NON-CULTURABLE AIR SAMPLING

Overview

Non-culturable spore trap samplers draw measured volumes of air through the sampling device for a specified length of time. The collection surface is a coated glass slide. Particles in the air (spores, dust, etc.) impact onto the sticky surface and are “trapped” for later analysis.

A general philosophy regarding the interpretation of biological air samples is formed primarily by two guiding principles. First, an effective interpretation is based on the comparison of indoor and outdoor samples. There are currently no guidelines or regulations to indicate “safe” or “normal” spore levels, however, we typically expect indoor counts to be 30 to 80 percent of outdoor spore counts, with the same general distribution of spore types present. And second, variation is an inherent part of biological air sampling. The presence or absence of a few genera in small numbers should not be considered abnormal.

Pros

Spore trap samplers are capable of capturing all spores and particulate matter in the air. Consequently, it is possible to accurately characterize problem environments where spores are present but either are no longer viable or are species that do not culture well (i.e. Stachybotrys). These are two situations where culturable sampling techniques, if used alone, may miss a potential indoor air quality problem.

Cons

While many mold spores have a unique morphology and are identifiable by direct microscopic examination, others do not and are more difficult to identify. These latter types must be counted in broader spore groups.

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WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT

With powerful thunderstorms becoming more frequent, here’s a list of things to do when the power goes out

• UNLESS there is an emergency, do not call 9-1-1. That number should ONLY be used if there is an emergency, or if someone is injured or in danger.
• If there are downed power lines in your neighborhood, do not go near them. Call 9-1-1 first to report the emergency. Then call your electricity company. Check to make sure that no children or animals go near the wires – they could still be electrictrified and are lethal.
• A rolling blackout during warm weather will most likely occur during the evening peak hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Because it may be dark in rooms with no lights, keep flashlights handy. To avoid a power surge when the electricity returns, turn off computers, TVs, stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment at the power strip.
• Drink plenty of water. You will perspire and lose water, so stay hydrated.
• Dress to stay cool – wear layers that can be removed if you get hot.
• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
• If you’re hot, take a cool shower to reduce your body temperature.If you have a pool or a neighbor with a pool, it’s s good time to take a dip. The cooler water will bring your body temperature down and help you to stay cool.
• Check on your elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical machinery that operates on electricity. Make sure they are dressed appropriately and are staying cool.
• Drive carefully. Remember that traffic signals may be out in a rolling blackout. Consider each intersection to be a four-way stop and drive defensively.

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REMOVING GUTTER ICE

Leaves and snow are simple, but clearing layers of frozen ice from your fragile gutters is a daunting task. Many home owners and property managers face ice-dammed, snow-capped roofs every season. Here are a few ideas for eliminating the icy conditions.

• Start every winter season with completely cleared gutters. Ice is less likely to build up and cause dams if there is nothing in your gutters when the temperature drops.
• Check your downspouts for blockages. Clear any debris from the downspouts, and melting water from the gutter ice will begin to run off immediately.
• Remove excess snow with a roof rake by pulling the snow downward in the direction the roof slopes. Do not pull the snow across the roof because you run the risk of breaking off shingles. (Roof rakes can be purchased at most hardware stores.)
• Use a chisel, large screwdriver or the back of a hammer to chip away at a small portion of the gutter ice. Don’t start chipping until the snow has been swept off the roof. You only need to chip enough ice to create an area through which water can flow. Chip gently; your gutter is already under an enormous strain.
• Hose down the gutter with hot water. This step is optional. As long as the snow is cleared off the roof, gutter ice will melt quickly as the temperature rises. If you feel you can’t wait for this, hose down the gutter to melt the ice. Only use a hose if it has a spray nozzle and you can produce hot water. Also, the temperature must be warm enough for the water to not freeze on contact with the ice.
• Consider the installation of gutter guards and aluminum heating panels or wire mesh heating guards. Some roofing companies specialize in installing custom heating systems that are designed to stop ice before it solidifies on your roof and in your gutter. This is an expensive option but one that would save you time and money every winter.
• Gutter ice removal is very dangerous. Don’t walk on a snow-covered roof. Ask for professional help if you are not completely confident in your abilities.

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HOARDING BEFORE & AFTER

 Here is a photo of a home which was in deplorable conditions.  There was a considerable amount of trash, urine, fecal matter and other potentially infectious materials throughout.  The home was completely decontaminated, demoed and then reconstructed.
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POOR WINDOW INSTALLATION

Poor installation of windows can affect any property, old or new.  Not every company who installs windows takes the time to properly insure that the window is not only straight, but also water tight.  A couple of problem signs with windows may be, leakage, sashes which are too large for the frame, air leaks, and no warranty given after installation.  Poorly installed windows can not only result in water damage and mold, but also structural damage as they can leak for months prior to a home owner noticing any damage.  Doing your due diligence about the installer but also the window is time well spent.  Incorrectly installed windows can not only result in major interior damage, but also cost you money by having to take the window out and start from scratch with an entirely new window.   Look for Part 2 as we’ll post pictures showing some of the interior damage caused by poor window installation.

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Here are some photos showing the damage caused by poor window installation.

WATER DAMAGE IN VILLANOVA PA

Here’s a few photos from a water loss in Villanova Pa, as we continue our series showing photos from projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
WHAT IS A POLLEN COUNT?

The pollen count tells us how many grains of plant pollen were in a certain amount of air (often one cubic meter) during a set period of time (usually 24 hours). Pollen is a very fine powder released by trees, weeds and grasses. It is carried to another plant of the same kind, to fertilize the forerunner of new seeds. This is called pollination. The pollen of some plants is carried from plant to plant by bees and other insects. These plants usually have brightly colored flowers and sweet scents to attract insects. They seldom cause allergic reactions. Other plants rely on the wind to carry pollen from plant to plant. These plants have small, drab flowers and little scent. These are the plants that cause most allergic reactions, or hay fever.

When conditions are right, a plant starts to pollinate. Weather affects how much pollen is carried in the air each year, but it has less effect on when pollination occurs. As a rule, weeds pollinate in late summer and fall. The weed that causes 75 percent of all hay fever is ragweed which has numerous species. One ragweed plant is estimated to produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. Other weeds that cause allergic reactions are cocklebur, lamb’s quarters, plantain, pigweed, tumbleweed or Russian thistle and sagebrush.

Trees pollinate in late winter and spring.Ash, beech, birch, cedar, cottonwood, box, elder, elm, hickory, maple and oak pollen can trigger allergies.
Grasses pollinate in late spring and summer.Those that cause allergic reactions include Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, redtop, orchard, rye and sweet vernal grasses.
Much pollen is released early in the morning, shortly after dawn. This results in high counts near the source plants. Pollen travels best on warm, dry, breezy days and peaks in urban areas midday. Pollen counts are lowest during chilly, wet periods.

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WATER DAMAGE IN NEWTOWN SQUARE PA

Here’s a set of photos showing the After shots of a building which had a water loss.  The commercial building in Newtown Square Pennsylvania had a busted water line which required the removal of carpet and padding, and two feet of drywall.  The time we take to remove the drywall with a clean, perfect line makes the reconstruction cheaper for the customer.
TIPS FOR ELIMINATING DUST MITES

Dust mites are tiny microscopic relatives of the spider and live on mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. These tiny creatures feed on the flakes of skin that people and pets shed daily and they thrive in warm and humid environments. No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be totally eliminated. However, the number of mites can be reduced by following the suggestions below.

Preventive Strategies for Dust Mites

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity at about 50% or below.
• Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers (available from specialty supply mail order companies, bedding and some department stores).
• Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water (at least 130 – 140°F) to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight to kill dust mites.
• Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
• If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets in bedrooms with bare floors (linoleum, tile or wood) and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture.
• Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth since this just stirs up mite allergens.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with either a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to trap allergens that pass through a vacuum’s exhaust.
• Wear a mask while vacuuming to avoid inhaling allergens, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle after vacuuming.

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