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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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What is Naturally Occurring Asbestos?

Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) can be found in certain types of rock formations and soil as a result of natural geological processes. Like manufactured asbestos, NOA is not a health problem unless disturbed so mineral fibers are released into the air. NOA can be disturbed by natural weather processes or human activity, such as if rocks are broken or crushed or soils are stirred up. When airborne NOA is inhaled, the asbestos fibers can wreak havoc on your body's system.

Approaches for reducing NOA exposure are similar to those for asbestos-containing materials found in homes or other buildings. There are several ways to prevent NOA from becoming airborne. Professionals can cover with NOA with clean soil or plantings to reduce exposure, limit dust-generating activities around the NOA source, or even excavate and dispose of NOA material. Commonly, professionals will place a cover system such as concrete, asphalt paving, chemical sealants, or clean rock over the NOA.

For more information on NOA or asbestos-containing materials found in homes and businesses, contact RTS Environmental Services. Serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, RTS Environmental Services' team of licensed and experienced professionals have completed thousands of mold and asbestos inspections and solutions throughout such communities as Wheaton, Urbana, Rockville, and College Park.