There is constant air movement through your home. There are generally three types of forces that move air through a house: HVAC equipment, wind, and the "stack effect".
The stack effect is when warm air moves upwards in a house. Since we can't create a vacuum in our homes, new air has to come into the home to replace the air that has escaped to normalize the pressure.
Although the stack effect occurs in both the summer and the winter, the effect is usually greater in the winter due to the temperature differential. In the winter, cracks and openings throughout the building shell allow the pressure difference between indoor and outdoor spaces to drive air out of the top floor and to suck air in through the first floor.
In the summer, when indoor air is cooled, the reverse occurs; however, because the temperature difference between inside and outside typically isn't as great as it is in winter, the stack effect isn't as great either.
Whatever the season, the best way to remedy the stack effect in most houses is by minimizing gaps between indoor and outdoor spaces. Think about the places where new air is able to enter the house.
According to the US Department of Energy, the following areas are responsible for a large majority of air leakage that occurs in the average American home:
Ceiling, Walls and Floors – 31%
Ducts – 15%
Fireplace – 14%
Plumbing Penetrations – 13%
Doors – 11%
Windows – 10%
Fans and Vents – 4%
Electrical Outlets – 2%
These figures provide you with the most important areas to target for air sealing. However, a home energy audit will pinpoint the exact locations of air loss and assess your entire home’s energy consumption and waste, and recommend ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 25 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I’ve done a whole lot of research on sealed crawlspaces the past few weeks. I have read everything from product literature provided by contractors who install the systems, to building science articles, to ASHRAE standards and studies. Here are a few of the highlights of what I have learned:
What is a Sealed Crawlspace?
A sealed crawlspace is also referred to as closed, conditioned, or semi-conditioned. The basic design has no vents, insulated foundation walls, a heavy plastic and/or concrete liner on the floor, and an insulated and weather-stripped access door.
A small amount of conditioned air is delivered to the crawlspace area from the HVAC system creating positive pressure in the crawlspace. The positive pressure prevents air from the crawlspace being drawn into the duct work and delivered to the living space. Crawlspace air remains in the crawl not in the living areas.
What are Some of the Benefits Claimed?
Sealed crawl space systems are said to reduce or eliminate many common problems, such as:
• Mold or moisture damage in the crawl space or living area
• Musty odors
• Condensation (“sweating”) on air conditioning ductwork or equipment
• Condensation on insulation, water pipes, or truss plates in the crawl space
• Buckled hardwood floors
• High humidity throughout the house
• Insect infestations
• Rotting of wooden framing
• Increased load on air conditioning and dehumidification systems
Many studies I read documented average energy savings from 15-18%. Another resource also pointed out that many of the crawlspace upgrades qualify for the 15% federal tax credit energy program.
The two most common disadvantages I came across were the cost and the ability to retrofit existing crawlspaces.
Are Vented Crawlspaces Really a Problem?
There was a study performed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) involving fungal sampling indoors, outdoors, and in the crawlspaces of 45 homes with traditionally designed vented crawlspace. Air leakage testing determined the connections between the house, crawlspace, and HVAC systems located in the crawlspace.
Results indicated that most of the crawlspaces contained liquid water, moisture vapor, and fungal spores. The houses also contained measurable holes between the crawlspace and the living space, with both natural and mechanical air movements across these openings.
This led to a measured transmission of fungal spores from the crawlspace to the living area. High moisture levels in vented crawlspaces in the Southeastern United States were linked to higher mold counts inside the living space.
There are also a number of excellent scientific articles available on www.BuildingScience.com that explain why traditional vented crawlspace designs may not be the best option for humid climates.
Want More Information?
Advanced Energy is an independent non-profit corporation that is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the governor of North Carolina and the member utilities. The company was set up and still operates to work with member utilities on energy efficiency and conservation projects. There is a lot of useful information regarding crawlspaces and other topics in the knowledge library of their website at:
http://www.crawlspaces.org/
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 25 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
What is a Sealed Crawlspace?
A sealed crawlspace is also referred to as closed, conditioned, or semi-conditioned. The basic design has no vents, insulated foundation walls, a heavy plastic and/or concrete liner on the floor, and an insulated and weather-stripped access door.
A small amount of conditioned air is delivered to the crawlspace area from the HVAC system creating positive pressure in the crawlspace. The positive pressure prevents air from the crawlspace being drawn into the duct work and delivered to the living space. Crawlspace air remains in the crawl not in the living areas.
What are Some of the Benefits Claimed?
Sealed crawl space systems are said to reduce or eliminate many common problems, such as:
• Mold or moisture damage in the crawl space or living area
• Musty odors
• Condensation (“sweating”) on air conditioning ductwork or equipment
• Condensation on insulation, water pipes, or truss plates in the crawl space
• Buckled hardwood floors
• High humidity throughout the house
• Insect infestations
• Rotting of wooden framing
• Increased load on air conditioning and dehumidification systems
Many studies I read documented average energy savings from 15-18%. Another resource also pointed out that many of the crawlspace upgrades qualify for the 15% federal tax credit energy program.
The two most common disadvantages I came across were the cost and the ability to retrofit existing crawlspaces.
Are Vented Crawlspaces Really a Problem?
There was a study performed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) involving fungal sampling indoors, outdoors, and in the crawlspaces of 45 homes with traditionally designed vented crawlspace. Air leakage testing determined the connections between the house, crawlspace, and HVAC systems located in the crawlspace.
Results indicated that most of the crawlspaces contained liquid water, moisture vapor, and fungal spores. The houses also contained measurable holes between the crawlspace and the living space, with both natural and mechanical air movements across these openings.
This led to a measured transmission of fungal spores from the crawlspace to the living area. High moisture levels in vented crawlspaces in the Southeastern United States were linked to higher mold counts inside the living space.
There are also a number of excellent scientific articles available on www.BuildingScience.com that explain why traditional vented crawlspace designs may not be the best option for humid climates.
Want More Information?
Advanced Energy is an independent non-profit corporation that is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the governor of North Carolina and the member utilities. The company was set up and still operates to work with member utilities on energy efficiency and conservation projects. There is a lot of useful information regarding crawlspaces and other topics in the knowledge library of their website at:
http://www.crawlspaces.org/
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 25 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Air Duct Cleaning Bait and Switch Scams
This winter’s weather has been unusually harsh across most of the country – meaning that people are spending more time indoors. That leads many people to evaluate the indoor air quality of their homes and consider services such as air duct cleaning.
Despite the claims of many companies that perform duct cleaning, it has never been proven to have any substantial health benefits. But that doesn’t slow the flood of advertisements that show magnified pictures of dust mites, mold or dirty debris and promise pricing as low as $49.95.
Unfortunately, many air duct cleaning companies use these ads as bait to lure homeowners in, and then switch them to higher priced services that were not clearly explained. The Better Business Bureau states that these “bait and switch” air duct cleaning scams involve dozens of connected companies who have been systematically ripping off homeowners for more than a decade -- to the tune of millions of dollars.
According to NBC’s Dateline: “Over the years, hundreds of homeowners have logged complaints with the BBB, all sounding similar: Once inside a customer's home, technicians routinely mislead them into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for additional work. Many were told they had dangerous mold. Others had their homes unnecessarily flooded with noxious chemicals. Some said they were afraid of the workmen. All said they were duped into paying hundreds more than the promised $49.99 advertised price.”
That led NBC’s Dateline to conduct an investigation using hidden cameras and senior citizen volunteers. You can check out the video here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/vp/41303490#41303490
NBC’s Dateline found that “many of the businesses opened up shop only to disappear within a matter of months, but would then appear again under a different name. Sometimes, it was even hard to determine exactly who owned many of them. The paper trail left behind was limited and sometimes inaccurate. One business was registered using the name of the real owner's dead stepbrother. Another was registered in the name of an owner's bodyguard. Several to convicted felons, one a killer. But our reporting led us to one revealing fact: dozens of the rogue businesses all across the country were run by a rotating list of the same individuals who kept popping up over and over again.”
There are situations where air duct cleaning is necessary or beneficial, and there are many reputable companies that provide fair estimates and do quality work. If you are planning to have the air ducts in your home cleaned, here are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency on selecting a contractor:
Despite the claims of many companies that perform duct cleaning, it has never been proven to have any substantial health benefits. But that doesn’t slow the flood of advertisements that show magnified pictures of dust mites, mold or dirty debris and promise pricing as low as $49.95.
Unfortunately, many air duct cleaning companies use these ads as bait to lure homeowners in, and then switch them to higher priced services that were not clearly explained. The Better Business Bureau states that these “bait and switch” air duct cleaning scams involve dozens of connected companies who have been systematically ripping off homeowners for more than a decade -- to the tune of millions of dollars.
According to NBC’s Dateline: “Over the years, hundreds of homeowners have logged complaints with the BBB, all sounding similar: Once inside a customer's home, technicians routinely mislead them into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for additional work. Many were told they had dangerous mold. Others had their homes unnecessarily flooded with noxious chemicals. Some said they were afraid of the workmen. All said they were duped into paying hundreds more than the promised $49.99 advertised price.”
That led NBC’s Dateline to conduct an investigation using hidden cameras and senior citizen volunteers. You can check out the video here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/vp/41303490#41303490
NBC’s Dateline found that “many of the businesses opened up shop only to disappear within a matter of months, but would then appear again under a different name. Sometimes, it was even hard to determine exactly who owned many of them. The paper trail left behind was limited and sometimes inaccurate. One business was registered using the name of the real owner's dead stepbrother. Another was registered in the name of an owner's bodyguard. Several to convicted felons, one a killer. But our reporting led us to one revealing fact: dozens of the rogue businesses all across the country were run by a rotating list of the same individuals who kept popping up over and over again.”
There are situations where air duct cleaning is necessary or beneficial, and there are many reputable companies that provide fair estimates and do quality work. If you are planning to have the air ducts in your home cleaned, here are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency on selecting a contractor:
- Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning – such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by the EPA. EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards, nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
- Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless you fully understand the pros and the cons of the products being used.
Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling systems after cleaning. - Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
- Interview potential service providers to ensure that they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours; they will use procedures to protect you, your pets, and your home from contamination; and they comply with the National Air Duct Cleaning Association's air duct cleaning standards.
- Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. The following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may soon require them as well.
- If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 25 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Carolina Wattbusters Crush Wolfpack Kilowatters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the winners of its first ever National Building Competition. Participants were challenged to measure their energy use and reduce wasted energy with support from the Energy Star program. Their energy performance was tracked from September 1, 2009 through August 31st, 2010.
From a building over 100 years old in New York City to an elementary school in the mountains of Colorado, a shopping center to a hotel, and many types of buildings in between, these teams from around the country worked hard to slim down their energy use.
Together, the 14 competitors reduced their energy consumption by over 44 million kBtu’s, saved more than $950,000 on their utility bills, and reduced their carbon dioxide emissions an equivalent of the electricity used by 600 homes for a period of one year.
Contestants were judged on the percent reduction achieved in their Energy Use Intensity, or EUI. A building’s EUI is calculated by taking the total energy consumed in one year (measured in kBtu) and dividing it by the total floorspace of the building.
For example, if a 50,000-square-foot school consumed 7,500,000 kBtu of energy last year, its EUI would be 150. A similarly sized school that consumed 9,000,000 kBtu of energy last year would have a higher EUI (180) to reflect its higher energy use. Generally, a low EUI signifies good energy performance.
The winner was a building from right here in the Triangle! Morrison Residence Hall on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill went from a starting EUI of 213 to a final EUI of 137, a 35.7% reduction. Morrison is a 10 story, 217,522 square foot, 850 occupant residence hall constructed in 1965. It was renovated in 2007 to provide central heating and air conditioning to all rooms and to install solar hot water panels.
Second place went to the Sears in Glen Burnie, MD and the third place finisher was the JC Penney in Orange, CA. Another triangle campus dormitory – Tucker Hall at NC State University – was in the running and finished in 8th place. Tucker dropped their EUI from 172 to 154, a 10.3% reduction.
For more information on the contestants, strategies used to reduce energy consumption, or to apply for the 2011 contest (applications must be received by February 25th, 2011), visit www.energystar.gov/buildingcontest.
From a building over 100 years old in New York City to an elementary school in the mountains of Colorado, a shopping center to a hotel, and many types of buildings in between, these teams from around the country worked hard to slim down their energy use.
Together, the 14 competitors reduced their energy consumption by over 44 million kBtu’s, saved more than $950,000 on their utility bills, and reduced their carbon dioxide emissions an equivalent of the electricity used by 600 homes for a period of one year.
Contestants were judged on the percent reduction achieved in their Energy Use Intensity, or EUI. A building’s EUI is calculated by taking the total energy consumed in one year (measured in kBtu) and dividing it by the total floorspace of the building.
For example, if a 50,000-square-foot school consumed 7,500,000 kBtu of energy last year, its EUI would be 150. A similarly sized school that consumed 9,000,000 kBtu of energy last year would have a higher EUI (180) to reflect its higher energy use. Generally, a low EUI signifies good energy performance.
The winner was a building from right here in the Triangle! Morrison Residence Hall on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill went from a starting EUI of 213 to a final EUI of 137, a 35.7% reduction. Morrison is a 10 story, 217,522 square foot, 850 occupant residence hall constructed in 1965. It was renovated in 2007 to provide central heating and air conditioning to all rooms and to install solar hot water panels.
Second place went to the Sears in Glen Burnie, MD and the third place finisher was the JC Penney in Orange, CA. Another triangle campus dormitory – Tucker Hall at NC State University – was in the running and finished in 8th place. Tucker dropped their EUI from 172 to 154, a 10.3% reduction.
For more information on the contestants, strategies used to reduce energy consumption, or to apply for the 2011 contest (applications must be received by February 25th, 2011), visit www.energystar.gov/buildingcontest.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Air Matters LLC is just days into starting our 10th year in business – and it has been the busiest first week of January in company history. With the exception of one project, all of our testing this week has been as a result of sudden leaks that occurred in homes while people were away for the holidays.
State Farm Insurance estimates that damage to homes from ruptured pipes affects 250,000 families in the United States each year. Appliance malfunctions, particularly from washing machines and ice makers are other common culprits. What do you need to watch out for to help minimize the risk of coming home to a disaster?
Frozen Pipes
Insufficient or nonexistent insulation is the number one cause of frozen and burst pipes. Pipes, especially those that run along exterior walls, must be properly insulated to avoid freezing. Many older homes lack proper insulation and must be updated, while some homes in the southern United States lack insulation around pipes altogether.
“When pipes freeze, water expands and exerts over 2,000 pounds of force, causing cracks—regardless if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel,” says Ray VinZant, a plumber of 42 years and plumbing engineer for Roto-Rooter Group, Inc based in Cincinnati.
Washing Machine Hoses
According to State Farm Insurance, washing machine hose failures cause about $150 million in damage to homes in the United States and Canada each year. To reduce the chances that your hoses will fail, State Farm recommends that you:
• Make sure there are at least four inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. This space will help reduce the chances that the hose will kink.
• Regularly inspect your washing machine hoses. Replace hoses every 3-5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program.
• Keep track of the last time you inspected the hoses by jotting the "inspected" date on the hose or a magnet attached to the washing machine.
• Check that hose connections are secure, including the drain hose.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Shut off water at valves if you will be away from your home for several days or longer.
• Consider installing or having a professional plumber install a single-handled valve that makes it easier to turn off the water supply to your washing machine.
Ice Maker Lines
Farm Bureau Insurance suggests that you consider the following tips to minimize the risk of your refrigerator or ice maker leaking:
• Proper installation of the icemaker supply line hose is important to avoiding water damage.
• Tightly connect the hose to the valve. Avoid over-tightening.
• Inspect the hose every six months. Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks. If kinks are present, replace the hose.
• Leave a three to four inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
• Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off.
Sometimes despite your best preventative efforts, leaks sometimes still occur. If you have a water intrusion, shut off the water supply source immediately. Contact a water damage professional to remove standing water and all moist materials to minimize the risk of mold growth.
State Farm Insurance estimates that damage to homes from ruptured pipes affects 250,000 families in the United States each year. Appliance malfunctions, particularly from washing machines and ice makers are other common culprits. What do you need to watch out for to help minimize the risk of coming home to a disaster?
Frozen Pipes
Insufficient or nonexistent insulation is the number one cause of frozen and burst pipes. Pipes, especially those that run along exterior walls, must be properly insulated to avoid freezing. Many older homes lack proper insulation and must be updated, while some homes in the southern United States lack insulation around pipes altogether.
“When pipes freeze, water expands and exerts over 2,000 pounds of force, causing cracks—regardless if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel,” says Ray VinZant, a plumber of 42 years and plumbing engineer for Roto-Rooter Group, Inc based in Cincinnati.
Washing Machine Hoses
According to State Farm Insurance, washing machine hose failures cause about $150 million in damage to homes in the United States and Canada each year. To reduce the chances that your hoses will fail, State Farm recommends that you:
• Make sure there are at least four inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. This space will help reduce the chances that the hose will kink.
• Regularly inspect your washing machine hoses. Replace hoses every 3-5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program.
• Keep track of the last time you inspected the hoses by jotting the "inspected" date on the hose or a magnet attached to the washing machine.
• Check that hose connections are secure, including the drain hose.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Shut off water at valves if you will be away from your home for several days or longer.
• Consider installing or having a professional plumber install a single-handled valve that makes it easier to turn off the water supply to your washing machine.
Ice Maker Lines
Farm Bureau Insurance suggests that you consider the following tips to minimize the risk of your refrigerator or ice maker leaking:
• Proper installation of the icemaker supply line hose is important to avoiding water damage.
• Tightly connect the hose to the valve. Avoid over-tightening.
• Inspect the hose every six months. Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks. If kinks are present, replace the hose.
• Leave a three to four inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
• Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off.
Sometimes despite your best preventative efforts, leaks sometimes still occur. If you have a water intrusion, shut off the water supply source immediately. Contact a water damage professional to remove standing water and all moist materials to minimize the risk of mold growth.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Is Your Landlord Ignoring Your Mold Concerns?
Air Matters LLC has received a large number of calls in recent months from tenants who are concerned about mold testing and indoor air quality. These tenants have occupied a variety of properties from large apartment complexes or commercial office buildings to privately owned townhouses or duplexes. However, they have all shared one concern: “How can I get my landlord to take my complaint seriously and address this mold issue?”
In most cases, property owners or management are quick to deal with a valid mold situation. It minimizes property damage, keeps tenants healthy and happy, and is simply the right thing to do. Taking care of mold promptly also minimizes liability -- Across the country, renters have been awarded millions of dollars in lawsuits that contend significant health problems associated with exposure to mold.
But what should tenants do if they are having trouble getting a commitment to complete repairs and do any necessary remediation? Currently, there is no Federal law that sets permissible exposure limits or tolerance standards related to mold. Several states (including CA, TX, NJ, and MD) have passed some laws designed to establish guidelines for safe levels of mold in the air.
In North Carolina, mold is often addressed through the state’s Landlord and Tenant law – Chapter 42, which imposes minimum generic maintenance obligations for rental properties. This includes the obligation to maintain "in safe and good working order" many common sources of water and moisture intrusion that support fungal growth, such as plumbing and HVAC systems.
If you are a tenant with a suspected mold issue, notify your landlord in writing immediately. Include the date(s) you first noticed any conditions that might be associated with the problem, such as leaks or musty smells and a description of the progression of the problem. Take photographs to document the conditions, if possible. Include any supporting documentation, such as proof of medical appointments to address health symptoms you feel could be related to mold exposure. Ask when you can expect the problem to be addressed and follow-up.
If you are still unable to make any progress with your landlord, you may wish to consult with a mold professional, who can provide you with scientific data and environmental testing results to confirm, quantify and document your fungal exposure.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
In most cases, property owners or management are quick to deal with a valid mold situation. It minimizes property damage, keeps tenants healthy and happy, and is simply the right thing to do. Taking care of mold promptly also minimizes liability -- Across the country, renters have been awarded millions of dollars in lawsuits that contend significant health problems associated with exposure to mold.
But what should tenants do if they are having trouble getting a commitment to complete repairs and do any necessary remediation? Currently, there is no Federal law that sets permissible exposure limits or tolerance standards related to mold. Several states (including CA, TX, NJ, and MD) have passed some laws designed to establish guidelines for safe levels of mold in the air.
In North Carolina, mold is often addressed through the state’s Landlord and Tenant law – Chapter 42, which imposes minimum generic maintenance obligations for rental properties. This includes the obligation to maintain "in safe and good working order" many common sources of water and moisture intrusion that support fungal growth, such as plumbing and HVAC systems.
If you are a tenant with a suspected mold issue, notify your landlord in writing immediately. Include the date(s) you first noticed any conditions that might be associated with the problem, such as leaks or musty smells and a description of the progression of the problem. Take photographs to document the conditions, if possible. Include any supporting documentation, such as proof of medical appointments to address health symptoms you feel could be related to mold exposure. Ask when you can expect the problem to be addressed and follow-up.
If you are still unable to make any progress with your landlord, you may wish to consult with a mold professional, who can provide you with scientific data and environmental testing results to confirm, quantify and document your fungal exposure.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Flood Damage Leads to Mold Problems
Last week, a large portion of North Carolina experienced record-setting rain falls. Many areas in Eastern NC experienced flooding, including the town of Windsor in Bertie county, where homes and businesses contained several feet of water.
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) crews visited the town of Windsor earlier this week, and the mayor is hoping for a federal disaster declaration. That declaration would provide federal funding and manpower to help the citizens clean up and get back on their feet from the largest disaster since Hurricane Floyd, which hit in September of 1999.
"Everybody is just going through the same routine," says Ted Shaw, a business owner in Windsor. "Got all the carpet up and out on the street. Sunday we came in and bleached and took the garden hose and washed all the water out to the street," says Shaw.
Are Ted Shaw and other residents of Windsor doing the right thing during their clean up?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a publication titled "Flood Clean Up and the Air in Your Home" designed to help home and business owners prevent indoor air quality problems associated with flooding and flood water contamination.
This is a simple booklet that outlines steps for cleaning up safely after a flood, including use of the proper personal protective equipment. It also provides a list of resources where you can find additional fact-based information on flooding, clean up, mold and other related issues.
You can access a copy of the publication at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/flood_booklet_en.pdf
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) crews visited the town of Windsor earlier this week, and the mayor is hoping for a federal disaster declaration. That declaration would provide federal funding and manpower to help the citizens clean up and get back on their feet from the largest disaster since Hurricane Floyd, which hit in September of 1999.
"Everybody is just going through the same routine," says Ted Shaw, a business owner in Windsor. "Got all the carpet up and out on the street. Sunday we came in and bleached and took the garden hose and washed all the water out to the street," says Shaw.
Are Ted Shaw and other residents of Windsor doing the right thing during their clean up?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a publication titled "Flood Clean Up and the Air in Your Home" designed to help home and business owners prevent indoor air quality problems associated with flooding and flood water contamination.
This is a simple booklet that outlines steps for cleaning up safely after a flood, including use of the proper personal protective equipment. It also provides a list of resources where you can find additional fact-based information on flooding, clean up, mold and other related issues.
You can access a copy of the publication at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/flood_booklet_en.pdf
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
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