A+ Inspections

With the changing seasons come indoor air quality issues. When it is cold outside, we close our windows and doors, use our heaters, cook food, light firplaces, use our washer and dryer, heat the water just a little warmer. All of these things contribute to indoor air pollution. Carbon monoxide builds up, carbon dioxide may enter from gas appliances, and any carbon fuel will add to this.

We need to exchange air with the outdoors to refresh the air indoors. We need oxygen to breathe and a fresh exchange of air which can be accomplished in multiple ways. We can open the windows and doors for just a brief time, then close up the home or office, use air purifiers to clean the air, or use the air conditioner with a HEPA filter to clean 98% of the impurities from the air. All of these will provide an exchange of air indoors.

The fall and winter seasons also bring rain, snow, sleet and ice. Any and all of these can cause problems with your home or office building. Moisture intrusion or water leaks cause potential problems within your building. Whether it be flooding or just entry into the structure. Once water comes into the structure it can cause MOLD to grow. Mold will damage the building materials used to construct your building, and potentialy cause health problems for the occupants (allergies, asthma, burning eyes, running or stuffy noses, sore throats). If you feel any of these systems or smell strange musty odors you may have a MOLD problem!

A+ Inspections is a certified indoor air quality consultancy. Which means we inspect and test for not only MOLD, but other IAQ contaminants, such as: allergens, dust mites, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, asbestos, formaldehyde, radon, lead and heavy metals, pesticides and more.

If you are in Orange or San Diego counties in So. California simply phone 1-888-239-6969 for an appointment.

Tags: air quality issues, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, cause health problems, changing seasons makes for iaq problems, iaq problems, indoor air quality, indoor air quality issues, strange musty odors, windows and doors
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The impact of the rapidly increasing global prevalence of Bedbugs cannot be underestimated. Once close to eradication in the late 1940′s, bedbugs have made a staggering resurgence particularly in the United States over the past 10 years but also in western European countries including Ireland and the UK where infestation report rates are increasing and distribution areas are expanding. Although the basis and point source for this resurgence is unclear, large bedbug infestations have been attributed to increased worldwide travel, altered insecticide management, and increased resistance to widely used broad spectrum insecticides. High resistance has been reported to many of the more limited insecticides still available to combat them.

Two species of bedbugs targets humans as their preferred host of: the common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) which has worldwide distribution, and the tropical bedbug (Cimex hemipterus) which is found primarily in tropical regions. Traditionally regarded as a pest control problem exclusive to areas of low socioeconomic status, bedbug infestations have been reported in the finest hotels and housing facilities in the US and Europe.

Feeding behaviours:
Bedbugs are hematophagous i.e. they feed primarily on human blood. Their mouth parts are specially evolved to pierce human skin and withdraw blood quickly and discretely. Anticoagulants and anaesthetic compounds are injected with salvia during biting effectively numbing the bite area while maximizing blood flow from the host. Feeding can last up to ten minutes for an adult before a fully engorged state has been reached.
Adult bed bugs fast running wingless insects, 4-5mm long when fully grown and rust brown in colour. They are dorsoventrally flattened and extremely thin, facilitating their ability to hide in the narrowest of cracks close to the sleeping host. The undersides of mattresses, within furniture structures, under floorboards, behind skirting, and in carpets in various cracks are popular locations for bedbugs to be found.
Heavy infestations have a distinctive sweet smell; blood spots would be evident on the bedding surfaces and increased biting experienced by the occupants of the house.

Geraldine Hughes is a Scientist at airmid healthgroup, and is Head of Bed Bug Research. Currently, Geraldine works in both the Allergen testing laboratory and the Microbiology laboratory. She is also responsible for Bed Bug research and testing.

Tags: asbestos, bed bug research, bedbug, bedbug infestations, bedbugs target humans, large bedbug infestations
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Mold and water damaged building materials

When leakage occurs it results in the growth of mold that in turn results in the release of pungent smelling and irritating volatile organic compounds, and allergenic mold spores into your air. Persons with allergies or asthma often have reactions to such contaminates in the air while others may have no reaction at all. People with compromised immune systems may even contract infections from some molds. Some of the most common mold related infections are chronic allergenic fungal sinusitis, this is a type of allergic like reaction and infection that results from spores germinating in the sinuses, the agent of infection is usually Alternaria mold spores. Other persons may develop lung infections caused by certain species of Aspergillus growing in the lungs. Fungal infections are more a product of a person’s poor health than of the environment they are in. Home inspectors, s and other building investigators may use a moisture meter to detect moisture hidden inside water damaged building materials.

Infrared cameras can also be used to detect moisture hidden inside walls and other areas by measuring very slight temperature differentials between cooler wet surfaces and warmer dry surfaces. Where there is moisture mold is often not far away. Drying up water within 24 to 48 hours and repairing leaks can go a long way in preventing mold problems.

Dust dust mites and particulates

Air contaminated with excess particles can also cause negative reactions. Some particles cause direct irritation when levels are elevated. In the case of house dust people do not typically have a direct allergenic or irritation related reaction. Common dust is as much as 80% dead human skin cells thus the dust itself is not seen as a forging invader by your body. When people have allergic reactions to common household dust it is not the dust causing the problem but allergenic proteins found in dust mite feces. Particles counters can be used to measure airborne particulates, particle counters are highly sensitive scientific instruments that use an internal laser to count particles passing through it that are of a predetermined size range. Good quality pleated filters at your AC unit return can help reduce dust, also use a good quality vacuum that is equipped with a hepa filter. A bad vacuum cleaner will remove dust from your carpets then blow it into your face.

Carbon dioxide

High carbon dioxide levels are not typically a direct threat to human health in home and commercial properties. High carbon dioxide levels usually indicate a lack of adequate outdoor air being introduced into the building. Dust, chemicals, body odors and other indoor air pollutants often build up along with carbon dioxide in poorly ventilated buildings, and it is these other indoor pollutants that result in indoor air quality complaints and health complaints. According to Parat and others “A properly maintained and operated mechanical ventilation system can reduce indoor Bioaerosols concentrations by limiting infiltration of outdoor Bioaerosols and by diluting those from outdoor sources” ( Parat et al., 1994, 1996 ).

According to American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers ASHRAE 62-89 Outdoor air supply into the building should be at least 20 cubic foot per min per person in offices and thus help maintain carbon dioxide levels below 1000 ppm. Newer requirements recommend levels no more than 700 ppm higher than outdoor carbon dioxide levels. Outdoor air that is being introduced into a building must meet the US EPA National Primary Ambient Air Quality Standards is short it must be clean or it must be properly filtered.

In conclusion letting clean dry outdoor air into homes and commercial buildings can help dilute and flush out indoor pollutants.

Daryl Watters is a certified mold inspector & certified indoor environmentalist providing building inspections and IAQ testing in West Palm Beach & Ft Lauderdale. For mold test & IAQ indoor air quality information visit http://www.florida-mold-inspection.com and http://www.floridamoldinspectors.us/common indoor air quality problems.htm

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The pollution from formaldehyde has aroused much attention in recent years. People are seemingly familiar with this substance. But very few people know exactly what this chemical is. A recent report published by the World Health Organization in Beijing has indicated that the pollution caused by formaldehyde, which mainly exists indoors could lead to cancer. Therefore, experts advocated that consumers should strengthen the awareness of reducing formaldehyde pollution.

Last year, IARC reported the danger of formaldehyde. The result in this reported is synthesized from experiments in more than ten countries. Experts from this organization also pointed out that this very chemical would not only lead to nasal cancer, but also probably cause leukemia.

Though it is deadily, formaldehyde is still widely used in the world. It is reported that this substance is mainly used in producing wooden products, dope and plastic. Professors from Beijing argued that its annual yield in China is as large as that in America, while the number of factories is three times more. However, the techniques in these small factories are so out-of-date that the processing procedures would bring great dangers to health. He also pointed out that the formaldehyde indoors mainly comes from man-made wooden materials, which are well received by the public to make furniture.

We are gradually aware that pollution is universal and dangerous. As a result, green materials are embraced by people. It is good that people begin to protect the environment and their health. But experts tell us that green materials are not free from pollutions. By green materials, we mean the dangerous chemicals in them are under control. For example, if the release of formaldehyde in wooden materials is lower than 0.15 milligrams per stere, it is green enough. However, many consumers misunderstand the standards. They think such materials are clean and safe enough. But in fact, the accumulated pollution from them is rather terrifying. Therefore, consumers should still be cautious.

But there is no need worrying about it. There are various ways for us to avoid such pollution. Experts advise consumers to take the area and the aeration condition into consideration during the indoor decoration. They also suggest that advanced and safe techniques should be adopted in decoration in order to prevent from the formaldehyde release. Moreover, our country has ten strict standards to qualify decoration materials at present. If the formaldehyde in your house exceeds these standards, do not be afraid. Relevant eliminators are invented to diminish the formaldehyde in the materials. Meanwhile, plants like aloe and orchid can absorb this harmful chemical. In addition, opening the window now and then can help reduce the pollution.

Tags: formaldehyde indoors, formaldehyde pollution indoors, formaldehyde release, green materials, manmade wooden materials, materials, pollution, the formaldehyde pollution indoors, wooden materials, world health organization
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Indoor air quality is a major health concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels are two to five times higher inside the home than out. These pollutants include airborne particles and particulate matter such as allergens, lung irritants, gases, toxic chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Indoor air pollution contaminates the air we breathe every day. Since you draw about 9 out of 10 breaths indoors, it’s easy to see why indoor air quality is a top health concern. You typically inhale about two tablespoons of airborne particles a day.

These pollutants put stress on your immune system, which can lead to other health problems. The effects of poor indoor air quality on an individual can vary greatly based on age and relative health. However, in general, poor indoor air quality leads to allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and weakened immune systems. Children are especially susceptible to the health risks of polluted indoor air since their lungs are smaller and they have to take more breaths throughout the day. If you experience allergy symptoms or asthma attacks in your home, you may have poor indoor air quality. Other sources of IAQ problems may include poor ventilation, lingering odors, environmental changes like recent construction, new furniture, water damage, or a new pet.

Solutions to Indoor Air Pollution

The EPA suggests three basic methods for improving indoor air quality:

1. Control the source of air pollution.

2. Improve ventilation.

3. Purchase an air purifier.

Your first step should be an attempt to control the source of air pollution. If the pollution stems from something like mold, smoke, or chemical off-gassing, it may be possible to remove it from your home; this is most effective and lasting method of improving indoor air quality. However, some indoor air pollutants, such as dust and pollen, are too pervasive, and you can’t always get rid of the sources.

Better ventilation will improve your indoor air quality if the offending pollutant is a chemical or gas. In this case, bringing fresh air into the home can be very helpful. However, many indoor air pollutants originate outdoors, so opening a window on a high pollen-count day or in a smoggy city may not be the best idea.

The third step suggested by the EPA is to purchase an air purifier. With so many types and brands of air purifiers on the market, it’s pretty easy to find one that is well-suited to your home’s particular situation. Quality air purifiers can work wonders on IAQ. However, some popular air cleaners on the market are not very effective, and many air cleaners actually exacerbate some of the very problems they are meant to cure.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Thousands of different chemicals and proteins may be polluting your air. The most common complaints for allergy sufferers involve airborne particles like pet allergens, pollen, dust, mold, etc. These common allergens range in size from 0.3 to 100 microns, and they are small enough to be inhaled, but they’re too large to be easily exhaled. HEPA air purifiers represent the best method of removing common allergens.

Scott Smith is an expert on air quality and air purifiers at achooallergy.com.

Tags: air pollution, air purifier, air quality, indoor air, indoor air pollutants, indoor air pollution, indoor air quality, poor indoor air, source of air pollution, why indoor air quality is essential for good health
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Not long ago, my new mother in law was diagnosed with mesothelioma after teaching inside a Tennessee school for Thirty Five years that had asbestos filled floor tiles. She has been given only 6 months to live as the fatal cancer prepares to claim another sufferer. However, she dismissed indicators for many months that something seemed to be wrong. It’s imperative to understand that recognizing asbestos symptoms may help lengthen your life.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral group that functions naturally as separable, thin fibers. It became popular in the Nineteenth century because it was proficient in heat and fire resistance and also was a good non conductor of electrical energy. Consequently, it was used in the production and construction establishments to improve the strength of plastic products, create roofing components and also soundproof rooms.
Unfortunately, it was found that continuous exposure to asbestos led to a myriad of deadly health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer and also asbestosis. Therefore educating consumers on recognizing asbestos symptoms has turned into a major cause for a lot of health agencies.

Individuals At Risk Of Contact with Asbestos

Luckily, there is little risk of asbestos exposure nowadays. Typically, people who worked in close proximity to asbestos from the late 1980’s and before are candidates for medical problems. Nevertheless, you can still find instances of severe asbestos exposure today as confirmed by a report from MSNBC.com that showed nearly 75% of Ground Zero workers may have been exposed to asbestos from the dust particles they inhaled.

Some vocations within this period of time which are at high risk include:
• Construction laborers who were accountable for household construction.
• Shipyard workers.
• Asbestos elimination company workers.

It is important to be aware that not only are they in jeopardy for asbestos connected diseases, but so might be people that they come into contact with. Asbestos is actually very small and can be imbedded within the hair or even skin and inhaled by another person very easily.

Just what exactly then are a few prevalent symptoms regarding exposure to asbestos?
Symptoms typically do not manifest themselves for many years after the initial exposure. Nonetheless, if the contact was serious, symptoms could appear within just a couple of months. As with the majority of illnesses, the sooner the symptoms are discovered and addressed by a physician, the better the likelihood of survival.

The most common noticeable symptoms include:

• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Sudden fever
• Chest pain
• Breath shortness

Having one or more of these symptoms certainly doesn’t guarantee that you have got an asbestos connected ailment; even so it is certainly a good idea to see a doctor immediately.

Recognizing asbestos symptoms early on in the process will not only lengthen your life but possibly help save it. To learn more about where asbestos might be hidden in your home or even workplace, I urge you to check out the authority web page http://asbestoscancerattorneyhelp.com where you can also discover any legal recourse you may have.

Tags: asbestos, formaldehyde, IAQ testing, indoor air quality, lead, mold, radon
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Why would you be concerned with asbestos exposure symptoms?

Well, it’s entirely possible that you or your family have been exposed to this specific lethal agent and it is of the utmost significance to easily and quickly identify these types of signs. Asbestos symptoms are generally precursors to severe health issues which are often deadly.

So who would be the most susceptible to contact with asbestos?

Well, any individual who works or has worked within the railroad, construction, shipping, automotive, and manufacturer industries in the last 50 years would be the best candidates with regard to medical problems.

Maybe the actual scariest factor about asbestos is how the associated diseases can lay dormant for up to 50 years, consequently ensuring that you won’t suffer any kind of symptomatic tendencies. One point is certain though; smoking makes the difficulties accelerate much faster.

Presently, you’re much less likely to experience contact with asbestos as strict safety specifications have been set up. However, this isn’t always the case. One unfortunate group is made up of the workers that presided over the cleanup of the 9-11 site, who were discovered to have been exposed to dust containing asbestos.

Even though, the effects won’t be known for many years, it’s a frightening proposition to all those workers.

In opposition though, some agencies like Foxnews.com argue that the OSHA specifications are so rigid concerning asbestos that too much of the fire retardant chemical substance was taken off the wall surfaces from the Twin Towers permitting the building to burn and finally collapse, wiping out thousands.

Despite the conflicting reports, the fact continues to be that signs of contact with asbestos are currently being endured by thousands of people. Some of the typical symptoms to be familiar with are:

• Obstructed bowels
• Difficulty with physical exertion
• Fever and/or night sweats
• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Anemia
• Chronic cough
• Difficulty breathing

In the event you suffer from a number of these signs, it is important to visit a doctor as quickly as possible.

If your physician suspects asbestos related issues such as cancer or lung trouble, he or she will verify the diagnosis by taking a biopsy, this basically implies that tiny samples of tissues or cellular material are surgically removed and examined under a microscope. This will allow microscopic asbestos fibres to be seen.

Clearly, asbestos linked sickness is an important and vital issue.

To get all your concerns answered, I urge you to check out http://asbestoscancerattorneyhelp. com, a free of charge comprehensive website that offers you answers if you experience asbestos exposure symptoms and even offers a free consultation option to evaluate your case with regard to attainable lawsuits.

Tags: asbestos, IAQ testing, indoor air quality
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Friday, August 19, 2010:

Rodents carrying the hantavirus were discovered in Chula Vista, California. The hantavirus is known to cause  death in 35% of the people who contract the virus.  The virus is spread by deer and harvest mice found in rural areas.  The disease does not affect the mice themselves.   Avoid contact with all wild rodents, their urine or feces which may lead to the deadly hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.

The early symptoms of hantavirus disease are similar to the flu.  People with hantavirus may begin to feel better for a very short amount of time, but within 1-2 days, it becomes hard to breathe. The disease gets worse quickly.

Tags: environment, hantavirus, infectious disease, influenza, viral hemorrhagic fever
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When we think of the word toxic, immediately a vision of men wearing gas masks and rubber suits comes to mind. When we think of toxic homes, we see a yellow tape surrounding a house that has been deemed unlivable and ready to be demolished. To many, large smoke stacks pouring out a heavy cloud, represents air pollution. Hardly, does the thought that your cozy home is a source of toxic air pollution. Nor do we think about what our kids are being exposed to and absorbing through their lungs each and every day.

The fact is, indoor air pollution is a greater health risk than outside pollution. The design of houses today is focused on energy efficiency, which doesn’t allow for good ventilation or air exchange. So for the sake of our pocketbooks, we are forced to breathe whatever is locked into our little box, called our home. Ultimately, with the combination of existing materials in our home, and whatever germs we or our children bring home each day, we are concocting toxic homes. Not to mention who knows what our pets are carrying with them when they enter our home.

We often take for granted each breath of air we take, which is on average about 22,000 times per day. Unless you work outdoors, you probably spend around ninety percent of your time inside, and about sixty-five percent of that time, at home, which is the average. When we are resting comfortably, chances are we’re not thinking about what we are exposing our kids to with indoor air pollution. Here are a few of the culprits contributing to toxic homes and polluted indoor air:  volatile organic compounds (emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids) such as paints and lacquers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment like printers, craft materials, glues, adhesives, varnishes, wax, disinfecting solutions, permanent markers; there are far too many to name, since it numbers in the thousands.

Poor indoor air quality contributes to long and short term adverse health effects. Many point to indoor air pollution as being a reason for a major increase in respiratory disorders and allergies in the past 20 years. Sick building syndrome is a newer term, labeling an indoor environment where at least 20% of it’s occupants report similar air pollution related symptoms. Symptoms may include: irritation of eyes, nose and throat, dryness of mucous membranes or skin, mental or physical fatigue, coughing, sneezing, headaches, nausea, dizziness, airway infections, wheezing, or an overall feeling of poor health.

Now you should have a better understanding of how indoor air quality contributes to toxic homes. The truth is, if you are like the majority of families, your children have significant daily exposure to indoor contaminants. Now, for the upside, necessity is the mother of invention, so we do have solutions. Today we have options in our building materials, so one solution, is carefully selecting materials to avoid the off-gassing of harmful or toxic substances. We can increase our ventilation, use de-humidifiers and filters. Change your cleaning methods or products to more natural or organic choices to reduce the effects of disinfectants or aerosols.

If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete overhaul, then perhaps you could try the simple solution we use, which is a good quality filter less air purification system. When selecting an air purifier, not all products are created equal, so you want to find one that can offer active technology, rather than a passive type of filter. Do your research, because cheap doesn’t mean less expensive in the long run, and filter replacements can be costly. Making the transition from toxic homes to healthy homes is done by simply making one better decision at a time. To start, make a checklist of items that are simple to implement in the short term. Next, create a checklist of the things you may need to budget for, and you will have your healthy living goal plan to follow. Developing your healthy living environment can be simple and easy, if you plan your work, and work your plan.

Tags: healthy home, indoor air quality, lead
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We spend more of our time indoors than we do outdoors. People spend as much as 90% of their lives inside. If you think about it, a majority of things that we do are inside – sleeping, eating, working, relaxing, etc. The quality of our indoor air is not as high as the quality of outdoor air, which can lead to many health related risks and issues for everyone.

When most people think about air that can be damaging to their health they think about contaminants in an outdoor environment, but these people should be considering the damaging effects that indoor air can have on ones health. Inside air can be polluted from any number of sources. Some sources of interior pollution can be paints, tobacco smoke, cooking, cleaning products, heating the home, and fumes from building materials, just to name a few.

There have been studies that have shown that the levels of indoor pollutants can be 25% – 62% higher than the levels of outdoor toxins. These interior impurity levels can even get up to one hundred times higher than the outdoor levels. This is an issue that everyone should concern themselves with because of the fact that we do spend so much more of our time indoors.

Since we are aware that our exposure to indoor air is much more hazardous than our exposure to that of the outdoors there are certain things that we can do and precautions that we can take in order to be able to reduce inside pollution.

Making sure that your home is properly ventilated can aid in the fight against harmful indoor impurities. Tasks such as cooking and cleaning can produce toxins in the home. If a home does not have proper ventilation, so that the irritants can escape, then the vapors and harmful bacteria from these tasks can end up in the air that you are breathing, in turn causing possible health problems.

Making sure that your home or office is clean can also ensure a healthier environment for breathing. Dust and mold carry a great deal of bacteria throughout your space. Properly dusting the space and keeping mold out of HVAC systems can help to reduce the risk of indoor air related health problems.

Any item that is in your home that produces smoke can be a huge factor in the quality of your indoor environment. As we all know smoking is a big health risk. Keeping your home or office free of tobacco smoke and other tobacco related products can also ensure a healthier living space. Fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, space heaters and candles also release smoke into the atmosphere and dangerous toxins such as lead, mercury, and contaminated fumes. Making sure that these are used in areas where they are able to circulate can help reduce the health risks that they may cause.

We are all aware of how dangerous outdoor pollutants can be, but it’s time we educate ourselves on the even more detrimental pollutants that can be found inside. Indoor air quality in the home and office is a key factor in your respiratory well being and your overall health.

Tags: healthy home, healthy home environment, indoor air quality
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