If you suspect that a building material contains asbestos, you should have it tested by a certified laboratory. Here are the general steps for testing for asbestos:

1. Identify the suspected material: If you’re unsure whether a material contains asbestos, try to identify it based on its age, condition, and visual characteristics. Common building materials that may contain asbestos include insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring.
2. Contact a certified asbestos testing laboratory: Look for a laboratory that is certified by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can find a list of certified labs on the EPA website.
3. Collect a sample: Use a small tool, such as a hammer or chisel, to remove a small sample of the material. Wear protective clothing, including gloves and a respirator, to avoid inhaling any asbestos fibers. Place the sample in a sealable plastic bag.
4. Label the sample: Label the bag with the date, location, and a description of the material.
5. Send the sample to the laboratory: Follow the laboratory’s instructions for mailing the sample. Most labs will require a small fee for testing.
6. Wait for results: The laboratory will analyze the sample and send you a report indicating whether the material contains asbestos.

It’s important to note that disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibers into the air, so it’s best to avoid handling or removing suspected asbestos materials yourself. Instead, consider hiring a professional asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove the material.

The post How to Test for Asbestos in Building Materials: Certified Lab Process appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Report on the Environment, we are spending the vast majority of our time inside. In fact, the EPA’s report includes a section on Indoor Air Quality that states, “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.” The experts at AirMD can help you ensure that the air you are breathing while you’re spend all that time inside is safe. Our services include testing for formaldehyde and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as well as asbestos and mold inspections.

Why you should be concerned

The EPA says that the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher inside than they are in the great outdoors. The report also says that, “Indoor concentrations of some pollutants have increased in recent decades due to such factors as energy-efficient building construction (when it lacks sufficient mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange) and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.”

The EPA’s list of typical pollutants of concern includes:

• Combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and environmental tobacco smoke.
• Substances of natural origin such as radon, pet dander, and mold.
• Biological agents such as molds.
• Pesticides, lead, and asbestos.
• Ozone (from some air cleaners).
• Various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a variety of products and materials.

Unfortunately, as the EPA reports, “People who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors.”

If you have concerns about the quality of the air in your home or office, AirMD offers an extensive range of professional, science-based Residential Services, including:

• Allergy Testing
• Mold Testing
• Asbestos Testing and Asbestos Surveys
• Volatile Organic Compound Testing (VOCs)
• Water Testing
• Wellness Testing
• Bacteria Testing

• Heavy Metals Testing
• Lead Testing
• Pesticide Testing

Commercial Services include:

• Asbestos Testing And Surveys
• Lead Testing
• LEED Certification
• Mold Assessments
• Onsite Post Remediation Testing
• Pesticide Testing
• Restoration Project Management
• Protocol Development
• Volatile Organic Compound Testing VOCs
• Water Loss Assessment
• Building Science

The post EPA’s Report on the Environment highlights the need for mold, asbestos and VOC testing appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Mold is fungi that are often found both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors it is acceptable, but once mold finds its way indoors, your health and vitality can be compromised. There are common indoor molds that can easily grow within your home. These common molds are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria.

Mold sensitivity is common among individuals. Those who have weakened immune systems and people who take any medicine to suppress the immune system are more likely to be affected by mold exposure.

Extended exposure to mold can result in asthmatic reactions, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and congestion. It’s important to note the signs and whether or not you have any reason to expect the presence of mold within your dwelling. If you have any reason to believe that there may be mold or someone in your home is suffering because of mold exposure, then mold testing is something you will need to investigate to guarantee the safety of your home and family.

Our mold testing at AirMD is perfect for residential and commercial properties who wish to seek out the presence of mold. We have a multi-phase process when it comes to our mold testing. The phases involve identifying if an issue(s) exist, identifying the source of the problem(s), determining how extensive the problem(s) is and providing recommendations on how best to address the problem(s).

You can call one of our AirMD consultants to speak about our mold testing and to schedule your appointment. Call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-Go-AIRMD. You can also look around our webpage to see what other services we offer.

Here is a list of some other services we offer:

• Allergens
• Asbestos testing
• Lead testing
• Mold testing
• Pesticide testing
• VOC testing
• Water testing
• Wellness testing
• Lead paint testing
• Lead testing
• Water quality

The post Why mold testing is important appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The widespread use of asbestos started because of its excellent insulation capabilities. It is found in many products, including sprayed-on fire proofing and insulation in buildings, insulation for pipes and boilers, wall and ceiling insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, putties, caulks, cements, roofing shingles, brake linings and clutch pads.

If left undisturbed, asbestos does not pose a danger. It becomes hazardous when we breathe in the asbestos fibers that are released in the air. These fibers get trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can be removed. However, if they pass deep into the lungs, or swallowed, into the digestive tract, health problems may arise. Asbestos fibers are very difficult to destroy. Once these fibers get stuck in the lung or body tissues, the human body cannot break them down.

Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are the three primary diseases associated with asbestos. Children are more likely prone to developing mesothelioma whey they inhale asbestos. Schools over the years have taken possible exposure to asbestos seriously and implemented measures to prevent children from being affected.

The main concern relating to materials that contain asbestos is friability. When asbestos becomes friable, the likelihood for an exposure increases. When materials in the home, office, or any other building begin to degrade or any renovations, demolition or construction is to occur, an asbestos survey must be conducted to ensure no material that contains asbestos is disturbed. Asbestos regulation is implemented and enforced at both Federal and State levels. In fact, a current asbestos survey is required prior to any demolition or renovation made to a commercial or multi-unit residential property in every state as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is crucial to seek out certified and trained professionals like AirMD to test for asbestos.

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AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting nationwide.

Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

For more information, please explore our website here at www.airmd.com

The post Asbestos 101 appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Due to the health risks associated with asbestos there are federal, state and county regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have regulations that apply to asbestos with severe penalties if not followed. The EPA regulations specify work practices for asbestos to be followed during demolitions and renovations and OSHA requires that no employee is exposed to any asbestos above the permissible exposure level. Failure to follow the regulations can result in fines, license revocation and in some cases incarceration.

Sampling for asbestos requires a certified asbestos inspector identifying all potential materials that may contain asbestos in the areas for renovation or demolition. Using personal protective equipment such as a respirator, the inspector collects samples and submits them to an accredited laboratory for analysis using polarized light microscopy. Once the results are generated, a report is issued interpreting the results with reference to the documented regulations.

A common misconception regarding potential exposure to asbestos is based on the age of the building. The regulations require an asbestos survey prior to demolition or renovation of a building regardless of construction date. Asbestos is still mined in the United States, often shipped overseas and used in building materials which are then shipped back to the United States as new products. Proof of an asbestos survey is frequently requested by county inspectors prior to issue of permits for construction activities.

The post What is Asbestos appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause lung cancer including a particular cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer found in the lining of the lungs, chest, heart and abdominal cavity. Asbestos can also cause a condition known as asbestosis. While not a cancer, asbestosis is a progressive disease of the lungs. Only a doctor can tell you if a health condition is the result of asbestos exposure. Be aware, however, that asbestos related diseases do not typically appear until about 20 years after asbestos exposure.

Why was asbestos used in homes and other buildings if it is dangerous?

Asbestos is extremely resistant to fire, which is why it was commonly used in building construction. It is also very lightweight and resistant to chemical corrosion. Builders and manufacturers stopped using asbestos when its potential health hazards became known. In Germany this occurred in the 1930’s, but the use of asbestos was widespread in the United States until the 1960’s.

Where in the home is asbestos found?

Asbestos can be found in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, shingles and siding. It was also used in some textured paints and in wraps used on pipes as well as in certain cement mixtures.

How do I know if there is asbestos in my home?

The only way to know if asbestos is present in your home is to have suspect materials tested or have an asbestos air quality test performed.

Must I have any asbestos I find removed?

No. Asbestos is only a danger if the asbestos fibers become airborne. This means that asbestos-containing tiles, insulation, shingles and other materials do not pose a health risk if they are in good condition and remain undisturbed. You need only worry about these materials if they are fraying, breaking or deteriorating in some way. An asbestos air quality test will tell you whether or not there is any dangerous airborne asbestos in your home.

If AirMD finds asbestos in my home’s air, will you remove it?

No. It is a conflict of interest for an environmental testing company to remove asbestos. A company that does both air testing and asbestos removal may be tempted to report air quality problems even where there are none in an effort to sell their services. Because we perform air quality testing only, you can trust the results you get from us.

To ask an AirMD scientist a question about this service please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD

The post FAQ’s About Asbestos in the Home appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.