iaq: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth the Cost for Today's Homebuilders? - 01/17/08 01:41 AM
The real question for homebuilders should be, "Is it worth it to know that I have done everything possible to prevent a future outbreak of mold in the homes that I build?""Is it worth it to potentially minimize my personal injury claims that might be brought against me because of an unforeseen water intrusion event?" Are you willing to make a nominal investment to enhance your current risk management strategy? Builders have successfully developed new building techniques and continually improved upon the design, function, and efficiency of the homes we live in. As these progressive builders improve upon the design and … (0 comments)

iaq: Home Builder Mold Prevention - 01/17/08 01:13 AM
When choosing a builder make sure it's a builder that provides you with Mold Protection Program and Mold Pretreatment. A growing concern about frame stage mold among Florida's home builders and home buyers has spawned a new mold pretreatment industry.
The need for an affordable and effective answer to these concerns has become immediate and necessary for all builders. The homebuilding industry needs proactive mold pretreatment, mold prevention, and mold protection.
MicroShield Environmental Services provides a list of builders that use a pro-active mold prevention program to protect the himes they build from mold durring construction.
To view the list of pro-active bulders go to … (2 comments)

iaq: Mold Prevention - 01/17/08 01:00 AM
In an industry choked with energy efficient, high capacity, low E, variable speed, high seer, energy saving, cost effective, options its easy to see why it quickly becomes overwhelming for the new home buyer to narrow their selection when it comes to builder options. Homes are most definitely built more efficient and structurally sound as was evident in last years hurricane season. And yes Builders have successfully developed new building techniques and continually improved upon their design, function, and efficiency of the homes they build. But still many of the things builders can and should include in their homes they just … (0 comments)

iaq: Hire a Qualified Professional, IAQA Indoor Air Quality Assoc. - 12/24/07 06:41 AM
Hire Only the Best - Trained and Certified IAQA MembersWhen hiring a professional consultant or contractor it is important to hire a company with qualified and certified staff that will be following industry standards and guidelines to ensure a job done right.IAQA offers training course for various kinds of IAQ and mold specialists, including assessment and remediation programs available to IAQA members in the various indoor air disciplines.Indoor Environmental Quality Consulting Course
Hire a Qualified ProfessionalIndoor air quality problems can have a major impact on occupant health and comfort. When indoor air quality issues arise, it is important to make sure that … (0 comments)

iaq: How to hire the right IAQ Professional - 12/24/07 06:39 AM
What to look for when Hiring an IAQ Consultant or ContractorStudies have shown that most people spend 90% of their time in indoor environments. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues impact the lives of people across the globe. Problems with poor air quality in buildings and homes can result in health concerns, liability issue, lost productivity, and decreased property values.IAQ problems in non-industrial buildings such as homes, schools and offices are often caused by complex, inter-related issues. Diagnosing and fixing the sources of poor IAQ may require the professional expertise of one or more consultants or contractors. It is important that individuals … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield, Indoor Air Quality Questions & Concerns - 12/16/07 06:25 AM
Biological Pollutants (like molds and dust mites)
Q: What are some of the biological problems I should be concerned about? A: Molds, mildew, fungi, bacteria and dust mites are some of the main biological pollutants inside the house. Some, such as pollen, are generated outside the home. Mold and mildew are generated in the home and release spores into the air. Mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria are often found in areas of the home that have high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or basements. Dust mites and animal dander are problematic when they become airborne during vacuuming, making … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ and Energy Star - 12/11/07 01:21 AM
MicroShield IAQ & Energy Star Indoor Air Package (edit/delete)
Energy Star Indoor Air Package 
Indoor Air Package
Homebuyers today are increasingly concerned about the indoor air quality of their homes. Issues like mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems. To address these concerns, builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality in their new homes.
EPA created the Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ from the EPA - 12/11/07 01:13 AM
What Causes IAQ Indoor Air Quality Problems?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.  In a nut shell we seem to be our own worst enemy when it comes to our IAQ Indoor Air Quality.
Pollutant Sources
There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ information from the EPA - 12/11/07 01:10 AM
Indoor Air Pollution and Health
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.
Immediate effects
Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.
The likelihood … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ from FloridasHealth.com - 12/10/07 01:51 AM
Indoor Air Quality in The Workplace
There are currently no services available from the State of Florida for indoor air quality in the workplace. The 2000 Florida Legislature did not pass legislation to reauthorize services provided by the Department of Labor and Employment Security's Division of Safety. As a result the Division of Safety stopped providing workplace indoor air quality services on July 1st, 2000. The Department of Health is currently unable to assume those services lost when the Division of Safety ceased operation.
There are three federally funded sources for workplace safety and health. The University of South Florida, … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield: IAQ in Apartments - 12/10/07 01:44 AM
What if You Live in an Apartment?
Pollutants and Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Asbestos Biological Pollutants Carbon Monoxide Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products Household Cleaning and Maintenance, Personal Care, or Hobbies Lead Nitrogen Dioxide Pesticides Radon Respirable Particles Secondhand Smoke/Environmental Tobacco Smoke Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and ChimneysApartments can have the same indoor air problems as single-family homes because many of the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials, furnishings, and household products, are similar. Indoor air problems similar to those in offices are caused by such sources as contaminated ventilation systems, improperly placed outdoor air intakes, or maintenance activities.
Solutions to air quality … (0 comments)

iaq: The American Lung Association Health House - 12/10/07 01:22 AM
The American Lung Association has entered the IAQ Indoor Air Quality arena.  They have introduced a Health House program to increase awareness of IAQ indoor air quality and to educate home owners, property managers, realtors, and home builders of the need to inprove IAQ indoor air quality.
Facts About Indoor Air Quality
According to the American Lung Association, elements within our home and workplaces have been increasingly recognized as threats to our respiratory health. The most common pollutants are radon, combustion products, biologicals (molds, pet dander, pollen), volatile organic compounds, lead dust and asbestos.
The Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ & Remodeling - 12/10/07 01:15 AM
Unhealthy Remodeling By-Products
Asbestos Lead-based Paint (see p. 11 for details) Formaldeyde Volatile Organic Compounds You may not have realized that your remodeling project may be creating unhealthy household air.
Q: What remodeling hazards should I be concerned about? A: Asbestos, formaldehyde and other organic solvents, and leaded paint dust are the main ones. These hazardous materials can be released into the air when you remove paint, hang cabinets or disturb other existing products that contain these materials. Paints, stripping and finishing products, and adhesives can also create indoor air pollution. 
Q: By remodeling with products that don't include these hazardous … (2 comments)

iaq: Why is IAQ Indoor Air Quality Important? - 12/07/07 03:07 AM
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality is a major concern to businesses, building managers, tenants, and employees because it can impact the health, comfort, well being, and productivity of building occupants.
Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors and many spend most of their working hours in an office environment. Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others show that indoor environments sometimes can have levels of pollutants that are actually higher than levels found outside.
Pollutants in our indoor environment can increase the risk of illness. Several studies by EPA, states, and independent scientific … (0 comments)

iaq: How Important is Humidity for Indoor Air Quality IAQ - 12/07/07 02:59 AM
Humidity Control, IAQ, and You
The New Webster's Dictionary defines air conditioning as: "The process of regulating the quality, temperature, humidity, and circulation of air in a space enclosure." These are the criteria for basic comfort management for the occupants within the modern office environment. The designer, building owner, or management company who disregards this is opening the doors to litigation which will be much more costly than any savings assumed to be created by not maintaining proper indoor comfort conditions.
The premise behind the concerns for IAQ and IEQ are the comfort and well-being of the occupants within the workplace. … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield IAQ - 12/07/07 02:44 AM
A Breath of Fresh Air
Do you remember the first time in the spring, when you would open all the windows in the house to "air it out"? That breath of fresh air that I used to look forward to each spring seems to be missing today in our lives. Subdivisions have brought our homes closer together, development has increased roads and traffic, and the substantial increase in allergies, has resulted in many people today leaving their homes sealed shut year round. You can¡¦t blame anyone for not wanting to open their windows like in the years past, and have to listen … (0 comments)

iaq: MicroShield Indoor Air Qualty Certifacation - 12/06/07 07:54 AM
 
… (0 comments)