You probably know by now that water quality testing pros, the mold inspectors and everyone else at our environmental testing company are fans of science. We are also big fans of Earth Day, which is April 22, and its important message. So, when we heard those two things were coming together, well that definitely gave us something to smile about!

This year we will mark the 51st annual Earth Day. Since 1970, when the very first Earth Day celebration was held, we have grown in our understanding of the need to protect and nurture this amazing planet we call home. Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate what has been accomplished and to remember how much work still lies ahead.

And talking about the work ahead… the folks at EarthDay.org have put out a call to citizen scientists to help collect data as part of the Global Earth Challenge.

Science to the Rescue!

The Global Earth Challenge is the world’s largest ever coordinated citizen science campaign. (How cool is that?!) By using mobile technology and open citizen science data, the project is designed to empower people all over the world to become involved in the campaign to fight climate change.

Citizen scientists will help monitor threats to environmental and human health in their community. There’s a mobile app you can use to report on things like air quality, water quality, insect populations and plastic pollution, among other things.

Your observations will then be combined with the millions of observations coming in from other citizen scientists around the world to provide valuable environmental insights that can be used to help plot a way forward.

The effort is being coordinated in partnership with the Wilson Center and the U.S. Department of State as a way to create and connect interested communities around the world.

Together, we can leverage the power of scientific research to drive meaningful change.

If you want to get involved with the Global Earth Challenge, but have questions about the science involved in environmental air testing, water quality testing and other aspects of environmental testing in general, please feel free to contact the science-loving folks at AirMD.

The post Celebrate Earth Day with AirMD appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Here at AirMD, an innovative environmental testing company with expertise in indoor air quality testing, every month is Care About Your Indoor Air Month. But in February, we have found out, the whole country gets on board with a celebration of National Care About Your Indoor Air Month.

According to Buildings.com, a community of facility managers and building owners responsible for the operation of commercial and public buildings, “The EPA lists poor indoor air quality among the top 5 environmental risks in the U.S. Poor IAQ is often blamed for poor concentration in school children and can trigger asthma, which accounts for three million lost work days for adults and a staggering 10 million lost school days for children.”

On top of that, “Asthma costs the U.S. Approximately $16 billion annually, with approximately 160 million Americans breathing in unhealthy air during the course of any given day,” the pros at Buildings.com add.

That should give you an idea of why we care about the quality of your indoor air and test to make sure it isn’t harming you or your family or your employees throughout the year. It’s always a good time to be concerned about the air you are breathing.

How Should You Celebrate National Care About Your Indoor Air Quality Month?

You don’t necessarily need to call in the experts to improve the indoor air quality of your home or business. There are simple steps you can take to create a healthier environment.

Among other things, the folks at Southern Trust Home Services, an HVAC and plumbing company in Virginia, suggest that you check for leaking pipes and damp spots in cabinets and throughout your home. “When thinking of IAQ, one would not think that plumbing could be a factor,” they say. “Damp spots can quickly turn into mildew or mold, creating potential breathing hazards inside the home. Condensation is also a sign of poor ventilation, which can contribute to mold and mildew as well.”

Other tips include:

• Changing your air conditioning filters regularly
• Getting rid of harsh household products that could release VOCs into the air
• Replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hard flooring
• Add houseplants to your décor

For more tips on improving your home’s indoor air quality or for environmental air testing services, including VOC testing, contact the indoor air quality testing experts at AirMD.

The post February Is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Here at AirMD, a science-backed environmental testing company, we have advanced technology that can efficiently test indoor air quality and test water quality as well. We have tests for asbestos and tests for formaldehyde. We even have equipment that does testing for mold.

What we wish we had was a test that would reveal scammers and other criminals who set out to prey on people who are suffering, like those who have developed and are implementing Covid-19 scams.

While there are countless stories of people who have stepped up help to help others and to make a positive contribution to their communities, there are also stories emerging of people who see the current pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of people who are already facing hardships and challenges.

Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Scams

Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. So we wanted to share some tips to avoid Covid-19 scams put out by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Apparently, scammers are calling people with a number of different scenarios designed to get you to part with either your money or your personal information. Some of those reported include:

• Phone calls and text messages supposedly coming from the World Health Organization (the WHO), asking you to provide account information or money.
• Robocalls claiming to send out free virus test kits to those at high-risk of contracting a serious form of Covid-19. r payment over the phone.
• The FCC says another “robocall message purports to be from the U.S. Department of Health, warning of an outbreak ‘in your area.’ The message recommends getting a vaccine and offers to connect you to a ‘health advisor.’”

To protect yourself from these and many other scams, the FCC offers the following tips:

• Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
• Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering your phone. Government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
• Always do a little research on a charity to make sure they are legitimate before giving them any money.

You can find a lot of good information online about current scams. A good place to start is the FCC Consumer Help Center and the FCC Scam Glossary.

Unfortunately, the environmental testing pros at AirMD can’t run a test to detect the presence of scams, but if there is anything else we can do to help ensure the health and safety of your family or small business, we hope you will contact us.

The post Covid-19 Scams Are a New Form of Contamination appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The air quality testing experts at AirMD are often asked about the advisability of burning candles in the home – especially this time of year. That’s because the warm glow of a burning candle is something many people associate with the holidays, whether the candles are set in a menorah or are the centerpiece of a Christmas dinner table.

From a personal perspective, we love the charm of candlelight as much as anyone, but as a science-based environmental testing company, we know there is more to the issue than charm. 

So, should you be concerned about burning candles this holiday season? Probably not, but let’s address two of the biggest possible hazards. 

Lead Wicks

If you have read alarming reports about candles with lead wicks releasing harmful toxins into the air, don’t worry. Unless you have been hoarding candles made before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, lead wicks shouldn’t be a concern. 

“Most candle manufacturers stopped using lead in their candles in the 1970s. Due to concerns that fumes could cause lead poisoning, especially in children, lead-containing candles were removed from the market,” Healthline reports.

Any lingering questions were put to rest in 2003, when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of metal cored candlewicks containing lead and candles with such wicks.

Petroleum-Based Wax

“Most modern candles are made from paraffin wax. This type of wax is made from petroleum as a by-product of making gasoline,” Healthline says. 

Does burning paraffin wax release chemicals into the air that could be harmful? The evidence is inconclusive. If you want to err on the side of caution, look for candles made from natural substances like beeswax or soy. 

Even if our holiday gatherings are a little smaller this year due to the pandemic, you can be sure that candles will be burning on holiday tables across the country – and we don’t think that’s a problem. 

There are enough challenges to our merry making this year, and if lighting a candle in the dark of a winter night brings you comfort and peace or conjures a memory of a happier time, we say go for it! 

All of us at AirMD, one of the most respected indoor air quality testing companies, wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday.

The post Are Holiday Candles Harmful to Indoor Air Quality? appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Here at AirMD, a science-based environmental testing company based in Boca Raton, Florida, when we think about indoor air quality, we are usually thinking about things like home allergen tests, VOC testing and mold inspections. But there are other ways to look at the quality of the air in your home.

“Pause a moment from the holiday hustle to take a deep breath. Turns out, the smells you’re taking in could be doing wonders for your body and brain,” the folks at Real Simple say. 

That’s right, some of the scents that we most closely associate with the holidays bring gifts of their very own. 

It’s not just the sight of a sparkling Christmas tree that can lift your spirits. “The scent of pine could help bust some of the stress that goes hand-in-hand with this time of year,” Real Simple reports. “Researchers at Japan’s Kyoto University found that participants who took two 15-minute walks through a pine forest reported improved moods and lower feelings of depression and hostility.” 

You don’t have to invest the time and money to put up a live Christmas tree to get these benefits (if you haven’t been to the tree lots yet, you’ll find the trees are on the pricey side this year). You can enjoy the scent of pine with essential oils and candles. 

Here in South Florida, we are a little short of pine forests, but don’t worry. Nature isn’t stingy when it comes to offering stress relief. 

As the folks at National Geographic report, “Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you.”

If you live in Boca Raton, you might want to stretch your legs at the Yamato Scrub Natural Area.  You can definitely ease your stress by spending a little time exploring the grounds of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, which offers some beautiful green pathways to explore. 

And, of course, there is Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Mounts is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. It offers 14 acres of tropical and subtropical plants for you to explore. In the 25 different display gardens, you can find more than 2,000 different types of plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and more.

If you would like more information about indoor air quality testing, we hope you will contact us.

The post Holiday Magic Is in the Air appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

At AirMD, we are often called in to assess the indoor air quality in a company’s workplace. Depending on the setting and the industry, it may be important to test for VOCs, conduct mold testing or test for formaldehyde or asbestos. 

Now that so many people are working from home, the line between residential and commercial environmental testing is rapidly becoming blurred. 

From teachers to accountants, computer clerks to creative directors and editors to paralegals, countless people switched to working from home when the pandemic began. That involves not only finding space where you can be productive but also plugging in and powering up an array of equipment that might include a computer, printer/scanner and, perhaps an additional phone line. 

So, what does spending all that extra time at home mean for the quality of the air inside your home – and for your health? 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s report on indoor air quality reveals that the air inside your home may be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Spending more time there could expose you to greater risk. 

If you invested in new furnishings for your home office or bought desks for your kids who were forced to attend classes virtually, you may have added to the problem. As the EPA explains, pressed-wood products can emit gasses that add to the indoor pollution.

There are certain health effects that you should watch for that, according to the EPA, might indicate the presence of indoor air pollutants, including:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

If you or anyone in your family is exhibiting these symptoms, please feel free to contact us for more information about indoor air quality testing. 

Of course, not everyone has the option to work from home. Essential workers are showing up for work – and showing up for us – every day in hospitals and grocery stores. Our mail is still being delivered, packages are showing up on our doorsteps, and food processing plants are humming along. Teachers are returning to the classrooms, pharmacists are on duty at the drugstore and you can get the supplies you need to fix a toilet because the hardware stores and home supply stores are staffed
All of us at AirMD, a leading environmental testing company in South Florida, would like to express our gratitude to all the people doing the essential work in our communities. Thank you! Stay safe!

The post Does Working Remotely Impact Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality? appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Normally, the environmental testing experts at AirMD are focused on things like VOC testing, mold testing, indoor air quality testing and water quality testing. These days, however, like just about everyone else in the world, we are also concerned with taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our families from Covid-19 – and that starts with proper hand hygiene. 

With our scientific background, we have been having friends and family members ask us for advice ever since the pandemic began earlier this year. One of the most common questions we get is about the best type of soap to use when washing your hands. 

Hand Soaps and Sanitizers

When it comes to hand sanitizers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a clear recommendation: you should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol (which might be listed on the label as either ethanol or ethyl alcohol).

But nothing beats good old soap and water when it comes to cleaning your hands. That much is clear if you read the CDC guidelines. But, unlike with hand sanitizers, there are no recommendations regarding the specific type of soap that might be most effective against the coronavirus. 

There are a lot of people who think that using an antibacterial soap is the best way to go when it comes to keeping themselves and their families safe from Covid-19. For a number of reasons, however, we would advise against it: 

1. Covid-19 – and most of the other things you want to wash away – are viruses, not bacteria. 
2. Not all bacteria are bad. For optimum health, you need good bacteria.
3. The use of antibacterial soaps and cleaners seems to be contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bugs. 

“There is currently no evidence that consumer antiseptic wash products (also known as antibacterial soaps) are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. “In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients could do more harm than good.”

All of us here at AirMD, a leading national environmental testing company based in Boca Raton, Florida, wish you and your family the very best during these challenging times.

The post Should You Be Using Antibacterial Soap? appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Our work as an environmental testing company is based in science. Our indoor air quality testing experts know exactly how the respiratory droplets and the virus-bearing aerosols that spread Covid-19 move through the environment.

Our water quality testers understand the science involved in handwashing, too. But, we might not do as good a job of explaining hand hygiene as the folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do (they have people who translate the technical aspects of the science into regular English!).

As the CDC explains, “Germs are everywhere. They are within and on our bodies and on every surface you touch.’ We’re all on hyper-alert because of Covid-19 but it’s important to remember that not all of those germs are bad. It might sound counterintuitive, but you need some of them to help you stay healthy and strengthen your immune system.

Handwashing Basics

Washing Your Hands with Soap and Water

• You probably have the routine down by now, but it never hurts to keep reminding yourself how important it is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs, pesticides and even metals that collect on your hands.

Washing Your Hands with an Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

• You don’t need to sing Happy Birthday twice while you’re using hand sanitizer. But you should keep working the sanitizer into your hands until they are dry.
• According to the CDC, these areas most often missed when using alcohol-based hand sanitizer are the thumbs, fingertips and between your fingers. And those areas might be the most important of all!
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are great to carry with you, but they don’t kill as many types of germs as good old hand washing with soap and water.

These are challenging times for all of us. If the environmental testing and wellness experts at AirMD can help you and your family in any way, please contact us.

The post The Science of Hand Washing appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Most of the time the folks here at AirMD, an environmental testing company based in South Florida, are focused on things like residential mold inspections, home allergen tests and testing for air and water quality. But this weekend, it is Father’s Day!

Even though some of the restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19 have been
Lifted, this Father’s Day is still going to be quite a bit different for most families.

Instead of taking Dad out for brunch or dinner on Sunday, June 21, maybe you’ll be cooking something at home. According to Chiff.com, “Father’s Day recipes” is one of the top online searches related to the holiday. Other popular search topics include “Father’s Day poems” and “Father’s Day crafts.” (You’ve been warned, guys, so start practicing saying the following like you mean it “There isn’t anything I’d rather have.”)

Father’s Day Trivia

If you want to liven up the conversation around the dinner table when the family gets together to celebrate Dad, you can share some of this fun Father’s Day trivia courtesy of Chiff.com, an online guide to sports, travel, shopping and entertainment:

• “Mr. Mom is becoming a more common sight at parks across America with 154,000 estimated ‘stay-at-home’ dads,” they say. They define Mr. Mom as a guy who is married with kids under 15 years who have not worked for at least a year so they can stay home and look after the kids while Mom goes off to work.
• Sonora Dodd is credited with creating Father’s Day as a way to honor her own Dad. The event was first celebrated in 1910 in her native Spokane, Washington in June, because that when her father was born.
• It took a while for the idea to catch on. President Lyndon Johnson didn’t designate the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day until 1966.

And, if you’re still looking for a great gift for Dad, instead of a tie, you could always have the air quality tested in his home or treat him to a residential wellness test from AirMD, the indoor air quality testing experts. (Hey, it’s just an idea.)

The post Happy Father’s Day from AirMD appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

These days, perhaps more than ever, indoor air quality testing is proving to be a priority for many families. In order to protect ourselves and our communities from the spread of Covid-19, we are all spending more time at home. But there are threats inside your home as well.

In fact, according to the EPA (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), “studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.”

You won’t be able to detect most of the pollutants that may be contaminating your home. At AirMD, an environmental testing company, some of the biggest threats that we test the indoor air quality of your home for are completely invisible airborne gases.

Formaldehyde, as we explained in a previous post, is one of four types of airborne gasses that the professionals who handle indoor air quality testing at AirMD screen for. The other three are:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds
2. Carbon Monoxide
3. Carbon Dioxide

VOC Testing

Among the most important things that AirMD’s trained professionals screen for when conducting an indoor air quality test are volatile organic compounds, more commonly referred to as VOCs.

You may be surprised – unpleasantly so – by the common household items that could be releasing unhealthy airborne gasses into your home and negatively impacting the quality of the indoor air your family is breathing.

The American Lung Association has identified a long list of building materials, household cleaners, personal care products and common activities that can release harmful VOCs inside your home. Some things – like pesticides, fuel oil, gasoline and tobacco smoke – seem obvious. But their list also includes:

• Household cleaning products and disinfectants
• Air fresheners
• Cosmetics and deodorants
• Popular craft products, such as glue and markers
• Home office printers and copiers
• Furniture
• Certain types of flooring, carpet and pressed wood products
• Paint and paint strippers
• Adhesives as well as caulks and sealants
• The clothes you picked up at the dry-cleaners
• Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces

For more information on environmental testing services from AirMD, including VOC testing, please contact us.

The post An Invisible Threat to Indoor Air Quality: Part II – VOCs appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.