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.

Homeowners and business professionals in a wide variety of locations across the country have come to rely on AirMD for environmental consulting services, including mold testing, asbestos inspections, VOC testing and formaldehyde testing.  Florida, with its the lush natural environment, subtropical weather and busy international ports, is one of our busiest locations.

According to the Florida Department of Health, “It is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point.” As they also note, not using your air conditioning isn’t a good option – especially in South Florida! Just ask anyone who has tried to sleep through a hot, humid night when the power is out or a business owner who has seen productive take a nose dive when the healthy flow of air is interrupted.

Taking action

So, what should you do if you suspect your home or business may be contaminated by toxic substances like mold or asbestos?

1. The first step is to find a reputable firm that offers environmental testing services in your area. AirMD provides professional mold testing, asbestos inspections and VOC testing in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and many other locations throughout the US. We also conduct formaldehyde testing and have skilled asbestos testers. Our people have expertise in a range of scientific fields, including microbiology, industrial hygiene, bacteriology, mycology, aerobiology, microscopy, environmental science and toxicology.
2. If you live in Florida, your first concern is probably going to be mold testing. So, once you have found a mold remediation specialist with the expertise you need and the professional reputation you trust, it’s time to schedule an on-site mold inspection in Miami, Jacksonville or anywhere in between. Mold testing in Boca Raton, FL should follow the same strict standards as mold testing in Orlando or mold testing in Houston, but a local pro will be familiar with any issues that are common in your area.
3. When an AirMD professional comes to your home or business, they will start with a visual inspection. After that, they will take air quality samples, temperature and humidity readings, and respirable particle samples. All of the data collected will then be sent for laboratory analysis.
4. If anything harmful is detected, it’s time for professional mediation services. Whether you need mold removal in your Miami condo, mold remediation in your Boca Raton home or mold removal in your Orlando business, you can count on the experts at AirMD. If you’re not the trusting kind, don’t worry! We’ll be back following the mold removal to conduct post-remediation tests to ensure that all mold is gone.

Call 1 888 GO AIRMD (462-4763)

The post Protecting the Sunshine State – from mold removal in Tampa to asbestos inspections in Tallahassee appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.