Exposure to PCBs in Homes and the Workplace
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are manufactured organic chemicals that may be present in homes or offices. The chemicals contain 209 different chlorinated chemicals. The PCBs may take the form of oily liquids or solids. They typically fall within a color range of colorless to light yellow. Because the PCBs don’t burn easily, they make good insulation material. This makes them useful in coolants and lubricants, and they are commonly used in items such as transformers and capacitors, as well as other electrical equipment. Although the manufacture of these chemicals was brought to a stop in 1977, they may still be old fluorescent lights or appliances that still contain PCBs.
Risk of Exposure
It is possible that homeowners are exposed to PCBs without being aware. Office workers could also be at risk because of lingering sources of PCBs. The other most common sources of PCBs, today, include:
- Some foods may have PCBs, such as fish that swam in contaminated waters. Typically, the fish at the top of the food chain have levels as high as the bottom feeders.
- Indoor air in older buildings, such as homes, offices, and schools with…
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The Damaging Health Effects of Lead
While there have been changes in the rules and regulations for many products today, there is still a risk of lead poisoning. Because it was used in products such as paint and gasoline in years past, it is still around in older homes and structures. Even the soil surrounding the structure could become contaminated from the lead exposure. Unfortunately, this can pose a health risk to any individuals living in the home, and particularly to young children or those who are in poor health to begin with. It is important to understand the health effects that come as a result of lead poisoning so that you will see the urgency of having it abated.
In Children
Health effects that come as a result of lead poisoning in children can often be more severe because the children are still developing. Their blood brain barrier is not fully ready to keep harmful chemicals from damaging the brain before age six. Because kids are known for putting things in their mouths, not washing their hands, and playing in the dirt, they are at high risk for poisoning…
READ MORE →Why Is It Important to Have Mold Remedied Quickly?
If you suspect that you have mold in your home, or if you know it because you’ve seen it, it is essential that you have it removed immediately. What many home owners do not realize is that many types of mold are actually causing harm to the overall health and wellbeing of their family, in addition to the damage it is doing to the structure of the home.
At AQHI Inc. we offer mold remediation services that include removing materials and surfaces, washing with a biocide solution, vacuuming correctly, sealing, purifying, and dehumidifying the environment. With such an extensive regimen, we are able to remove the mold from where it does not belong. The following will outline why this is such an important process to have done immediately when you notice a problem.
Health Effects
Unfortunately, there are many molds that will actually take up residency in a human’s lungs. While it can be treated eventually, the source of the mold will need to be eliminated first, or in line with the treatment. Some common health effects that occur as a result…
READ MORE →Three Reasons to Use a Licensed & Certified Contractor for Remediation
Trust the professionals at AQHI Inc. can save you a lot of headaches compared to an unlicensed contractor or a DIY project.
If your property has mold, lead, asbestos, or PCB contamination, you need professional help to restore it to a clean and safe condition. AQHI Inc. can provide that help. We’ve been assisting property owners throughout southern California with the successful completion of environmental waste remediation projects involving all of the above stated contaminants since 1992. We are licensed with the California State Contractors Board, certified by the California EPA, and fully insured against accidents. Here are three reasons why you should choose our company for your remediation project rather than a general contractor or a less qualified company.
Your Safety is at Stake
First and foremost, your top priority during any kind of remediation project should be your health and safety, and the health and safety of future occupants of or visitors to the property in question. Only a certified contractor is guaranteed to be familiar with and effective in implementing the various safety protocols required for any given type of remediation. For example, for an…
READ MORE →Asbestos Remediation After a Fire
When asbestos-containing materials burn, they release toxic smoke and ash that requires specialized remediation efforts
Asbestos is well-known for its ability to serve as a highly effective insulator that helps prevent electrical components, boilers, pipes, and other materials from getting too hot and causing a fire. However, it is important to remember that asbestos is not actually fire-proof, but only highly fire-resistant. If exposed to flames long enough, asbestos-containing materials can and will burn. This creates a very dangerous situation during and after the fire.
Dangers to First Responders
Smoke inhalation poses a serious risk to first responders and other individuals who may be in the immediate vicinity of burning asbestos-containing materials. Minute asbestos fibers can become airborne when materials like insulation, roofing, ceiling tiles, flooring, popcorn ceilings, etc. burn. If these fibers are inhaled, they can potentially contribute to serious health problems including cancer.
The CDC recommends that no one go within 1,000 feet of a burning structure known or likely to contain asbestos without proper respiratory equipment. Firefighters should also take care to leave their respirators on even after the fire has been extinguished, as asbestos fibers could still be in the…
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