Indoor Environmental Precautions

Indoor Environmental Precautions

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The snow has melted away, the sun is out and the lush, green foliage is returning from hibernation. Although New Englanders eagerly await the arrival of these more temperate seasons, they bring a host of invisible dangers. The melting snow can sink into basement or foundational cracks in houses, leading to the growth of dangerous mold spores. In addition, homes and businesses are turning off the heaters and opening up their stale AC vents, exposing residents to a winter's worth of built-up hazardous materials. Every person should be aware of the dangers associated with poor indoor air quality, and should be educated about how to remedy the situation. There are local certified indoor environmental companies trained to test for and remove these dangers.

Health Risks Associated with Mold and Dirty HVAC Systems

HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) collect and breed airborne particles of dust, mold, fungi and bacteria that can be highly detrimental to your health. As the heat and humidity rise during the hottest summer months, microbes can reproduce at toxic rates. In addition, the heat and humidity makes it easier to breathe or ingest the spores. Once in your system they can cause anything from mild problems including respiratory and eye irritation, skin rashes and headaches to severe immune illnesses, asthma and mental impairment. Exposure to enough strains of bacteria over a length of time can even lead to chronic health problems and fatality.

Another danger of a dirty or improperly installed HVAC is carbon monoxide leakages. If this occurs and goes undetected, it can be fatal. If you experience flu-like symptoms, fatigue, dizzy spells and/or migraine-like headaches, leave your home immediately and go to the doctor. If you test positive for carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to have the house vacuumed out and the source of the problem fixed.

Even if you do not exhibit any obvious signs of illness, it is still important to have your residence or business tested. The manifestation of symptoms differs from person to person, so you may not exhibit any signs of illness until exposure has reached lethal levels. In other words, it is far better to be safe than sorry.

Indoor Environmental Cleaning and Mold Remediation

The only way to determine if your home or office is harboring these airborne toxins is to hire a certified full service indoor environmental company. The company should have NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification, which denotes the most rigorous level of training, review and certification. Research the company's website to find out more about their practices and methods. A quality company will be transparent about the processes they use and any references they have gained over the years. Once you have narrowed down your search, it's a good idea to call the company and request information specific to you and your individual needs.

It is important to have your indoor air quality tested by certified indoor environmental professionals to determine whether these harmful particulates exist. If testing determines the existence of a harmful level of bacteria, dust, mold or fungi, in your home or HVAC system, cleaning and sanitation procedures will most likely be necessary. This process will not completely expunge any existing particulates; as a natural part of any indoor or outdoor environment it is impossible to do so. However, proper HVAC sanitation will dispose of the excess, harmful amounts that may lead to health problems.

Spring and summer are truly an enjoyable time in New England. Do not allow a simple oversight to plague those rare sunny days with illness-causing particulates. Contact your local indoor environmental service company to test your home or office for mold and harmful HVAC particles to ensure quality air for employees and families.

About the Author:
John McKneely is a professor of infectious disease who grew up working for his father's emergency restoration services and air duct cleaning company. Here he learned the importance of proper HVAC mold removal services.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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