HOW BUILDING OWNERS AVOID MOLD PROBLEMS
Indoor air quality and mold problems go hand in hand. There are many times when mold proves to be the source of a tenant’s IAQ complaints. This is because molds are found everywhere and can thrive with ease.
I’M NOT AFRAID TO TRAIN MYSELF OUT OF A JOB
For years, I’ve made continuing education a priority in my industry, and I don’t just mean the courses and conferences I attend throughout the year. I like to make sure my clients are as well-educated on IAQ topics
AN UNEXPECTED SOURCE OF CO IN YOUR BUILDING
Between 2010 and 2015, 2,244 people died from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. With symptoms like confusion, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath, CO poisoning is a threat in both residential and commercial buildings.
THE ART OF COMMUNICATING, LISTENING, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
In 2002, an elementary school in Katy, Texas, began experiencing symptoms of a mold problem. My name was referred by a friend of a friend, and I went out there to take a look. Sure enough, some water damage had created serious mold growth
SHOULD BUILDING MANAGERS BAN OFFICE PLANTS?
In 1989, as part of their Clean Air Study, NASA released a list of common indoor plants they determined were able to “play a major role in removal of organic chemicals from indoor air.” The chemicals used in this study were benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, which occurred during longterm
IT’S OKAY IF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW MY NAME
Recently, a building construction company I do contract work for reached out with a new job. They’d started work on a new apartment building that was going up and discovered a serious mold problem. I went out there, conducted my inspection, and
DUCT CLEANING IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
When it comes to duct cleaning, no operating space is exempt, including commercial buildings. Dirt, dust, and debris containing allergens and contaminants love to collect in hidden areas, and commercial buildings have these spaces in spades. The HVAC systems in buildings need
OLYMPIANS, THE DMZ, AND ‘GANGNAM STYLE’
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on? With the summer months fast approaching, I know a lot of people are looking forward to taking a break and getting away from it all. Over the years, I’ve been on a number of great trips for work and family vacations.
WHAT’S ANTIFREEZE DOING IN YOUR BUILDING?
Some time ago, our team was called to the 13th floor of an office building. The receptionist reported smelling a sweet chemical-like odor a few times every week. The scent was so powerful that it made her physically ill.
THE STRANGE CASE OF MYSTERIOUS MOLD
When you’re renovating a building, the last thing you want to find is mold. And when you have tenants living there full time — particularly tenants who may be susceptible to greater health risks — you definitely don’t want to find mold.