microshield: Indoor Air Quality and Asbestos Exposure - 11/13/11 03:45 AM
Toxic chemicals can be found everywhere we look.  Whether they are in your home, or the ground underneath, it is important to be aware of chemicals with which you and your family may come in contact.
What is asbestos?Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was incorporated into more than 5,000 products in the 1980’s.  This mineral has excellent insulating and fireproofing characteristics which is why it was commonly used for commercial purposes. This toxic mineral can be found in various deposits throughout the world;   the environmental hazard surrounding asbestos still exists today.
Where has it been used?As previously mentioned, asbestos … (0 comments)

microshield: Should I have my home tested for mold? - 03/03/10 01:38 AM
This is a question I get asked alot and I find myself often posting about the subject.  To clairify its not that I dont feel that mold should be adressed, its just that I dont believe that the flavor of the mold will change anything that takes place regarding the removal of the mold and the necessary repairs to stop the mold from growing.
I believe you should have the mold in your home assessed to determine what steps should be taken to safley remove the mold to ensure thit it wont return.  When the mold inspector has completed his inspection … (0 comments)

microshield: Florida Mold Law Update - 02/28/10 06:46 AM
Florida House Bill HB713 is a proposal to accept any national association’s certifications with 3 years verifiable experience and 60 hours of verified training. The Florida Legislature goes into session next week and this bill should be voted on quickly.
 
This is a very good thing for the consumer.  I receive dozens of calls from consumers who have had a “Mold Inspection” only to have the inspector hand the consumer a lab report with no summary of findings.  You can read more about that in this article.  http://activerain.com/blogsview/1438130/the-home-inspector-mold-test-buyer-beware-   That is the reason we truly need the new law and … (0 comments)

microshield: Should You Test for Mold? - 02/28/10 06:41 AM
When we get calls for mold testing, we conduct a very thorough client interview to help get us acquainted with the client and to help determine the client’s individual needs.  In some cases the client simply needs to have air samples collected to find out if there is a presence of a known allergen in their home or office.  In other cases they need to know why there is mold in their home or office and how to stop it from growing and how to get rid of what has already grown.
 
And far too often we are asked to … (0 comments)

microshield: Formaldehyde Council recommends testing homes for formaldehyde - 08/25/09 02:50 AM
The Formaldehyde Council, Inc. (FCI) engaged an industrial hygienist to explain formaldehyde testing methods. Larry Newton, CIH, CSP, has performed over 400 indoor air quality investigations. Newton expressed concern that some modern homes do not bring in adequate fresh air. He agreed with our statement, "lack of fresh air allows chemical contaminants to concentrate inside the home". Newton explained how he tested homes for formaldehyde in the 1980s. When I began indoor investigations, I used a CEA 555 continuous environmental analyzer (CEA) based on the wet chemistry of pararosaniline. This chemistry is highly specific and sensitive (< 100 ppb) to formaldehyde...The … (0 comments)

microshield: Indoor Air Quality from the EPA - 08/21/09 07:11 AM
Factors that Contribute to Indoor Air Quality as defined by the EPA
Indoor air quality is not a simple, easily defined concept like a desk or a leaky faucet. It is a constantly changing interaction of complex factors that affect the types, levels, and importance of pollutants in indoor environments. These factors include: sources of pollutants or odors; design, maintenance and operation of building ventilation systems; moisture and humidity; and occupant perceptions and susceptibilities. In addition, there are many other factors that affect comfort or perception of indoor air quality.
Controlling indoor air quality involves integrating three main strategies. First, manage … (0 comments)

microshield: Remodeling and Indoor Air Quality - 08/21/09 06:55 AM
You may not have realized that your remodeling project may be creating unhealthy indoor environment.  These 8 questions will help you understand the possible concerns of a remodeling and your indoor air quality. 
Q 1: 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 2: By remodeling with products that … (1 comments)

microshield: Having a Home Built? Make Sure It's Protected From Mold. - 07/14/09 07:51 AM
Microshield Mold Free Building Material

MicroShield Environmental Services a Central Florida based company has its own unique approach to providing homebuilders the mold protection they need.   They have established them selves as a complete mold prevention company.
MicroShield ES begins their program with written field inspection reports from trained technicians then pretreat the completed structure prior to insulation and drywall.    MicroShield ES uses a 2 Step System to Clean, Disinfect, and Protect the Home. Both steps are safe, approved, and non-corrosive.
The 1st Step Destroys Microorganisms on contact, Safely Cleaning and Disinfecting the Home. The 2nd Step is a permeable … (2 comments)

microshield: What’s in the air you breathe at home? - 07/14/09 07:21 AM
What’s in the air you breathe at home?  (part 2 of a 2 part blog)
By John P. Lapotaire, CIEC, MicroShield Environmental Services

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a hot topic in today's sluggish real estate market.  We find ourselves opening the door to a whole new set of challenges each time we view a home that may have been sitting for awhile.  Questions race through our minds as we turn the key: "Will this home have that healthy home smell? Will it have a musty stale smell? Did they have pets or smoke?" And finally: "What will I have … (0 comments)

microshield: What’s in the air you breathe at home? - 07/14/09 07:14 AM
What's in the air you breathe at home?  (part 1 of a 2 part blog)
By John P. Lapotaire, CIEC, MicroShield Environmental Services
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a hot topic in today's sluggish real estate market.  We find ourselves opening the door to a whole new set of challenges each time we view a home that may have been sitting for awhile.  Questions race through our minds as we turn the key: "Will this home have that healthy home smell? Will it have a musty stale smell? Did they have pets or smoke?" And finally: "What will I have to … (0 comments)

microshield: Do you have good Indoor Air Quality? - 07/14/09 07:05 AM
Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality enhances resident health and comfort and should be an essential goal for any home or building. A high quality indoor environment requires careful design, construction, and choice of materials.  Indoor air quality requires design that incorporates adequate air exchanges, well designed ventilation and avoidance of mold through moisture control, all of which complement a strategy that achieves energy efficiency and building durability.
The most effective way to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants is to keep residents away from sources of pollution.  Ventilation design provides for adequate exchanges of fresh air. A well-designed building … (0 comments)

microshield: What do you do if you have mold in your new home during construction? - 07/14/09 07:01 AM
As the guys at MicroShield Environmental Services told me "you deserve an added layer of protection."
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. … (1 comments)

microshield: Are you working in a Healthy Indoor Air Quality Environment? - 07/14/09 06:54 AM
MicroShield IAQ For Buildings and Property Managers
MicroShield Environmental Services specializes in providing Indoor Air Qulity solutions that work. We take into consideration the whole picture, and then provide you as the property owner, options that greatly improve the air quality in your property.
According to the World Health Organization, 30% of buildings experience some form of sick building syndrome. Problems involving mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria, stale air, poor ventilation, odors, and microbes are commonplace.
For these problems, MicroShield has the solution: a proactive, IAQ and HVAC Management Program.
Many commercial and industrial facilities are faced with the problem of Poor … (0 comments)

microshield: Florida Mold Law; Senate Bill 2234 - 07/14/09 06:34 AM
Florida Mold Law; Senate Bill 2234
Senate Bill 2234 was. This law will prevent conflicts of interest; require education and licensing amongst other requirements for mold inspectors and removal companies alike. This law was designed to protect the consumers. The law will be effective in 2010; until then there are no requirements.  "Caveat Emptor"  "Let the Buyer Beware" when hiring a mold inspection company.
These few basic tips and information can help you avoid getting scammed and ensure that your mold issues are handled ethically, honestly and professionally. Take the time to read it. If you have any questions, please … (3 comments)

microshield: Beware of the "Free Mold Inspection" - 10/02/08 06:26 AM
Like any other industry, the mold remediation and inspection business has its share of scams, cons, and rip off artists who seek to profit from your lack of knowledge about mold.  
The worst perpetrators of mold scams are mold removal/remediation contractors who also offer mold inspections and mold testing services.  Their scam is creating non-existent mold problems and charging you thousands of dollars to fix them.
If you encounter a mold inspector who also does mold removal/remediation, (or visa-versa) Just Say NO! There are plenty of quality contractors available that don't do both.
And especially watch out for contractors who offer … (3 comments)

microshield: What to Look For in an IAQ Professional - 09/04/08 03:54 AM
What to look for when Hiring an IAQ ConsultantMost of us spend 90% of our 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 be highly qualified to fully investigate, identify and/or mitigate … (0 comments)

microshield: Storm Damage Assessment and Environmental Testing - 09/04/08 03:05 AM
Storm Damage Assessment and Environmental Testing
National attention has brought mold and indoor air quality to the forefront of your clients' concerns. Many clients have become knowledgeable about mold infestations and health issues.
By understanding what is hype and what is truth, you can recommend a certified Indoor Air Quality Specialist who will assess and analyze the property. The solutions recommend by a specialist will allow you and your client to move forward with the transaction quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
After The Clean Up Make Sure Your Home Is Free Of ;
Mold Bacteria Sewage Contamination E. Coli Fecal Coliform Fecal Streptococcus … (0 comments)

microshield: Cleaning up after a Flood Step 1 - 09/04/08 02:41 AM
The best way to avoid mold hazards is to hire a reputable Indoor Environmental Consultant that is certified and trained to provide a written protocol that will allow you to receive competitive bids from licensed restoration and drying contractors trained in dealing with water damage and mold remediation. But that may be difficult after a disaster. You may have to do the cleanup yourself. If so, follow the steps below.
* BEFORE YOU PROCEED:
After the water has receded enough to the point that it is no longer standing in your home or business, you should begin clean-up procedures.
Before beginning clean-up … (0 comments)

microshield: Is Canada ahead of us in IAQ Indoor Air Quality? YES! - 02/27/08 12:53 AM
Its time we caught up and took responsibility for our Indoor Environment.  Canada has already established guidlines for Indoor Air Quality that are making a huge differance.
In British Columbia, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) adopted a landmark indoor air quality regulation in 1998. This provides the WCB with enforcement authority over the workplace, in addition to health issues. Recent changes to WCB enabling legislation in BC have extended the responsibility for compliance with the WCB regulation from employers to building owners and their agents, including building operators and property managers.
The WCB Regulation:
•·         Establishes ventilation rates, temperature and humidity requirements.
•·         Requires … (0 comments)

microshield: Are you working in a good Indoor Air Quality Environment? - 02/27/08 12:47 AM
MicroShield IAQ For Buildings and Property Managers
MicroShield Environmental Services specializes in providing Indoor Air Qulity solutions that work. We take into consideration the whole picture, and then provide you as the property owner, options that greatly improve the air quality in your property.
According to the World Health Organization, 30% of buildings experience some form of sick building syndrome. Problems involving mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria, stale air, poor ventilation, odors, and microbes are commonplace.
For these problems, MicroShield has the solution: a proactive, IAQ and HVAC Management Program.
Many commercial and industrial facilities are faced with the problem of Poor Indoor Air Quality, Sick … (0 comments)