Absolute Resource

September 2019

Why all the PFAS Fuss?

PFAS is the issue that won’t go away, literally. Although those close to the issue have been aware of the dangers of PFAS for years, this class of "forever chemicals" has finally made its way to the mainstream media. 

From contaminated drinking water and cows milk, to the food supply, food packaging, bottled water, farm fertilizer, countless household items, replacement chemicals and fed up citizens, PFAS is now in the news almost daily. Hollywood caught the buzz, and is releasing a movie this November based on the true story behind the 2017 DuPont C8/PFOA lawsuit.

Fire stations and DoD facilities are where most PFAS investigations have been focused, but with the CDC indicating that measurable levels of PFAS are likely found in the bloodstream of every American, and health effects still being studied, many experts say we’ve only scratched the surface of this issue. Rest assured that here at ARA, we are staying on top of the latest scientific information, methods, limits and changes, so that you can focus on your projects knowing you have the best PFAS resource in your corner. If you have any questions about PFAS testing, give us a call or send an email today. 

Do I Really Need an IAQ Assessment

Prior to Mold Remediation?

We are often asked why an IAQ Assessment is necessary prior to mold remediation (cleanup). It is understandable that folks want to avoid any extra time or cost associated with hiring a Board Certified IAQ Professional to assess their situation, but there are several very important reasons for hiring an air quality expert before removing the mold. Believe it not, doing so could actually save you money. Here’s why:

• The written "Scope of Work" from the mold assessment can be used to competitively bid your cleanup work. The very detailed scope indicates a list of exactly what needs to be cleaned up / removed, which will save you from wasting a lot of money on an overpriced or careless remediation project. There will be no conflicting thoughts on what and how to clean, since your assessment includes specific instructions for remediation.

• When more than one party is involved, like a tenant and landlord, or an employee and a business owner, the Certified IAQ Professional can act as an objective third party to minimize battles over the cause, costs, clean up, health effects, etc.

• Physically & thoroughly inspecting all areas of the building helps to avoid the need for additional clean ups in the future. Many times people will clean up one area, only to find out later that a second area is also contaminated. All too often those additional areas are hidden, and the mold is not discovered until it has caused significant property damage and health issues. A thorough initial inspection will ensure that the problem is dealt with properly the first time.

• A Professional Board Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) will inspect the entire building, including the Air Handling Units. A remediation firm can do a very good job cleaning a mold infested area, but if no one told them to clean the AHUs and the duct-work, the entire home or building could easily become re-contaminated.

It really pays to do your research, since some unethical remediation firms will offer to do both the mold investigation / testing, and the mold remediation for you. This practice is considered a conflict of interest across the IAQ Industry and should be a red flag to you. When there is a financial tie from a firm doing the mold assessment to the firm doing the mold clean up, you cannot be sure whether or not the costs are being inflated for their own gain. Many states have legislation in place that will protect the consumer by prohibiting the practice of a firm or individual conducting an initial investigation and the clean up on the same project for this very reason. However, mold laws vary from state to state, as does proper enforcement. Buyer beware.

Here’s an example of what your professional IAQ Report should include:  (click image in sidebar to view full report) -->

Name one reason you might want to schedule an IAQ Assessment prior to Mold Remediation. The first person to respond with a correct answer via email will win a free copy of this great mold  handbook for homeowners: 

“MOLD: Myth or Monster?”

by Guy Sylvester.

Email Your Reply Here

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