Blog
The Issues of Testing for Secondhand Smoke.
Having a neighbor who smokes can be irritating when you live in a multi-unit building. This secondhand smoke can cause short term effects such as triggering asthma, eye and respiratory irritation, and hoarseness. Long term exposure has been documented to cause the...
Testing Heavy Metals in Drinking Water
In major cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Milwaukee and others, lead contamination in drinking water has been a lingering issue. In Chicago specifically, the city formed a tentative plan to remove all lead water lines. However, as of...
Should I Conduct ERMI Sampling?
There is a growing concern of mold affecting indoor air quality in properties. Many clients ask about the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) testing for their properties. Often, clients learn about ERMI through blogs or medical professionals which market it...
Where does radon come from?
We often get the question ‘where does radon come from?’ after our testing uncovers elevated readings on a property. This is a very good question. After all, by knowing where it comes from, we have a better understanding of how to get rid of it. The EPA provides...
The Hidden Dangers of Gas Ovens and Cook Tops
There has been lots of recent news about how natural gas ovens are impacting the climate. Studies have shown natural gas ovens can passively leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. While this may be alarming that a common household appliance can...
The end–to-end approach to assess moisture and properly remediate mold
Did you know, when given the right conditions of moisture and a nutrient source, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours following water damage? To prevent the spread it is essential to act quickly to both dry out wet materials (where possible) and remove others. Using an...
IAQ Concerns for Hospitals
Hospitals are places where people go to get healed. Unfortunately, ~ 1 in 31 hospital patients gets a healthcare-acquired infection. Just as a doctor starts with an overall check-up of the patient, an indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment provides a baseline to evaluate...
IAQ Research of the Month – January 2022
Summaries of the latest indoor air quality (IAQ) and COVID research Research Summaries Mother’s occupational exposure to indoor cleaning agents starting before or around conception and pregnancy was associated with more childhood asthma and wheeze in...
Chicago Department of Public Health’s Demolition Air Monitoring Plan
Did you know that the city of Chicago has air monitoring requirements for demolition contractors? Demolition in Chicago comes with many regulations such as following the Clean Air Act and EPA’s NESHAP to name a few. One regulation that many may not be aware of is the...
So you have a burst water pipe, what now?! Tips on prevention and response to burst pipes
You’re the Chief Engineer and you receive an emergency call on Saturday night at 10 PM. Your Assistant Chief tells you that a water pipe burst on the 15th floor and water is pouring into the hallways and leaking down to lower levels. Or, you’re a homeowner and you...
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