Certified Indoor Air

Productive Microbial Cleaning

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:41:28 GMT

Ten simple guidelines for productive microbial cleaning

First - Ban the Broom

As you sweep dust, spores and fragments of mold growth become airborne and then begin to settle again.

Second - Always Use a Properly Functioning True HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

Third - Vacuum From All Directions

When vacuuming carpets or area rugs it is important to vacuum from all possible directions.

Fourth - Remove and Empty the vacuum collection bag or canister outside

Every time the vacuum cleaner bag or collection canister is emptied inside the home some dust will become airborne and resettle back into that home.

Fifth - Check to see how much dirt is being missed when you vacuum

This check will help you learn how much vacuuming you need to do to be sufficient.

Sixth - HEPA Vacuum Before Performing Wet or Damp Cleaning

Any time visible dirt is present on a surface it should be thoroughly cleaned by HEPA vacuuming first.

Seventh - Clean Hard Surfaces with Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Cleaning with typical rags or towels quickly begin to smear the dirt around on a surface rather than clean it well.

Eighth - Monitor How productively You have Cleaned Hard Surfaces

Repeat step seven and then look at the wipes.

Ninth - Use Common, Safe Household Products for Cleaning productively

Tenth - Avoid Dangerous Ineffective Products

Microbes in your HVAC

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:25:21 GMT

What are Microbes?

Microbes are living microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. At any given time, you actually have trillions of living microbes on and in your body. Many are helpful and aid in food digestion and your immune system. But some are not helpful and may cause you to get sick.

Bacteria are single cell organisms. Most bacteria are helpful to humans, aiding us to stay healthy, but some can cause infections or other illnesses, like Tuberculosis. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics that kill the bacteria. Well-known examples of bacteria include salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria.
Fungi can be found almost anywhere. Well-known examples of fungi include mold, yeast, and mushrooms. Fungi are typically found in moist environments. Breathing in fungi spores like mold can be harmful, especially if a person is allergic or has a weakened immune system.
Viruses are comprised of one or more molecules surrounded by a protein shell. The genetic information the virus needs to reproduce is located inside the protein shell. Well-known examples of viruses include Influenza (The Flu), AIDS, and the common cold. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses but medications can be used to help treat symptoms. Your body’s immune system ultimately has to fight off the virus.

How Does Moisture Create Microbe Problems In Your HVAC?

Since the Raleigh area is a humid environment, your HVAC system will be constantly working to dehumidify the air flowing into your home. If your system is not regularly maintained or is older, it may experience difficulties keeping up with the dehumidification process which could lead to excess moisture build up throughout the system. When moisture is present in an HVAC system, the potential for mold, fungi and mildew exists. A mold infested HVAC system may lead to large scale remediation, related cleanup costs and possible health issues.BLUE II INFORMATIONAL FLYER

What Can Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

Keep your HVAC system regularly maintained with maintenance check-ups
Replace your air filters at the first sign of inefficiency
Install an indoor air quality filtration system
Get your ducts cleaned
Consider an antimicrobial fogging treatment

Mold and Dampness cause Health Problems

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 02:46:00 GMT

Typical symptoms include:

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person to become allergic to mold. Molds may trigger asthma symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough in people with known allergies. People who do not have allergies can also become irritated. Studies indicate that exposure to molds in the home can make pre-existing asthma worse. The CDC investigates associations between damp buildings and developing new asthma.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a kind of lung inflammation that occurs when people develop immune system sensitization to inhaled organic dust. Immune system sensitization is similar to an allergy. It can seem like pneumonia, but it does not get better with antibiotics for infection. Symptoms of HP can vary. Some persons have:

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Lung disease has also occurred in workers who worked in water-damaged buildings with:

It is due to a person’s immune system reaction to inhaled microorganisms, whether dead or alive. It is possible for workers to have both dampness-related HP and asthma at the same time.

HVAC – the lungs of your home

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:22:00 GMT

HVAC Systems are high risk areas for mold & bacterial growth & contamination if not designed or cared for properly. ⁣ ⁣ While it’s the super-tiny sub-micron sized particles & fragments that primarily cause health issues and inflammatory responses in the body, we want to be using a layered approach to lowering our overall home health exposures.⁣ ⁣ One piece of that, is making sure your HVAC systems & vents stay clean. We know that’s a huge goal of great proportions so let’s just start with filtration .⁣ ⁣ Buying Filters⁣ This takes just a bit of research ahead of time, considering the amount of brands, sizes & MERV ratings out there, it may create some initial overwhelm in a first timer. (Hence the guide).⁣ ⁣ So what’s a MERV?⁣ To keep it simple, MERV is a means of measuring how efficient an Air Filter works. Check out our charts to help find which MERV meets your expectations.⁣ ⁣ So should I buy filters with high MERV ratings?

You’d prefer a 5-star hotel to a 2-star hotel but should you prefer a filter with a MERV rating of 16 to one with a rating of 9? Probably not.

If your filter has a high MERV rating, you know it’s highly effective in preventing things like pollen, bacteria and pet dander from circulating throughout your home; however, it may be overly effective in preventing air itself from circulating, which is a bad thing. The end result of less air circulation may be poorer overall air quality in your home. Furthermore, more resistance means more work for your HVAC system. If you’re using a filter with a MERV rating that’s not compatible with your system, inefficiency and high energy costs may be the result. Over the long-term if your HVAC system becomes overworked, you may be faced with costly repairs.

☀️ Tip: If your thermostat isn’t moving & your system is running hard over the summer, (not cooling like it should) select a lower MERV rating like an 8, which can help ease the pressure pushing through the filter. Once the season cools down, switch it back to a higher rating. ⁣

Is this your Household?

Household 1

Perhaps one household is comprised of two newlyweds who are working hard to jump-start their careers. They have no time for pets, neither of them smoke and they rarely have guests over. They select an air filter with a MERV rating of 8. There are only two of them, they have no allergies, they don’t smoke and don’t often have guests over to bring in dust and dirt.

Household 2

A family of five resides in the second household. The children are between the ages of 8 and 15. They’re all healthy kids who are into sports, and their parents enjoy hosting team dinners for each of their children, who have friends over often either way. They also have a young labrador retreiver. They select an air filter with a MERV rating of 11.

No one in this family suffers from a breathing condition that would warrant buying a filter with a higher MERV rating, but more dirt, dust and other contaminants find their way into this home every time they have guests over. Lucy the lab joins the guests and family members themselves in churning up these contaminants within their home, and she leaves behind pet dander. They need an air filter that traps a few more particles than our first household, but they don’t need the highest level of protection.

Household 3

Finally, a family of six lives in the third household. Everyone chips in to take care of Grandma, who lives with them, and has emphysema. They don’t have any pets because the children seem to have the same allergies that their mother does, but occasionally host friends and family. They select an air filter with a MERV rating of 13. Because most of the family have allergies and the grandmother has a severe breathing problem, and because there are six people bringing contaminants in as opposed to one or two, a relatively high MERV rating is in their best interest.

Do some research about your system to find out what MERV rating is ideal for you. And, don’t forget to change your filters, otherwise the MERV rating will be the least of your worries!

Mold in your attic?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 23:41:00 GMT

Mold found in attic areas can be challenging when trying to pinpoint the exact cause and source of mold growth. However, there are some common conditions that we routinely find during our mold investigations that are leading contributors to mold growth in attics. Here are 5 possible causes:

#1 Roof Leaks

At the top of the list is roof leaks. Several issues can occur around the flashing or the area where the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a vent or a chimney. Missing, deteriorated, or improperly install flashing among other penetration points and inadequate roof repairs are the most common causes of roof leaks. Water seepage also occurs when the roof is beyond the end of its life span. An annual inspection of your roof by a roofing specialist and routine maintenance can prevent leaks in a roof system, effectively reducing the likelihood of mold growth in your attic.

#2 Inadequate Roof Ventilation

Without adequate ventilation, moisture-laden air can remain in attic areas. This will cause elevated moisture conditions around the roof framing and roof sheathing. During cold winter months, for example, condensation can occur on the cold roof sheathing creating this damp environment. You may think otherwise, but it is important to keep your attic cool during colder months.

Another common cause of inadequate ventilation is when your soffit vents are blocked by debris. This could be debris from trees, roofing materials, birds’ nest, or insulation – when it is blown into the attic. If proper care is not taken during this time, the insulation can end up blocking the soffit vents. Soffit vents are critical in a passive ventilation system to circulate air from the lower portion of the attic (intake vents) to the upper roof vents (exhaust vents).

It is possible to help improve and correct inadequate roof ventilation conditions by adding more ventilation ports or a powered roof vent. If it is safe to do so, you should also inspect your soffit vents as part of routine maintenance, or hire someone to inspect your attic.

#3 Bath or Kitchen Exhaust Fans Vented into the Attic

Exhaust fans should be vented directly to the exterior of the home, and surprisingly we often find this is not the case. When an exhaust fan is missing its exhaust duct, or if the duct has become separated, the exhaust is then vented directly into the attic space, similar to the situation above meaning the warm damp air is trapped creating the ideal atmosphere for microbial growth. In this case, it’s important to correct the issue an re-route the vents to the outside.

#4 Missing or Inadequate Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is key in not only energy conservation, but proper levels can also reduce the chance of mold growth in attic areas. As air travels up through a structure, insulation provides a barrier slowing the rate of conditioned air loss in an attic area. When an attic is missing insulation, the air movement increases significantly, and the influx of warm air can, once again, cause condensation on cold roof sheathing. This type of moisture condition resulting from condensation is a catalyst for mold growth. It’s important to check your insulation and make sure that you have even and adequate coverage throughout the entire attic, especially in the lower-north-side areas.

#5 Gaps or Ceiling Openings

Unsealed openings in ceilings around exhaust fans, can lights, speakers, and other fixtures can allow warm conditioned air to escape into attic areas. It’s important to ensure all gaps and openings are properly sealed to help reduce the chances of mold growth in attic areas.

Crawlspace: what's in yours?

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 15:50:00 GMT

Here in the Carolinas many homes are built over a crawl space. The foundation typically has 6”x10” vents in order to exchange outside air with the crawl space air. The original intent was to let the good air in and let the bad air out. Sometimes the system doesn't work the way it was intended. The soil under your home is typically 50 to 55 degrees and does not get any sunshine. The outdoor air can be hot and humid for six months of the year. So what happens when hot air hits cold soil? Condensation. This condensation is enough moisture to trigger unwanted mold growth in the crawl space. This creates is a giant kind of Petri Dish below your home.

Your crawl space can harbor molds that are dangerous to humans, or dangerous to the structure itself. A crawl space inspection is recommended to determine the condition of this area and its influence on the health of your home.

Don't Use the Same Company for Testing & Remediation

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 14:57:00 GMT

Mold is an important yet destructive part of our ecosystem. There is an industry dedicated to hunting it and removing it from living and working spaces and yet there are many misconceptions surrounding mold assessment, and mold remediation and why each job needs to be done by a separate, and uniquely qualified, company. Did you know that any trustworthy remediation company will not and should not start a project without a written protocol, developed by an independent third-party mold assessor?

Here are a few reasons why.

The Importance of a Mold Inspection Before Remediation

The big picture is that a mold assessment involves detailed inspection and sampling of indoor air and/or surfaces to help determine if remediation is necessary. Even if there is visible mold it is important to establish the extent of required remediation by testing samples. Here are fours things to consider:

1. Conflict of Interest mold remediation is a specialized process that includes the containment, removal, and cleaning of mold or mold-contaminated materials. Mold remediation teams undergo specialized training, just as inspection and assessment teams do. Even though each process deals with mold, performing both services on the same job creates a conflict of interest. Any reputable mold remediation company will insist on receiving post-remediation clearance based on inspection and testing performed by a third-party mold assessor.

2. Not all Mold Problems are the Same – Mold growth can be visible to the naked eye and is usually found on building materials that have become wet or experienced high humidity for extended periods of time. A mold assessment will help identify the presence of water damage and moisture to identify the source and which areas support the growth.

Mold spores that have been disturbed are released from the areas of growth and spread to other areas of the home creating new contaminated environments, known as cross-contamination. These particles are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. This means a mold inspection is crucial in determining where else the mold is present and how far it has spread.

Investigating, collecting samples, and laboratory testing is the only way to know for sure what type of mold is present, how much mold is present, and how it may be impacting the indoor environment. It is also used to develop a scope of work and protocol for the remediation.

In short, a mold inspection is used to help determine the proper containment, cleaning, and restoration of impacted areas. Without a scope of work your remediation contractor is left to work only from assumptions.

Our Story

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:03:00 GMT

My son was middle school age when he began experiencing health issues. His energy was extremely low. Some days it was a struggle for him to get out of bed in the morning. There were also sinus symptoms present.

We went to several general MD's trying to find the cause for all of this. No one seemed to know the answer or shed any light on the problem. Finally, we found a doctor who was an MD but also specialized in environmental health issues and nutrition. So, this doctor did some allergy testing. We discovered that my son was allergic to wheat and dairy. The test result that really surprised us, though, was a scratch test for mold. My son fainted on the spot. It turned out that he had a very strong reaction to mold, even though none of the other family members had reacted to it. My son was given several supplements to help detoxify his system. His diet had to be totally free of wheat and dairy. He could no longer sleep in his bedroom on the lower level of our house. We made sure he had a HEPA air filter in his room and special sheets and pillow cases. After several months his symptoms disappeared and he was able to enjoy life again. My advice to anyone suffering in this way is to find a doctor that is educated in nutritional and environmental health and will work with you to get to the root cause of the health problem.