Our Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's: Asbestos​

Q: Does my home or workplace contain asbestos?

A: Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building materials and products.  If your home or workplace was constructed before 1990, then there is a chance that one or more building materials contain asbestos. Essentially, if a building material is not wood, glass, or metal, it might contain asbestos. To verify the presence or absence of asbestos, a sample of the building material or product should be carefully collected and submitted to an AIHA-LAP, LLC-accredited laboratory for analysis by PLM (polarized light microscopy). In many cases, sample collection must be conducted by a trained and licensed professional.

There are specific types of surveys and inspections required for government, public, and commercial buildings (including apartments with more than 4 dwelling units). An EPA-accredited (or state-licensed) asbestos building inspector must conduct the inspection. In the city of Philadelphia, additional licenses are required.

Our licensed and trained staff can provide a variety of inspection, survey, and analytical services to assist you.

Q: How do I have something tested for asbestos?

A: If you are a homeowner considering a remodeling project, follow these instructions to learn how to collect and submit a sample for laboratory analysis. If you are a public or commercial building owner and planning to renovate, demolish all or part of a building, or sell property, request an inspection tailored to meet your needs.

Q: If my home or workplace contains asbestos, is it hazardous?

A: Asbestos materials that are intact, in good condition, and are not being disturbed are not considered hazardous. It is only when these materials are disturbed by renovation, demolition, or accidental damage that there is the potential to release tiny fibers that can be harmful when inhaled. Preventing the release of asbestos fibers into the air is the most important safety tip.

Our trained and experienced staff can evaluate and assess conditions to determine if any asbestos hazards exist, and provide you with a scope of work for remediating any identified hazards.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a public or commercial building owner?

A: For workplaces covered by OSHA regulations, Section 29CFR1910.1001(j)(2) specifies that:

"Building and facility owners shall determine the presence, location, and quantity of ACM [asbestos-containing material] and/or PACM [presumed ACM] at the work site. Employers and building and facility owners shall exercise due diligence in complying with these requirements to inform employers and employees about the presence and location of ACM and PACM."

This section also requires that records be kept and transferred to successive owners and that housekeeping personnel be informed where asbestos may be present while working.

Q: If asbestos is found, do I have to remove it?

A: It depends. If the asbestos is in good condition and there are no plans to disturb it, then the answer is "No." If renovation or demolition work is planned that will disturb the asbestos-containing material, the answer is "Yes." The US EPA regulates the removal and disposal of asbestos, and has delegated the authority to state and local governments to determine specific requirements.

Our licensed and trained staff can provide a variety of asbestos-related services to meet your needs.

FAQ's: Mold/Indoor Air Quality

Q: If I see a small amount of mold in my bathroom, kitchen or basement, should I be concerned?

A: Mold is common and found everywhere. Small amounts may occur in damp environments and can be cleaned with a detergent solution or a small amount of bleach in water. Mold can become a potential when it grows after flooding or significant water damage (such as a roof leak). Mold grows by feeding on woodbuilding materials, paper on gypsum wall board, and other materials of organic origin.​

Eliminating water (leaks, etc) is the most important step, followed by the ventilation and drying of wet areas. Ventilation is important for kitchen and bathrooms to reduce the chances for mold growth caused by high humidity and condensation. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website has published additional information about mold and moisture.

If you, your family, or employees are experiencing recurring allergic or asthma like symptoms connected with smelling moldy or musty odors at home or in a building, you can consult with our experienced certified industrial hygienists for a solution.

Q: If my basement or crawl space smells musty, does this mean I have mold?

A: Most likely a musty smell is associated with mold and/or mildew. This is common for below-grade spaces that may be closed up for a period of time, and especially during damp and rainy seasons.

Q: Where does carbon monoxide come from?

A: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of combustion engines (cars or generators) and fuel burning equipment (stoves or fireplaces). Do not start or run car engines in an attached garage, don’t use gas stoves or kerosene heaters in unventilated spaces, and ensure that gas or oil-fired heaters have adequate ventilation and are inspected periodically. HUD has published useful information about carbon monoxide.

Q: What risks are there from insects and other pests in the home and how do I control them?

A: Insects may cause serious health problems by transmitting bacteria and diseases to humans. All pests are looking for food, shelter and water. It’s important to know what kind of pests you may have, where they are found, and to eliminate those things that attract them by non-chemical methods whenever possible. This type of approach is called Integrated Pest Management.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your physician or go to a hospital. Common concerns in the Delaware Valley include rabies (raccoons, foxes, and other mammals that may be transmitted to pets), Lyme disease from deer ticks (carried by field mice and can be transmitted to pets), mosquito bites and equine encephalitis, and toxic spider or snake bites. HUD has published useful information about Integrated Pest Management.​​