Celebrating Earth Day (Part 2 of 2)

In part 1, we took a look at some things your family can do to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. Now, let’s explore options that your small businesses can participate in for Earth Day. Just to re-cap the background information on Earth Day,

What is Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson and celebrated on April 22nd, 1970 in San Francisco CA. Establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) followed during that same year. The concept of Earth Day went international in 1990 and now celebrations are coordinated by the Earth Day Network in over 175 countries.

What is Special About this Year?

In recognition of the power of millions of individual actions, Earth Day 2011 will be organized around A Billion Acts of Green®: Personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainably. The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. You can learn more about this initiative at http://www.earthday.org.

So How Can Your Business Make a Difference?

Earth Day is a day to reflect on our planet, our environment, our resources and what we can do to help keep them healthy for generations to come. There are so many simple things that every company can do to lessen their impact on the environment on Earth Day and throughout the year.

A few ideas are:

• Host an e-waste collection. Allow employees and members of the community to bring in old batteries, cell phones, televisions, computers, or other electronics. Work with local officials to ensure that everything collected is recycled or properly disposed of according to regulatory requirements.

• Embrace telecommuting and reduce travel. With today’s technology, many business activities can be conducted from any location. Email, conference calls, webinars, skype and other tools can be used to minimize trips, whether into the office, to a client site, or to a conference or seminar. If feasible, provide incentives to employees to use mass transit or carpool when travel is required.

• Check your recycling program. You may have a bin for bottles and cans in the break room and another one for paper by the copier, but are you recycling everything you can? Encourage your employees to go paperless where possible. Otherwise, use recycled paper and double sided printing to reduce waste. Eliminate the use of paper or Styrofoam cups and have everyone use a coffee mug instead.

• Encourage employees to volunteer. Go together as a group to clean up a park or roadway, or give employees a few paid hours off each year to volunteer for their favorite earth friendly activity or organization.

• Re-use packaging. Get multiple uses out of materials such as boxes and large envelopes. Use shredded paper from recycled documents or scrap for packaging materials.

• Evaluate energy usage. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, adjust thermostats – particularly during evenings and weekends, and have employees shut down computers at the end of the work day.

Your employees can probably come up with many more ways to celebrate Earth Day every day!


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.

Celebrating Earth Day (Part 1 of 2)

Today we are going to take a look at some things your family can do to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. In our next post, we will explore options for ways that businesses can participate in Earth Day.

What is Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson and celebrated on April 22nd, 1970 in San Francisco CA. Establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) followed during that same year. The concept of Earth Day went international in 1990 and now celebrations are coordinated by the Earth Day Network in over 175 countries.

What is Special About this Year?

In recognition of the power of millions of individual actions, Earth Day 2011 will be organized around A Billion Acts of Green®: Personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainably. The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. You can learn more about this initiative at http://www.earthday.org.

How Can Your Family Make a Difference?

Earth Day is a day to reflect on our planet, our environment, our resources and what we can do to help keep them healthy for generations to come. There are so many simple things that families can do to lessen their impact on the environment on Earth Day and throughout the year.

A few ideas are:

•Buy local produce in season. Take a trip to a farmer’s market. Children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they help pick them out. Better yet – plant your own garden!
•Help clean up your favorite park, beach, or neighborhood. Talk about the importance of not littering, pouring things into storm water drains, or leaving pet waste on the ground.
•Change from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs now. It will soon be required.
•Conserve water by taking showers versus baths, installing low flush toilets, and planting native species shrubs and flowers that are more tolerant of dry conditions.
•Reduce the amount of time driving in your car. Walk or ride bikes for neighborhood errands. Carpool when you can. Consider parking your car and taking the bus occasionally.
•Avoid plastic shopping bags – carry and use canvas shopping bags. Remember to take them every time you shop and not just to the grocery store. Buy in bulk or choose items with reduced packaging when possible.
•Unplug appliances when they are not in use – coffee makers, toasters, phone chargers, hair dryers, etc. all continue to consume energy simply by being plugged in.
•Wash clothes in cold water.
•Make an effort to significantly impact your family’s waste this year. Reducing your consumption, recycling more, and composting are easy ways to get a big jump start.

If you are really motivated, check out this family who is striving for zero waste:
http://earth911.com/news/2011/04/13/zero-waste-johnson-family/

Your family can probably come up with many more ways to celebrate Earth Day every day!


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.

Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest is defined as a situation that has the potential to affect the impartiality of a person. This most commonly occurs in a business setting when an individual is involved in multiple interests, one or more of which has the potential to corrupt the motivation for performance in the other.

You have heard the old parables of the fox guarding the hen house or the wolf watching the sheep. The basic lesson in both is "Don't assign a job to someone who will then be in a position to exploit it for his own ends”.

There are regulations in place throughout the lead and asbestos industries to address the potential conflict of interest associated with confirming the presence of these contaminants, and then being in charge of the proper removal and disposal of them.

However, a review of mold remediation companies on any search engine or in the yellow pages shows that many of them also perform mold assessments or mold testing. Is this a conflict of interest? It would seem that at least two states think so.

Currently, Texas and Florida both require licensing throughout the mold industry. The legislation in both TX and FL clearly states that “A licensee shall not perform both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project, or have an ownership interest in an entity that performs mold assessment services and mold remediation services on the same project.”

An Orlando FL contractor was recently arrested and now faces charges of grand theft and insurance fraud for collecting samples that were never analyzed. In addition, he provided fake lab data to support the need for extensive mold remediation - which he then also performed.

Another popular scam is to offer FREE mold inspections and sampling. Done properly, mold assessment and testing requires an investment of time, equipment, testing media and professional knowledge.

The only way a company can afford to continue to offer this assessment and testing service for free is to make a larger profit from remediating any mold problems that are found.

In no way does Air Matters LLC feel that these two examples are the norm. Many mold remediation companies are owned by hard working, ethical people who are hoping to keep some services in house to increase their profit margin and streamline the project.

However, more and more consumers are questioning the potential for conflict of interest, leading many remediation contractors to partner with third party providers.

Air Matters LLC has specialized in confirming the presence and identity of fungal species in homes and businesses since 2002. We do not perform any remediation work, “So you can breathe easy” knowing that you are getting an unbiased evaluation each and every time.

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.

How Does Your Home "Stack" Up?

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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrities Sue Over Mold Issues

Ed McMahon filed the first memorable celebrity mold lawsuit back in 2002, claiming that faulty work to clean and repair his home after a pipe burst resulted in toxic mold that made him and his wife sick and killed their dog. He asked for $20 million in damages and settled the claim the following year for just over $7 million.

Other celebrities have sued their insurance companies, home inspectors, contractors and tradesmen over the years related to mold issues including Erin Brockavich, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Jordan, and Bianca Jagger. A few months ago, there were rumours that mold contributed to the deaths of Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack, after they both died weeks apart and were found to have had similar pneumonia type symptoms.

Now, Rachael Ray and her lawyer husband John Cusimano have filed a lawsuit against two home inspection companies for failing to discover that the Southampton home they purchased in 2007 had water damage and mold growth. Rachel has suffered with respiratory problems repeatedly and feels that the mold either caused or at least exacerbated these symptoms, which impacted her effectiveness on camera and in front of her audience. Rachael and her husband have moved into her apartment in New York City until the situation is resolved.

Are home inspectors liable for positively identifying mold?
According to leading trade associations for the home inspection industry, NO!

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors document "International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Residential Properties", reads as follows:

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not required to determine:
J. the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. the presence of air-borne hazards.

Likewise, the American Society of Home Inspectors document "Standards of Practice" states:

13.2 General exclusions:
A.Inspectors are not required to determine:
11.the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans including molds or mold-like substances.
12.the presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.

Although many home inspectors do offer mold investigation and mold testing services, this is an additional area of expertise that requires specific training and often separate liability insurance coverage.

Your best bet when buying a home is to have an independent comprehensive home inspection in conjunction with a mold inspection. These two professionals working together can minimize your potential for buying a home with water damage and mold growth.


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.

Putting Your Carpet to Work

It’s used to getting walked all over, but now your carpet may be willing to do even more for you. Netherlands carpet manufacturer DESSO has introduced a new type of carpet specially developed to improve the air quality inside buildings.

The new type of carpet, called AirMaster, is eight times more effective in trapping particulate matter than hard floors and four times more effective than a standard carpet, thus greatly reducing the particulates breathed by building occupants. This was the conclusion of a study conducted by the independent German testing institute GUI.

This makes DESSO the world's only manufacturer to offer a product certified with the GUI's golden logo, which means that the carpet is 80% more effective than hard floors when it comes to trapping particulate matter.

The new Airmaster carpet from DESSO is primarily aimed at offices, hospitals, schools and other public buildings. DESSO if guaranteeing that AirMaster provides a significant improvement of the indoor climate and reduction in the risk of health-related problems.

Now if it could only vacuum itself. . .

MiST™ My Ride?

While I was waiting for my new tires to be installed the other day, a brochure on the counter caught my eye. . .

"A tidy car isn't free of mold, germ, and bacteria. A MiST™ Service is like a hand sanitizer for the vents & interior surfaces of your car. Get a MiST™ Service Today! You owe it to yourself and your family." Intrigued, I turned it over.

There was a magnified picture of a cultured sample taken from the interior of a Porshe, along with an illustration of streams of things coming from your car vent. Below these in bold print it said "Every time the fan is turned on, harmful spores are blown into the air you and your passengers breathe."

According to the EPA, some service providers may attempt to convince you that your air ducts are contaminated by demonstrating that the microorganisms found grow on a settling plate (i.e., petri dish). This is inappropriate. Some microorganisms are always present in the air, and some growth on a settling plate is normal. As for the "harmful spores" statement, only an expert can positively identify a substance as biological growth and lab analysis is normally required for final confirmation.

Upon visiting the company's website, you learn that "MiST™ utilizes atomized micro-droplets (1/10 the size of aerosol droplets) of a specially formulated solution. These droplets are drawn into an automobile's vents, penetrating and traveling to where the micro-organisms are living. MiST™ treats the entire ventilation system, including the evaporator, heater core, air ducts and passenger compartment surfaces." The company suggests that you perform this service every 6 months.

It does not say if the specially formulated solution includes water. If so, introducing this additional moisture into the system may actually promote fungal growth. Also, the EPA cautions about the use of biocides inside air ducts. They say that simply spraying or otherwise introducing these materials into the operating duct system may cause much of the material to be transported through the system and released. Depending on the product used, it may actually be more dangerous to breathe.

The company does suggest regular cleaning of your vehicle and maintenance of your filter system, both of which are important to minimize irritating contaminants.

Although this EPA document focuses on the air ducts in your home, many of the issues are the same. Read what they say at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, and then decide if you want to MiST™ your ride!


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.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

It is easy to follow the yellow brick road during spring in North Carolina -- and the yellow sidewalk, and the yellow cars, . . .

Thick yellow pine pollen is everywhere, and allergy sufferers are quick to blame the pollen for their symptoms. However, as bad as it looks, pine pollen is not the main culprit.

The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are actually produced by trees, grasses or weeds that do not have large, showy flowers or leaves. These plants have small, light dry pollen grains that are easily transported by the wind and inhaled by people through the nose or throat.

Ragweed, not pine trees, is the major culprit when it comes to allergic reactions. A single ragweed plant can generate up to one million pollen spores of pollen in a single day. Ragweed pollen is also extremely lightweight and travels through the air easily. In fact, scientists have collected samples of ragweed pollen 400 miles out at sea and two miles up in the air!

In contrast, pine pollen grains are much larger and fairly heavy. This is why they settle onto surfaces so easily. Stronger winds are required to keep pine pollen airborne for significant distances. Also, the types of allergens in pine pollen are less allergenic to most people as compared to the pollens found in many weeds or grasses.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these tips to help prevent allergy symptoms from kicking into high gear this spring:

•Don't assume you know exactly what you are allergic to. More than two-thirds of people who think their allergies only occur during the spring season actually have year-round allergies. An allergist can pinpoint the source of your allergic reaction and recommend the right treatment.
•Don't buy over-the-counter medications that don't alleviate allergy symptoms. Consult an allergist to determine which treatment options are best for you. Immunotherapy using nasal spray or shots may even cure allergies permanently.
•Don't wait until symptoms start to take allergy medications. Before the spring allergy season starts, begin taking a medication that's worked for you in the past.
•Take steps to avoid allergy triggers. Experts suggest that if you are allergic to pollen, keep your windows closed, take a shower after being outside and avoid going out in the middle of the day when pollen counts are highest.
•If raw or fresh fruits or other foods aggravate your allergy symptoms -- making you sniffle and sneeze and your mouth, lips and throat get itchy -- you may have oral allergy syndrome. This condition affects about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers. While cooking or peeling these foods may help, it is wise to consult an allergist.


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.

The Most Frightening Fungus?

Type "Black Mold" into an internet search engine, and what do you get? Links to over 5.5 Million pieces of information in less than a quarter of a second.

WOW! The majority of these sites refer to Stachybotrys. It is commonly nicknamed “stachy” and has been sensationalized as "black mold" or "toxic mold" by the media.

What is Stachybotrys?

Stachybotrys Chartarum is the single best known species of the genus. Despite the "black mold" nickname, Stachybotrys is not truly black, but is normally greenish-black in color. It tends to be somewhat slimy, as opposed to powdery. It thrives on on cellulose-containing products that have been wet for several days or more and enjoys a fairly constant moisture source.

Why are People so Worried About Stachybotrys?

Stachbotrys is known to produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. Exposure to these mycotoxins may have potential health effects for some individuals including coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rashes, and diarrhea.

Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, virus or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxin from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause health effect symptoms.

People with allergies may be more sensitive to Stachybotrys, as well as other molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections that may be associated with mycotoxins.

Is the Concern About Stachybotrys New?

The potential effects of Stachybotrys toxins were first observed in cattle and horses in Russia in 1920. Stomatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pancytopenia and neurological disorders developed in these animals after they ingested hay contaminated with Stachybotrys.

Later in the 1970s, it was claimed that Yellow Rain attacks in Southeast Asia were associated with the use of aerosolized trichothecenes as an agent of biologic warfare. However, this claim remained scientifically unproven.

What Caused the More Recent Focus on Stachybotrys?

In 1994, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated whether exposure to Stachybotrys might be related to pulmonary hemorrhage, also known as bleeding lungs, in infants in Cleveland, Ohio.

While the CDC initially concluded that there was a possible link between exposure to the mold and the condition, Stachybotrys was not found in the homes of seven children with bleeding lungs identified in the Chicago area between April 1992 and January 1995.

A subsequent review of the Cleveland study by a group of CDC experts concluded that a link between exposure to Stachybotrys and bleeding lungs in infants was not proven.

Where Can I Get More Information?

If you want additional information on Stachybotrys, make sure you are using reputable sources that provide the facts rather than relying on scare tactics.

Several good places to start include the Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/mold) and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/MOLD/stachy.htm).

What You Should Know About Air Sampling for Mold

What is Air Sampling?

Air samples are one of the common techniques used to test for mold. This method quantifies the exposure levels associated with an indoor space and typically compares that level to an outdoor baseline.

Air Matters LLC uses spore trap samples for its air sampling services, specifically the AIR-O-CELL air sampling cassette. This device is designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a range of airborne bioaerosols including fungal species, pollen, skin cell fragments, and insect parts.


How Does Air Sampling Work?

A high volume air pump is calibrated prior to the start of the sample. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is labeled and attached to a tube at the end of the pump. The pump pulls the particulate laden air through the cassette, and the air flow continues out an exit orifice. The length of the sampling period is digitally timed to ensure accurate calculation of the air flow.

The particles are deposited on an adhesive area contained inside the cassette. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is removed from the tubing and sealed. The specific information regarding the sample is recorded on a chain of custody form. After the assessment, all samples and the chain of custody are transported to the laboratory for analysis.

At the lab, the cassette is opened and examined under a microscope. The various particles are identified and quantified. This information is summarized in a report and transmitted to Air Matters LLC.


What Does Air Sampling Tell You?

It is important to remember that air sampling data provides a snapshot of one specific moment in time. Conditions change constantly based on such factors as temperature, HVAC operation, relative humidity, or building activities.

Since there are no widely accepted numerical guidelines regarding mold like there are for other contaminants (radon for example), a thorough site assessment by a qualified professional is critical to interpreting laboratory findings.

If you have more specific questions about air sampling, give us a call today!




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.

Does Mold Have You Acting Like a Witch?

Mold really can make you act like a witch. . .

I recently came across some information on a book called Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History. In this story published twenty years ago by Yale University, history professor Mary Kilbourne Matossian presents a large amount of evidence that the population of Europe was held down for 500 years by endemic mold-induced food poisoning called ergot or ergotism.

Although most sources attribute this long epidemic to fungi in the genus Claviceps, she also gives credit to the genus Fusarium. Both genera infected rye kernels before and after harvest, producing toxic, long-acting alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine).

Professor Matossian's preface of her book starts off with "People make history, but not just as they please. However strong and intelligent they may be, human beings are vulnerable creatures. . . They may even be laid low by organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye."

She goes on to explain how the poor in northern Europe, who lived on rye bread and little else, were the most affected by molds and the mycotoxins they produced. Grains were truly considered the staff of life, and the poor ate 2-3 pounds of it per day.

Wealthy households were never affected as much as poor households, because their servants prepared the grain as gruel, boiling it over a fire for about a half hour, which broke down the toxin. They also enjoyed a more diverse diet, including meat and white bread.

Poor women miscarried and children died frequently. Those who survived childhood had chronic illnesses, gangrene, and mental disturbances. The hallucinations and seizures experienced were often interpreted as witchcraft, possession, or divine inspiration. Neither the people affected or those around them could explain the uncontrolled behaviors.

No one knew that their diet was responsible for their misfortune. Not until wheat and potatoes began to replace rye did the epidemic abate.

There is even a section on how ergotism may have played a significant role in the Salem Witch Trials. The early settlers of Massachusetts planted rye, ate rye bread, and experienced hallucinations and seizures that are documented to be just like those of the Europeans.

Further discussion examines the growing season, winter and summer temperatures, soil composition, and drainage in the Salem area as likely to contribute to a rye crop infected with ergot.

For more information on the book, including the complete table of contents and an extended preview of many pages, check out Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History on Google Books.

Now you will have to blame those moods on something else!



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.

EPA Teams with Building Industry Experts on Comprehensive IAQ Guide

Too often, indoor air quality (IAQ) problems result from poor planning, improper design, or inadequate construction methods and materials. If design and construction teams work together to incorporate good IAQ strategies from the start, many of the common pitfalls can be avoided.

The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is a collaboration between the American Society of Refrigerating, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors of North America, and the United States Green Building Council, which awards the internationally recognized LEED green building certification system.

The book outlines specific strategies for achieving eight critical IAQ objectives relative to moisture management, ventilation, filtration and cleaning, and source control.

A 198-page summary of the guide can be downloaded free of charge at www.ashrae.org/iaq. The full publication, including a CD, is also available through ASHRAE for $29.

Within the summary, Objective 2 - Control Moisture in Building Assemblies and Objective 4 - Control Moisture and Contaminants Related to Mechanical Systems offer strategies to limit water and moisture intrusion, which directly impact the growth of fungal (mold) species.

The summary guide states in Objective 2 that "Moisture in buildings is a major contributor to mold growth and the poor IAQ that can result. Wetting of building walls and rainwater leaks are major causes of water infiltration."

There is also significant attention in this section given to controlling indoor humidity levels. High humidity supports the growth of mold, dust mite populations, and other biological contaminants indoors that may cause allergies or other health problems for building occupants.

Low humidity levels can dry out mucous membranes. Either way, "humidity conditions also affect people's perceptions of the IAQ."

Objective 4 starts out explaining the important role of mechanical systems in providing good IAQ. It then states "However, since many mechanical systems carry water or become wet during operation, they can also amplify and distribute microbial contaminants." Detailed strategies are discussed for each component of the mechanical systems.

Considering IAQ from the initial design process through the building occupancy will ensure that everyone breathes a little easier.

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.

Should the Dust Mites in Your Mattress Scare You?

You have heard the radio commercials with the statistics. You have seen the ads with the pictures (which look pretty scary when magnified 5,000 times!). Oprah has done a special episode on it. Even the Wall Street Journal has published articles in the past saying that "the average mattress will double its weight in ten years due to an accumulation of dust mites and their feces."

The thought of crawling into bed with pounds and pounds of dust mites and their feces gives you nightmares, not a restful night's sleep. Next you calculate the age of your mattress, and now you are truly frightened. The next day, you immediately begin your quest for new bedding.

A great marketing ploy, but do these claims have any scientific basis? Here are what a few experts in the field of dust mites had to say to Cecil Adams, who writes a syndicated weekly newspaper column called "The Straight Dope":

"It's nonsense," said mite authority Larry Arlian, professor of biological sciences, microbiology, and immunology at Wright State University. "I don't know where that originated. They're not that prolific."

Thomas Platts-Mills, professor of medicine and dust-mite guru at the University of Virginia, agreed. "I've heard that kind of stuff," he said. "I don't believe it. I'm sure there's an added weight but I don't think anyone has ever actually measured it."

Emmett Glass is the Ohio State University research associate leading the "Dust Mite Management Study" He was the gentleman that Wall Street Journal reporter said was the source of the claim that a mattress will double its weight due to dust mites. Emmett writes:

"I never quoted that statistic. I told [the reporter] that Internet web sites have statistics that try to strike fear in the consumer, thus promoting their products. I gave her a few off the top of my head (two million mites in an average mattress, mattress doubling in weight, etc.) that I read over the years. She asked me if any of these statistics have any scientific merit and I told her that none of them are in the literature. To the layman that is NO! In fact I asked the Wall Street Journal writer to call an expert on mattresses at the internal sleep products association. She did and was told that the statistic on mattresses doubling in weight was far from the truth. The journalist choose to include it in the story anyway. She liked the statistic because it made her story more interesting."

According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, only 10% of the general population is allergic to dust mites. However, 90% of people with allergic asthma are likely sensitive to dust mites and should take additional precautions.

Margot Carmichael Lester at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham offers the following tips to reduce your exposure to dust mites:

•Keep relative humidity low (under 55 percent) because dryness kills germs.
•Use a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum to keep allergens from releasing back into the air. Change the bags at least once a month.
•Switch out air filters according to manufacturers recommendations.
•Vacuum mattresses, carpets, upholstered furniture and window treatments at a very high setting.
•Toss stuffed animals, throw pillows and small rugs into the dryer on high heat regularly.
•Cover bed pillows, mattresses and box springs with impervious covers to keep dust mites from coming through.
•Unclutter rooms with most use (bedrooms, family rooms), including extra pillows and bed covers, out-of-season clothing, throw rugs, stuffed animals – and anything that gets (and stays) dusty.

You can use the money you save by not having to buy a new mattress to take your family over to Durham for a visit to the museum!

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.

Who Knew Slime Molds Were So Smart?

If you have been in North Carolina in the summer time, you have seen it. The big yellow patch that appears on the mulch bed in your yard a couple of days after the rain. It looks like. . . well, dog vomit. Eeeeew!

This is slime mold, officially named Physarum polycephalum. However, slime mold is not truly a mold, as it is not classified as a fungi. Although slime molds may not be fungi, they are apparently smart. Check out this article from The New York Times:


Slime Mold Proves to be a Brainy Blob
THE NEW YORK TIMES

Let's hear it for slime molds. Researchers in Japan have shown that a slime mold can design a network that is as efficient as the Tokyo rail system. Furthermore, the slime mold can build its network in a day.

A slime mold is what scientists call a single-celled amoeboid organism. When foraging for food, it spreads out as an amorphous mass, then builds tubular connections between food sources. This is a smart blob.

"We've found an unexpected high ability of information processing in this organism," said Toshiyuki Nakagaki, a researcher at Hokkaido University. "I wanted to pose a complicated problem to this slime mold, to design a large network," Nakagaki said. "This kind of program is not so easy, even for humans."

So he and his colleagues set up an experiment where they laid out 36 bits of food in a pattern corresponding to cities in the Tokyo area and put a slime mold, Physarum polycephalum, at the spot corresponding to Tokyo.

As they report in Science, after 26 hours the slime mold had created a series of tubular connections that matched, to a great extent, the rail links among these cities. The researchers found that the slime mold network was as efficient as the rail network, it tolerated breaks in the connections just as well, and it was created at a reasonable cost to the organism.


26 hours and at a reasonable cost?? I think we have just identified the perfect contractor to design the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor from Charlotte to Washington DC!


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.