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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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Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Your Northern Virginia Home?

The mineral fiber known as asbestos can be found in many materials in your home; in the past, asbestos was added to a variety of home products to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Today, the mere presence of asbestos may not be a hazard, but once asbestos fibers are disturbed and released, asbestos may cause serious health and quality of life problems for you and your family.

Common household products that may contain asbestos, as these materials were made with asbestos in the past, include the following:

  • Roofing and siding shingles
  • Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts may be insulated with an asbestos blanket or tape
  • Backing on vinyl sheet flooring
  • Floor tile adhesives
  • Artificial ashes and embers
  • Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings
  • Cement sheet and paper used as insulation around furnaces or woodburning stoves
  • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation
  • Soundproofing material sprayed on walls or ceilings

It is not possible to identify asbestos just by looking at it or a household material. Only trained professionals can identify asbestos and how to alleviate an asbestos problem. Never try to take asbestos samples or examine those materials that may contain asbestos yourself, as disturbing asbestos will lead to risky exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

For more information on asbestos, or to discuss any possible asbestos in your Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia home, contact RTS Environmental Services. RTS environmental Services' team of licensed and experienced professionals have completed thousands of mold and asbestos inspections and solutions throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area.