Know the Symptoms of Mold Exposure

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Mold is an organism that can be found almost anywhere on Earth. For the most part, mold is harmless, especially in dry conditions where it cannot spread and grow. However, when it enters a moist or humid atmosphere, one that is protected from the outside elements, it can grow and start to consume the organic materials inside. Left unchecked, the spores from the mold will spread out to the rest of the home or building, causing even more damage and affecting the health of those who live or work inside.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, most of the symptoms associated with mold exposure are also associated with many types of upper respiratory allergies. However, if there are large numbers of mold spores in the home or building, then usually more than one person will exhibit the same symptoms which may include the following:

  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Post Nasal Drip
  • Coughing
  • Itchy Nose, Throat, and Eyes
  • Dry Skin

In rare cases, some people experience more severe reactions that include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and mold-induced asthma. Such incidents are rare, but may indicate a very high presence of mold.

Identifying Mold as the Cause

Once mold has been ruled as the source of the symptoms and they are persistent, the next step is to search for the source. You should conduct an inspection of your home and look for areas that are prone to being humid, such as near the water heater, air conditioner, and pipes. Also any cracks or openings that might allow moisture to come in.

Business owners will need to do the same if their employees are suffering from mold-related allergies. The sooner that a mold infestation is detected, the easier it is to remove it from the home or building. The longer the mold stays inside and grows, the costlier repair will be as materials will have to be replaced and in rare cases the home or building may be condemned.

If you suspect that your home or workplace has mold, you should contact the professionals at Brickley Environmental. They offer top-flight inspection, identification, and removal service of mold. Their experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to properly and safely remove the mold and repair or replace the damage it has caused. Call today and find out more about the services that Brickley Environmental offers!

Know the Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

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Lead has been an important metal used for thousands of years in many different products. However, it was not until the 20th century that the threat of lead poisoning was fully understood. By the 1970s, lead was banned from most products, especially paints, and many considered the issue to have been successfully addressed.

However, recent discoveries in states like California have shown lead remains in the water supply and still poses a threat. Even today, it is still important to be able to identify the symptoms of poisoning early so that it may be addressed quickly.

Symptoms in Adults

For adults, the symptoms of lead poisoning are difficult to properly diagnose because they can often be confused with other illnesses or issues. The common symptoms of lead’s presence in the body include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Pain in muscles, abdominal area, and joints
  • Headaches
  • Mood disorders
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • High blood pressure
  • Reduced sperm count
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth

Usually, it is only when several people show up to medical facilities with the same condition that lead in the environment is checked for as a possible cause. If there is no discernable cause for your symptoms, you should ask the physician to check for the presence of lead.

Symptoms in Children

This is where lead poisoning is particularly insidious as it can stunt the growth and development of children, especially those under the age of five. Possible signs of poisoning include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Delays in development
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Loss of hearing & seizures

Sources of Lead Poisoning

The two most common sources of lead exposure come from pipes and paint made before the 1970s. While such sources are fewer and farther between today, in California recent tests in some communities showed that lead pipes are still being used in poorer, less developed neighborhoods that have not changed since the 1960s or before.

It’s also possible that lead contamination of the water supply may come from natural sources as well. Regardless of the source, if there are any signs of lead poisoning in the community, water supplies should be checked out quickly so that any lead contamination can be addressed effectively.

If you believe that lead is present in your home, building, or facility, contact the team at Brickley Environmental. They have the knowledge, skill, and equipment to inspect, identify, and remove lead from the property. Do not let another day go by if you suspect that your family or employees may be exposed to lead.

Know the Symptoms of Asbestosis

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Even though the dangers of asbestos are well-known, as exposure to asbestos becomes less frequent the symptoms may be misdiagnosed more often. It is possible that some people who might be successfully treated instead suffer and become worse. That’s why it is important to understand the symptoms associated with asbestos exposure, which can cause certain forms of cancer and asbestosis.

What is Asbestosis?

This is a version of pulmonary fibrosis where the lungs are scarred by the presence of asbestos over a long period. It is not cancer per say, but it does have the same root cause as many asbestos-type cancers, including mesothelioma. The cause is usually a long-term exposure to asbestos which is still present at construction sites, industrial facilities, and ships. It should be noted that long-term exposure generally comes from indoor conditions, even though asbestos can also be found in nature.

Identifying the symptoms of asbestosis are not easy because there are other respiratory conditions that have similar symptoms. Common symptoms of long-term exposure include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Shortness of Breath & Crackling Sound
  • Persistent Dry Coughing
  • Tightness & Pain in the Chest
  • Loss of Weight, Appetite, & Fatigue

More advanced symptoms may include pulmonary hypertension, which can be quite dangerous if not correctly identified. It may lead to heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Another symptom is the clubbing of fingers and toes, where the tips appear wider and rounder than they should. This occurs because the blood flow is not reaching the extremities properly and signals an issue with the delivery of oxygen in the body.

Because other, less severe illnesses also carry many of the same symptoms, it is important to consider if the person suffering has been exposed to asbestos. This means going into their work history and where they have lived, and having the proper tests run if exposure is suspected. Keep in mind that symptoms may not appear until ten or even twenty plus years of exposure.

Treatment

While there is no cure, if asbestosis is caught early, the symptoms can be treated. However, it can be difficult for physicians to correctly diagnose the issue unless they understand that the patient has been exposed to asbestos. Although the presence of asbestos has been greatly reduced since it was restricted in the 1970s, there are still about 1,000 Americans who are diagnosed with medical issues related to asbestos.

Therefore, removal of the asbestos from all facilities, homes, and businesses is vital to the health of those who live or work inside. If you or someone you know is exhibiting one or more symptoms of asbestos exposure and suspect that your home or workplace may have asbestos present, contact the experts at Brinkley Environmental. They have the experience, skills, and equipment to inspect, locate, and remove asbestos from the premises in a safe manner.

Increased Threat of Mold After Hurricanes

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Recent hurricanes, Harvey and Irma, have done extensive damage to both Houston and Puerto Rico respectively. But the impact is not just in physical damages. In the wake of flooded homes and damaged properties lies the growing threat of mold which may cause respiratory issues for the many thousands returning to their homes.

What is Mold?

Mold is a living organism that is present virtually everywhere on land. You can find mold and its spores in outdoor and indoor environments, but for the most part it is harmless save for those with allergies to airborne particles. However, in the presence of humid air, mold can become a threat to both health and property if left unchecked.

When mold enters an environment that is moist and humid, it takes hold of virtually all materials and begins to grow. Mold will consume organic materials such as wood and its spores will spread through the interior of homes at a rapid rate. If not caught early, mold can cause considerable damage and in some cases, cause the structure to be condemned or rendered unusable.

While the effects on health are less severe, the presence of mold will cause respiratory issues for those who are vulnerable, such as people with asthma, and even affect those who are in good health. In rare cases, long-term exposure to mold spores will cause serious breathing issues which is why the removal of the mold is of paramount concern.

Removing Mold

Because Hurricane Harvey dumped over 50 inches of water in the greater Houston area and considerable amounts along the Gulf Coast, along with Hurricane Irma causing massive precipitation in Puerto Rico, the threat of mold has increased considerably in these areas. In fact, it is already causing damage to property and affecting the health of those living in these ravaged areas.

Removing the mold starts with inspections and identifying the areas in which mold has intruded into homes, buildings, facilities, and structures. The sooner it is identified, the easier the mold is to remove. For residents living along the Gulf Coast and Puerto Rico who were affected by the storm, it is important to conduct an inspection to ensure that the massive precipitation did not cause or worsen existing damage that allowed moisture to seep inside.

Once inside, mold can grow rapidly as it is protected from the harsher outdoor environment. So, when any growth is spotted, the first step is to eliminate the source of moisture. Then the mold can be removed and any material that has been damaged is repaired or replaced. Lastly, the area is dried out using fans or blowers to reduce the humidity levels, so the mold does not grow back.

If you want more information about how to remove mold from your home or business, contact the experts at Brickley Environmental. They have the knowledge and experience to properly remove mold from buildings to create a safe environment for those living or working inside.

What to Do With Electronic Waste in Your Home

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Of the many different types of waste that people have in their homes, one of the most overlooked is electronic devices. From chargers to old cellphones to other electronic gear, these types of devices carry both valuable metals and hazardous waste that needs proper recycling and disposal. The average household has more than 24 electronic devices of some type, and around the holiday season some of these devices get upgraded and replaced. At some point or another, every homeowner will need to deal with this issue.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of the electronic waste in your home the proper way, which will avoid potential health issues and perhaps even make you a little money.

Recycle

First, you’ll want to locate the nearest recycling center that takes electronic devices. There is a big market for used electronic parts of all types and the metals inside may be valuable as well. You can look for recycling centers that pay for certain types of metals and materials to see if they might be valuable. However, in most cases you will probably only get a small amount back.

Donate

If you have devices that still work, but are no longer useful to you such as an older computer, consider donating them instead. There are many non-profit organizations that provide used electronics to adults and children around the world who need them. They will take your device if it is still in good working condition, refurbish it, and ship it to those who need it.

Sell

If you have devices that still work that you think might be valuable enough to sell, it’s easy to find out. You can go to auction sites such as eBay and check out similar items that are up for sale. This will give you an idea of the market price for what you own. Be sure to add shipping costs and all the details about your device, including photos which show any marks, scrapes, or damage which may affect its value.

It really helps if you look for green products when buying new electronic devices to minimize the hazardous waste associated with these products. Gadgets that have an Energy Star label or have been certified by Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool or EPEAT are good places to start. That way, you can reduce the amount of needless electronic waste while getting the most out of the products that you own.

For more information about electronic waste disposal, contact the experts at Brickley Environmental. They can help you properly dispose of such devices to create a safe environment in your home, office, or facility.