[unable to retrieve full-text content]Mississippi senator asks for Keesler mold issues to be addressed Biloxi Sun Herald
source https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/military/article238279843.html
Park City Utah Mold Inspection Job Completed by Utah Disaster Specialists — Press Release — Digital Journal
Utah Disaster Specialists has announced that they have recently completed a mold inspection job in Park City, Utah. This Park City Utah mold inspection job came about because a homeowner had called them to get a second opinion after another company had removed mold from their home. This company has taken some air samples to demonstrate that the mold has been totally eliminated. However, the mold inspection performed by Utah Disaster Specialists revealed a number of places where mold on some debris were still visible. It turned out that the previous company had not cleaned up the construction/repair debris before getting the air samples. After cleaning up the debris, Utah Disaster Specialists took air samples and these showed high levels of mold. The homeowner then hired the company to get rid of the remaining mold. The total cost of the mold inspection and removal was $2,400.
Daryl Olsen, president of Utah Disaster Specialists, says, “Air sampling is perhaps the most common type of mold testing and it provides an accurate overview of the spore count in the home. Insurance companies may include air sampling as a method of proving that there is a mold problem in the home. The air is tested inside of the home and then the spore count is compared to what is on the outside of the home.”
He continues, “However, we need to be careful when to perform the air sampling test. While the previous company had taken an air sample to show there is no more mold in the air, this cannot be relied on until all possible places where mold can be found have been inspected. In this case, the previous company had forgotten to dispose of the construction/repair debris., which naturally had a high chance of having mold. And indeed, this was shown to be the case when we cleaned up the debris and then took an air sample.”
Mold damage remediation is one of the key services provided by Utah Disaster Specialists. Household mold does not only cause ugly stains and release a musty odor, but they are also health risks. Mycotoxins, which are substances produced by molds, have been found to affect people in various ways. These include lack of focus or concentration; memory loss; headaches, chronic fatigue; burning, itching or watery eyes; nose and throat irritation; serious swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, and odor sensitivity.
Utah Disaster Specialists also offers other kinds of services in addition to mold remediation. These include air duct cleaning, fire damage remediation, sewage cleanup, water damage remediation, and other kinds of disaster cleanup. For instance, there is flood damage cleanup. Flooding is a problem that must be addressed immediately because allowing it to linger can result into other problems like damaged furniture, house structures, and mold growth. Over time, the water can also become unsanitary, assuming that it was previously clean. For sewage problems, the sewage water is already dirty and the more urgent it will be to perform a flood and water damage cleanup.
And then there is the fire damage cleanup service. The water used to put out the fire can actually cause damage too. This is like having a flooded home, only it is worse because of the presence of soot, which makes the water acidic. This acidic water can rapidly destroy surfaces unless the water is removed quickly and the furniture, various items in the house, and the walls and floor are dried.
And then there is the dreaded situation where sewage backs up into the house. It does not only have a dreadful smell. It also brings with it bacteria and other microorganisms that could make people sick. The cleanup company must not only know how to clean up the mess properly but also how to find the root cause of the problem to ensure that it will not happen again.
Those who are interested in mold damage remediation and other services from Utah Disaster Specialists can check out their website or contact them on the phone or through email.
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For more information about Utah Disaster Specialists, contact the company here:
Utah Disaster Specialists
Daryl Olsen
801-203-3524
contact@utahdisasterspecialists.com
270 West 1450 North
Centerville, Utah 84014
Five Tips to Improve Workplace Indoor Air Quality — Corporate Wellness Magazine
Indoor air is a lot worse than outdoor air. Many health symptoms experienced by workers are caused by indoor air pollution, which is precisely why it’s essential to keep the air inside your commercial building clean and safe. This not only promotes comfort among your employees but also protects their health.
What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality describes how the air inside a building or facility affects a person’s health, comfort, and ability to work. It’s a major concern to businesses, employees, and rental managers because indoor air can have a huge impact on the well-being and productivity of employees.
Several studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarded indoor air pollution as a major problem. While most commercial buildings don’t have severe issues, even the most well-maintained buildings can have episodes of poor indoor air.
According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality can lead to productivity problems and increased absences among employees. It is estimated that all these health consequences cost the government billions of dollars each year due to medical care and productivity loss.
What causes poor indoor air quality?
Indoor air pollution is perhaps one of the most underrated health concerns in commercial and institutional buildings. And it isn’t hard to see why. Outdoor air, when heavily polluted, can be easily noticed (dark smoke, toxic smell, and bitter taste). But indoor air is different. It hides behind the cool and comforting air blown by the AC and the calming smell of air fresheners. And because people don’t see it, it’s easy to dismiss the fact that it exists.
So what makes indoor air polluted?
There are hundreds of air pollutants commonly found in homes and commercial facilities. Among the most common (and harmful) are tobacco smoke, dust, mold and mildew, chemical pollutants, and VOCs.
Cigarette smoke
Even if you or your employees do not smoke inside the building, cigarette smoke can linger on the smoker’s skin and clothes. That’s why when a smoker enters the office, you could smell it right away. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemical compounds, most of which are highly toxic and detrimental to the respiratory system.
Dust
Dust and other environmental pollutants such as mites contribute to indoor air pollution. Without sufficient ventilation, these tiny pollutants can easily circulate around your office, triggering allergy symptoms in some people.
Mold and mildew
When the temperature outside drops and the indoor air is heated, condensation can form around windows, causing moisture. High moisture content in indoor air provides the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Furthermore, if you have water damage issues in the office, there’s a very high chance that mold and mildew are present too.
Chemical pollutants
Building materials, office equipment; furniture, wall and floor coverings, upholstery, and virtually every commercially manufactured item in your workplace emit chemical pollutants. They include polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), polyurethane, formaldehyde, and VOCs.
How to detect possible indoor air quality issues?
It can be difficult to determine the causes of indoor air pollution, especially in commercial facilities. Often, facility managers will only notice it when people start experiencing symptoms triggered by IAQ.
The approaches taken to detect possible indoor air quality issues vary among organizations, but they normally include the following steps:
- Inspection of the ventilation system to see if a sufficient amount of outdoor air is taken in and properly distributed throughout the area and if the filtration systems are working.
- Ruling out possible triggers of symptoms such as thermal comfort, noise, ergonomics, poor lighting, etc.
- Testing for the presence of air pollutants (mold, asbestos, carbon monoxide, other chemicals, and toxic gases). This can be done using air testing kits. Samples are then submitted to the lab for analysis.
How do you Improve your Workplace Indoor Air Quality?
Keep your workplace clean
A clean workplace has lower levels of mold, dust, allergens, and contaminants that could spread through the air. Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products that do not release harsh chemical compounds into the air.
Use air-cleaning devices
Having commercial-grade equipment in your disposition, such as air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers are a great way to keep your IAQ at good levels and prevent the need to hire professionals.
Change HVAC filters regularly
HVAC systems should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to change the filters from time to time to prevent dust and other air pollutants from circulating back to your indoor air. Clogged filters can interrupt airflow and speed up the build-up of pollutants in enclosed spaces.
Observe proper ventilation
Whenever possible, turn of your HVAC system and open the windows to allow outdoor air to enter the building. Be sure to keep air vents unblocked. Placing furniture, storage boxes, chairs, or cabinets in front air vents will disrupt air circulation, causing your workplace to feel stuffy. Indoor plants are also a great addition to your office. They are not only refreshing to the eyes but can also help promote your indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the air.
Conduct regular air tests
Performing an indoor air testing will provide you with the right information and insights to make your IAQ improvement plan more directed and efficient. Air quality tests include checking humidity levels, airflow, ventilation, mold growth, odors, and water damage.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality should be one of the most important concerns in your workplace as it directly affects the overall health and wellbeing of your staff and employees. Poor IAQ can increase the risk of many health problems, from respiratory illnesses to infections. It can even compromise your mental health.
You have two options to improve your indoor air quality. You can either hire professionals or do everything by yourself. Which one you will choose is up to you.
Know that there are things you can do to promote the IAQ in your workplace. These include keeping your place clean, maintaining your HVAC system, changing filters regularly, and conducting regular air tests.
source https://www.corporatewellnessmagazine.com/article/five-tips-to-improve-workplace-indoor-air-quality
Water Damage Cleanup Job Started by Bio Clean of Utah in Woods Cross — StreetInsider.com
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Water Damage Cleanup Job Started by Bio Clean of Utah in Woods Cross StreetInsider.com
DAI Restore can restore your damage. — WPRI.com
With winter comes snow, ice…and low temps.
Which comes with the risk of pipes bursting in the home!
This morning to help us avoid just that was Maxx Gervasio of DAI Restore.
DAI Restore offers fire, smoke, water and mold damage restoration services to residential and commercial properties along with 24/7 Emergency Service.
DAI Restore also specializes in document restoration drying and consulting.
Rhode Show Content Disclaimer: The information, advice and answers displayed in The Rhode Show section of WPRI.com are those of individual sponsors and guests and not WPRI-TV/Nexstar Media Group, Inc. WPRI.com presents this content on behalf of each participating Rhode Show sponsor. Sponsored content is copyrighted to its respective sponsor unless otherwise indicated.
source https://www.wpri.com/rhode-show/dai-restore-can-restore-your-damage/
The Flood Co. Completes Holladay Utah Mold Removal Project — StreetInsider.com
[unable to retrieve full-text content]The Flood Co. Completes Holladay Utah Mold Removal Project StreetInsider.com
Bay Area Mold Detection Expert Advises Homeowners to Get a San Francisco Mold Inspection Done — StreetInsider.com
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Bay Area Mold Detection Expert Advises Homeowners to Get a San Francisco Mold Inspection Done StreetInsider.com
Council deems Kennedy school building unsafe — Kittson County Enterprise
By Anna Jauhola
Due to water damage causing mold and mildew issues in the former Kennedy school building, the city council has deemed it unsafe.
The Kennedy City Council bought the school building several years ago after the Kittson Central School District closed it and moved all students to Hallock. The council has been renting classrooms to individuals for storage space and had sold kitchen appliances and other items before the mold issue arose.
“The school is falling apart. It’s not in very good shape,” said Councilor Cindy Urbaniak.
She said the council made the decision late this summer to have renters move their belongings from the building.
“Now there’s some concern about how secure the roof is,” Urbaniak said. “We’re kind of concerned about the roof caving in at some point. So we just determined it was unsafe for use anymore.”
As renters remove their items, the city is also making sure anyone who wanted a part of the gymnasium floor also have that removed.
“Now we’re just trying to figure out what to do with that big empty building that sits in the community,” Urbaniak said.
Even though the city bought the building for a dollar, funding to maintain the large facility has always been an issue. It simply wasn’t affordable to maintain the building as it should have been maintained, Urbaniak said.
Once all the renters’ items are removed from the school building, the city will then lock it up, board up the windows and make a final decision on what to do. Kelsey Dawson, city clerk, said they are waiting to hear from their city attorney about requirements to officially condemn the building.
source https://www.kittsonarea.com/2019/12/10/council-deems-kennedy-school-building-unsafe/
Show Your Home Some Love This Holiday Season — Colorado Springs Gazette
Your house could use the gift of attention and love this season.
Protect your home’s health and safety this holiday season with a free inspection!
Home repair may be the last thing you want to think about this time of year, but it’s important to ensure the health and safety of your house and protect it from water and structural issues. Complete Basement Systems can help with a free inspection and trustworthy repair solutions.
Amid the hustle, bustle, and cheer of the holiday season as you shower your loved ones with gifts and treats, show your home some love too. Your house could use the gift of attention and TLC this season.
Protect your biggest investment-your home.
Home repair may be the very last thing you want to think about this time of year, but your home has a big job to do and many responsibilities to fill. There could be trouble brewing underneath the rooms with festive parties and children playing around the tree.
It’s easy to knock out some repair projects during the spring and summer after you’ve been itching to get things done outside for months. But winter and “offseason” months are perfect for getting your home inspected in preparation for various repairs. We at Complete Basement Systems can help you keep an eye on your home and provide you with lasting repair solutions!
Do you notice any of the following problems in your home?
Why are these problems happening? Something to think about is the soil around your house. There are many soil types across the country, but there are three basic ingredients – sand, silt and clay – that make up all soil types. Sandy soils tend to drain water faster, clay soils hold onto water and silt soils that tend to have intermediate drainage properties. Colorado has a mix of all three in the soil.
During wet months, saturated soil expands and puts pressure on your foundation walls. Hydrostatic pressure is the constant force of water pressure on the walls. When this force becomes more than the walls can handle, they will begin to crack and bow inward.
During hot summertime months that cause drought, and then as weather becomes cold, the air becomes dry. This creates dry, shrinking soil. As the moisture in your soil evaporates, cracks can form in your home’s foundation.
Home repair may be the last thing you want to think about this time of year, but it’s important to ensure the health and safety of your house and protect it from water and structural issues.
Then, the snow comes. While it looks beautiful and adds to the spirit of the season, snow also can impact your home. When snow starts to melt, water can easily seep through cracks caused by dry soil and will begin putting pressure against your foundation. This pressure causes foundation problems including cracks, sinking floors, and sticking doors and windows. The melting snow also can flood basements and crawl spaces, resulting in water damage, mold and mildew.
Freezing is another problem during the colder months. If moisture permeates any cracks in your foundation walls and freezes, these cracks will grow larger and cause significant damage to your home.
So, what can you do head these issues off at the pass? Whether you want to take a proactive approach and address these issues before they become bigger problems, or finally check some repair items off your list, the experts at Complete Basement Systems are here to help you protect your most significant investment – your home.
Once you contact us to set up an appointment for a free inspection and estimate, one of our highly trained certified field inspectors will visit to complete a thorough evaluation of your home. He also will recommend the best basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space repair solutions to meet your specific repair needs, project goals and budget.
Hydrostatic pressure is the constant force of water pressure on the walls. When this force becomes more than the walls can handle, they will begin to crack and bow inward.
If leaking water is a concern, our specialized BasementGutter™ interior drainage system can be installed in the basement’s sub-floor to intercept leaking water and direct it to a reliable sump pump system. Our dehumidifiers also will improve the air quality in your home, control moisture and humidity, and reduce odors and potential mold growth.
We have several repair options to stabilize and help straighten and level your foundation. These include wall reinforcing and repair systems like Carbon Fiber supports, IntelliBrace™ beams and Wall Anchors for cracking and bowing walls; piering systems – Helical Piers, Push and Slab piers – for settling walls; and crawl space support jacks (IntelliJacks™) for sagging floors.
If you have a nasty crawl space, we can address that too! By closing crawl space vents, and waterproofing and encapsulating this area under your house, this greatly improves the health and energy efficiency of your home. Plus, you’ll have lower utility bills and a functional area to store those holiday decorations.
As you think of others this season, don’t neglect your living environment. A safe and healthy home is the gift that keeps on giving.
Mold students admit to damaging defibrillator after learning how one had recently saved a life at their school — LeaderLive
STUDENTS owned up to damaging a defibrillator after hearing how one had saved a life at their at school.
A police appeal was launched on December 4 after the glass cabinet of a defibrillator at Mold Tennis and Bowls club was smashed — causing consternation amongst local people.
But the two youngsters who damaged the life-saving medical apparatus owned up.
After hearing about the incident, staff at Mold Alun High School held a session in which they explained to students how the school’s own device had recently been used to save a life.
Colin Ellis, deputy headteacher, said: «After seeing the article we immediately conducted a PSE [personal and social education] session, highlighting how disappointing this act was, and also how important defibrillators are within our community.
«One was used on our site a few months ago within the sports centre, which saved a life.
«After this, the boys came forward and admitted what they had done.
«They were absolutely mortified and want to put it right. They’ve made a mistake, but owned up and want to make amends — and that’s all we can ask for of our students.»
Staff contacted Mold Town Council and the students offered to pay for the damage and carry out voluntary service.
Mr Ellis added: «The town council was grateful that the boys have seen the errors of their ways, and the publicity gained has made the young people in the Mold community more knowledgeable about defibrillators.»
Damage Mold 