Protecting Your House from Mold in the Spring

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Mold is an ever-present organism mostly found in the outdoor air. Although in its dry state, it may cause some mild allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing, it is when mold finds a home in a dark, moist environment that it becomes far more dangerous to residences and buildings. 

In the spring, the added moisture and warm temperatures create the perfect environment for mold to grow. It only needs to be in a location left undisturbed. Once it begins to grow, the mold will consume organic materials such as wood and drywall. The spores multiply into the millions which not only spreads the mold further, it can affect the health of those living inside. 

But there are ways to control the mold in your home before it can become an issue. By taking a few steps today, you can prevent most incidents involving mold from developing in your house. The key is to inspect and act before the mold can settle. 

Controlling Mold Growth

While mold will find its way into your home, you can keep it from doing any damage by following these instructions. 

Lower Humidity Levels: Mold needs moisture to grow. By reducing the humidity level in your home to under 50%, it will become difficult for the mold to grow and spread. Purchase a humidity level meter to monitor the results inside your home. 

Fix Leaks: A water pipe leak serves as the perfect growing area for mold. Fix all leaks in the roof, walls, basement, and anywhere there is plumbing. 

Keep the Air Moving: Turning on fans in rooms with higher humidity levels, such as the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom robs mold of the moisture it needs to grow. 

Cleaning Up Mold

If the mold has established itself in your home, whether near a leaky pipe or a moist area inside the walls, you can remove it using one of the most common household chemicals, bleach. The bleach is more than powerful enough to destroy mold and mildew on contact. However, you will need to handle it with care. 

  • Wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, and goggles
  • Open windows and turn on fans 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of bleach
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Only mix with water

Apply the bleach with a sponge directly to the area covered with the mold. Once you wipe away the mold, dry the area using a fan. You’ll want to keep the air moving until it’s dry. However, if you discover a large patch of mold, then chances are the infiltration will be far more than you can effectively clean up. That is the time to call a professional mold removal service. 

If you suspect that your home is infested with mold based on having unexplained musty odors for example, then you should get it tested. In many cases, mold does not reveal itself in the open until after it has caused considerable damage. After a flooding event or if musty odors are present, hire a professional company to inspect your home for mold.

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

How to Properly Recycle When Spring Cleaning

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Spring cleaning is the time of year when you remove all the unwanted materials from your home. It is an annual house cleaning that coincides with the warming temperatures where people open their windows and let the fresh air in. But how can you combine spring cleaning with recycling to get the best of both worlds?

Instead of simply bagging up the trash and letting unwanted items pile up in closets and storage areas, you can employ a recycling system in your home. The result protects the environment and makes cleaning the home during the spring less taxing.

What Can Be Recycled?

There are many items around your home that can be recycled. The first step is locating all nearby recycling centers. Then take the items when ready and earn a little profit when you turn them in. 

  • Aluminum
  • Cardboard
  • Glass
  • Paper 
  • Plastics 
  • Steel & More 

You can rinse out and crush the cans so they can be put into large bags for recycling. Cardboard boxes if strong enough make for good moving boxes. But for those that are torn, thin, or compromised simply fold them up for storage until you take them to the recycling plant. 

Rinse out glass containers. However, you can leave the labels on since they will be removed by the recycling process. Store paper items such as magazines, newspapers, telephone books, and the like in smaller boxes or bags so they are easy to carry. 

Rinsing and crushing plastic bottles for storage saves space and doesn’t attract insects. Certain metals such as steel, copper, and those used in electronic items can be recycled as well. Find recycling centers that accept metal and electric devices after your home cleaning session. 

How Can You Employ Reusable Items?

You can cut down on waste and make your next spring cleaning far less taxing by relying more on reusable items. 

Rags, Sponges, & Towels: Instead of using paper towels, rely more on reusable items such as rags, sponges, and towels for cleanup. You can use a simple homemade cleaner such as one-part vinegar to seven parts water for quick cleaning while not filling up the trash with paper towels. 

Reusable Batteries: Disposable batteries can become quite expensive. Instead, purchase reusable batteries with a charger to save money over the long run. It also means less to throw out during spring cleaning. 

Reusable Bags: Instead of collecting or throwing away plastic bags, rely on reusable bags when you shop. They will hold up more, last far longer, and are washable so they can be reused repeatedly. 

Compost: For both food and yard waste, you can instead put more nutrients into the ground for your lawn or garden by learning to compost. This form of recycling can do wonders for your landscape or garden when properly employed. 

When you plan for your next spring cleaning, be sure to make a quick note of what recycling opportunities are available. Your next house cleaning can include recycling unwanted materials and purchasing goods that can be recycled or have a long life in your home.


Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you. 

How to Protect Yourself and Your Home from Air Pollution 

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While most people think of air pollution as something that comes from power plants and factories, the truth is that the more threatening form of air pollution comes from inside your home. You can protect your family from both forms of air pollution with a few easy-to-learn steps. 

Indoors

Reducing indoor air pollution starts with the products you purchase for your home. What you may not realize is that the very furniture and flooring may contain pollutants that may harm you and your family. 

Avoid Products with Scents: Cleaners, air fresheners, and other products that contain scents may contain particles that interact with the ozone and create formaldehyde. Use natural cleaners if possible, such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and plain water to reduce air pollution in the home. 

Green Label: Look for the green label when purchasing carpets, cushions, and products that have adhesive elements. Such products may contain formaldehyde and residues of dangerous chemicals that can create indoor air pollution. 

The same is true for furniture and other furnishings that are made from composite wood such as particle board or even plywood. Such materials use adhesives that may contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals. Look for such products that are compliant with green or safe standards. 

Reduce Ozone: Certain products such as laundry water treatments, fruit and vegetable washers, and hair and facial applications emit ozone into the air. Look for products that are ozone-free and will not contribute to pollution indoors. 

Ventilate: If you are painting, gluing, or using caulk, or other adhesive try to perform the work outside the home if possible. If you have no choice, such as painting a room, then open the windows, turn on the fan, and ventilate the area. 

Outdoors

Although the threat may be less today compared to a half-century ago, there are still plenty of sources that cause outdoor air pollution. What follows are a few tips to protect your family and home in case outdoor pollution rises to dangerous levels. 

Air Purifier: An air purifier can trap particles such as smoke while cleaning the indoor air from dust and other items. Remember to change out your air purifier’s filter when needed so that it works at maximum efficiency. Air purifiers are best used in bedrooms and living areas. 

Central Air Conditioning: A central air conditioning system is not only more energy efficient for cooling the home compared to window units, but the air filter can also trap many of the particles that otherwise make it into your home. Be sure to change the air filter every few months or when needed. Otherwise, it may tax the unit to the point of requiring repair. 

Windows Closed: This may seem to be an obvious response, but shutting the windows should be the first thing you do in case outdoor air pollution becomes too dangerous. Use portable fans to circulate the air inside the home. 

With these tips, you can protect your home and family from both indoor and outdoor air pollution. A few commonsense steps will reduce indoor air pollution and limit outdoor air pollution from entering your residence.  

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Spring

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Spring not only brings warmer temperatures but also new dangers to your home or business in the form of termites. Termites cause roughly $5 billion in damage across the US every year. Plus, for homeowners, damage caused by termites is normally not covered by home insurance.

The lack of coverage is due to the designation that damage caused by termites is preventable. This means that you will need regular inspections and the use of treatments if termites are detected. But when should such inspections begin?

Termite Season

There are two basic types of termites in California, drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites create colonies inside the wood while subterranean termites live under the ground. 

While drywood termites are most active in the late summer and early fall, subterranean termites are mostly active in the spring. It is when they leave their colonies and swarm to find new mates. Once they have found their mates, a new termite colony is born. Such termites are called swarmers because they have wings until they find their mates. 

If you see insects that look like flying ants around your property, that is a sign that termites might be present. The presence of discarded wings around your home, office, or facility is another visible sign that a colony may be nearby or even inside the building or home. 


Protecting Your Property from Termites

Whether you have seen the aforementioned signs of termites or not, it pays to have your home inspected by professionals. They can locate and identify termite colonies that may be residing inside or near your home or building. By locating such colonies, they can be dealt with in an appropriate manner that protects the wood structure. 

Standard passive protection from termites includes creating barriers around your home to prevent termites from going inside. Another popular form of protection is using bait near the colonies. The bait will steer the termites away from your property. The result is when the bait runs out, the colony will die out as well. In addition, you can also follow these tips.

  • Remove dead trees and shrubs that have yet to be infected by termites
  • Remove any newspapers, books, and other paper-based products from storage areas such as the basement, attic, or garage. 
  • Conduct regular inspections for mud tubes and discarded wings of termites during the spring

However, if termites have gotten into your home, you will need to have them removed to stop any further damage. A professional termite exterminator will be needed to locate and destroy all the termites present in the structure. 


Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Cancer

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Most companies in the US stopped using asbestos over forty years ago however, materials that contain asbestos are still found in millions of older buildings across the country. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that contains properties that block heat and dampen the spread of fire. Its fibers can be dangerous to humans when inhaled into the lungs and can potentially lead to cancer in individuals if exposed over a long period of time. 

Since asbestos is found in older buildings and is still used in small amounts in certain appliances and other devices, it is still possible to become exposed to asbestos. 

Where Does Exposure to Asbestos Happen? 

For the most part, exposure to asbestos occurs over a long period of time when working in buildings that have asbestos or generally being exposed to products that contain asbestos. Other possible exposure could occur during a disaster or if you live near a site contaminated with asbestos.

Until the early 1980’s ceiling and floor tiles, drywall, insulation, paint, and even cement contained asbestos. You can find small amounts of asbestos in automotive parts such as clutches, brakes, and other friction-associated materials. So, while the driver of a vehicle is most likely safe from asbestos exposure, a mechanic who works in garages or auto shops is more likely to be exposed. 

How Exposure Can Lead to Cancer

The microscopic fibers of asbestos that float in the air can be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed. The body can get rid of most of the fibers, but many can become permanently stuck. 

When the fibers accumulate over time, the result can be inflammation and damage to the DNA of cells. This can lead to cancers such as mesothelioma and other diseases that include:

  • Laryngeal, Lung, and Ovarian Cancer
  • Diffuse Pleural Thickening, Pleural Effusion, and Pleural Plaque
  • Asbestosis, Atelectasis, and Pleurisy 

Most cancers or diseases caused by exposure to asbestos take decades to develop. For individuals who are exposed to asbestos frequently due to their line of work or constantly being in older buildings can protect themselves to a certain degree by wearing the proper safety equipment. This includes respirator masks. However, the most effective method is to have the potential asbestos removed safely from the site. 

Why Call Brickley Environmental?

If you suspect that your building has asbestos, call the professionals at Brickley Environmental. We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to identify and remove asbestos from your property. In addition to asbestos removal, Brickley Environmental offers additional services, including the following:

  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal 
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation

Call the friendly, courteous staff at Brickley Environmental today. We will listen to your needs, answer questions about our services, and provide the services needed to ensure that the asbestos or other unwanted materials are removed. 

For more information about asbestos exposure and how it can cause cancer, click here to visit the National Cancer Institute website.