhere for an unbiased independent Air Quality or Microbial Specialist. How do dishonest companies claim there is mold and propose remediation when there is no mold present? These companies use a process called cooking samples; this is usually done intentionally but can also be done accidentally by not knowing proper tesing protocols. Cooking samples involves not following standard protocols used by professionals for mold testing. The goal of cooking is to create samples with high spore numbers. In some cases samples analyzed and reported as the clients samples may not have been taken from the property but from another property that does indeed contain mold. My remediation company claims to be certified in mold testing why should I worry about a certified company? There is clearly a conflict of interest if Testing and Remediation is done by the same company. These companies likely do not have educated or professionally trained inspectors. They may claim to be certified but there is no certification available in California or the United States. They likely are not environmental scientists and do not have any formal scientific training. Any certification they hold was fee based and purchased from a private company that offered a one or two day class. I have seen companies offering free mold tests, Why do you charge for your testing? Free Mold Testing is provided by companies who offer mold related services such as Cleaning, Remediation and Replacement of Building items (i.e. Carpeting). The free mold test you will receive is being done in the attempt to sell you additional services. Free mold testing should be a major red flag; companies that offer it have a clear conflict of interest. C.E.T. LLC has no interest in the outcome of any inspection and has no affiliations with any cleaning, or remediation companies. We are truly independent investigators. Our motivation is only directed by our core values of quality, integrity, and dependability. - - Please contact us if you have any additional questions or would like a quote for services. - - © 2003-2013 C.E.T. LLC
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OTHER QUESTIONS An Industrial Hygienist monitors industrial pollution to minimize health effects to
workers and the public. An Industrial Hygienist is concerned with protecting workers health. Industrial
Hygiene is science devoted to industrial pollution and the monitoring of pollution for worker safety. Visit
the AIHA for more info |
