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.

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If you’ve ever had a medical procedure in an outpatient surgical center, you don’t need us to tell you that these places keep their thermostats set to Brrrr! The reasoning behind this, we’re told, is that the cold temperature of the indoor air reduces the chances of infection. The science-oriented pros at AirMD, a leading provider of formaldehyde testing and mold inspections in Florida, have something to say about that.

Indoor Air Quality Testing for Healthcare Industry

When most people think about indoor air quality, they think about things like testing for VOCs, asbestos inspections and mold remediation. Boca Raton-based AirMD also works with the healthcare industry to test for bacteria, perform HVAC system assessments and run building diagnostics.

It may sound reasonable that keeping the environment cold would deter the growth of bacteria and reduce infection, but it’s not just about what’s good or bad for toxic growth. You have to factor the human body into the equation.

“One of the critical factors to preventing infection is the adequacy of blood flow and the supply of oxygen to tissues. When in a cold environment, the blood vessels of your skin constrict (that’s why your skin turns pale in cold weather). Your body constricts blood vessels in cold environments so as not to waste heat—a process called thermoregulation,” the experts at VeryWellHealth.com explain. “The second factor is that your immune system is actually weakened by hypothermia. Therefore, maintaining normal body temperature during surgery will help your body fight infection.”

Being Cold Isn’t Cool

The folks at VeryWellHealth.com, who have a theory that operating rooms are actually kept cool for the comfort of medical personnel – especially the surgeon, encourage you to lookout for your health if you’re in a cold treatment area by taking the following steps:

• Ask that the room be kept at a reasonable temperature.
• Let the staff know when you are cold and ask for warm blankets.
• Special warming devices can be used to keep you warm during surgery while not warming the entire room. Ask your anesthesiologist about using such a device.

If you work in the healthcare industry, we know the welfare of your patients is your top priority. If you want to be sure that your facilities are helping to promote healthy, please ask us about comprehensive Wellness Testing. As a scientific-based environmental testing company, AirMD can provide a clear picture through professional services – ranging from Asbestos Testing and Mold Inspections to Water Quality Testing – and prepare a detailed protocol to correct any issues that are discovered during the assessment.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD.

The post Chilling Information About Indoor Air Quality in Surgical Centers 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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