"To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination." http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.
Please click on the photo on the right to get a copy of the Renovate Right brochure which is required to be given to homeowners in pre 1978 homes and child occupied facilities, prior to any work being done which includes disturbing any painted surfaces which could contain lead contaminates.
This publication from the EPA is an excellent resource for information reguarding indoor air filtration systems and standards. Click on the words EPA FILTRATION to link to this brochure.
For information on water damage, fire or soot damage, mold remediation and industry standards, refer to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification website. Click on this link to be taken there. IICRC
The American Indoor Air Quality Council sets the standards in mold procedures, protocols, and general information regarding air quality, testing, certifications. For more information please visit the site for AIAQC by clicking on the acronym.
For a good publication on Mold, its structure, effects and hazards, please visit the website of the EPA and look at the Mold, Moisture and Your Home publication. We give this publication to our clients when requested. It is a very information source of information on Mold. Please click on PUBLICATION to be taken directly to the EPA website.
Water damage in a home or business, if left untreated can cause the onset of mold growth. Some common causes of water damage are broken water lines, burst water heaters, sump pump failure, toilet backup or overflow, washing machine overflow, ice dams and ongoing water leaks from roof or foundation. When structural materials are saturated, such as drywall, plaster, paneling, subfloor, carpet/pad, wood or laminate flooring, and insulation, the wet materials provide a food source for molds (when combined with warmth and humidity or moisture) to grow. Water damage, if ignored or left untreated, can lead to mold growth. When mold is present it can cause a variety of health problems which have been associated with mold exposure. A two year study by the Institute of Medicine indicates some of the various symptoms associated with the presence of mold and or damp indoor conditions. Some of the common health problems associated with mold include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and congestion, additional incidence of asthmatic episodes, inflamed or scratchy throat, and problems with sinuses.For information on the study conducted by the Institute of Medicine, click on the picture of mold to the right.
