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Mold Removal and Mildew Removal

Mold Inspection, Mold Identification and Mold Testing

Mold Prevention

Humidity in the Home

Asbestos

Home Air Quality

Glossary Of Terms

Accredited Laboratory — A lab that has been accredited by a recognized agency to the ISO 17025 Standard.

Aflatoxin — A Mycotoxin which is known to be one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances which is from Aspergillus flavus mold growth.

Allergen — A substance such as mold or pet hair which can cause an allergic reaction.

Ambient air — Outdoor air or representative of a general volume of indoor air.

Amplification of molds — Any indoor scenario which may increase the concentration of molds such as moisture in a wall cavity or mold growth in an HVAC system.

Anti-fungal treatment — Any mold remediation activity which removes, disinfects, or treats surfaces contaminated by mold.

Asbestos — A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in hundreds of building and insulation materials. Exposure to asbestos is a known health risk for cancer especially due to occupational contact. Asbestos is a regulated material and professional removal using engineering controls is recommended in most cases.

Asthma — A condition of respiratory sensitivity when lung tissue swells in reaction to exposure to particles which irritate the small passages of the lung tissue.

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Asbestos Do's and Don'ts Inside Your Northern Virginia Home

A mineral fiber that can be identified only by professionals, asbestos can create personal health and indoor air quality detriments when disturbed. If you think your home may contain asbestos, do not disturb it, as asbestos fibers are potentially harmful when disturbed and set into the air. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers.

If you suspect that asbestos is in your Northern Virginia home:

  • Do check material regularly. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions, or water damage.
  • Do limit access to the suspect area and do not touch or disturb it.
  • Do call a professional whenever you suspect asbestos may be in your home.
  • Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
  • Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
  • Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
  • Don't track material that could have contained asbestos through the house.

For more information on asbestos and what to do if you believe asbestos is in your home, contact RTS Environmental Services, Inc. RTS Environmental provides state of the art mold and moisture inspections, mold identification and remediation, air quality testing, and asbestos inspection and removal services throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, in such communities as Sterling, Mt. Airy, and Chevy Chase.