Blog - Elliot Environment

Cities have their own distinct microbial communities

[caption id="attachment_561" align="alignright" width="300"] Toronto skyline[/caption] Toronto was one of three cities studied. The Flagstaff offices had richer microbial communities than those in San Diego or Toronto, which were more similar to each other, though researchers said it's unclear why Cities have their own distinct microbial communities but these communities don't vary much between offices located in the same city, according to a new study. The work, published this week in mSystems, an open access journal from the American Society for...

What? a new line of clothing promoting mold awareness, called Mold aWear?.

The site description states, "Thanks for visiting the Mold aWear shop! We are creating items and designs to . Find something for yourself and great gifts for your friends, help spread awareness for CIRS and mold illnessesamily and friends. You'll find unique merchandise with Mold aWear art on t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, magnets, hats, journals and more http://www.cafepress.com/moldawear

Spring time in Michigan!!

Time to check that attic. [caption id="attachment_548" align="alignright" width="300"] Spring time in Michigan!![/caption] An out of sight out of mind attitude ends up costing Michigan homeowners when it comes to mold in attics. If you haven't looked in your attic for mold or condensation on the surfaces it's time to take a look. The time to find out you have a problem is not when the homes on the market and a potential buyers inspector finds it. Take a look...

Michigan Roofer/Mold Remediator ?

[caption id="attachment_541" align="alignright" width="300"] Unqualified contractor can be devastating.[/caption] The results of hiring an unqualified contractor can be devastating. Here is an example: A roofing contractor claimed to be a mold remediation contractor. He removed the roof decking and replaced it with new painting over framing (and mold) in the attic space. What you see in the photo is the result of 1 years time. The contractor did not bother to assess of correct the ventilation issues (cause) And painting over...

Understanding Mold Allergies

Like any allergy, mold allergy symptoms are triggered by an overly sensitive immune system response. When you inhale tiny, airborne mold spores, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. After the exposure has passed, you still produce antibodies that "remember" this invader, so that any later contact with the mold causes your immune system to react. This reaction triggers the release of substances such as histamine, which cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose,...

Cookie Cutter Solutions

Michigan has no regulations for mold testing and remediation. Because mold problems are caused by moisture contact on susceptible surfaces the extent of damage and related effects to the occupants vary greatly. Do not fall victim to a company that's focus is to use scare tactics and blanket claims to get into your home for a sales pitch. Mold Remediation has no cookie cutter solutions. A mold remediation contractor must have experience in dealing with your particular problem. Our advice is...

Mold Inspection 2016 – Methodology – ERMI Testing

"The ERMI has not been validated for routine public use in homes, schools, or other buildings." - An EPA Statement [caption id="attachment_518" align="aligncenter" width="300"] ERMI should be used only for research[/caption] EPA: "... As research continues, the index will be refined. At this point in its development, the ERMI should be used only for research."

Michigan Vacation Homes In Danger Of Mold?

Make sure that you properly winterize your vacation property. Here is a quick tutorial to help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRqosW0SAFY&feature=youtu.be

Q. Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Clients often ask us “what are the symptoms of mold exposure”? Below are some of the common symptoms: Respiratory problems; including difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath; Sinus and nasal congestion and irritation; Irritation of the eyes — watery, burning, red; Coughing; Sore and/or dry throat; Skin rashes and irritations; Problems with sense of smell; Typical symptoms normally associated with a cold or allergies; and Memory problems, odd mood swings, nose bleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally...

5 Critical Questions You Should Ask

Before Hiring a Mold Inspector [caption id="attachment_496" align="aligncenter" width="300"] mold inspector[/caption] Choosing a mold consulting company can be a difficult process; especially when you have health concerns regarding your indoor environment. You may be thinking to yourself…can I trust this company? Will they follow through with what they promise on their website or over the phone? Are they qualified to determine if I have a mold problem in my home or business? Are they going to use scare tactics to...

Q. Attic Mold in Michigan

Common Causes and Cures [caption id="attachment_488" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Attic – ventilation and air movement[/caption] Mold in attic areas can be challenging at times in regards to determining the exact cause and source of mold growth. However, there are some common conditions that we routinely find during our Mold Investigations that contribute to mold growth in attics. Inadequate Roof Ventilation: The lack of proper roof ventilation is a conducive condition to mold growth in attics. Without adequate ventilation, moisture laden air remains...

Q. Buying a Home with Potential Mold and Moisture Problems

I know a lot of people have heard horror stories out there to the effect of a mold contaminated home will always be contaminated, or that a home that had previous mold will be “red flagged” in some way and it will affect the value or resale of a home. But, in reality most mold and moisture issues within a home can be fixed, and the sale of the home can move forward without affecting the integrity and/or value of...

Avoid Scare Tactics in the Mold Industry

[caption id="attachment_482" align="alignright" width="251"] Image result for mold scare[/caption] Unfortunately, there are a lot of “Scare Tactics” used within the microbial investigation and mold remediation industry. As with any industry, there are always going to be people out there who try and scare people into using their services. They may do so by embellishing facts, giving misinformation or by simply telling you things that are completely untrue. I want to give you, the consumer, a couple tips for what to...

Cosmetic Mold

[caption id="attachment_478" align="alignnone" width="300"] http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/lipbalmmold.asp[/caption] Growing consumer demand for products labeled all-natural or organic isn't restricted to just the food we eat; a number of cosmetic and personal grooming products are marketed in the same manner. One item that falls into the latter category is a mass-market lip balm (eos) that is widely available, affordable, and attractively packed, making it a popular choice among consumers interested in preservative-free products. But many ingredients with intimidating, chemically-sounding names serve a relatively important function for...

Hazardous Formaldehyde

Tests Show Flooring From Lumber Liquidators Contains Hazardous Levels Of Formaldehyde [caption id="attachment_461" align="alignright" width="269"] Warning- Chinese-made laminate flooring[/caption] Chinese-made laminate flooring OAKLAND, Calif., July 23 – In the latest environmental black eye for Lumber Liquidators, independent lab tests show that Chinese-made flooring sold by the chain emits formaldehyde at levels far above the level requiring cancer warnings under California law, according to a lawsuit filed today by Global Community Monitor. Lumber Liquidators (NYSE:LL),claims on its website that all of its...

Louisiana Home Inspectors

Must Report on Mold Louisiana Home Inspectors: A new law in Louisiana will require home inspectors for real estate transactions to inspect for mold and to include their findings in an inspection report. Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the bill into law June 10. The bill (SB 66) changes the state’s minimum standards of practice for home inspectors to include the requirement that “a licensed home inspector shall include, in his written report, the presence of suspected mold growth, if during...

New Jersey Gov. Christie Vetoes Mold Bill

[caption id="attachment_434" align="alignright" width="200"] New Jersey Gov. Christie[/caption] On the last day of the New Jersey legislative session, Governor Chris Christie (R) blocked legislation that would have established standards for the inspection and cleanup of mold in residential buildings and school facilities. The measure would also have established a certification program for mold abatement and inspection workers. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) told reporters he was “surprised and somewhat shocked” by the governor’s action. Sweeney called the mold bill...

Mold in the Bible

It would be fair to say that molds have been around since the beginning of time, and have always posed a serious threat to human living. The Bible even references mold and its remediation - "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron ... I put a spreading mildew in a house in that land (Canaan). ... The priest is to order the house to be emptied before he goes in to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house...

Diagnosis of Mold Allergies and Treatments

Ask the right questions Most doctors don’t even know, believe or understand that mold is or even could be the source of these problems. They don’t test for mold in your blood or urine, even though those tests are available. Blood serum testing is extremely expensive, however, the urine testing is much less costly. But most doctors don’t even know to do those tests. We have had numerous people tell us that they asked their doctor to test them for...

What Types Of Mold Are Considered Toxic Mold

"Toxic mold" is a term that is used to describe types of mold that are considered deadly to humans. Most people believe that the name refers to one particular species of mold; however, it encompasses hundreds of species, a small fraction of which are not very harmful to the human body. Black mold is commonly used as a name for the most harmful mold species, which happen to be black in appearance. However, even molds of a different color can...