Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS

I have reviewed far too many reports that site an interstitial/wall cavity sample as the reason that a building or home requires extensive if not complete remediation. The cases brought to me have increase recently at an alarming rate. Some of these samples have been collected on homes and buildings on crawl spaces that were built as much as 75 years ago.

All of the reports that I have reviewed included very little background information and all had no elevated spore trap levels in the living/occupied space. A few identified elevated moisture but none identified the cause and origin of the moisture. All fell to the collection of air samples within several walls for a period of 5 minutes at a rate of 15 liters to provide the clients with a smoking gun and an answer to what in their home or office was making them sick.

I believe the samples are collected in an attempt to justify the cost of the assessment by providing some form of a conclusion via laboratory results.

If anyone out there is collecting wall cavity air sampling please help me understand how costly remediation can be based on these samples alone. More specifically why anyone would collect a wall sample from a 75 year old building on a crawl space with openings from the crawl space to the wall cavity. A lath and plaster wall cavity at that. Then recommend remediation and further investigation.

But then again I prefer to sample as little as possible during the initial investigation.
Just venting a bit

P.S. My clients are the property owners and/or the property management company. The reports were all from tenant hired inspectors.

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com

The show will return January 7 with a review of the landscape for federal, state and local regulatory activity. The guest will be Doug Farquhar of the National Conference of State Legislators. Mr. Farquhar and the National Center specialize in assisting government and others determine what type of regulations is needed and how to interpret and work within the confines of existing regulations. It was an active year when it comes to regulatory changes and we will discuss the past, present and future of regulations pertaining to IEQ, disaster restoration and building science. Download the show at www.iaqradio.com

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com

U.S. News http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2010/12/03/health-tip-keeping-mold-at-bay.html

(HealthDay News) — Indoor mold can lead to allergy and respiratory problems that can prove deadly.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offer these suggestions for keeping mold growth in your home under control:

•Keep the indoor humidity level at less than 40 percent. A hygrometer can help you monitor indoor humidity. A dehumidifier and/or air conditioner may be needed, especially in damp areas of the home.Fix the source of any water leaks that allow mold spores to grow on windowsills or in refrigerator drip pans.

•Identify areas where molds and mildew reside on hard surfaces, and clean these areas with a bleach-based product.

•Make sure your home has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and ventilate clothes dryers to the outside.

•Clean your shower curtain frequently.

•Minimize the number of live indoor plants.

•Keep windows closed, if possible.

•Do not carpet bathrooms and basements, especially if there are mildew problems in these rooms.

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com

Do asthma and allergies threaten to be the Grinch in your holidays? The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers these tips to help keep your season merry:

* The holidays are fi lled with hustle and bustle, but stress can trigger an asthma attack. Shop early or late in the day to avoid crowds. If “quiet time” isn’t a part of your normal routine, now is the time to start. Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.

* Fires burning in the hearth bring warmth and ambiance to a holiday get-together. However, the smoke and ash can smother the spirit for some, provoking breathing difficulties or triggering an asthma attack. Request the Yule log remain unlit.

* Prepare for visits to homes with pets by taking your allergy or asthma medication before the visit. The medication may help reduce your reaction. You can also ask party hosts to keep Fido in a separate room.

* Food is a central fixture in most holiday gatherings. Remember that homemade items don’t come with ingredients lists. If you or your child has food allergies, be cautious, especially around homemade treats. Foods can become tainted through cross-contamination in the baker’s kitchen or food storage containers – and even a trace amount can trigger a reaction.

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com

If you have allergies or asthma, you know that allergens travel with you wherever you go.

Whether you are planning a visit to family or have vacation plans far from home, think about where you are going, what you will be doing and how you will get there. PACK right to stay safe.

Plan ahead. If you are traveling by air, train or boat, you may need to go through security. Keep medications in their original packaging. Carry your medications with you, or a lost suitcase could become a health crisis.

Anticipate problems and hidden allergens. If you have asthma, be sure it is under control before you travel. If you have food allergies, let people at your destination know before you get there. Take precautions and always have your rescue medicines available.

Continue taking your medications on schedule. Your allergies don’t take a break just because you are on vacation. In fact, traveling may mean you are exposed to different (and more) triggers than normal. If possible, talk to your allergist/immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, before traveling to decide if any short-term adjustments are needed.

Keep your allergist’s phone number and other emergency contact information on-hand. Locate an allergist or medical center in the area you are visiting in case you need an urgent appointment. Call ahead to verify they accept your insurance.

Getting There
By car
Common allergens such as mites and molds lurk in carpeting, upholstery and ventilation systems. If you have pollen or mold allergies, and are traveling by car, close your windows and turn on the air conditioning to “do not re-circulate” mode.

Outdoor air pollution can make your symptoms worse. If traveling by car, think about driving during early morning or late evening when the air quality is often better and you can avoid heavy traffic. Don’t travel in a car with someone who is smoking. If you use a nebulizer for your asthma, get a portable nebulizer.

By plane
If you have food or pet allergies, you may benefit by checking airline policies before traveling. Some have “nut free” flights. Some allow pets to travel as passengers, others do not. Make sure to carry two doses of portable, injectable epinephrine, in case you have a severe allergic reaction while in flight.

If you have severe asthma or other respiratory illnesses, your physician may tell you to take supplemental oxygen. No one can be refused travel for needing supplemental oxygen; however, this has to be arranged in advance.

If you have sinusitis or an ear infection, the changes in air pressure in the plane could cause significant pain. If possible, try to delay your travel until your symptoms improve.

The air in planes is very dry. You will feel much more comfortable if you use saline nasal spray once every hour to keep the membranes in your nose moist.

Enjoy Your Stay
Hotel rooms often have a lot of dust mites and molds in carpeting, mattresses and upholstered furniture. Fumes from cleaning products may also cause problems. Ask for a “green” room if available. If you are allergic to dust mites, you may want to bring your own dust-proof, zippered covers.

If you are sensitive to molds, request a sunny, dry room away from areas near indoor pools. Also, if you have allergies to any animals, ask about the hotel’s pet policy, and request a room that has been pet-free.

Visiting family and friends in their homes can be risky if you have allergies or asthma. For instance, during the holidays, dust mites on ornaments and decorations, molds on Christmas trees, wet leaves and logs for wood-burning stoves and perfumes from scented candles can all trigger allergy or asthma symptoms.

If you have pet allergies, your trip may be more enjoyable if you avoid staying in the homes of family or friends with pets.

People with food allergies should be careful about eating home-cooked foods that may contain hidden food allergens.

New Experiences
Activities like camping can be fun, but they can also expose you to outdoor pollen as well as to stinging insects like bees, yellow jackets and wasps. If you have these allergies, avoid camping during high pollen seasons, take your medications with you and carry injectable epinephrine to treat reactions to stinging insects. If you have a severe insect-allergic reaction, get immediate emergency medical treatment.

Walking, leisure biking and hiking are typically good activities for people with asthma or allergies. If you enjoy the mountains and have asthma, be careful if you are thinking of going above 5,000 feet, as oxygen levels decrease.

Cold weather sports such as cross-country skiing and ice hockey are more likely to make symptoms worse. Also, snorkeling is much safer than scuba diving.

An asthma treatment plan can help you keep your symptoms under control so that you can enjoy exercising or sports activities while traveling.

Bon voyage and safe travels!

Healthy Tips

* If your allergies or asthma are causing problems, have a pre-trip physical.
* Pack all medications, a peak flow meter and a copy of your physician’s phone number.
* Before traveling, get the name of an allergist practicing in your destination area from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s Physician Referral Directory at http://www.aaaai.org.
* Consider buying travel medical insurance.

Feel Better. Live Better.
An allergist/immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, is a pediatrician or internist with at least two additional years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of problems such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and the evaluation and treatment of patients with recurrent infections, such as immunodeficiency diseases.

The right care can make the difference between suffering with an allergic disease and feeling better. By visiting the office of an allergist, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan that works and educational information to help you manage your disease.

Find an allergist near you at:
http://www.aaaai.org/physref

The contents of this brochure are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace evaluation by a physician. If you have questions or medical concerns, please contact your allergist/immunologist.

A Trusted Resource
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.

Ordering Information
To order copies of this brochure, please see the Public Education Materials Online Store.

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com

Millions of people suffer from allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens, such as house dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings and molds. The symptoms are the result of a chain reaction that starts in the genes and is expressed in the immune system.

Your immune system controls how your body defends itself. For instance, if you have an allergy to dust mites, your immune system identifies dust mites as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction usually causes symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin.

With the help of an allergist/immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, you can learn what indoor allergens cause your symptoms and make environmental changes to avoid them.

Controlling Dust Mites
Dust mite allergens-the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms-are found throughout the house, but thrive in bedding and soft furnishings. Because so much time is spent in the bedroom, it is essential to reduce mite levels there.

Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in special allergen-proof fabric covers or airtight, zippered plastic covers. Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water (130° F) and dried in a hot dryer. Cover comforters and pillows that can’t be regularly washed with allergen-proof covers.

Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Wall-to-wall carpeting should be removed as much as possible. Instead, throw rugs may be used if they are regularly washed or dry cleaned.

People with allergies should use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter or a double-layered bag, and wear a dust mask-or ask someone else to vacuum.

Controlling Pet Allergens
People are not allergic to an animal’s hair, but to an allergen found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. Usually, symptoms occur within minutes.

For some people, symptoms build and become most severe eight to 12 hours after contact with the animal. People with severe allergies can experience reactions in public places if dander has been transported on pet owners’ clothing.

There are no “hypoallergenic” breeds of cats or dogs. The same is true for any animal with fur, so it’s best to remove the pet from the home and avoid contact if you’re highly allergic. Keeping an animal outdoors is only a partial solution, since homes with pets in the yard still have higher concentrations of animal allergens. Before getting a pet, ask your allergist to determine if you are allergic to animals.

If you cannot avoid exposure, try to minimize contact and keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms where you spend a great deal of time. While dander and saliva are the source of cat and dog allergens, urine is the source of allergens from rabbits, hamsters, mice and guinea pigs; ask a non-allergic family member to clean the animal’s cage.

As with dust mites, vacuum carpets often or replace carpet with a hardwood floor, tile or linoleum. Some studies have found that using a HEPA air cleaner may reduce animal allergen exposure.

Controlling Cockroaches
An allergen in cockroach droppings is a main trigger of asthma symptoms, especially for children living in densely populated, urban neighborhoods.

Block all areas where roaches could enter the home, including crevices, wall cracks and windows. Cockroaches need water to survive, so fix and seal all leaky faucets and pipes. Have an exterminator go through the house when your family and pets are gone to eliminate any remaining roaches.

Keep food in lidded containers and put pet food dishes away after your pets are done eating. Vacuum and sweep the floor after meals, and take out garbage and recyclables. Use lidded garbage containers in the kitchen. Wash dishes immediately after use and clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where crumbs can accumulate. Wipe off the stove and other kitchen surfaces and cupboards regularly.

Controlling Indoor Molds
Indoor molds and mildew need dampness, such as found in basements, bathrooms or anywhere with leaks. Clean up mold growth on hard surfaces with water, detergent and, if necessary, 5% bleach (do not mix with other cleaners). Then dry the area completely. If mold covers an area more than 10 square feet, consider hiring an indoor environmental professional. For clothing, washing with soap and water is best. If moldy items cannot be cleaned and dried, throw them away.

Promptly repair and seal leaking roofs or pipes. Using dehumidifiers in damp basements may be helpful, but empty the water and clean units regularly to prevent mildew from forming. All rooms, especially basements, bathrooms and kitchens, require ventilation and cleaning to deter mold and mildew growth. Avoid carpeting on concrete or damp floors, and storing items in damp areas.

See your allergist for more suggestions.

Healthy Tips

* Your allergist can help you identify things in your home, workplace or school that may be making your asthma or allergies worse.
* Keep your home clean and dry to help make it “allergen-free.”
* Focus on sites where allergens accumulate-bedding, carpet and upholstered furniture.
* Weekly vacuuming can help. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or double bags.
* Keep humidity low by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
* Fix leaks to avoid mold, and clean or remove moldy materials promptly.
* Avoid pests by keeping food in sealed containers and using covered garbage cans.

Feel Better. Live Better.
An allergist/immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, is a pediatrician or internist with at least two additional years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of problems such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and the evaluation and treatment of patients with recurrent infections, such as immunodeficiency diseases.

The right care can make the difference between suffering with an allergic disease and feeling better. By visiting the office of an allergist, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan that works and educational information to help you manage your disease.

Find an allergist near you at:
http://www.aaaai.org/physref

The contents of this brochure are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace evaluation by a physician. If you have questions or medical concerns, please contact your allergist/immunologist.

A Trusted Resource
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.

Ordering Information
To order copies of this brochure, please see the Public Education Materials Online Store.

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com