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.

The hospital experienced interior damage due to record rainfall where the roof system failed. AirMD was retained to identify the damage present and to develop a remediation protocol to correct the issues. Concerns for patient care, ICU, and the operating rooms were key factors considered in the project. AirMD produced a report of findings and a remediation protocol to the hospital’s CEO, Board of Directors, and state officials.

Throughout the United States, a current asbestos survey is required by the EPA prior to the demolition or renovation of any commercial or multi-unit residential property. Before the remediation work commenced at the hospital, AirMD conducted a hazard assessment of the building by doing an asbestos survey of the building materials that would be disturbed during remediation. Asbestos was detected in the building and an abatement protocol to remove the contents from the building was initiated.

This specific project is ongoing. Once the remediation work is completed, AirMD will conduct post remediation clearance testing to ensure all issues have been properly resolved.

AirMD’s highly-qualified team of microbiologists, industrial hygienists, bacteriologists, mycologists, aerobiologists, environmental scientists and toxicologists have seen it all. No case is too straightforward or complex for our experienced team.

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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 Case Study: South Carolina Hospital appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

The results of poor indoor air quality not only cause health issues, but may adversely affect worker productivity. Furthermore, in some extreme cases, the threat of potential litigation from occupants and employees is a major concern for companies.

To create a healthier and more productive working environment for employees, we urge companies to integrate a system for continuous indoor air quality monitoring. At AirMD, our team of certified scientists has formulated a detailed IAQ Environmental Management System to educate business owners, building owners, and management about indoor environmental conditions and to reduce potential liability in commercial office spaces.

The benefits of implementing AirMD’s IAQ Environmental Management System include:

• Reduced likelihood of lawsuits
• Reduced potential for OSHA complaints
• Lower workmen’s compensation costs
• Reduced potential litigation costs
• Potential increase in property values
• Reduced absenteeism
• Increased worker productivity

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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 right here at www.airmd.com

The post Proactive Vs. Reactive appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

It is imperative to rapidly take measures to ensure our children are healthy and that their growth is not negatively impacted, leading to near and long term issues.

Chemicals in the air, water, foods, and household products we intake daily are major causes for concern. The average American spends between 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors. However, most of us never think of what’s actually floating in the air that we breathe day in and day out. These toxic chemicals are invisible, making them easy to forget, but they are always lurking if nothing is done to mitigate them. Project TENDR has singled out specific pesticides, flame retardants, lead, phthalates, and combustion-related air pollutants.

AirMD provides environmental consulting services and offers a Residential Evaluation to assess the overall condition of your indoor home environment. Testing can include measuring moisture levels, airborne particles, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and much more. Our Residential Evaluation is a comprehensive first step toward creating a cleaner healthier home for your family.  Upon completion of the analysis, AirMD’s team of scientists and experts will issue a written report enclosed with the test findings and recommendations on the effective methods to take to make sure your indoor quality environment is an ideal one for your children to thrive and be healthy. It’s time for us all to be INFORMED and PROACTIVE.

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AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting services 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, we invite you to please explore our website right here at www.airmd.com

The post Parents, Be Aware of the Invisible Dangers Lurking in Your Home 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.