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.
Showing posts with label air sampling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label air sampling. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 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, June 23, 2010
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. . .
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. . .
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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.
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.
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