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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 Asbestos?

There's no doubt that you've heard of asbestos and how its possible presence in your home can harm your family's health. But do you know exactly what asbestos is?

Quite simply, asbestos is a mineral fiber that is strong and flexible enough to be spun and woven. Asbestos fibers are also durable and heat resistant, which made them a useful material for many industrial products and components. However, asbestos' durability also makes it a harmful agent that, when inhaled, will remain in one's lung tissue for a very long period of time.

Breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma - the cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity, and asbestosis, or lung scarring. Many products made today do not contain asbestos, and those that do contain asbestos must be labeled as asbestos-containing materials. However, many building products and insulation materials made before the 1970s did contain asbestos. These products can include roofing, shingles, siding, steam pipes, boiler, and furnace insulation, door gaskets, textured paints, and soundproofing materials, among others.

We are all exposed to low levels of asbestos in the air, but many asbestos-containing materials can be harmful once disturbed and once asbestos fibers are released into the air. If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home, do not touch it or disturb it, as the only way to confirm the presence of your asbestos is through professional examination and testing.

For more information on asbestos and the effects it may have on your Leesburg, Wheaton, or Mount Airy home, 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.