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.
Indoor Air Quality Association- www.iaqa.org
American Indoor Air Quality Council- www.iaqcouncil.org
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- www.epa.gov/mold/
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ( IICRC)- www.iicrc.org/pdf/buydocs.pdf
When thinking about your bathroom's components, you may think about a sink, shower, toilet, or hardware - but do you think about its exhaust fan? You should. Not only do exhaust fans help remove odors, they also remove moisture from a bathroom, cutting down on the chance of mold growth. All bathrooms should include an exhaust fan with vents that terminate at the home's exterior and send water vapor and odors outdoors.
Exhaust fans are typically installed in the bathroom ceiling and can be controlled by a conventional wall switch or timer switch. Some exhaust fans feature a wall-mounted humidistat that turn the fan on and off based on humidity level. If your bathroom features moisture stains on the walls or ceiling, metal corrosion, visible mold, peeling paint or wallpaper, or window frosting, your bathroom is in desperate need of an exhaust fan.
For more information on bathroom exhaust fans, or to discuss any possible mold growth in your bathroom or home, contact RTS Environmental Services. Servicing 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 the Washington DC metropolitan area.