• What You Need to Know about the Dangers of Asbestos

    Asbestos is a material that was used in construction projects for decades before it became evident that it could cause dangerous health problems. While houses built in recent years should not contain any asbestos, it was regularly used in residential construction up until the 1980s. This is why it is important for homeowners to know about the dangers of asbestos and what to do to avoid them. If you are concerned that your home may contain asbestos, contact a company that offers asbestos testing in San Francisco, and read the following information to find out more about the dangers of asbestos.

    Asbestos can cause life-threatening health problems. Dangers of Asbestos

    It is very difficult for the body to break down asbestos fibers, which means that when they are inhaled or ingested, they can remain in the body for years. With time, this can lead to a number of chronic diseases that may be life-threatening. Asbestosis is a type of respiratory disease that can cause shortness of breath and may lead to heart failure. Another disease that can result from asbestos exposure is lung cancer, which may be deadly. Asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma, a type of cancer that can affect the membrane which lines the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Cancers of other areas of the body, including the stomach and esophagus, can also result from asbestos exposure.

    Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed.

    While asbestos may be present in different materials in your home, it generally will not be dangerous if it is not disturbed. However, any activity that can release asbestos fibers into the air, such as demolition or remodeling, can put your family at risk. This is why it is essential to schedule asbestos testing before you begin a project in your home. If asbestos is detected, professional removal or containment will be necessary before you can proceed with your home improvement project.

  • Why Air Quality Testing Is a Must Before Buying a Home

    Purchasing a home is likely to be one of the biggest investments that you will make in your lifetime—so you should be absolutely sure that you know about any issues that are present in your new home! This is why scheduling a variety of inspections during the home-buying process is so important. One type of inspection that is commonly overlooked is air quality testing. If you are getting ready to purchase a home and are interested in environmental services in San Francisco , continue reading to find out more about the importance of scheduling an air quality analysis. Before Buying a Home

    There are many things that are invisible to the eye but can affect a home’s air quality. For instance, asbestos may be present in a home and could release dangerous fibers into the air if disturbed. The good news is that asbestos testing can alert you to the presence of this material before you buy a home. Another common issue that can impact air quality is mold growth. Mold may hide behind walls, in ceilings, or in basements, but mold testing using air samples can alert you to the presence of mold spores. Air quality testing can also be performed to detect lead, dangerous chemicals, and bacteria.

  • Understanding and Preventing Household Mold

    Have you noticed a musty smell in your home or strange stains on your walls? These issues may be signs of mold growth. If you suspect that mold is growing in your home, schedule mold testing in San Francisco and check out this video clip to find out more about mold growth and how to prevent it.

    Mold grows in colonies and may be a variety of different colors. It can release spores into the air that allow it to spread quickly throughout your home. Removing excess moisture from your home is essential for preventing mold growth. If mold testing reveals that mold is present in your home, it is necessary to remove all mold spores from both the surfaces and the air in your home to prevent a reoccurrence of mold issues.

  • Answers to Your Questions about Mold Testing

    Excess moisture in your home can lead to mold growth, and mold can lead to a range of problems. From headaches and allergies to structural damage, mold growth is dangerous for both your health and the stability of your house. If you suspect that your home has mold growth, it may be time to schedule mold testing in San Francisco . Continue reading to learn the answers to some common questions about testing for mold.

    When do I need mold testing?  Mold Testing

    Mold testing is useful when you suspect that conditions are right for mold, but have not noticed visible signs of mold growth. For instance, if you’ve recently experienced a plumbing leak or a flood in your home, scheduling mold testing may be advisable. There are some signs of mold that you cannot see, such as a musty odor or unexplained headaches—if you notice these, arrange to have your home tested for mold. Another instance in which mold testing can be helpful is when you are buying a home; if mold is present, it will be useful to know this before you complete the home purchase.

    How does mold testing work?

    There are a few different methods that your mold inspection company can use to test your home for mold. One method is with air samples—with this option, a special cassette is attached to an air sampling pump, and air is pumped through the cassette, depositing any mold spores in the air onto a slide inside the cassette. This slide can then be analyzed in a laboratory for signs of mold. Surface mold testing is another option—to do this, a cotton swab can be wiped along a surface where mold growth is suspected. The swab is then analyzed to determine if mold is present. If mold growth is already visible on a surface, surface testing using a piece of sticky tape can be completed to determine the type and number of mold spores growing there.

    Who should I contact for mold testing?

    While do-it-yourself mold testing kits are available, they are not as reliable as professional testing, and you may end up disturbing any mold spores growing there. For these reasons, it is important to contact a reliable mold inspection company to ensure that your home is safely and effectively tested for mold.