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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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Videos


John B
January 30, 2009
Alexandria, VA

RTS performed a check of the house for moisture and mold. Special attention was given to the unfinished attic which has ventilation problems.

I was able to get an appointment within a week. Paul Ramsey arrived on time and did a thorough examination of our house (3 levels). He was careful about walking on light colored carpets. He explained what he was doing at each step and readily answered questions. At my request he paid special attention to the attic where we have moisture buildup. He took several pictures to show the problem areas that I could not see before (currently ice crystals are forming on the inside roof decking). He discovered no mold but several potential problem areas. He recommended some steps to prevent problems. He was very pleasant, very responsive to questions, and very professional.


CHARLES O
October 21, 2008
Arlington, VA

RTS Environmental checked for mold in my house. They did not find any dangerous

mold.

Member Comments: I thought they were very professional. They were very honest and put my fears to rest. They gave me good advice on how to prevent mold from becoming a problem. They came the very next day after I called. They were very practical in showing me what to do.


NANCY M.
October 09, 2008
McLean, VA

We contacted RTS Environmental Services to evaluate our basement for mold and asbestos primarily for planning purposes prior to a limited remodeling project.

We were able to quickly schedule our appointment with Paul to evaluate our basement for mold and asbestos issues. Paul arrived on time for the appointment, and gave us an hour heads up that he was on his way. (My husband had written down that the appointment was for the next week, however I am certain that this was probably a communication error on my husband's side. In any event, it worked out better to have Paul come when he did.) Paul introduced himself to me and kindly let my preschooler talk for a few minutes about our cat, before he got down to business and reviewed our concerns from the preliminary phone call. Paul then evaluated our basement, asking questions about our history (water issues, etc.) and what our plans were for remodeling the basement. He pointed out some common mold we had on our old windows, explained that the mold was not toxic and why it was growing there. He also evaluated tile we had on the basement floor and assured us that it was probably not asbestos and offered to have it tested (for an additional fee). We declined the test after Paul explained to us when asbestos is a concern (pulverized over a large area) and that our tile was in sound condition throughout and thus not a concern since we were planning on leaving it in place and covering it with carpet. He gave us further suggestions on how to contain and eliminate mold growth, including what paint to use on the walls and installing a dehumidifier in the basement by next spring. He even gave us a good tip on how to purchase a dehumidifier at a lower cost. Paul also took a look at our master bathroom and again offered suggestions on how to combat a common, non-toxic mold there. Throughout his visit, Paul was thorough and very clear in his evaluation and suggestions. Now we feel that we have the peace of mind to pursue our minor remodel of the basement. Money well spent!