When our science-backed professionals conduct indoor air quality tests, they are testing for VOCs, formaldehyde and other potentially harmful particles that could be contaminating the air. Right now, though, it could be scams that are polluting the air.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued warnings about a number of Covid-19 text message scams you should be on the lookout for, including:

• If you receive a text promoting a cure for Covid-19, do NOT click on the links in the message. Scammers are trying to lure you in with the false promise of a cure that does not exist.
• Some scammers are sending out text messages with an offer for Covid-19 testing. Again, do NOT click on any links in the message. If you are interested in being tested for the novel coronavirus or for antibodies, check with your doctor or your local public health agency.
• The FCC reports that some people have received texts claiming to be from the “FCC Financial Care Center,” which are offering $30,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. You should be aware that there is no FCC program that provides relief funds to consumers. These texts are what are often referred to as phishing scams, which are intended to get you to give up personal information like your bank or credit account numbers.
• The Better Business Bureau is warning of another text message scam impersonating a government agency. This time, it’s the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you receive a text claiming to be from the Department of Health and Human Services that says you have to take a “mandatory online COVID-19 test,” do NOT click on the link provided in the text.
• And that’s still not all when it comes to scams claiming to come from an official government source. If you receive a text that begins with “IRS COVID-19 News” beware! Do NOT click on the link, which the text says will help you “register/update your information in order to receive the economic impact payment regardless of your status.” These scammers really put some effort in – they even created a website intended to look like an official IRS site. And it’s ‘s all designed to get your personal, including your date of birth and social security number as well as a debit or credit card number.

Fortunately, you don’t need the kind of high-tech equipment we use when we are conducting an air quality assessment in West Palm Beach, a mold inspection in Miami or a water quality test in Boca Raton to screen for the kind of text message scams that are stinking up the environment during these difficult times. Just use your common sense and a healthy dose of caution.

The post Scams Are Polluting the Air appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Recent publications show that formaldehyde was present in wood flooring imported from Asia by a major flooring company.  If you have installed wood flooring during the last few years, you may need testing.

Some of the most common adverse reactions to formaldehyde are very much like the symptoms many people have following exposure to pollen and other allergens. Frequent headaches, itchy, burning eyes, a scratchy sore throat, a hacking cough, and sometimes even nosebleeds are typical reactions to formaldehyde, and the longer and more intense the exposure, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. The eyes may become red and runny, the sore throat may progress to a dry, raspy ache, and the cough may be exacerbated by nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.

In more severe cases, the symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde can escalate to include chest congestion and tightness, eye infections, bronchitis, and even asthma. People who are particularly sensitive to formaldehyde may experience unusual fatigue, feelings of weakness or lassitude, and restless and disturbed sleep. Children and elderly people are generally the most sensitive to formaldehyde but all adults experience symptoms – no one is immune.
How can you tell if the symptoms you or your family are experiencing are related to formaldehyde contamination in your home? If the symptoms appear or are noticeably worse when you’re at home, you should definitely consider having your home tested. Other possible signals are that the people who have the most symptoms are those who spend the most time in the house, or the symptoms get less intense when windows are open and the house is well ventilated. Another possible sign of formaldehyde exposure is that the symptoms get worse on hot, humid days but decrease in severity on dry, cool days.

The only way to be really certain whether your symptoms are related to formaldehyde is to schedule formaldehyde testing by an expert and reputable firm like AirMD. If you have concerns, don’t wait. Your family’s health could be at stake.

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 Symptoms of Formaldehyde Exposure appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.