Jerry's Blog

Knowledgebase: Formaldehyde...Things You May Not Know

2007-03-08T19:11:12Z

Knowledgebase Q&A: Formaldehyde

Although I familiar with FORMALDEHYDE, I am not aware of its sources.

Formaldehyde is an off-gassing from pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) is commonly used in home construction. Combustion sources and environmental tobacco smoke produce formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also used in dry cleaning, durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues.

Why is asbestos a health hazard?

Asbestos particles are very small, their size can be compared to that of powder. This powder like substance is added to some sort of glue to bind the material together. Once this process is complete it is formed into its shape. The problem arises with the lapse of time. The glue that once held the asbestos together breaks down releasing the powder, making the particles air born. Once airborne normal breathing can draw the asbestos fibers into the body, where they wind up embedding themselves and start to cause damage. Asbestos particles being different from dust are not easily removed by the body, instead they lodge themselves into cells altering those cells into malignant cells that grow consuming the normal ones. The medical condition is call Asbestosis.

How do I know if what I see is really asbestos?

Because asbestos comes in different shapes, sizes, outside covering and colors, only testing can determine if what you see is truly asbestos. It can be difficult to determine if what you see is asbestos or not so here are some picture to help you in your quest (these boiler/furnace photos contained asbestos mud packed joints wrapped with an asbestos cloth.

What can I do to protect my family?

You have already taken the first step which is education. YOU KNOW THE HAZARDS. Now find out what options are available to you. This is done by contacting an asbestos and lead remediation company. They will do the following: They will come to your location and perform what is called a site assessment. They come in (usually) at no charge especially when you tell them about your asbestos map. They will take samples of the material to validate your need for remediation. The lab tests are usually reasonably priced. From this process you will be provided several options. An important point to remember is to get a company that specializes in asbestos and lead remediation, believe me the last thing you want is a house full of asbestos.

Is it better to remove or contain asbestos?

Removal is not always the answer. Containment or otherwise known as encapsulation in many cases can prove to be the best all around choice. There are many factors to consider:

Cost
Age of dwelling
The current condition of the asbestos
Will there be future renovations in that area
Future plans for the building (sale)
Relation of asbestos area to the rest of the building

Animal Dander and How You Can Help Control It In Your Home

2007-03-08T19:08:09Z

Good Facts and Information for allergy sufferers...

What is animal dander?

Animal dander is very much like human dandruff. Your pet sheds dead skin cells which become air borne and are easily inhaled. Although most people believe they are allergic to an animal's hair or feathers, it is actually the allergens found in the dander, saliva and urine that are causing the allergic reaction.

Is it true that a short haired cat or dog is less allergenic?"

Many people are under the mistaken impression that a short haired cat or dog is non-allergic. This is not true. What you are allergic to is secreted on the animal's skin and, in greatest quantities, is found in the animals' urine and saliva. The reason hair is such a problem is that as the animal grooms itself the saliva gets all over the hair.

If I keep my pet properly groomed, will this help reduce my allergies?

Although grooming your pet will not improve your allergies, it may help to reduce the severity of the reaction. As stated before, allergens are produced by the animal's dander, saliva, and urine. Washing your pet twice a week and having a non-allergic family member brush the pet outdoors will reduce the amount of allergens to which you are exposed.

We have recently discovered that our daughter, Gayle, is allergic to our cat, Sam. What steps can I take to reduce Gayle's allergies without getting rid of Sam?

Pets are now considered family members and it is often difficult to send them away. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your daughter's exposure to the allergens produced by Sam:

Create an allergy free zone in the home, preferably in the bedroom and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it.
Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers, pillows, and curtains. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to effectively catch all the allergens you vacuum up.
Wash your hands after contact with the pet.
Non-allergic family members should bathe the pet twice a week to reduce the amount of allergies the animal gives off into the environment. Also brush the pet outdoors and clean out the animal's cage or litter box.
Cover the pet's bed with a washable sheet; wash the sheet by itself and regularly.

Allergy-Proof Your Home

2007-03-08T19:05:50Z

Some good information from WEB MD regarding allergies...

Allergy-Proof Your Home
Click the links to find out what you can do to make your home allergy free.

Kitchen | Living Room | Bedroom | Bathroom | Basement



Kitchen 1. Stove: Use an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes. 2. Cabinets/Counters: Keep under-sink cabinets and countertops clean and dry. When cleaning, use a disinfectant cleaner designed to kill mildew. 3. Refrigerator: Wipe up excessive moisture in the refrigerator to avoid mold growth. Clean refrigerator walls and shelves regularly with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water.

Cut Back On Your Home's Thirst For Power

2007-02-14T05:35:53Z

Tips to Help Cut Back
Your Home's Thirst for Power

By Christine Buurma
From The Wall Street Journal Online

Energy efficiency has come a long way from flickering fluorescent lights.

Amid rising fuel prices and increasingly dire predictions about the effects of greenhouse gases, people are seeking ways to reduce their electricity usage and lower their bills. And they're finding it easier than ever, thanks to a host of new products and services from utilities, government agencies and manufacturers.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program singles out numerous products that meet energy-efficiency criteria. Utilities across the country are offering programs to help customers cut costs. And there are lots of simple household improvements that can cut your power use and lower your bill.

Video

Tips for cutting back on energy use at home.

Here's a look at some of the top tips for cutting costs, from several electric utilities and the EPA.

Buy Efficient Products

One of the best ways to cut costs is to use energy-efficient appliances. And there's a simple way to track down products that fit the bill: the EPA's Energy Star designation. The label, which was introduced in 1992, now adorns a wide array of appliances that meet the agency's efficiency standards, from dishwashers, refrigerators and flat-screen television sets to more-modest gadgets such as cordless phones and battery chargers.

Some Energy Star products have a higher upfront cost, but the EPA says the electricity savings over the life of the product typically offset the premium. According to the EPA, a home that uses only Energy Star products and appliances will use 30% less energy than a house equipped with standard products, saving the typical homeowner about $400 a year.

Consumers saved $12 billion on their utility bills in 2005 by buying Energy Star products, the agency says. That's up from $5 billion in 2000. Greenhouse-gas reductions through the program in 2005 were the equivalent of the emissions from 23 million vehicles, up from 11 million vehicles in 2000.

House of the Future? Builders Show Off Ideas at Trade Show

2007-02-13T11:19:51Z

House of the Future? Builders
Show Off Ideas at Trade Show

By June Fletcher

What sort of lessons can a so-called "concept" house teach us?

At the International Builders Show, the country's largest trade event for the housing industry, it's hard to tell -- at least when it comes to the two major concept houses debuting at the Orlando, Fla., event.

For Germ-a-Phobes...My Wife Sent This To Me and Told Me To Share..

2007-02-11T17:48:21Z

For Germ-a-Phobes,
Antimicrobial Sheets

By Sara Schaefer Munoz
From The Wall Street Journal Online

The war on germs is coming to bed.

A number of manufacturers are unveiling antimicrobial sheets and pillows that they say keep bedding cleaner and smelling fresher. Experts say the products can reduce levels of bacteria and mold -- but frequently washing regular linens will do the job just as well.

"Soap and water have been proven throughout the centuries for keeping bacteria counts down," says Timothy Craig, an allergist and immunologist at Pennsylvania State University.

U.S. Markets Where Home Prices Most Likely To Decline

2007-02-11T17:41:56Z

U.S. Markets Where Home Prices
Are Most Likely to Decline

By Lauren Baier Kim

Here's a look at what's new in real-estate markets across the U.S. from around the Web. (Some links may require registration or subscriptions.)

California, Northeast most at risk for price declines

Over the next two years, housing markets in California and the Northeast are the likeliest to see declines in home prices, according to PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.'s U.S. Market Risk Index, released last week. Showing the highest risk for drops in housing prices is the Sacramento, Calif., metro area (Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif.) which has a 60.4% chance of seeing price declines, according to the report. Next on PMI's list of markets headed for a fall are the San Diego and Oakland, Calif., metro areas, which both have a 60.3% risk of exhibiting price declines, PMI says. On the East Coast, New York's Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk counties) is the most likely -- 60.1% -- to see housing-price declines, followed by Boston-Quincy, Mass., at 59.5%, according to the report. The least likely to see falling home prices: Pittsburgh, Pa., with a risk of 6.2%, and the Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind., metro area, with a 6.4% chance, PMI says. The report also provides data on home-price appreciation -- Miami showed the most appreciation in home prices between the third quarters of 2005 and 2006: 20%, according to PMI, whereas, Cambridge, Mass., Warren, Mich., and Detroit, Mich., were the only three metro areas surveyed by PMI that saw year-over-year price declines between 2005 and 2006. The index ranks Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as the least affordable housing market and Fort Worth, Texas, as the most affordable.

Markets with large price spreads

Miami has the biggest gap between its most expensive housing and its least pricey homes, according to a new study released by BusinessWeek.com. The report includes a slide show that shows the home-price inequality in 20 metropolitan areas across the U.S. In Florida's Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall region, a house at the 99^th percentile ($2.2 million) -- where only 1% of homes are more expensive -- costs 6.5 times more than a home at the area's median price of $346,000 -- the point where half of the area's housing is pricier and half is less expensive, BusinessWeek.com says. The region that has the smallest price disparity between its most expensive and least expensive housing is Silicon Valley (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.), according to the study. Which doesn't make the area affordable -- there, a home in the 99^th percentile costs $2.5 million and its median price is $745,000.

Real estate hot in Utah

Heat Maps Offer Visual View of U.S. Housing Prices

2007-02-09T14:29:37Z

I found this in the Real Estate Journal, used it, and thought it was an interesting tool to those of you who have not seen this yet...

Heat Maps Offer Visual View Of U.S. Housing Prices

Tool/Web site: Trulia.com Heat Maps. Trulia.com, a competitor to Zillow.com, is a residential real-estate search engine that aims to provide consumers with real-estate information, including homes for sale, listing prices, sale prices and regional market trends.

Function: Trulia.com's Heat Maps offer a visual view of home-price trends that allows users to quickly compare areas that are hot or not. The site's national heat map offers street, satellite or hybrid views and is color-shaded by state to indicate three different data sets: average listing prices, median sales prices or Trulia.com popularity. The last category is based on the number of search inquiries from site visitors. Users can toggle between the heat maps of average listing price, median sales price or popularity by clicking on the column headers below. Somewhat surprisingly, for the week ending Jan. 31, Washington, D.C., had the highest median sales price ($720,000), while Hawaii had the highest listing price (approximately $1 million), and California ranked as the most-popular state. Kansas had the lowest median sales price ($59,044 ), and North Dakota had the lowest listing price ($168,028) and ranked as the least-popular state. (Hint: to view Hawaii or Alaska on the map, just click and drag the map into place.)

Pluses: The heat maps offer a quick view of pricing trends both across the country and within more local areas. The maps are especially useful for home buyers looking to relocate -- whether within their state or county or across the country. One quick glance at a selected geographical area shows which areas or neighborhoods are priciest (or perhaps out of a buyer's price range) and which are within budget, or more affordable. Home sellers can use the maps to get home asking and selling prices for their neighborhood and gauge its popularity with buyers.

Drawbacks: While the heat maps offers data down to the neighborhood or ZIP code level for large metro areas, the maps aren't local enough for smaller cities or areas outside large urban centers. For smaller towns or ZIP codes, consumers won't get a visual view of what neighborhoods are hot and those that are not. For suburban areas, the heat maps may be regulated to the county level. Also, the maps rely on data that is somewhat limited in that it comes from participating brokerages only for listing prices and on preferences by Trulia.com visitors to measure an area's overall popularity rating with home buyers.

Insider tips: To view data for areas not covered by a heat map, the best bet is to go to the Trulia.com home page and type the name of the city and state into the search box, e.g., "Brookline, Massachusetts" and click on the "Real Estate Guides" tab before hitting "Search." Such a search will pull up a page for the city, including a map pinpointing real-estate listings, and charts with price and sales statistics, local school information and the location's ranking. (Brookline is a "hot city," according to Trulia.) Visitors to the site should note that the charts that accompany the heat maps are sortable -- e.g., for a heat-map search on San Francisco, http://www.trulia.com/home_prices/California/San_Francisco-heat_map/, neighborhoods can be listed from highest to lowest median price by clicking on "Median Sales Price" and by clicking on "Amount" to get the down arrow -- which shows that Saint Francis Wood had the highest median price ($2.2 million) between October and December of last year, a year-over-year increase of 26.1%.

Just For Fun...FEATURED DISCUSSION: Next President

2007-02-08T14:57:56Z

FEATURED DISCUSSION:

Who among those who have announced and those who have not, from ANY party, do you think will become the next president?

Good Information!

2007-02-07T08:19:23Z

I found this article on the Real Estate Journal and thought it was some great information...

Check the Bathroom to Avoid
Flushing Your Money Away...

Want a quick way to lower your utility bills? Check for water leaks, starting with the toilet.

"Most toilet leaks are silent; you can't see or hear them," says Helga Kessler, public service manager with the St. Paul, Minn., water utility.

A leaky toilet is the most common reason for a spike in home water bills. The city of Portland, Ore., estimates a silent leak can waste as much as 300 gallons of water a day without anyone noticing.

How A Pre-Listing Inspection Can Help You & Give You Peace Of Mind..

2007-01-28T15:03:25Z

Why A Pre-Listing Inspection Makes Sense"...

If you are thinking of selling your home, you might want to consider having a pre-listing inspection prior to listing your home. Here's why:

In todays' real estate market homebuyers can afford to be choosy.

A pre-listing inspection sets the stage for a more qualified sale and provides an oppportunity to receive an unbiased, objective evaluation of the current condition of your home by a third party.

You want to receive the most dollars for your home in the shortest amount of time. Don't let repairs be a negotiating tool for your buyers.

The Florida Healthy Home Pre-Listing Inspection provides you with powerful benefits!

Minimize market time by providing a "value added" benefit to your property with proof of the home's condition.
Promotes assurance to your prospects.
Allows you time to decide to correct any problems or adjust your sales price to reflect the estimated repairs or provide the information necessary to disclose the "As Is" condition of your home eliminating the negotiation of the sales price.
Increase awareness and promote a sense of trust with your buyers.
Real Estate professionals can help you determine the fair listing price based on the true physical condition of your home...resulting in a faster sale for you!

We believe your investment in a pre-listing inspection will prove to be a significant value. As a smart homeowner, you will want to get the pre-sale facts and secure the "Peace of Mind" you deserve!

What Are Molds?

2007-01-22T08:24:08Z

What are molds?

They are microscopic organisms, found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds are musty smelling members of the fungi kingdom that feed on organic materials and thrive in moist conditions. Some fungi are parasitic and feed off a living host. The saprophyte group of fungi can produce airborne particles and gases that can cause musty odors and can lead to illness or allergic reactions. Mold and mold spores are always present in the outdoor environment but their volume in proportion to the atmosphere is small.

What is the difference between a mold and a fungus? What is a spore?

Molds, mildews, and yeasts are various types of fungi. It is estimated that 25% of all children and up to 10% of adults are allergic to various fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Spores can travel through the air and colonize distant sites. HVAC systems are the primary way in which molds and fungi spread and disseminate.

How does mold get indoors?

It travels through the natural ventilation that occurs in homes and buildings and by riding on the surfaces of people and materials that enter these structures. Every time a door opens mold spores will enter the structure. Molds only require moisture and a food source to establish colonies and reproduce. They feed on drywall, paper, and wood or simply dust. Only a short period of high humidity is necessary to begin the growth of these ever present mold spores.

What are some of the common Indoor Molds?

The three most common indoor molds are Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys:

Aspergillus: This mold can be seen in several different colors, depending on the species. Aspergillus can withstand conditions of low moisture and therefore can be categorized as a xerophilic fungi. It can be a very toxic mold due to the carcinogens they produce, called Aflatoxins. These toxins can be especially toxic to the liver, brain, kidneys, and heart.

Stachybotrys: This mold has a slimy head and is greenish-black in color. Stachybotrys can grow on completely saturated surfaces due to its low nitrogen requirements. It has a high moisture requirement and a broad temperature range. This high moisture requirement categorizes it as a hydrophilic type of fungi. Recently, this mold has been linked to cases of infant respiratory bleeding and several infant deaths in the Cleveland area and across the United States.

Penicillium: This mold has a dense, brush-like appearance with many different branches. Penicillium tends to emerge at sub-basement levels and rooms. It can grow in fairly dry conditions, categorizing it as a xerophilic type of fungi. In addition to the toxins held by the mold spores, the actual penicillium growths also contain toxins. These growths can be found almost anywhere, increasing the threat of this mold in your home.

What are some of the health consequences of indoor mold?

Indoor mold species produce a substance including mycotoxins to protect themselves from other molds and bacteria. Mycotoxins are toxic to humans. The mycotoxins produced can vary depending on the food source and growing conditions. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin from some Aspergillus strains, is one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. Ochratoxin-A also from the Aspergillus strain can cause kidney and liver disease. Beside the serious effects of mycotoxins, fungi can also infect the human body. Overall various mold infections can occur in the ear, eye, mouth, sinus, skin, lung or brain, however, allergies are the most common health hazard connected with mold growth.

How can I eliminate indoor mold growth and mold spores?

First you should eliminate existing visible mold growth and second prevent or mitigate indoor mold growth. To deal with visible mold growth; clean it with a disinfectant (a fungicide) that will kill the mold or remove it. If the growth is spread over several square feet, removal is recommended. Either method requires protective clothing i.e. gloves, face mask. To prevent or mitigate indoor mold growth, products including high efficiency air filters, UV lights, and dehumidifiers are promoted as services. However these strategies have different scopes of effectiveness and therefore a combination of strategies tends to be more effective in the battle against mold.

What is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys atra (toxic black mold) is greenish-black in color, slimy and resembles tar or black paint. The mycotoxin, trichothecenes, is carried in the mold spores. Typically relatively few spores are released unless this mold is disturbed. It typically grows only on repeatedly wetted materials that contain cellulose. These materials can include wallboard, cardboard, ceiling tile, cellulose insulation, and any kind of wood. If black mold is growing on materials that do not contain cellulose, it is unlikely that Stachybotrys is present.

What are the effects of Black Mold on our health?

In infants, who are especially susceptible, there may be lung hemorrhaging or coughing up of blood; anemia can also be present (although this infection is not the most common cause of anemia).

Symptoms can occur in adults as well, and can include breathing problems, rashes, headache, fatigue and dizziness, nausea, and vomiting and diarrhea.

Once a mold problem has been identified, how should I go about cleaning it?

Small areas of mold (less than a couple square feet) can be cleaned with a solution of 1 cup laundry bleach to a gallon of water. This can be applied with a sponge or spray bottle, and rinsed after 15 minutes. Bleach will kill the mold, but does not inactivate the toxin. Be sure to wear a dust mask, eye protection, and rubber gloves. Provide plenty of ventilation and keep others out of the work area. To get rid of the mold for good, it is necessary to solve the moisture or leakage problem. For larger areas of mold (more than a couple of square feet), call 386-682-5710 or send us an email at info@floridahhi.com, Florida Healthy Home Inspections for a Mold Remediation Consultation. You can find out much more about our Mold Remediation services.

Mold Remediation - Information

2007-01-22T08:20:32Z

Mold Information - Mold Remediation

Florida Healthy Home Inspections provides mold remediation services following the guidelines established by the EPA and by the New York City Department of Health's Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments.different sampling methods which can be used.

According to the EPA, "if visible mold is present it should be remediated. It is not always necessary to identify the mold unless for litigation, source of contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem."

The EPA has published guidelines for mold remediation. For more information on the EPA guidelines, click on the picture to link to the EPA site:

The following steps are taken on each job to ensure the mold is not only remediated, but that the situation allowing mold growth is also corrected:

Source of Moisture (correction and prevention)
Scope of Mold Remediation
Selection of Remediation Personnel
Mold Remediation Planning
Mold remediation services include:
Thorough clean up
Personal Protective Equipment
Containment Requirements
Hazardous Communications
Preventative Measures

MOLD & YOUR HEALTH....

2007-01-22T08:15:57Z

Mold & Your Health

Mold causes disease through two mechanisms:

Mycoses - fungi infects a human host and causes disease
Toxicoses - toxins produced the fungi cause disease

General Symptoms - Headaches, lethargy, fatigue, poor concentration, systemic effects of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Eye Findings - Irritant or allergic conjunctivitis (burning, sensation of dryness, redness)
Nasal Manifestations - Rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, irritant rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis
Respiratory Manifestations - Chest tightness, cough and/or fever, shortness of breath with exertion, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infectious pneumonia (Legionella, aspergillus, tuberculosis), respiratory hemorrhage, lung cancer
Oropharyngeal Manifestations - dryness, irritation of the throat.
Skin Manifestations - Dryness, irritation, rash
Other Adverse Effects - damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, blood, skin damage, cancer and even death.↑ back to top

Prevention

Mold needs oxygen, food, and moisture to grow. The only item you can control is moisture.

Moisture can enter your home in a variety of ways. Some sources of moisture are easily identified and corrected, such as roof leaks, foundation problems, flooding, or landscaping issues.

However, high humidity levels are often the major source of moisture and can be the most difficult to identify and control. The humidity in your home should be between 40% and 50%. Higher levels will increase the biological pollutants in your home (mold and dust mites). Click here for additional humidity information.

Mold can not grow if the humidity level is maintained between 40% and 50%.

As documented in Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes, a program developed through the EPA and Montana State University, the humidity level of a 1000 square foot area will be raised from 5% up to 60% with the introduction of 4 to 6 pints of moisture. A family of 4 generates 1/2 pint of moisture per hour simply by breathing. And seasonal outdoor humidity can add 64 to 249+ pints of moisture(water)into your indoor air.

Remember, 'killing mold' will not prevent it from returning. Mold can remain dormant for over 20 years. It is only through moisture control that mold growth can be prevented.

Top 10 Things To Do To Get Ready For A Home Inspection

2007-01-16T17:18:43Z

Top 10 Things to Do to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

1) Clean the House

This sounds so simple yet home owners often overlook this tactic. Home inspectors are people first and inspectors second. As people, they carry preconceived ideas of how well a home has been maintained. Clean homes say you care and take care of the house.

2) Be On Time Because the Inspector Will Be

Sometimes home inspectors are early. If an inspector makes an appointment with you for 9:00 a.m., have the house ready for inspection at 8:30. It's also common for inspectors to start on the exterior of the home, so leave the shades down or drapes drawn until you are dressed. More than one unprepared seller has been "surprised" by a stranger stomping around in the back yard.

3) Leave the Utilities Connected

The home inspector will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, test the furnace and air conditioning, so leave the utilities on, especially if the house is vacant. It's impossible to check receptacles for grounding and reverse polarity if the power is turned off. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule, which could delay the closing of your transaction and the removal of the buyer's home inspection contingency.

4) Provide Workspace Around Furnace and Water Heaters

Remove boxes, bookcases, furniture and anything else blocking access to your furnace, air conditioner and water heater. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these items.

5) Keep Pilot Lights Ignited

Many home inspectors will refuse to light pilot lights because they are not covered for that type of liability. If your pilot lights are not lit, then important items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace will not be inspected and the buyer could delay closing until those inspections are completed.

6) Provide Access to Attic and Garage

The inspector will need to get into your basement and / or attic as well, so keep a path cleared. Move boxes away from the walls. Vacuum spider webs.

7) Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes

Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is unattached to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access.

8) Clear Away Brush from Exterior Inspection Points

In the summer, cut down dead tree branches and clear brush from the foundation. Move trash cans away from the house.

9) Provide Repair Documents

Make available to the home inspector all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects or new items such as a roof or furnace. If you've upgraded the electrical from ungrounded to grounded, installed a new dishwasher or repaired a leaky faucet, find the paperwork. It will give the buyer peace of mind to know those items were reinspected.

10) Prepare to be Away for Three Hours Minimum

Often the buyer will accompany the home inspector, and buyers feel uncomfortable asking questions if the owner is present. Try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house, and take the children with you. Crate your pets if you cannot remove them from the premises.

Biological Pollutants - Important Aerosol and Bioaerosol Q&A

2007-01-16T08:45:21Z

What are aerosols and bioaerosols?

Aerosols are substances that are suspended in air, such as tobacco smoke particulates and the dirt and dust particles that are visible in a ray of sunlight streaming in through a window. Bioaerosols are airborne particles from living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, pollens, dust mite and insect remains, and pet dander.

What are the sources of biological pollutants?

Biological pollutants, also called bioaerosols, come from plant and animal material. Some are generated outside the home, such as pollen, but enter the home through open doors and windows and on people and pets entering the home.

Other biological pollutants are generated in the home: mold growth in the home releases spores into the air; animals generate dander, and insects generate excrement and body parts that are small enough to become airborne. Bacteria and viruses are infectious agents that are brought into the home in a number of ways. All of these pollutants are particulates -- that is, they are particles so small that they "float" in the air. Larger particles settle out onto surfaces, but very small particles stay suspended indefinitely.

Why do experts give so much attention to removing bioaerosols from indoor air?

Bioaerosols have been identified as a major source of "Sick Building Syndrome", infectious diseases, and allergic reactions such as asthma, pneumonitis, rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, hypersensitivity, and fatigue. Molds, pollens, dust mite fecal products, and pet dander are among the leading causes of respiratory allergic or asthmatic reactions in the indoor environment.

What are the health effects from biological pollutants?

Allergic reactions are the most common health problem associated with biological pollutants. People differ in their sensitivity to biological allergens -- some may have no symptoms, while sensitive persons may have severe health problems. Common symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness and fatigue.

The most severe reaction to allergens is an asthma attack, which can be life-threatening. The American Lung Association reports there are nearly 10 million people in the U.S. with asthma. Of these, over 2.5 million are children. There are over 4,000 deaths each year from asthma. The number of persons with asthma has been consistently increasing over the last 15 years. Airborne biological pollutants present a special risk to people with allergies and asthma. Note: these pollutants do not cause asthma. Rather, certain pollutants can trigger an attack in people who have asthma.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses are generally passed from person to person through physical contact. Some bacteria and viruses circulate through indoor ventilation systems.

What are other measures to control these contaminants?

General measures for controlling airborne contaminants include maintaining and cleaning heating and air conditioning units, as well as humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Ventilating homes by opening doors and windows may be counter-productive for people allergic to pollens. In homes with ductwork, the standard mesh filter should be replaced with one offering improved performance.

Allergies to pets may be relieved by removing pets from the home or keeping pets out of sleeping quarters. Cats kept in the home should be washed weekly to reduce the allergen level. Allergen accumulation may be reduced with the use of vinyl or hardwood floors instead of carpets. Vacuum with high efficiency filter vacuums or central vacuum systems to remove dusts which may harbor allergens. Using air cleaning devices will result in lower levels of biological contaminants depending on the effectiveness of the devices.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask. If you would like more information on turning your home into a healty air home, please contact me directly or visit www.healthyairusa.com. Hope this has provided you and your customers some much needed information.

Jerry Andrews

Florida Healthy Home Inspections

Keeping A Healthy Home - Air Filtration

2007-01-10T08:26:46Z

"There is no practical means to limit exposure to pollutants outdoors. However, at least half of a 24-hour day is spent indoors, and air conditioning with high-efficiency air filtration can markedly decrease indoor exposure."

-Environmental Control Measures for Asthma Miles Weinberger, M.D.; Professor of Pediatrics Director, Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Division

Air Filtration

A good air filter is essential to reduce common allergens and airborne particles, reducing allergy and asthma attacks. It is estimated that Americans spend as much as 95% of their time indoors...why spend that time breathing dust mites, mold spores and pet dander? Upgrading your air filter will provide relief to everyone - even if you do not suffer from allergies or asthma. One caution, though: filters must be maintained and changed regularly to provide a benefit. Failure to change out filters could damage your air-conditioning system.

Which Filter/System is Right for Your Home?

Before spending money on an air purification system that may not meet the unique needs of your home, have an indoor air survey performed. Whether your home is less than 1 year old or over 100 years old, you most likely have an indoor air pollution concentration higher than that outdoors. The more time spent in a polluted indoor environment increases the chances of developing respiratory problems. The very young, elderly, those suffering from allergies or asthma, and the immunocompromised are at greater risk.

Filters Can:

Remove particulates from the air. The efficiency of a filter is graded using the MERV scale.
Capture viruses and bacteria
Capture mold spores
Capture dust mite fragments and fecal matter
Carbon filters can remove gasses from the air

Filters Cannot:

Kill viruses and bacteria
Kill nor rid your home of mold
Kill nor rid your home of dust mites
Rid your home of radon

Comfort

Air purification is a critical component of good indoor air quality. Even the best kept home will have dust, pollen, mold spores and other allergens in the air.

A healthy indoor living environment can improve your lungs ability to rest, recuperate and heal. According to the national Jewish Medical and Research Center, allergy and asthma symptoms may improve over time if the indoor environment is properly controlled.

According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue.

Good air filtration, though, is only a part of the solution. For a complete solution to indoor air quality, you will need to have good ventilation, humidity controls and protect the building envelope itself. For more information, you can view the following site www.healthyairusa.com or contact me directly.

Hope this provides some helpful information and resource for you. If you have any comments or questions, please share.

Jerry Andrews

MOLD - Important Steps To Controlling Growth In Your Home

2007-01-05T08:28:25Z

MOLD - It's as old as the Earth and it's everywhere. Even though the issue of mold is not new, I thought it would be helpful to pass along these tips to help you prevent mold from growing in your home.

The most important steps in controlling mold growth are to clean any existing mold and to eliminate excessive moisture. You can take numerous precautionary steps:

Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mold growth paying special attention to bathrooms.
Do NOT store materials such as paper, books, clothes, or other possible sources of food for mold in humid parts of your home.
Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly and remove any mold on the door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.
Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside.
Repair water leaks in your roof, windows, or any other part of the home as soon as possible.
If your home has an attic, make sure it is properly insulated and ventilated.

These are just a few steps you can take in preventing mold in your home...remember, mold thrives on MOISTURE, WARMTH, and FOOD. Depriving these three items will stop it from growing but will not kill mold that is already there. Mold spores remain dormant and if any of the three reappear mold will begin to grow again.

I hope these tips have been informative and I will be continually sharing information in all phases of home maintenance and repair.