The AQHI Inc. Blog

Understanding Mold Remediation Los Angeles CA

Professional mold remediation Los Angeles CA can help eliminate the odors and allergies caused by mold.

Mold is definitely gross. It is unsightly, damaging to porous surfaces in your home or business, and potentially hazardous to your health. However, it is not the dire plague that urban legends make it out to be. In this article, we will help you understand more about mold and mold remediation Los Angeles CA.

Where and Why Does Mold Develop?

Molds are hardy little fungi that can thrive in virtually any environment, provided there is enough moisture and oxygen. Mold often develops in damp, poorly ventilated areas in homes and businesses, especially when a new source of moisture has been introduced. For example, you might have a roof leak that allows mold to thrive in your attic or poor drainage conditions that cause mold in your basement. High indoor humidity can also promote the growth of mold. In fact, the recent boom in the mold remediation industry has a lot to do with increased indoor humidity. As houses become more energy-efficient, they also become more tightly sealed and less…

How Do I Choose an Asbestos Removal Company Pasadena CA?

Use our checklist for selecting an asbestos removal company in Pasadena CA.

Because asbestos is so hazardous to human health, choosing an asbestos removal company Pasadena CA should not be taken lightly. Here are a few tips to help you find a contractor you can trust.

Check Certifications

Because asbestos is subject to hazmat regulations, it is essential to check up on the certifications earned by an asbestos removal company Pasadena CA before hiring. That way, you can rest assured that all activities involving asbestos will be carried out in compliance with state and federal laws. You won’t have to worry about the contractor contaminating areas outside the work zone, exposing unsuspecting people to asbestos, or causing liability issues. Using certified personnel is especially important if your asbestos removal project involves a public building or a rental unit, as you will need expert help to pass the re-occupancy tests for such buildings.

Check References

Ask the asbestos removal company to provide references or at least a list of previous projects that they have successfully completed. If possible, talk to previous clients to get an idea…

Eliminating PCB Hazards in Los Angeles CA

You’ll need a licensed removal company to deal with PCB hazards in Los Angeles CA safely.

Before the dangers of PCBs were known, these hazardous chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds were used in hundreds of commercial and industrial products. Though PCBs were banned in 1979, many materials containing PCBs remain in older facilities, where they can pose serious health hazards if not disposed of properly. These hazards are so severe that only EPA-certified companies can be involved in eliminating PCB hazards in Los Angeles CA.

Common PCB Applications

Because PCBs are non-flammable, have a high boiling point, and provide excellent electrical insulation, they were frequently used in electrical equipment like transformers, capacitors, and fluorescent light ballasts. PCBs can be liquid or solid, and many types of Insulation, tape, oil-based paint, caulking, floor finish, and plastics made between 1929 and 1979 contain PCBs.

Dangers of PCBs

Because PCBs take a long time to break down naturally, once they become released into the air, water, or soil, they tend to remain there indefinitely. Eventually, they make their way into the food chain by building up in the tissues of plants and fish. According…

What Should I Know About Lead-Based Paint?

Lead-based paint is a common health hazard that can be eliminated safely with professional help.

Lead-based paint is a common health hazard found in homes built prior to 1978, when it was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In general, lead-based paint is safe as long as the paint coat remains intact. When the paint begins to chip and flake due to age, or when it is worn away by friction in doorjambs or window sashes, the resulting leaded particles can pose serious health risks.

Dangers of Lead-Based Paint Exposure

Lead is quite toxic, and high levels of exposure can be deadly. Lower levels of exposure can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, blood cells, and central nervous system. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Physical and mental developmental issues, as well as behavioral problems and lowered IQs in infants and children have been linked to high lead exposure. Experts believe that children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning not only because their tissues are still developing, but also because they are likely to put contaminated objects in their mouths.

Removing Lead Paint

It is not wise…

How Do I Know if I Need Asbestos Removal in Long Beach?

Ask yourself these questions to find out if you might need asbestos removal in Long Beach.

Asbestos removal in Long Beach can be a lengthy, intrusive, and expensive process. While some people adopt the better-safe-than-sorry attitude and opt to remove all suspicious materials immediately, others want a bit more information. If you fall into the latter category, answering the following questions will help you determine if you need asbestos removal in Long Beach.

Is the material really asbestos?

If you think you have asbestos in your home or business, the first thing you need to do is confirm that the material is in fact asbestos. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do unless you have the original construction records or the material happens to be labeled. The age of the material can provide some clues—prior to the 1970s, asbestos was regarded as safe, so many older homes do contain asbestos tiles, shingles, siding, and insulation. Ultimately, the only way to tell for sure if you have asbestos is to have the material tested by a qualified professional.

Is the material intact or damaged?

Asbestos is really only dangerous when it is in a form that can be inhaled. If the asbestos materials in your…