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Tips & Articles

How to Check Your Home for Mold Problems
Simple Home Improvements to Help Keep Mold at Bay
Signs You May Have Mold in Your Home
10 Things You Should Know About Mold
Moisture Control Tips to Help Prevent Mold Growth
Preventing Black Mold Growth in Your Home
What Are Bioaerosols?
Natural Ways to Keep Mold and Mildew at Bay
Mold Remediation - The Earlier, The Better
Understanding Possible Asbestos Hazards in Your Northern Virginia Home
Avoid Washington, DC Home Mold Growth by Maintaining a Healthy Humidity Level
Living With Mold Allergies? Find Relief by Improving Your Home's Indoor Environment
Serious Health Problems Linked to Asbestos Exposure
How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Carpet
Infrared Thermal Imaging Revolutionizes Mold and Moisture Inspections
Features to Look For When Choosing a Dehumidifier
Common Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Home
No Bathroom is Complete Without an Exhaust Fan
What is Black Mold?
Common Types of House Mold in Your Damascus, Alexandria, or Ellicott City Home
The Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk
What is Mold Remediation?
Indoor Molds Can Grow on Almost Any Surface
Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Your Northern Virginia Home?
What is Asbestos?
What is Naturally Occurring Asbestos?
The Six Types of Asbestos
The Link Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Do's and Don'ts Inside Your Northern Virginia Home
Why You Should Never Disturb Asbestos
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal
Glove Bag Procedure for Asbestos Removal
Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos: What's the Difference?
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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RTS Environmental Newsletter, March 2009

SPRING MOLD PREVENTION

Spring is finally here! The arrival of warmer weather has eagerly been anticipated throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. This spring you can count on the improved weather to have a positive impact on your daily life. Aside the guaranteed warmer weather, the Washington DC metropolitan area will certainly be receiving a significant amount of rainfall. Without adequate preparation, the rainy weather can cause unforeseen headaches for you and your home. Taking the appropriate steps to protecting your home from the effects of increased rainfall will prevent your home from being plagued with mold damage.

RTS Environmental Services wants to assist you in this process by providing you the FACTS about Mold by performing a Mold inspection meant to educate you. Presented below is the third part of a series of common questions asked by our customers and real estate partners about household mold issues.

Spring Mold Prevention

During the months of spring, your home is highly susceptible to mold. Warm weather combined with damper conditions and an increase of rainfall create the perfect environment for mold growth. Anyplace that is wet and damp is conducive for mold growth to occur. It is important to prepare your home for the spring weather. Inspect the condition of your roof, gutter system, and foundation. Any weak areas that are found on your roof should be immediately replaced. Damaged roofing tile will permit water to enter your attic creating a damp environment and an ideal location for mold growth. Clean and inspect your rain gutters. Make sure that the water will flow freely through your system and can be dispensed in your yard. Clogged gutters will create backups of rainwater on your roof. Make sure all drains are pointed away from your home. Water that is allowed to flow toward your home can collect along the foundation and eventually make its way into the walls of your home or basement.

Finally, as a precaution to prevent basement mold, check to see whether or not your home's foundation has any major cracks. Damage to your foundation will allow water to enter your basement and sit in the walls. Once in your basement walls, rain water will create an ideal damp environment for some of the most hazardous mold varieties. As stated in our last newsletter, mold growth is rampant in organic materials such as wood, paper products, or fabrics. Mildew like odors, rotting wood, cracked and worn paint are indicators of the presence of moisture which lead to mold growth. Let RTS know if we can help!

If you or a potential homebuyer suspects that there may be a mold problem in a property, it is wise to schedule a mold inspection to determine the severity of the problem. Mold grows in damp and dark areas of the home that may not be easily seen and it is better to determine if there is a problem before a house is sold.

To discuss this with a certified mold inspector, please contact RTS Environmental Services at 1-800-722-5589 or visit our website at www.rtsenvironmental.com

RTS Environmental has provided thousands of mold in sections for real estate professionals and buyers throughout the greater Washington Metropolitan area to provide thorough, honest, and practical inspections and solutions.

Contact Information
RTS Environmental Services, Inc.
Tel: 1-800-722-5589
301-607-6276 Maryland Line
Fax: 301-831-6235
Email: info@rtsenvironmental.com