Recent Articles

EPA Water Sampling Testing, Well Testing

Standard Test

Bacteria:

Total Coliform, Fecal E. coli, and Total Bacteria Count

Metals and Minerals:

Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Cerium, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, and Zinc

Anions:

Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate (as N), Nitrite and Sulfate

Attributes:

Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Ammonia, Color, Conductivity, Hardness, Odor, pH, Sediment, Silica, Tannins, Total Dissolved Solids and Turbidity

Radioactive Chemical Element:

Radon


Comprehensive Test

Bacteria:

Total Coliform, Fecal E. coli, and Total Bacteria Count

Metals and Minerals:

Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Cerium, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, and Zinc

Anions:

Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate (as N), Nitrite, and Sulfate

Attributes:

Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Ammonia, Color, Conductivity, Hardness, Odor, pH, Sediment, Silica, Tannins, Total Dissolved Solids, and Turbidity

Radioactive Chemical Element:

Radon

Industrial & Cancer-causing Chemicals:

Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, tert-Butylbenzene, Carbon-Tetrachloride, Dibromochloromethane, Chloroethane, Chloroform, Chloromethane, 1,2-Chlorotoluene, 1,4-Chlorotoluene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane, Dibromomethane, 1,2-Dibromoethane, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, Dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Ethylbenzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Hexachlorobutadiene, Isopropyl benzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Methyl-t-Butyl Ether (MTBE), Methylene Chloride, Monochlorobenzene, Naphthalene, n-Propylbenzene, Styrene, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Vinyl Chloride, o-Xylene, m+p Xylenes


Ultimate Test

Bacteria:

Total Coliform, Fecal E. coli, Total Bacteria Count, and Fungi Count

Metals and Minerals:

Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Cerium, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, and Zinc

Anions:

Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate (as N), Nitrite, and Sulfate

Attributes:

Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Ammonia, Color, Conductivity, Hardness, Odor, pH, Sediment, Silica, Tannins, Total Dissolved Solids and Turbidity

Radioactive Chemical Element:

Radon

Industrial & Cancer-causing Chemicals:

Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, tert-Butylbenzene, Carbon-Tetrachloride, Dibromochloromethane, Chloroethane, Chloroform, Chloromethane, 1,2-Chlorotoluene, 1,4-Chlorotoluene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane, Dibromomethane, 1,2-Dibromoethane, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, Dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Ethylbenzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Hexachlorobutadiene, Isopropyl benzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Methyl-t-Butyl Ether (MTBE), Methylene Chloride, Monochlorobenzene, Naphthalene, n-Propylbenzene, Styrene, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Vinyl Chloride, o-Xylene, m+p Xylenes

Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs):

Acenaphthylene, Acenapthene, Alachlor, Aldrin., Ametryn, Anthracene, Atraton, Atrazine, Benz (A) Anthracene, Benzo (B) Fluoranthene, Benzo (K) Fluoranthene, Benzo (A) Pyrene, Benzo (G,H,I,) Perylene, Bromacil, Butachlor, Butylate, Butyl Benzyl Phthalate, Carboxin, Alpha Chlordane, Gamma Chlordane, Trans Nonachlor, Chlorneb, Chlorobenzilate, Chlorpropam, Chlorothalonil, Chloropyrifos, 2-Chlorobiphenyl, Chrysene, Cyanazine, Cycloate, DCPA, DDD, 4,4'-, DDE, 4,4'-, DDT, 4,4'-, Diazinon, Dibenz (A,H) Anthracene, Di-N-Butyl Phthalate, 2,3-Dichlorobiphenyl, Dichlorvos, Dieldrin., Diethyl Phthalate, Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Adipate, Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate, Dimethyl Phthalate, 2,4-Dinitrotoluene, 2,6-Dinitrotoluene, Diphenamid, Disulfoton, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, Endosulfan Sulfate, Endrin., Endrin Aldehyde, EPTC, Ethoprpo, Etridiazole, Fenamiphos, Fenarimol, Fluorene, Fluridone, Heptachlor., Heptachlor Epoxide, 2,2',3,3',4,4'6-HeptachloroBiphenyl, Hexachlorobenzene, 2,2',4,4',5,6'-HexachloroBiphenyl, Alpha Hexachlorocyclohexane, Beta Hexachlorocyclohexane, Delta Hexachlorocyclohexane, Hexachlorocyclohexane, Hexazinone, Indeno (1,2,3-CD) Pyrene, Isophorone, Lindane, Merphos, Methoxychlor., Methyl Paraoxon, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Mevinphos, MGK 264, Molinate, Napropamide, Napthalene., Norflurazon, 2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-OctachloroBiphenyl, Pebulate, 2,2',3',4,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl, Pentachlorophenol, Phenanthrene, Permethrin, Cis, Permethrin, Trans, Prometron, Prometryn, Pronamide, Propachlor, Propazine, Pyrene, Simazine, Simetryn, Stifros, Terbuthiuron, Terbacil, Terbufos, Terbutryn, 2,2',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl, Triademefon, 2,4,5-Trichlorobiphenyl, Tricyclazole, Trifluralin, Vernolate, PCB Screen, Toxaphene Screen, Technical Chloradane

Herbicides and Pesticides:

2,4-D, 2,4,5-TP, 2,4,5-T, Aldrin, A-BHC, B-BHC, C-BHC, D-BHC, Chlordane, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, Dieldrin, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, Endosulfan Sulfate, Endrin, Endrin Aldehyde, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene

 

Examples of Contaminants:

  • Nitrate is naturally found in many types of food. However, high levels of nitrate in drinking water can make people sick. Nitrate in your well water can come from animal waste, private septic systems, wastewater, flooded sewers, polluted stormwater runoff, fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and decaying plants. The presence of nitrate in well water also depends on the geology of the land around your well. A nitrate test is recommended for all wells. If the nitrate level in your water is higher than the EPA standards, you should look for other sources of water or ways to treat your water.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)VOCs are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that may cause bad health effects at certain levels. Which VOCs to test for depends on where you live. Contact your local health or environmental department, or the EPA to find out if any VOCs are a problem in your region. Some VOCs to ask about testing for are benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethylene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).

Other germs or harmful chemicals that you should test for will depend on where your well is located on your property, which State you live in, and whether you live in an urban or rural area. These tests could include testing for lead, arsenic, mercury, radium, atrazine, and other pesticides. You should check with your local health or environmental department, or the EPA to find out if any of these contaminants are a problem in your region.

Please remember that if your test results say that there are germs or chemicals in your water, you should contact your local health or environmental department for guidance in interpreting the test.

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group performs Private water well testing as well as public Commercial and Residential water sampling.

Call us Today for Water Testing! 425.608.9553

Black Soot Carbon Testing

UGLY BLACK WALL & CEILING STAINS

Burning candles, smoking, vaping and fireplaces are the main causes of indoor black stains and ghosting.

Finding black spots during a property safety inspection is never fun – if you can rub it and it stains, it may be carbon black or soot. Either way, this will merit further analysis by a laboratory, as both of these materials are harmful to people’s health. Many people don’t expect to find either one of these on a property or construction site, as these types of materials are usually associated with cars and truck pollutants. If you notice these stains on carpets, around wall outlets, or near ventilation gates, carbon black or soot may be a problem.

Testing for Carbon Black

Carbon Black is a black-colored residue that is commonly found in UV lights, used as a conductive agent, and some other household products as a pigment, like inks, paints, plastics, and coatings.

It is known as a carcinogen, with most agencies identifying carbon black as harmful if inhaled, especially consistently. In fact, the World Health Organization - WHO 2012 found that over 4 million deaths in the USA can be attributed to long-term illnesses stemming from repeated inhalation of particulate matter, including carbon black and soot (as well as nitrates, ammonia, and sodium chloride).

Carbon black can only be identified through sampling and testing. Testing is required by most insurance companies for this pollutant. The sample will be subjected to a streak test, polarized light analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and volatiles analysis.

What is the Difference Between Soot and Carbon Black?

The two are often grouped together, but they are very different materials. Soot is the unwanted byproduct of the combustion of carbon-based materials exposed to heat, for purposes like energy, heat, or waste disposal. Soot is also harmful if inhaled, with tiny microscopic particles that contribute to short and long-term respiratory diseases. The inhalation of soot can also cause birth defects in pregnant women. The dire health effects make it necessary to test any commercial area regularly for soot and carbon black.

In addition to being harmful to human health, scientists believe that soot directly contributes to the global warming process by absorbing radiation into the atmosphere. That radiation then forms clouds, dispensing black soot back into the earth in the form of rain.

Carbon Black and Soot Analysis

Although both substances are different, they have similar components and can be easily tested by the experts at PNWIG. In order to complete all necessary environmental testing for health or insurance purposes, call us at 804-897-0070. The ASTM D6602 testing process is the “Standard Practice for Sampling and Testing of Possible Carbon Black Fugitive Emissions or Other Environmental Particulate,” and the results are official and accurate. We can help you identify what types of testing need to be done for your particular property and provide free overnight shipping for the necessary sampling supplies. For more information, feel free to call us and talk to any of our friendly experts 425.608.9553.

Meeting Bathroom Ventilation Requirements

New Construction Homes

Did your builder provide CFM testing for bathroom and laundry ventilation systems? Did they pass the required 50cfm?

I doubt you can answer those questions because most builders do not test these for code requirements. But don't fear we can handle this for you.

 We offer complete exhaust CFM verification for both new construction and pre-existing Residential and Commercial buildings. Without proper ventilation, your home can develop mold issues. Testing your exhaust systems is a must to insure your home has proper ventilation.

home energy auditBathroom vent fans are required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) and local building codes for any bathroom that doesn't have a window that can be opened to provide ventilation. In some jurisdictions, they are required even if windows are present.

A vent fan does two important things:

It removes hot, moist air, and it can remove odors. Moist air leads to mold growth, and odors lead to general unpleasantness.

But installing a weak, undersized fan is almost not worth the effort, even if the fan meets the minimum requirements. It's important to understand how vent fans are sized and how to choose one with the proper capacity for your space. Testing the fan after installation is needed to ensure it is actually providing the needed cfms. When sizing a vent fan, a factor to consider is duct size and length. Most 50 CFM fans will run well with a 4-inch round duct. But as you get up into the higher CFM fans, duct size will have to be increased to 5- or 6-inch round duct. The length of run, as well as the number of fittings, elbows, etc., will also affect the amount of air your duct can effectively carry.

Bathroom Size Minimum Ventilation (CFM) Required*
Less than 50 sq. feet 50 CFM
50-100 sq. feet 1 CFM per square foot of floor space
More than 100 sq. feet Add the CFM requirement for each fixture:
Toilet 50 CFM
Shower 50 CFM
Bathtub 50 CFM
Jetted tub 100 CFM

*Note that these rates represent a minimum requirement. Higher ventilation rates are also acceptable and will have a minimal energy impact.

Other ventilation considerations include:

  • An enclosed toilet should have its own exhaust fan.
  • Fans approved for installation in wet areas should be located over (or very near) the shower or tub when possible.
  • Bathroom doors should have at least ¾" clearance to the floor to allow for proper entry of makeup air.
  • Bathrooms with greater than an 8' ceiling may require additional ventilation.

Call us today at 425.608.9553bathroom ventilation

Understanding your Mold Air Quality Report

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS 

The following governmental and industry organizations were asked if mold testing is necessary, and this is what they had to say.

  • American Industrial Hygiene Association, AIHA There are no standards for “acceptable” levels of mold in the indoor environment.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Administration, OSHA  Your first step should be to inspect for any evidence of water damage and visible mold growth. 
  • U.S. Department of Labor There are no standards for acceptable levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. 

Is air testing worthless? Some will say air testing is never needed nor recommended, but with years of testing for the State Board of Health, Government Agencies, and Large corporations the data speaks differently. Just last week a water damage water heater produced 23,000 spore count in the Laundry room. Without air testing our client would never know what spores are present nor where containment should end and if the completed job was successful at returning the home back to low levels.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEM

There are over 200 species of fungi to which people are routinely exposed indoors and outdoors (NAS, 2000). These include mold-like fungi, as well as other fungi such as yeasts (unicellular fungi forming pasty colonies) and mushrooms, which are characterized by the familiar fruiting bodies people think of as “mushrooms.” The terms “mold” and “mildew” are non-technical names commonly used to refer to any fungus that is growing in the indoor environment (Burge and Otten, 1999). These names are used interchangeably, although mildew is often applied to growths on fabrics, window sills, or bathroom tiles. Because molds and mildews may be any of several natural classes of fungi, these names are not interchangeable with the nomenclature used in biological classification systems (Burge and Otten, 1999). In general, molds are characterized by a visible vegetative body, or colony, composed of a network (mycelium) of threadlike filaments (hyphae), which infiltrate the mold’s food or habitat. Mold colonies may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery, and may be white, gray, black, brown, yellow, greenish, or other colors (Burge and Otten, 1999). Many reproduce via the production and dispersion of spores. They are usually saprophytes (i.e., they feed on dead organic matter) and, provided with sufficient moisture, can live off of many materials found in homes, such as wood, cellulose in the paper backing on drywall, insulation, wallpaper, glues used to bond carpet to its backing, and everyday dust and dirt. Research indicates that certain molds can cause a variety of adverse human health effects, including allergic reactions and immune responses (e.g., asthma), infectious disease (e.g., histoplasmosis1 ), and toxic effects (e.g., aflatoxin-induced liver cancer) (ACGIH, 1999). Molds are thought to play a role in asthma in several ways. They are known to produce a large number of proteins that are potentially allergenic, and there is sufficient evidence to support associations between fungal allergen exposure and asthma exacerbation and upper respiratory disease (NAS, 2000). In addition, molds may play a role in asthma via the release of irritants that increase the potential for sensitization, or the release of toxins (mycotoxins) that affect immune response (NAS, 2000). Finally, mold toxins can cause direct lung damage leading to pulmonary diseases other than asthma (NAS, 2000).

Results of skin-prick testing 2 of 1,286 children with asthma in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (NCICAS) showed that the most common positive allergen sensitivity in these children was to Alternaria (38%), followed by cockroach (36%), and the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus house dust mite (31%) (Kattan et al., 1997).

While detecting allergic sensitization to molds is difficult in infants, some data suggest that infants at risk for developing allergic disease experience respiratory symptoms which may or may not be allergic in nature. In a study conducted by Belanger et al. (2003), a positive exposure response was found between levels of mold (measured by a portable air sampler) in the home and wheeze/persistent cough in the first year of life among children whose mothers had asthma, and between mold levels and persistent cough among children of mothers without asthma. Gent et al. (2002) assessed the potential for the increased incidence of respiratory symptoms after household exposure to particular fungal genera, namely Cladosporium (in 62% of homes) and Penicillium (in 41% of homes) in a population of infants 1-12 months of age at high risk for developing asthma. To the extent that the measured mold sampled represented longer-term exposure concentrations, the study results suggested that the infants studied who were exposed to high levels of Penicillium had higher rates of wheezing and persistent cough. The authors also suggested that because there are considerable seasonal variations in some molds, including Cladosporium, intermittent exposures may contribute only sporadically to respiratory symptoms. Other molds, such as Penicillium, seem to be present at more consistent levels year-round. Previous studies note that relationships between exposure to mold and respiratory symptoms of children are complicated and may depend on a variety of potentially confounding factors, such as the season in which mold samples were collected and the presence of other moisture-dependent biological hazards such as endotoxins (Gent et al., 2002; Thorne et al., 2005).

EXPOSURE, IT'S IN THE AIR

Mold exposure in homes occurs primarily via inhalation of airborne spores and fungal fragments; some airborne fragments have very small particle sizes and may be far more numerous than airborne spores (Green et al., 2005; Gorny et al., 2002). Molds are also present in household dust and on surfaces, with exposure occurring when particles are disturbed and become airborne or, less commonly in residential situations, through dermal contact or ingestion. The release of mold spores or fragments into indoor air from mold colonies is usually dependent on some sort of mechanical disturbance, although for some types of molds slight air, movement may be sufficient (e.g., air movement by a fan), or spores may become airborne through natural spore discharge mechanisms. Most molds release spores ranging in size from 2 to 10 µm (although some genera, such as Alternaria, have conidia (a type of spore) ranging from 20-60 µm), but some may be released as chains or clumps of spores (NAS, 2000). Allergens. Many molds produce numerous protein or glycoprotein allergens capable of causing allergic reactions in people. These allergens have been measured in spores, as well as other fungal fragments (Green et al., 2005; Sporik, 1993); however, most allergen seems to be located in germinating spores, in the hyphal tips, and in mycelia (Mitakakis et al., 2001; Green et al., 2003). Some of the major fungal allergens identified and isolated to date include those from Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus oryzae, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Malassezia furfur, and Psilocybe cubensis (NAS, 2000). An estimated 6-10% of the general population and 15- 50% of those who are genetically susceptible (atopic) are sensitized to mold allergens (NAS, 2000). Research clearly indicates that exposure to mold plays a role in the exacerbation of asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals, although the association between mold exposure and asthma development remains undetermined (IOM, 2004; NAS, 2000). The clearest association between mold exposure and asthma is for sensitization to Alternaria (Halonen et al., 1997; Perzanowski et al., 1998), although this may be because the allergens of this genus (Alt a 1 and Alt a 2) are well characterized relative to other mold species (Ibarrola et al., 2004; Asturias et al., 2005; NAS, 2000; Platts-Mills and Woodfolk, 2000).

PRV MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTION

We occasionally get calls from clients who have been told by their remediation company NOT to have a post-remediation verification inspection done. The mold remediation companies typically say it is a waste of money.  These unscrupulous companies don’t want anyone to review their work because in our experience even the best companies often miss things. THEY ALL DO! You can imagine what might be missed by companies who like to cut corners! In our experience, we find something that was missed in about 50% of all post-remediation verifications. This can range from small areas of missed growth or a slight elevation of airborne fungal levels to large issues like major moisture problems and mold-damaged materials remaining in place.

The key goal of a mold remediation project is to return the affected areas to a “pre-loss state” Category I. This can help avoid future issues from a problem you thought was already addressed.  One of the most compelling reasons to have PRV testing done is to provide a “clearance letter”. This is a document you can share with the future purchaser of your home when disclosing the past mold problem. Having an independent evaluation determines that the project was successful and can put everyone’s mind at ease. For all these reasons, we strongly recommend having a post-remediation verification (PRV) assessment done.

Radon in Washington Bellevue & Seattle,WA

Radon Testing

Radon testing is the only way to know whether your home has high levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer over time. Here's what you need to know about radon testing and reducing radon levels in your home. 

Why is radon a problem?

The problem occurs when radon gas enters your home and gets trapped. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that lung cancer caused by radon exposure kills about 21,000 Americans every year. (This may be how this woman got lung cancer at 31-years-old—without ever smoking a cigarette.)

High levels recently tested in Seattle, Kirkland, and Issaquah this year. Realtors are telling buyers Washington State does not have Radon, well guess what we indeed do and Testing is HIGHLY recommended by the EPA. Testing takes only 48hrs within a closed condition home.

Radon Is a Cancer‑Causing, Radioactive Gas You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.se

Call us for a Radon test at 425.608.9553

What every Homeowner needs to know about Furnace Filters

Air Filter Maintenance Guide


Keep Your Air Filter Working Like New with Advice from Our Experts

Forced-air heating is the most popular method in the United States for keeping a home warm. An essential component of forced-air heating is the air filter. Originally, the purpose of air filters was to keep large dust particles from damaging the heating and cooling equipment. Today, however, air filters have tighter weaves designed to trap much smaller contaminants. The result is cleaner indoor air, fewer allergy issues, and healthier occupants.

Change the Filter Regularly

For optimal system health, remember to change your filter regularly. If you have central air conditioning, keep in mind that the same blower motor and ductwork circulate air in the summer, meaning you need to remember to change the air filter all year round. Usually, that means checking the filter monthly and changing it every six months or when the seasons change. Pet owners may also see a need to change the filter more frequent.

When choosing a filter your best bet is to pick a mid-range filter no higher than MERV 8, which can trap particles as small as 3 microns—such as hair spray, pudding mix, dusting aids, and mold spores. Remember though, if your furnace came with a MERV 1 to 4 filter, the equipment may require some modifications to perform well with a higher efficiency filter. Only a licensed HVAC contractor should perform such modifications.

Filter Efficiency

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) established a standardized method for testing air filter efficiency back in 1987 called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). All air conditioning and heater filters today are given a rating on the MERV scale, which ranges from 1 to 16. Technically, filters can also rate 17-20, but these are High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and are not designed for use in residential heater and air conditioning systems.

Filters are rated on their ability to trap smaller and smaller particles. Different types of filters have different MERV ratings:

  • Electrostatic filters: MERV 1-4
  • Throwaway filters: MERV 1-8
  • Cartridge filters: MERV 5-8
  • Pleated filters: MERV 5-8
  • Box filters: MERV 9-16
  • Bag filters: MERV 9-16

Your Home and Office, A Breath of fresh air?

Adults breathe in something like 35 gallons of air a day, taking some 20,000 breaths in a 24hr day, most of them in our home. While there are numerous agencies out there attempting to regulate the quality of outdoor air, and to some extent our air in the office, the health of the air in our home has been pretty much left up to the homeowner. Common sources of indoor air pollutants in the home such as dust and mold, but also VOCs-volatile organic compounds-in paints, household cleaners, as well as pesticides, lead dust or asbestos particles in older homes, and any number of other less obvious culprits -- like air fresheners, scented candles and, well, your clothing. Products stored in garages and basements often attribute to higher VOCs.

Seattle Indoor Air Issues Mold issues, Allergies and Asthma

  • About 400,000 Washington adults – one in ten women and one in fourteen men – currently have asthma
  • About 120,000 Washington youth are currently affected by asthma 
  • The percentage of our state population with asthma is steadily increasing - the prevalence of asthma has increased significantly for adults and households with children between 1999 and 2003 
  • Washington’s asthma prevalence has been identified by CDC as one of the highest in the nation – both adult and youth prevalence are significantly greater than national averages  
  • About 9% of adults have asthma, between 7-10% of middle/high school-aged children have asthma, and one in ten households with children of any age have a child with asthma. 

Wood Decay Fungi

Attic Mold Remediation - Use ANSI Standards as a Guide

While there is little regulation of the mold remediation industry in the U.S., keep in mind that there are standards that are based on solid science and are recommended, but they are not required. Many mold professionals say they use these standards, however, it’s important to know these procedural standards before hiring a mold remediation contractor. We find most Mold remediation / Water Restoration companies in Bellevue, WA area don't follow any standards and don't even have a scope of work in place.

Here’s more on that standard, including new changes that are worthwhile to know.

  • Wood Decay Fungi ( wood rot), are filamentous organisms that begin as microscopic spores that land on the surface of the wood and germinate to produce thin strand-like cells called hyphae. Hyphae grow through the wood and secrete enzymes that degrade and weaken the wood.

Decay requires: 

  1. adequate moisture
  2. ambient temperature (32º to 110º)
  3. oxygen
  4. a food source.

Wood moisture levels above 20-30% are considered conducive to wood fungal rot. Damaged wood typically will need to be replaced. Ultimately the source of moisture must be eliminated even if all of the fungal organisms cannot be eliminated.

Common types of wood decay in buildings:

  • Brown rot: This type of decay causes the wood to break down into brown cubes that split against the grain. Advanced stages of brown decay result in dry, powdery wood that is unable to support much weight and crumbles easily.
  • White rot: This type of decay appears whitish, stringy, and mushy, and tends to be more common in hardwoods.
  • Dry rot: A misnomer, this term has been used to describe decayed wood that has since dried and ceased decaying. Some people may erroneously assume that the wood is still in the process of decay. Moisture is required for wood decay to occur, so no literal “dry rot” exists.
  • Wet Rot: The two types of wet rot, brown and white can both be destructive to timber, they have a different effect on the wood depending upon the type. Generally, brown rots cause cuboidal cracking & shrinkage of the timber whilst white rots tend to reduce the timber to a stringy, fibrous texture. 

There are other things associated with wood decay such as mold. Although mold doesn't require moisture levels to be at the levels of decay it still can cause serious repair expenses and health issues. 

This is a concern for Attic moisture. Common issues with roof sheathing are wood rot due to poor building air sealing which contributes to condensation in colder months allowing the roof sheathing to reach dew point and cause mold.

What to ask the Mold Company:

  • Are the Treatment Chemicals EPA Approved?
  • What is expected for the Clearance Test?
  • Was toxic mold present?

What's the 2nd Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in the US?

Smoking rightfully takes the spotlight as the most menacing cause of lung cancer—160,000 Americans die because of it every year. But there's another under-publicized threat that also tragically contributes to the lung cancer death toll. So what's the culprit?

It's radon—a naturally occurring colorless, odorless gas, and it's responsible for 20,000 deaths every year, according to the EPA. It's harder to hate radon: there are no big tobacco companies behind it and no addictive product that creates it. In fact, radon can be found in some hot springs and spring water naturally. And the worst part is that the only way to tell if radon's a problem in your home is to specifically have it tested with a home test kit or by hiring a specialist.

Doing radon tests can reveal whether your home has abnormally high levels, which is important because your house is the primary place where the gas collects. But don't worry? there are proven methods of reducing radon levels in your home. Just check in with the EPA, which has a reliable list of radon resources, and contacts to agencies that can test or fix your home.

Check out the Radon Map for areas with recent testing data.

Washington State and Mold Laws

Under Washington State Law the landlord must maintain the building 

"Landlords must Maintain the structural components including, but not limited to, the roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, foundations, and all other structural components, in reasonably good repair so as to be usable;"

in the notes, the State says," "The legislature finds that residents of the state face preventable exposures to mold in their homes, apartments, and schools. Exposure to mold, and the toxins they produce have been found to have adverse health effects, including loss of memory and impairment of the ability to think coherently and function in a job, and may cause fatigue, nausea, and headaches."

According to the Tenants Union of Washington State

"Other than a requirement to provide written information (RCW 59.18.060), there are no state laws governing landlords’ responsibilities regarding mold removal. State law does give residential tenants the right to vacate their units and move if the landlord is not making necessary repairs. It will depend on whether the landlord attempts to fix the problem causing the mold to grow. The mold itself may not be cause enough to break the lease, but if the landlord fails to fix the leaky pipe causing the moisture that created the mold growth, then the tenant can follow the repair process to eventually break the lease. Thorough documentation is vital if you’d like to use this legal remedy, and there are some risks associated with this course of action."

 

Finding—2005 c 465: "The legislature finds that residents of the state face preventable exposures to mold in their homes, apartments, and schools. Exposure to mold and the toxins they produce have been found to have adverse health effects, including loss of memory and impairment of the ability to think coherently and function in a job, and may cause fatigue, nausea, and headaches.
As steps can be taken by landlords and tenants to minimize exposure to indoor mold, and as the reduction of exposure to mold in buildings could reduce the rising number of mold-related claims submitted to insurance companies and increase the availability of coverage, the legislature supports providing tenants and landlords with information designed to minimize the public's exposure to mold."

 

 

 

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group can perform a through building condition survey that will help the tenant understand the extend of the condition which they are exposed to. Our mold experts will map out, sample and report all areas of the tenant's space.

Call us to schedule a Property Conditions Survey 425.608.9553

 

Tacoma Smelter Plume Soil Sampling in Seattle

 

King County offers FREE soil testing

Soil testing involves digging small holes in your yard’s soil, removing small amounts of soil, and refilling the holes. It usually takes a few hours. The soil samples will then be sent to a lab for analyzing.

Before we can test the soil, the property owner must sign the Property Access Agreement and Survey form that gives us permission to access the yard and do the work.

If you are a renter and would like free home soil testing of the yard, you must contact your property owner. The property owner must sign the form to give us permission to access the yard and do the work. The form must be returned to us before any testing can be done.

The results will be mailed in approximately two weeks to property owners. For results that are below the yard cleanup levels, we will mail or email sample results and include tips on reducing your contact to lead and arsenic. Learn more about what you can do to protect your family with simple healthy actions.

We will contact you directly if the test results show you have higher levels of arsenic and lead in your soil to provide you with more information.

Learn how to test your own soil at home

Tacoma Smelter contamination is unpredictable from property to property. There is tremendous variation from one property to another, and even across parts of the same property. The only way to know for sure if your property is contaminated is to test the soil.

Whether or not you live outside of the TSP soil safety program service area, you can choose to do your own soil testing.

Attic Mold What every Homeowner needs to know.

Attic ventilation is a critical component to maintaining even temperatures in your attic all year long. In the summer it saves on the life of your shingles by keeping the boards cooler and decreases your cooling costs in the winter weather by diminishing the temperature difference which in turn prevents moisture build up in the form of condensation. Did you know that having a proper amount of attic ventilation is even required to enforce the warranty of most shingle manufacturers?? When it comes to mold the most import ventilation concerns occur in the winter. In the winter during the coldest months as we run our furnaces, hot air escapes into the cold unheated attic space. When the escaping hot air emerges into the cold attic it rises as heat always does. It seeks out the highest portions of the attic where it then coalesces against the cold boards of the roof. This hot- air-mass-meets-cold-surface phenomena results in a condition known as dew point, which creates moisture in the form of water droplets and ice crystals. The nails themselves also will contribute to this moisture problem as iron is a good conductor of temperature and will readily convey the biting chill of cold winter air directly inside the attic. The evidence of this, can be seen in the form of drips and of drip spots underneath the nails themselves.

Bathroom fans vented directly into the attic or Soffit areas rather than straight through the roof are also to blame for exacerbated moisture problems which lead to mold, wood- rot and health problems. The more adults showering in the house and the longer the showers the more moisture will enter an attic. In fact in some families the bathroom fans alone are the sole culprit responsible for major mold infestations! Use your fans for 20min or longer after use!

If you want to eliminate attic mold permanently you NEED to get EQUAL amounts of Intake Air and Exhaust or Out-take Air into your Attic!

Building scientists have proven that using a balanced ventilation system that utilizes equal amounts incoming and out going air. Incoming air comes in from under the eves through vents cut in the underside of the roof overhangs which are called soffets. Proper soffet ventilation is essential to large amounts of incoming air needed for intake. Many attics were originally vented properly but have become packed with insulation along the way by an over-zealous insulation contractor or homeowner, in an attempt to actually stop air from coming in, sadly a common mistake. This mistake was very common in the 80's and 90's. There are two basic types of Soffit vents: either a contiguous vent or a individual vents which come in round and square varieties. I generally prefer to use 6 inch by 12 inch square vents because of the ease of installation and the low material cost. They work surprisingly well and offer a lot of surface area. They can be purchased easily in brown white and silver to match virtually any siding.

Out-take air, exhaust air ventilation can take 4 basic forms: Gable end vents, ridge vents, box/hat vents or power vents. Of the four the ridge vent is to be preferred, due to its location at the highest point of the attic, namely the ridge. Because heat always rises it is passively efficient at exhausting large amounts of heated air without the use of electricity. Be sure to select a ridge vent without a complicated filter which can become clogged; I prefer the simple metal designs for their simplistic efficient design and operation. Box vents while older and more dated can be efficient if there is a sufficient number of them located across the surface. If your attic already has square, can, or box type vents but not enough of them, it can be a less expensive solution to an inadequate exhaust air problem. The reason is simple they are cheap and easy to install and like the square intake vents can be easily purchased in several colors to match any shingle. If you have a hip roof there may be insufficient ridge length to allow for sufficient out-take; box vents can be an ideal solution for this problem. Powered vents work well, but are dependent upon electricity for operation. This both costs money and is subject to wear and tear of moving parts. Additionally in the event of power outages can leave the attic over heated, for these reasons the author does not recommend them.

Beware of mixing two different kinds of ventilation!!!

By far one of the most common, and the most troubling ventilation mistakes is the mixed use of two completely different ventilation systems. For example mixing a ridge vent with a box vent or a previously installed power vent or gable end vents. What goes wrong is this: air always follows the path of least resistance and looks for the nearest opening , often the ridge will draft air from the box vents and short circuit the entire exhaust air systems, eliminating any chance of correcting the water/moisture issues. It can also bring unwanted weather snow debris etc into the attic because box vents and gable end vents were not meant to be intake vents, which can cause tremendous damage! So remember don't mix two ventilation systems pick one and stick with it ensuring there is enough of whatever vent system you choose. Most builder today do not follow this GOLDEN rule!

Is correcting my ventilation a cure for a mold problem in my attic?

NO!! it is not a cure for mold but just for ventilation problems which create moisture issues. No matter who installs your ventilation system in the winter if you are running supplemental heat in your home your attic will be subject to some moisture from time to time during the coldest days. For this reason and several others it is a must to actually treat the mold with a system designed to remove it completely without leaving behind mold or poisonous heavy metals paints and chemicals that can make your family sick. Even dead mold can still affect your health and make your family sick. It is also a good idea to hire a mold contractor with a ventilation expert on staff, because hiring a roofing contractor and a mold contractor is always more expensive

Removing the moisture

Hot air rises. Without air sealing your attic you are allowing warm air to escape from your home carrying with it your hard earned winter heating money.  Most people just add insulation to their attic - this will not stop the escaping warm air. The EPA estimates that the typical American home has enough leaks, holes and gaps to be equal to an open window every day of the year. That is significant. We need to seal the air in our conditioned living space from the unconditioned attic space. Every attic needs proper ventilation. We are not stopping the proper air exchange in the attic - we are only stopping the exchange between the house and the attic.

 

Before You Begin The Repairs

You get one chance to take indoor air and attic lift samples this needs done before the job starts for correcting issue having a  baseline of air quality lets you understand what is expected on completion if after work your family begins have allergy symptoms there not data show cause may be without control sample test a income blower door duct needs performed. This test will show the tightness of the building envelope and also give the data need to show the work performed was justified.

Did you know most contractors use toxic chemicals to kill mold which may contains carcinogens which are cancer causing agents?

It is best to deal with the mold on the sheathing when the roof needs replaced next. Replacing the sheathing is our only recommended option. Meanwhile until the roof does need replacement, correct all other issues. Attic mold does not pose any indoor conditioned space IAQ issues so it is causing no harm waiting. 

 

 Contact us for any questions -  info@pnwig.com or 425.608.9553