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.

That’s why AirMD offers testing for mold, VOCs, and lead

When they first think of us, most people think of things like the VOC testing, asbestos inspections, mold testing and mold removal Boca Raton based AirMD performs. Yes, we are experts when it comes to mold testing in Orlando and mold removal in Tampa, but our science-based environmental testing and consulting services cover a broad range of health hazards – including lead contamination.

It hasn’t been long since headlines about the lead contamination in the water that families in Flint, Michigan had believed to be safe first caught the nation’s attention. Knowing what’s in the water you drink, use for bathing and cook with is important, but water isn’t the only possible source of lead contamination.

Lead Contamination

Lead poses serious health risks for children. But, as WebMD reports, “Many parents don’t know much about how to prevent lead poisoning. Lead isn’t only in paint chips. It can show up in surprising places — like dust on your windowsill, or in your vegetable garden, or in a playground.”

If you have questions regarding possible lead contamination, an experienced AirMD consultant can offer answers. In general, lead contamination is insidious. It can be ingested or inhaled. Depending on the level of exposure, a child exposed to lead may experience damage to his or her nervous system, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems and muscle or joint pain.

Despite the threat lead poses, WebMD reports that, “Many parents don’t know much about how to prevent lead poisoning. Lead isn’t only in paint chips. It can show up in surprising places — like dust on your windowsill, or in your vegetable garden, or in a playground.”

WebMD identified 5 Surprising Sources of Lead Exposure you should be aware of, including:

Lead Dust

“Although lead-based paint hasn’t been sold since 1978, plenty of older homes still have it,” WebMD explains. “Tiny fragments of lead paint can float through the air and accumulate on surfaces throughout your house. Babies can pick them up on their hands and get them into their mouths. They can also breathe them in directly. Contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t take much. Even at very low levels of exposure, lead dust can cause harm.”

Lead and Home Renovations

You may be careful to buy only safe products for your project, but if you have an older home, you could expose lead paint and send particles into the air in the process.

Lead in the Backyard or Playground

WebMD reports that, “Any structures built before 1978 — houses, schools, barns, sheds, fences, and playground equipment — might have once had lead paint on the exterior. As that paint breaks down, it can contaminate the soil beneath it.”

Lead in Children’s Toys

“Imported toys tainted with lead have made news recently. The lead can be both in the paint and in the plastic itself. Sucking or chewing on the toy — or getting lead on the hands — can be enough to poison a child.”

Lead in Water Pipes

“10%-20% of childhood lead poisoning is caused by contaminated drinking water. It might not surprise you that old plumbing — especially from 1930 or earlier — can contain lead,” WebMD says. “Here’s what is surprising: pipes in very new homes are potentially a greater risk for lead.”

If your home or office building is less than five years old, the EPA says you should assume your water is contaminated by lead.  An AirMD assessment can provide peace of mind. Call 1-888-462-4763 for more information on lead testing or on any of our other services, including asbestos inspections, VOC testing and mold removal. Boca Raton based AirMD is here for you.

The post Lead contamination isn’t limited to water appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The experts agree. The incidence of allergies and asthma is on the rise – among children and adults. Mold is one of the most common triggers for allergy and asthma attacks. Having a residential mold inspection may help you identify health risks in your home. Formaldehyde testing and testing for VOCs (volatile organic compounds) may also help you maintain a healthy environment within your home.

Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allergies are a serious health concern in the United States. “Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year,” they report.

Should you be concerned about mold?

You and your family may be at a greater risk of being exposed to mold depending on where you live. Mold inspections in Florida and other hot humid areas are common. AirMD’s experts are frequently called in for mold remediation in Boca Raton, FL – where our corporate offices are located. Our experts are also in demand for mold inspections in Miami, mold removal in Orlando and mold removal in Jacksonville.

Of course, Florida isn’t the only place where mold thrives. For example, the need for mold testing in Houston increased dramatically in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Testing for mold and other environmental hazards is important because, as the CDC points out, “Allergies can generally not be prevented but allergic reactions can be.” The only way to do that is to avoid contact with whatever it is that you or your child is allergic to. In many cases, that is easier said than done.

The presence of mold in your home is nothing to be ashamed of. Mold is a common problem. All it takes is a small leak or water intrusion. The leak might be so small, you aren’t even aware of it.

We’re experts and we have to rely on state-of-the-art equipment to identify the source and extent of any mold problem!

If you would like to talk to one of our environmental consultants about the possible need for mold testing in Boca Raton, FL, mold removal in Tampa or a mold inspection in any of the other many areas we serve, please call 1 888 GO AIRMD.

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