1. Sacramento

The city of Sacramento sits at the confluence of two of the Central Valley’s major natural river systems, the American River and the Sacramento River. Historically, Sacramento has been prone to frequent flooding, as with much of the Central Valley. Rainfall and snowmelt in the springtime generated frequent river overflows, creating vast, seasonal lakes in the lowlands of the valley. The Sacramento and American ...]]> Earthquakes aren’t the only natural disasters in California. Floods are actually quite common in the Golden State, especially in the regions listed below. Most of the floods in California are caused by high levels of precipitation, snowmelt, and levee breaches, but other natural disasters, like earthquakes, tsunamis, and mudslides, can also lead to water damage along the West Coast. No matter where you live, floods and water damage can devastate your home and your health. Take the right precautions to protect yourself from floods and get the proper professional treatment for your home after you experience a water damage event.  Here are the top three spots in California prone to floods and water damage:

1. Sacramento

The city of Sacramento sits at the confluence of two of the Central Valley’s major natural river systems, the American River and the Sacramento River. Historically, Sacramento has been prone to frequent flooding, as with much of the Central Valley. Rainfall and snowmelt in the springtime generated frequent river overflows, creating vast, seasonal lakes in the lowlands of the valley. The Sacramento and American Rivers served as the main drainage system for the region, with water flowing out through the delta and into the San Francisco Bay.

During the California Gold Rush of the early 1850s, construction of waterway canals began in the Sacramento region. Many of these original levee systems are still used today. In the mid 20^th century the US Army Corp of Engineers built a series of dams along the American River, most notably in Folsom and Auburn, which controlled sudden flows of water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nowadays the dams and levees that lead water safely from the foothills to the delta are considered woefully inadequate. In 2006 the California Department of Water Resources released a report titled The Flood Crisis in California’s Central Valley. The department found that the risk of flooding in Sacramento combined with the concentrated population in the region and the crumbling infrastructure of waterways made for the most flood-prone region in the United States.

Indeed, the Sacramento area was the victim of localized flooding in the winter of 1995, when intense rainfall overwhelmed levee, drainage, and sewer systems. The threat of large-scale floods in the Central Valley, especially Sacramento, remains to this day. Governmental agencies tasked with updating the crumbling infrastructure of the Sacramento waterways continue to brace for the impact of the next big flood. Yet this region of California is significantly behind the curve in terms of flood protection. Other flood-prone cities, like St. Louis, Dallas, and Kansas City, are rated as having 500-year protection levels. Sacramento, on the other hand, has only a 100-year protection level rating.

2. The North Coast

The Northern California coastline is one of the wettest regions in the United States. The so-called “Pineapple Express” (warm air currents from the Hawaiian Islands) meets with cool ocean waters from the Pacific Ocean along the northern coast of California, developing into precipitation nearly year-round. Showers, fog, and occasional snowstorms west of the coastal mountain ranges create a region filled with rivers and streams for natural drainage. Man-made dams, intended to control sudden water surges, have occasionally backfired, causing extreme disasters. In December of 1964 several days of downpours and an early snowmelt caused every river in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino Counties to reach record-breaking levels. Massive river overflows flooded the region for weeks, and much of the population was stranded when roads leading into and out of the north coast were washed away. The Thousand Year Flood, as it was called, killed at least 19 people and led to over $100 million in property damage.

Floods aren’t the only water-damage worry along California’s North Coast. The region is susceptible to Tsunamis as well. In 1964 a tsunami from an earthquake off the Alaskan coast devastated the coastal town of Crescent City, California. The Japanese earthquake of 2011 led to a tsunami warning for the North Coast, although minimal damage was actually reported. The North Coast’s geographical location makes it a prime target for earthquake-based tsunamis from all over the northern Pacific Ocean.

3. Southern California

When most people think of Southern California, they think of sunshine, movie stars, and palm trees. Most of the time they’re right, but that doesn’t mean that Southern California, from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and San Diego, isn’t susceptible to occasionally floods. In fact, because the region typically receives sparse rainfall, Southern California population centers are particularly ill-prepared for sudden storms.  Fewer natural rivers mean fewer drainage routes for the water that collects during rainy seasons. In the winter of 2010 the Southern California coast experienced just such a situation—three large storm systems over the course of two weeks les to widespread flooding in L.A. and San Diego.

In Southern California floods also cause another natural disaster: mudslides. Development in large urban areas has pushed buildings to the edge of the cliffs and hillsides. Because natural means of water drainage and erosion are stifled by the cement sprawl of Southern California cities, the only exposed areas of dirt—the steep hills and cliffs—quickly turn into mud. When oceanfront property turns into ocean-floor property, homes lose their value rapidly.

Flight, then Fight

If floodwaters are in danger of reaching your home, it’s best to take all necessary precautions, follow the instructions of public safety officials, and if necessary evacuate the area immediately. California residents should keep a disaster kit handy in case of floods, fires, earthquakes or any other natural disaster. When you can safely enter your home again, it’s time to begin the clean-up process. Because floodwaters oftentimes contain high levels of contaminants, and because standing water in a home can cause mold infestations to grow quickly, it’s best to get professional help with the restoration of your property.

Indoor environmental specialists can test the air inside your home to make certain that dangerous varieties of mold aren’t festering between your walls. Remediation professionals can see to the safe and swift restoration of your home before its structural integrity is compromised.  In the wake of a flood or other water damage event, hiring a certified water damage technician is the correct first step towards making your home habitable again.

Resources:

http://www.safca.org/floodRisk/floodThreat.html

http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-705251/Sacramento-flood-protection.html

http://swhydro.arizona.edu/archive/V5_N2/feature3.pdf

http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/news/

http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/

http://web2.airmail.net/danb1/usrecords.htm

http://www.msa.saccounty.net/waterresources/stormready/default.asp?page=history

Black mold is one of the rare varieties of toxigenic molds, one that releases mycotoxin particles into the air. Black mold isn’t always black. It’s typically slimy and white at first, turning darker over time. There are millions of different kinds of mold, or moulds, and it’s nearly impossible to tell what kind is present in your home based on the color. The only way to tell for sure what is black mold and what isn’t is to have a professional test completed using air and surface samples. Toxic mold can cause serious health problems for people who are exposed to high concentrations of it. Short-term effects include allergy and flu-like symptoms, ...]]> A new and rapidly growing hazard has been spotted in the headlines these days. Mold—deadly black mold, more specifically—is popping up in local evening news programs, national publications, and radio news reports.  Stories about illnesses related to mold infestations and lawsuits over damages from mold-infested buildings are spreading through the media, raising awareness about the potential dangers of black mold, otherwise known as stachybotrys atra or stachybotrys chartarum.

Black mold is one of the rare varieties of toxigenic molds, one that releases mycotoxin particles into the air. Black mold isn’t always black. It’s typically slimy and white at first, turning darker over time. There are millions of different kinds of mold, or moulds, and it’s nearly impossible to tell what kind is present in your home based on the color. The only way to tell for sure what is black mold and what isn’t is to have a professional test completed using air and surface samples. Toxic mold can cause serious health problems for people who are exposed to high concentrations of it. Short-term effects include allergy and flu-like symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, sore throat, and fatigue. Given the right conditions, any kind of mold can trigger allergic reactions and induce asthma attacks. Toxigenic molds, like black mold, can affect different people in a variety of ways. The elderly, small children, and people with weak immune systems or previous respiratory ailments will suffer the worst from toxic black mold exposure. Studies have suggested that the negative impact of toxic molds can range from anything from seasonal allergy-like symptoms to more severe reactions, like bleeding of the lungs (pulmonary hemorrhage), cancer, or even death.

The term black mold started appearing in the national media in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when reports immerged about a mold-related sickness in infants. Over the years, news reports piled up and more studies were released about the potential health implications of mold. Despite a heavy media saturation of mold stories, much of the general public is still unaware that black mold poses such a danger. If you have heard about mold in the popular press, you may have come across some of the stories below, which range from celebrity mold cases to million-dollar lawsuits.

Perhaps the most famous non-celebrity mold lawsuit came from Cleveland, Ohio in 1994. Numerous infants in a specific area of Cleveland were diagnosed with acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigation initially determined that toxic black mold was the cause of the health effects in the children. The case is widely credited with kick-starting the nation’s awareness of mold. The Ohio infant illness case awoke people to the need for mold removal and mold remediation in their own homes.

In one of the most famous toxic mold cases in recent history, consumer advocate Erin Brockovich sued the construction team, subcontractors, and former owners of her home near Los Angeles, California. Brockovich, who won a multi-million dollar water contamination case against PG&E in Hinckley, California—the basis for the movie Erin Brockovich—used some of her bonus money from the contamination case to buy the house of her dreams. Unfortunately, the house soon became infested with toxic black mold. Brockovich claims that she suffered from constant flu-like illnesses while living in the house. Reconstruction costs soared to roughly $600,000. Brockovich is now an advocate for other people suffering from the disastrous effects of toxic mold in their homes.

In 2008, television personality Ed McMahon sued his insurance company over damages caused by mold in his Beverly Hills mansion, eventually setting for a cool $7.2 million. McMahon claimed that a water pipe broke and was not repaired properly. Water damage to his den led to an infestation of mold throughout the whole house. The late Ed McMahon and his wife fell ill from the toxic mold, and he claims it killed Muffin, his dog.  But the former Johnny Carson sidekick isn’t the only celebrity making headlines for a mold lawsuit. Former NBA star Michael Jordan sued his home construction company over an infestation of mold. Lou Ferrigno, television’s “The Hulk,” sued Mercury Insurance Company for more than $200,000 over damages and repair costs associated with mold growth in his home.

Mold has grown around several of the biggest headlines in the past few years. Take, for instance, Hurricane Katrina.  In the aftermath of Katrina, mold damage hampered reconstruction efforts, making life more difficult for people trying to move back into flood-ravaged neighborhoods. Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health conducted a study of the air quality in sample homes affected by flooding during and after Katrina. Reports on the findings indicated that mold had spread rapidly in water-damaged homes. Air samples taken from the homes indicated that there was an unhealthy level of mold spores and other toxins present. The study was designed to provide recommendations for relief workers about how to safely conduct their clean-up work. Ultimately, the scientists suggested that all relief workers wear respirators while inside homes that were damaged by mold from the floodwaters. In a 2005 National Public Radio report, pediatric allergist Dr. Peyton Eggleston of Johns Hopkins University suggested that rather than stachybotrys, another toxic mold, penicillium, might be the biggest threat to flooded New Orleans homes.

In another major news story affected by mold, the economic depression and housing crisis has resulted in an unusually high number of vacant, foreclosed homes—and mold. When homes sit for months and years closed-up and in ill repair, mold grows unabated. Although mold problems are common in regularly occupied homes, abandoned residential buildings are particularly susceptible to mold damage.  In a home with residents, the comings and goings of family members and the opening and closing of windows help to let the household air out, and the fresh, outdoor air in. However, when a house is locked up and uninhabited, the air stagnates. Moisture in the home has no way of being released or evaporating. The dust, organic material, and locked-in moisture of foreclosed homes combines for a mold smorgasbord. When the homes do eventually get sold, costly restoration measures must be taken for the removal of mold and mildew.

A 2011 report by NPR addressed the issue of mold in foreclosed homes, noting that “in some states, it’s estimated that more than half of foreclosed homes have mold and mildew issues. Realtors across the country say they’re seeing the problem in everything from bungalows to mansions.”

The story of Melinda Ballard has been featured in TIME Magazine, New York Times Magazine, and on CBS News. Noted for the size of the lawsuit, Melinda Ballard received $32 million from Farmers Insurance Group for damage to her 22-room mansion in Dripping Springs, Texas. Not everyone lands a multi-million dollar verdict, but mold lawsuits are on the rise nonetheless. According to USA Today, the state of Texas saw their mold litigation cases increase five fold in the year following the Ballard lawsuit and its accompanying media exposure. As a result of the increasing amount of lawsuits, insurance companies have begun to slash water damage-related coverage from their home insurance policies, and rates for home owner’s insurance have gone up dramatically.

Many people have compared mold to asbestos. Both mold and asbestos are commonly found in old homes, and they can both cause frightening respiratory ailments. However, an end to asbestos sickness and litigation is possible, even if it’s a long ways off. Once all of the asbestos in America has been removed, people will stop getting sick, and the problem will eventually disappear. The same is not true of mold. Fungi and mold have been around long before humans inhabited the earth, and they look to be here long after we’ve left. They can affect homes large and small. All mold needs to grow is moisture and some form of organic material, such a wood, carpeting, or drywall. Renters and homeowners should take mold infestations in their places of residence very seriously. If you suspect there is a mold problem in your home, make sure you have the mold tested and removed by trained, certified mold specialists. Don’t allow your home to become the next tragic news story.

Resources:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/09/05/48hours/main309720.shtml

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/04/business/fi-mcmahon4

http://www.guardianpreservation.com/blog/celebrities-with-mold/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060923104640.htm

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/13/137629788/as-number-of-foreclosed-homes-grows-so-does-mold

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5027218

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/brand/business/healthtrends/allergies/docs/2011_QD_AllergyReport.pdf

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000228,00.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/12/magazine/12MOLD.php

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2001-09-13/news/blame-game/

http://www.thefederation.org/documents/V56N4-Benesh.pdf

http://www.emgcorp.com/news2/MoldSeparatingHysteria.pdf

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/06/20/mold-usat.htm

Water damage can cause a variety of problems for a structure and its occupants. If you are contemplating ...]]> New York State is well-known for many reasons, one of which is New York City, otherwise known as “The Big Apple.”  This culturally diverse city is comprised of several boroughs, each distinct from the rest. New York State also contains a lovely expanse of wilderness, with a variety of sandy beaches, historic estates, and many artist colonies in the remote regions. Home to the oldest running newspaper in the nation, the “New York Post,” as well as the meeting place of the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls in 1848, New York State has played a large role in the history of the United States. This historic region is a prime location for many potential renters, and it is necessary for these individuals to understand their rights as tenants in New York. This is especially true when it comes to water damage, as New York State is known to suffer from snow storms, blizzards, and flash floods during the winter season.

Water damage can cause a variety of problems for a structure and its occupants. If you are contemplating living in New York State, it is necessary to be well-educated in the side effects of water damage, how to deal with water damage, and whether or not the landlord is responsible for the repairs. When water causes structural damage to a building, the situation is not only a nuisance, but also dangerous. Such damage can lead to a loss of structural integrity and increases the potential for building materials to collapse. Not only that, but standing water can result in severe pest infestations and damage to personal belongings.

New York State tenants can suffer the consequences of flash floods and rain storms, which can cause flooding in home foundations, basements, and crawl spaces. Large urban centers, like New York City, have trouble dealing with clogged catch basins. When intense rain occurs, debris is pushed onto the catch basins, making it nearly impossible for water to make its way down to the sewer. When this happens, the water begins to pool around the basin, causing the flooding to intensify.  If the sewer is in fact full, this can lead to even worse flooding in the area. In such a case the storm water stays above ground, eventually flowing off of the streets and into driveways, basements, and other low-lying areas. Localized flooding is one of the most common causes of structural damage throughout the United States.

Besides flooding caused by rain storms, there are a variety of other reasons why a home or apartment may become waterlogged. A leaky pipe can cause severe water damage in a building. In New York State there are many older structures that can contain plumbing problems. When a building has not been properly maintained for several years, leaky pipes (amongst other potential problems) can plague a building. If water damage is not taken care of, mold can begin to grow in a structure within 24 – 48 hours.

Yet another factor that can contribute to continual water damage in a rental unit is structural abnormalities. Things such as gaps insulation and improperly sealed windows can allow moisture to build up in a home. In some cases water damage may be occurring inside a wall or ceiling, making the problem invisible to the naked eye. By the time the leak is detected, the damage may have proliferated to a large area, significantly increasing the cost of repairs. In each of the above mentioned scenarios it is necessary to find the origin of the leak or moisture intrusion and to repair it immediately. If this is not done, the water damage will continue to pose a problem to any potential tenant. If water damage has occurred on a property, it is necessary to act quickly so that you can decrease the structural damage and avoid the conditions that lead to mold growth. Remember that the only way to have water damage properly repaired is to utilize the services of a professional water damage restoration company. Not only is it necessary to remove the excess moisture, but it is also necessary to fix the origin of the moisture intrusion issue.

Like many states in the U.S., New York has what is referred to as a warranty of habitability, which indicates that a tenant has the right to a livable, safe, and sanitary rental unit. If a landlord attempts to place a clause in your rental agreement stating this warranty does not exist, such a clause would be void. The warranty of habitability includes problems with plumbing and, of course, flood-related damages. A landlord that is in charge of several dwellings must maintain the premises in “good repair,” clean and free of vermin, garbage, or other offensive material. Landlords are also required to maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitation, and ventilation components of the property. If water damage has resulted in the landlord’s inability to provide a safe, clean environment as listed above, it is the landlord’s responsibility to remedy the problem immediately. Avoiding water damage in a rental is also important because it may lead to mold growth, which can be quite detrimental to the health of the people who live in the rental unit.

If you are planning on renting in the state of New York, there are a few pieces of advice that can help you to determine the best place to live. First, make sure to read your rental or lease agreement carefully so that you fully understand the obligations of your landlord. Establish whether or not your landlord is responsible for water damage and its effects on your living space. If the landlord has not included a warranty of habitability, make it clear that he is still responsible under New York State law to maintain the unit. Discuss in detail with your potential landlord what the protocol is for situations when water damage occurs on the property and the damage is not your fault. It is very important to get everything in writing and included in the rental agreement prior to signing the lease.

If you are a current tenant in the state of New York, it is important to document in writing any water damage that has occurred at your property and to send a copy of this document to your landlord. Make sure to send a repair request via certified mail. Sending it through certified mail will ensure that the landlord received the letter. By documenting the day that he or she received the repair request you will establish a timeline for the repairs to be made. You may also include images of the water damage with the letter. Make copies of all of the documents that you send to your landlord, and keep the documents for your own records.

In many cases the landlord has between 14 – 30 days to respond to the repair request. However, if the problem is an emergency, the landlord may be required to act within a week’s time. If the landlord fails to address the water damage problem, this can be deemed a breach of the warranty of habitability and may allow for the tenant to sue for rent reduction. If the landlord refuses to cooperate, it is important for the tenant to contact an attorney before taking further action. In some cases the tenant may be able to withhold rent. However, the landlord may sue or evict the tenant for non-payment of rent. If this is the case, the tenant and the landlord may need to go to court. In some cases the tenant may have the right to hire a professional to do the repairs and then deduct the cost of the repairs from the regular rent payment. Again, however, it is suggested that you contact an attorney prior to taking this kind of action.

When looking for a rental, many potential tenants are merely focused on the price and location of their new home. Many people fail to take into consideration the type of individual from whom they may be renting. It is always necessary to understand your rights in your new residence, especially when it comes to water damage. Regardless of your living situation, you have the right to a clean, healthy, and safe living environment. If you take the time now to learn your rights as a renter in New York State, you can avoid a costly disaster in the future.

Resources:

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/bureaus/real_estate_finance/pdfs/tenants_rights_guide.pdf

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-city

What is black mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that can grow on just about any surface, in a wide range of environments. Although not every kind of mold has been identified and classified, some estimates put the number of different mold species in the hundreds of thousands. Most people are concerned about so-called “black mold,” or “toxic mold,” the scientific name of which is Stachybotrys chartarum (AKA Stachybotrys atra). Stachybotrys does look black in color most of the time, but it has been known to appear white or greenish. It grows on cellulose-rich surfaces, which includes common building materials, ...]]> Mold and asbestos are two potential household hazards that receive plenty of attention from the media. News stories and articles about mold illnesses, asbestos lawsuits, and, of course, mold and asbestos removal are all over the headlines these days. But are black mold symptoms worse than asbestos diseases? Which airborne pollutant infects the lungs faster? Which one is easier to remediate? This article will begin with some background about mold and asbestos and then compare and contrast their characteristics.

What is black mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that can grow on just about any surface, in a wide range of environments. Although not every kind of mold has been identified and classified, some estimates put the number of different mold species in the hundreds of thousands. Most people are concerned about so-called “black mold,” or “toxic mold,” the scientific name of which is Stachybotrys chartarum (AKA Stachybotrys atra). Stachybotrys does look black in color most of the time, but it has been known to appear white or greenish. It grows on cellulose-rich surfaces, which includes common building materials, like drywall, wood products, and wallpaper. Other kinds of toxigenic molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was commonly used in building construction up until the past two decades. Oftentimes it was installed as insulation, either between walls or around pipes, because of its ability to absorb high temperatures. Asbestos was also mixed in with surface coating materials, like paints and sealants. The problem with asbestos comes when it begins to break down, chip, or deteriorate. The fibers crystals that compose the mineral can easily become dislodged, floating around in the air as a kind of dust. The United States banned asbestos from nearly all consumer products in 1989.

Which is more common?

Asbestos was certainly popular as a construction product. Although the percentage of homes and buildings containing asbestos is a matter of debate, it is estimated that over 3,000 different products used to contain asbestos before it was banned. Today asbestos is nearly completely eliminated from products in the United States. Over the course of the years asbestos removal companies have helped to take the material out of buildings. As structures have been re-build, they’ve undergone asbestos abatement. It may be some time before asbestos is completely irradiated, but the day will come eventually.

Mold, on the other hand, will never be vanquished from the Earth. Mold existed long before humans, and will likely inhabit the planet long after we’re gone. All it needs to grow is moisture and some source of organic material from which to feed. These conditions are easy to come by in nearly any indoor environment. Because asbestos is a mineral, it cannot grow or move itself like mold can. In fact, recent studies have suggested that climate change is intensifying mold and mold allergies. Mold is much more prevalent than asbestos, and unlike asbestos, it will never be completely eliminated from the nation’s buildings.

Which is worse for your health?

Mold can cause a wide range of health effects. Even non-toxigenic molds, given the right concentration, can cause otherwise healthy people to experience flu and allergy-like symptoms. These health effects, sometimes called mold allergies, include: sore throat, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, sneezing, sinus pressure, headaches, drowsiness, and fever. Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate existing respiratory problems. Black mold, or Stachybotrys, has been linked to pulmonary hemorrhaging, lung infections, and a wide variety of problems associated with sick building syndrome.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos exposure leads to “long-term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases,” most commonly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases cause prolonged debilitation and often death. In terms of the nature of the common illnesses related to mold and asbestos, asbestos appears to have more intense health complications. One factor influencing the severity of asbestos-related illnesses is the time frame from exposure to symptoms, discussed below.

Which one’s symptoms show up quicker?

Asbestos illnesses can lie dormant in a person’s respiratory system for years. It’s common for mesothelioma sufferers to be diagnosed with their disease three decades after they became exposed to asbestos in their former workplaces. Nowadays, mesothelioma diagnoses are on the rise, as people who lived and worked around the material in the 1970s are just now showing the symptoms.

Conversely, mold-related illnesses oftentimes manifest themselves right away. Mold allergies can cause people to react upon spending just a few minutes in a mold-infested room, especially for people who have a high sensitivity to allergens. Some mold exposures that last an extended period of time can lead to long-term health complications, but the most common effects are experienced during the period of exposure. Therefore, it’s much easier to determine when mold is making you sick than when asbestos is. Consequently, it is easier to take the appropriate actions to avoid mold than asbestos.

Which one is harder to remove?

Both mold and asbestos are hazardous to your health, and neither one is particularly easy to remove. Professional indoor air quality technicians and remediation specialists will have the proper tools and safety equipment to ensure that these air contaminants are properly removed without further harm to the building’s occupants. The U.S. government has special training courses for people who deal with asbestos in their work. State and local jurisdictions have regulations for the proper certification of asbestos removal specialists. If you think there may be mold or asbestos in your home, the first thing you should do is to have the physical property inspected and the air tested for any airborne contaminants.

If you do believe that asbestos is present in your home or place of work, it is important to never disturb the area yourself. Solid-state asbestos will release fibers into the air fairly slowly, but aggravating the asbestos by sawing, hammering or drilling will only cause more fibers to become airborne. With mold the same general principle applies. Attempting to clean mold yourself will oftentimes backfire. It may look as though the mold is disappearing at first, but in fact many more tiny particles of mold (called spores) will enter the air when the mold colony is aggravated. It is best to have your mold tested for and removed by a company that is a member of the Indoor Environmental Association and other industry organizations which set professional standards. As with asbestos removal, mold remediation specialists will be able to construct containment chambers so that the clean-up process does not make matters worse.

Resources:

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_health_issues

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ban.html

http://www.epa.state.il.us/small-business/asbestos-in-home/

http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

A variety of indoor contaminants such as mold, allergens, lead dust, asbestos fibers, radon gas, and chemicals from building materials can become airborne, making occupants sick, possibly in a permanent way. These contaminants are not visible to human observers, but can dramatically reduce the quality of the breathing air within a property.

Visual assessments for these contaminants can play a part in identifying their possible presence and the depth at which the problem exists, but a visual assessment does not scientifically determine their presence nor does it determine if these suspect contaminants have gone airborne. Testing can determine if suspect mold, lead, asbestos or other harmful substances are in the air or on surfaces and the concentration that exists. Concentration of a contaminant is another important factor that can be the difference between a health condition developing over the long-term versus the short-term.

We invite everyone to learn more about Indoor ...]]> Many of those responsible for managing properties or transacting real estate don’t understand the importance that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays in the lives of those who occupy a property.

A variety of indoor contaminants such as mold, allergens, lead dust, asbestos fibers, radon gas, and chemicals from building materials can become airborne, making occupants sick, possibly in a permanent way. These contaminants are not visible to human observers, but can dramatically reduce the quality of the breathing air within a property.

Visual assessments for these contaminants can play a part in identifying their possible presence and the depth at which the problem exists, but a visual assessment does not scientifically determine their presence nor does it determine if these suspect contaminants have gone airborne. Testing can determine if suspect mold, lead, asbestos or other harmful substances are in the air or on surfaces and the concentration that exists. Concentration of a contaminant is another important factor that can be the difference between a health condition developing over the long-term versus the short-term.

We invite everyone to learn more about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and its effect on human health. The Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality page has a lot of useful informaiton about this subject. While this page is a more of a directory for a number of pages and resources on the topic, you can find a more direct introduction to the subject at their An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) page.