Tag Archives: #indoorairquality

Certified Mold Inspection and Mold Testing in Massachusetts

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https://airenvironments.com

Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Professional Certified Trained Inspectors

  • Mold Testing and Mold Inspections
  • Indoor Air Quality Solutions
  • Council Certified Microbial Consultant
  • Indoor Environmental Consultations

Advanced certifications in mold testing and mold inspections. We provide indoor allergy tests and mold testing, water damage, and moisture assessments. Our thorough inspections include a visual site inspection along with a protocol of mold sampling where and if needed. We utilize moisture meters for water and excess moisture and relative humidity detection, water losses, and property damage for homes, offices, and businesses.

Environmental Consultations to provide indoor air quality solutions and goals to help identify the problem and minimize impact due to floods, storms, pipe leaks, mold, high relative humidity, or condensation. Environmental Resources is here to offer peace of mind for your home, business, and office. We provide a thorough visual inspection to look for and detect black mold, allergenic or pathogenic mold fungi. Indoor air testing and direct sampling, odor investigations, and allergy assessments for pollen, dander, fibers, dust, or dust mites. We can provide supervised independent oversight, support for mold remediation projects, and post-mold remediation verification following industry standards and guidelines. Healthy home indoor air quality consulting to point you in the right direction with preventative measures where needed. May your air quality be clean so that you may breathe easier whether it is mold, allergies, flooding, or odors.

Quality Service

Detailed comprehensive mold and moisture reports including observations and considerations of the scope of work. Rapid turnaround time for real estate or other emergencies of mold samples from accredited A.H.I.A. and E.M.P.A.T. (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Certified Microbiological Labs.)   

Mold contamination and mold spores can affect your health, especially those with asthma, COPD, allergies and weak immune systems, your own home infested with mold growth, excess water leaks, dampness, high relative humidity, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning – H.V.A.C. issues. Mold has no respect for where it grows providing the right temperature, nutrients, food source of porous materials, and conditions of indoor environments. If you suspect mold inside your environment, moldy odors, musty moldy basement or crawlspace, attic, bathroom, bedroom, office, and more then call us, the mold and moisture professional. Special assignments and environmental networking – consulting available upon request.

Environmental Resources https://www.airenvironments.com

info@airenvironments.com

781-248-9975

https://www.airenvironments.com

Nantucket Cape.jpg_1670449373

About Us

Indoor Air Quality Solutions

https://www.promoldinspections.com 781-2148-9975

Environmental Resources is a small consulting company established in 2003 in the Massachusetts area serving the coastal areas of the north and south shore, Cape Cod, and greater Boston. We are dedicated to providing your family, home, office, or business with healthier living indoors with the latest state-of-the-art technologies for your indoor air quality needs such as professional mold and moisture inspections and certified mold testing. 

We provide environmental consulting for a variety of indoor air quality needs and solutions. Needs such as breathing clean indoor air with a concern for potential health exposure of the air you breathe, and saving you up to thousands of dollars if necessary.

My name is Andy Provitola, I am the owner and a certified consultant of this unique company. I hold a bachelor’s degree in B.A. and continue to learn in classes and trade conferences in the environmental science field such as microbiology, health and safety, indoor air quality, etc. The current field experience I have personally conducted hundreds of mold inspections, consultations, and assessments in over 19 plus years. Using the latest state-of-the-art equipment to help detect mold growth and excess moisture. We do not perform mold removal or remediation, so we provide you with an objective independent evaluation with no conflict of interest. 

Our goal for our clients is to help point you in the right direction and help you save possibly thousands of dollars in unwanted mold remediation and mold removal costs when it is not necessary. When mold remedial is necessary we can provide a scope of work if needed. We recommend this protocol utilizing EPA or ANSI/IICRC S520 industry standards and guidelines for mold remediation projects. Currently, there are no Federal Threshold Limit Values TLV’s of governmental standards for testing for mold.

Professional Certifications:​

  • CMC #1009018: Council Certified Microbial Consultant: ACAC
  • Building Envelopes: Flir Infrared Thermal Camera
  • OSHA 40 HAZWOPER 29 CFR 1910.120
  • Water Damage Restoration-IICRC
  • Laboratories are Microbiological AIHA & EMPAT certified where samples are analyzed
  • Many other certifications or attendance for Indoor Science conferences with mold and air quality, etc

Locations:

Serving South Shore Hingham-Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Pembroke Massachusetts, Cape Cod – Martha’s Vineyard- Barnstable County, Plymouth County, Norfolk County, Middlesex County, Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Brisol County

Environmental Resources http://www.airenvironments.com

781-248-9975

Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Check and Replace HEPA Filters

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Check and Replace your HEPA filters often. It is important to replace your HEPA filter from your HVAC unit or by the air returns.
• When the filter is dirty that is a good sign, be sure it is capturing the tiny debris and particulate that is floating around. Some of the particulate matter may be dust film, mold, allergens, pet dander. etc.
When the filter is too dirty it can over work your system and create other unnecessary damage causing expensive repairs. Using 99.97% filters or .3 micron to help block the smaller particulate under 10 microns or less.

• Quality grade HEPA filters are important for  effective cleaner air in your home or office.

• Having your duct vents and HVAC unit cleaned professionally is important as well. Approximately every 3 to 5 years.

• Have the cooling coils cleaned at least once per year when your unit is serviced. Mold and bacteria can build up on the coils if not cleaned and maintained properly.

There is nothing like clean air quality in your home or office, or building.
ITS A BREATHE OF FRESH AIR!

For Better Health,

Andy Provitola CMC Environmental Resources airenvironments.com

781-248-9975

Freezing Pipes 🥶

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When the weather stays in frozen conditions below zero degrees, this can cause havoc to your home or business. We can tend to forget when to prepare for frozen pipes to burst or crack in the busyness of life.

Here are some pointers to help to prevent pipes from freezing: 🥶

  1. Keep the heat on at least 50 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Drain outside garden faucets, showers, etc Keep valve slightly open.
  3. Open inside faucets to allow for a slight dripping with moving water.
  4. Install foam pipe insulation sleeve wraps around copper pipes that are open in the basement or crawlspace  areas. Insulate wrap main water meter pipe valve.
  5. If or when a water leak occurs, shut off the water pipe valve. i.e. underneath a sink, cabinet. If necessary shut off water main valve. Have pipe repaired ASAP.
  6. If water damage dry out floor, walls, furniture, etc. ASAP within 24-48 hours to prevent mold damage.
  7. Use a space heater if needed or blower fan. Raise the heat in house or building.
  8. Be careful of any electrical that get wet by water.
  9. Call a professional for plumbing, electrical, water damage disaster, and mold assessment if necessary.
  10. If you make an insurance claim keep good documents of repairs, receipts, pictures, videos, etc. It is best for adjuster to see the damage before repairs and damage if possible.
  11. Environmental Resources info@airenvironments.com. 781-248-9975
  12. https://www.airenvironments.com

Excess Moisture Flooding-Mold in Crawlspaces and Basements

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This time of year in the summer months causes concerns for musty odors, excess moisture and mold growth on the surfaces.  What’s that smell? Do you know what is going on down in your crawlspace? Does it have a dirt floor? Is the open fiberglass insulation in the floor joist drooped down into the floor? These are signs that excessive moisture, musty odors and dampness, and mold contamination growth may be occurring.

Mold spores can and will exacerbate with any excess moisture and excess relative humidity that will cause existing mold spores to travel and move around where new growth can occur. Excess relative humidity in a basement or crawlspace is like adding ‘gas onto the fire’ where mold spores will grow.

Conducting a thorough visual investigation of the musty odor or any source of water leak, excess moisture is very important.  Relative humidity (RH) should be less than 60% or lower to help to control moisture 30% to 50% (RH) is the best range). When (RH) is above 60% or more this is not good for your basement, crawlspace, or living/working space where mold and other contaminants can grow; even causing wood rot and decay to the structural support of the wood beams and joists. To control excess moisture and humidity it is important to install the proper dehumidification system. Too often homeowners and business owners do not have the proper size dehumidifier(s) installed because the square footage or cubic area is too large and the unit does not cover this amount of ambient space.

Crawlspaces with dirt floors should have quality grade vapor barriers with minimal 6 Mil thicknesses or higher covering the entire dirt floor including part of the lower side walls or to the top. Quality grade dehumidification is recommended to help control moisture. 

During the hot and humid months less moisture is probable when the outside vents of crawlspace are closed up. Climates are different throughout the country; the Northeast region is different from the Southeast and Southwest regions.

Insulate using foam pipe sleeves any copper pipes underneath the crawlspace or in the basement area. The cold water pipes usually condensate when excess humidity comes in contact with them. Insulate Well Tanks and Water Filter Tanks as well. Dehumidifiers need to drain properly operating on a 24/7basis when needed.

If chronic water leaks or water floods into the basement or crawlspace areas then quality grade sump pump(s) and/or drainage are recommended. Install vinyl grade cover over sump pump area. Sump pump is best installed in the ground and the bucket is deep enough to effectively pump and drain water. Add drainage around perimeter if necessary.  A professional can provide the proper assessment with the proper tools to help to determine such factors as relative humidity, temperature, air flows, moisture meters, boroscope camera, Thermal Infrared camera etc.

https://www.airenvironments.com

https://www.airenvironments.com
basement Crawlspace Wall
Water Heater Leak
Moisture Dampness

Environmental Resources https://promoldinspections.com is here to help identify problem areas. Also we provide solutions with products and quality air purification with several pounds of carbon to fight odors.  We offer sampling if it is called upon. Call for a professional consultation of your home or business for indoor air quality today. Serving South Shore Plymouth county, Barnstable county Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard Boston and Metro West, Norfolk County, Essex County,, Middlesex County, Suffolk County, of Massachusetts.


Andy Provitola CMC-Certified Microbial Consultant
Environmental Resources LLC
Pembroke, MA 02359
781-248-9975

www.airenvironments.com

The Four Letter Word that Frightens Realtors Buyers!

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As a realtor you know how challenging it is to list a house and then try to find the right buyer for the client. So many things can show up during a home inspection that your client may become discouraged due to past flooding, ice dams, roof leaks, or a pipe that froze. Water intruded throughout some of these areas that now may have suspect mold growth.  Yes ‘MOLD’ that dirty four letter word that can frighten a buyer away!

Mold growth and contamination can cause damage to a house or building if not dealt with properly. There are people who are very sensitive to mold fungi and have allergic reactions, sinus infections, even respiratory problems. People with asthma in general struggle with air quality issues. Did you know that the EPA says, “We spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors”!

Before listing a house it is important to ask questions about past flooding, roof leaks, ice dams, pipes from bathrooms or kitchens bursting etc.  How long did the water leak occur? Was water standing for more than 48 hours or less? The best time to dry out excess water problems is within the 24 to 48 hour period. After a few days is usually when mold growth tends to occur, especially when moisture with high relative humidity, and dew point is in the air.  Do you see dried water stains or stains that are suspect for mold such as in the basement, attic, ceilings, walls, etc.? Repairing the source of the problem of water intrusions, moisture and dampness is important to control mold growth from occurring. After proper repairs then mold remedial cleaning is needed to ensure the mold growth is eliminated.

What about those musty odors? Does the crawlspace or basement have a dirt floor? Has the source of the leak been repaired properly? Is the insulation drooping to the floor of the crawlspace because of excess moisture? Are dehumidifier(s) properly operating when needed? Controlling excess relative humidity is important to help mold growth from spreading. Excess Relative Humidity over 60% R.H. can fuel moisture for mold growth. It is important to install the right size dehumidifiers for the basement or crawlspace. Normal range for relative humidity should be between 35% and 50% for best results. Add a quality grade vapor barrier sheeting to the entire dirt floor areas and part of the side walls. Replace any drooping or excess moist fiberglass insulation; and of course clean and treat the mold where and if necessary.

The good news is that there is a solution to mold growth and contamination. Removal of mold physically such as wallboard, contents, carpets, furniture, wet or damp insulation, etc. Clean and treat affected areas professionally from a trained and certified (current certifications) company to remediate the mold. You may want to have the person selling their house to consider a mold inspection and assessment before they list the house. Home inspectors usually do the structural aspect of the house. (Beware of labs pushing untrained home inspectors to conduct mold inspections and testing!) Hire an independent professional who is trained, certified and an experienced company who does not remediate mold to offer an objective viewpoint for your project.  I emphasize trained and certified because there are no federal state regulations in Massachusetts and other the New England states. Very few states require licensing for mold assessments and removal.

Andy Provitola CMC Environmental Resources Norwell, MA https://airenvironments.com

Excess Moisture in Crawlspaces and Basements

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This time of year in the summer months causes concerns for musty odors, excess moisture and mold growth on the surfaces.  What’s that smell? Do you know what is going on down in your crawlspace? Does it have a dirt floor? Is the open fiberglass insulation in the floor joist drooped down into the floor? These are signs that excessive moisture, musty odors and dampness, and mold contamination growth may be occurring.

Mold spores can and will exacerbate with any excess moisture and excess relative humidity that will cause existing mold spores to travel and move around where new growth can occur. Excess relative humidity in a basement or crawlspace is like adding ‘gas onto the fire’ where mold spores will grow.

Conducting a thorough visual investigation of the musty odor or any source of water leak, excess moisture is very important.  Relative humidity (RH) should be less than 60% or lower to help to control moisture 30% to 50% (RH) is the best range). When (RH) is above 60% or more this is not good for your basement, crawlspace, or living/working space where mold and other contaminants can grow; even causing wood rot and decay to the structural support of the wood beams and joists. To control excess moisture and humidity it is important to install the proper dehumidification system. Too often homeowners and business owners do not have the proper size dehumidifier(s) installed because the square footage or cubic area is too large and the unit does not cover this amount of ambient space.

Crawlspaces with dirt floors should have quality grade vapor barriers with minimal 6 Mil thicknesses or higher covering the entire dirt floor including part of the lower side walls or to the top. Quality grade dehumidification is recommended to help control moisture. 

During the hot and humid months less moisture is probable when the outside vents of crawlspace are closed up. Climates are different throughout the country; the Northeast region is different from the Southeast and Southwest regions.

Insulate using foam pipe sleeves any copper pipes underneath the crawlspace or in the basement area. The cold water pipes usually condensate when excess humidity comes in contact with them. Insulate Well Tanks and Water Filter Tanks as well. Dehumidifiers need to drain properly operating on a 24/7basis when needed.

If chronic water leaks or water floods into the basement or crawlspace areas then quality grade sump pump(s) and/or drainage are recommended. Install vinyl grade cover over sump pump area. Sump pump is best installed in the ground and the bucket is deep enough to effectively pump and drain water. Add drainage around perimeter if necessary.  A professional can provide the proper assessment with the proper tools to help to determine such factors as relative humidity, temperature, air flows, moisture meters, boroscope camera, Thermal Infrared camera etc.

basement Crawlspace Wall
Water Heater Leak

Environmental Resources is here to help identify problem areas. Also we provide solutions with products and quality air purification with several pounds of carbon to fight odors.  We offer sampling if it is called upon. Call for a professional consultation of your home or business for indoor air quality today. Serving South Shore Plymouth county, Barnstable county Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard Boston and Metro West, Norfolk County, Suffolk County, of Massachusetts.


Andy Provitola CMC-Certified Microbial Consultant
Environmental Resources LLC
Pembroke, MA 02359
781-248-9975

www.airenvironments.com

Healthy Homes Indoors

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Healthy homes is about the air that we breathe inside our homes. have you ever thought about the quality of air and what may be inside of your house or the place that you live. Air can move around from basements, crawlspaces, the living space where we sleep, eat, and even bathe. How about the furnace or the HVAC system where your heat and/or air conditioning flows from a duct vent or radiator pipes.

Have you ever had a water leak in your home? How about a flood, a leaky roof, a damp basement or crawlspace. It has been said that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. This means that you could be breathing bad air which may be making you sick. Some of the symptoms you may be experiencing such as headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, eye irritation, odors, sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion are just a few. You could be breathing in bad unhealthy indoor air and not even realize it.

Mold has become a recent problem especially after flooding, excess water leaks, excess relative humidity, hurricanes, heavy rain storms, etc. Mold contamination grows where there is excess moisture and/or flooding. The longer the moisture or water stands indoors the more potential for mold growth, especially after 48 hours or more. Allergies and excess dust can trigger several reactions. Keeping the air quality clean indoors is important to lessen the allergy irritabilities.

To have a healthy home it is best to pay attention to the details of your house. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

We serve the Massachusetts, Greater Boston, Metro West North Shore South Shore and Cape Cod Region. Plymouth County, Barnstable County, Norfolk County, Suffolk County, Essex County, Middlesex County

Andy Provitola CMC

Environmental Resources

https://www.airenvironments.com