FAQs

Asbestos, a mineral which occurs naturally in rocks, is resistant to fire and is not easily degraded. It is these properties that once made asbestos an appealing substance to use in construction and building material and household products.

Unfortunately, there is no level of asbestos exposure that experts can guarantee is safe. After multiple studies of workers regularly exposed to asbestos, researchers have concluded there is a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, as well as certain types of lung and stomach cancers. The danger arises when small fibers of asbestos material break off, float in the air, and are inhaled by personnel or building occupants. These virtually invisible fibers are so small that they pass through the filters of heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems and vacuum cleaners, thus reentering the air. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become wedged in internal body tissue where it can remain for an extended period of time. Over time, cancer may develop.

In general, asbestos containing material is dangerous if it is in a deteriorated condition. When it is in this crumbling form, asbestos fibers can more easily break off and enter the air people breathe. This creates a greater health risk.

Building material that commonly contain asbestos include heating appliances, ceiling and wall coverings, ceiling coatings, floor tiles and coverings, roofing materials, water and heat pipe insulation, and house insulation.

The best way of determining whether asbestos is present is to have a survey conducted and have samples taken and analyzed by a laboratory. Alternatively, if the manufacturer of a product can be contacted, they may be able to verify whether the product contains asbestos.

The term “friable” refers to a material that can be pulverized with hand pressure. If asbestos containing material is friable, there is greater danger and health risk for exposure to asbestos.

If the asbestos containing material is friable or damaged, the concern over exposure to asbestos is escalated. In many cases, the best thing to do is to leave the asbestos-containing materials undisturbed. If renovation or demolition work will take place, asbestos abatement practices must be employed to reduce the risk of exposure.

Many hot heating pipes, heat ducts, and heating units in homes built before the 1980’s were covered with asbestos-containing materials. If undamaged, it may be appropriate to leave the material as is and maintain it. If the material is deteriorated, or to reduce future asbestos concerns, it can either be repaired and encapsulated, or removed by an asbestos specialist.

Generally, a home repair contractor is not trained or licensed in the proper procedures for managing asbestos. An experienced and licensed asbestos abatement contractor is most qualified to repair, encapsulate or remove asbestos-containing materials.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact EIS if you have questions about a specific issue.

Molds are a type of fungi that reproduce by releasing spores and are found indoors and outdoors. Molds thrive in warm, damp conditions, but can survive in harsh, dry conditions, as well. Every year, new mold species are discovered. Today, scientists estimate the number of mold species range from tens of thousands to 300 thousand.

Mold is an allergen and some people are sensitive to it. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. If a person is seriously allergic to molds, he or she may have a more severe reaction such as fever and difficulty breathing. These severe reactions are common among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings. Additionally, a person with chronic lung illnesses could also develop and infection in his or her lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mold.

Molds are found in virtually every environment. Outdoors, they are often found in shady, damp areas and in decomposing leaf litter and vegetation. Indoors they are often found in basements, showers where moisture levels are high, or anywhere that recently experienced a water event.

Generally, a homeowner cannot accurately test for mold on their own. Home test kits are available in home improvement stores; however, these kits only show that mold is present in the environment. This is not helpful because mold is always present indoors, even in very clean environments. Accurate testing relies upon proper sampling techniques along with analysis by a certified laboratory. EIS has extensive experience in sampling methodologies and all of our samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories.

There is not one best method. Numerous mold remediation techniques exist and the best one depends on each situation. EIS’s skilled team will survey each project and determine the most effective method for removal and cleaning of the mold growth.

Lead poisoning is a disease and is most dangerous for children under six years old. An excess of lead in the body can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys and nervous system in young children. At low levels, lead can reduce normal growth and cause learning and behavioral difficulties.

Children often become lead poisoned by swallowing microscopic amounts of lead paint dust. Often, a child’s normal behavior of putting their hands and toys in their mouths can cause poisoning if these things have touched lead dust or contain lead paint. If children play in leaded soil, drink contaminated water, eat vegetables or fruit grown in contaminated soil, or if leaded soil is tracked into the home, elevated levels of lead may occur in the child’s body.

No. Young children can be more easily and seriously poisoned than older children or adults, but lead exposure poses a health risk for everyone. Most lead poisoning in adults is caused by work-related exposure or renovation of an older home (pre-1978). Stained glass, bullets and fishing sinkers, also often contain lead. In adults, lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, reproductive difficulties, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory loss, and muscle and joint pain. Adults who have any of these symptoms and who have been exposed to lead should consider being screened for lead. Additionally, a pregnant woman can expose her baby to lead before birth if she becomes poisoned.

Household paint with poisonous levels of lead was in use in the U.S. from the 1960s until it was banned by the federal government in 1978. Some municipalities, like New York City, outlawed the use of lead paint earlier, in 1960. Lead can be found in all types of pre-1978 homes: urban, suburban, and rural; private, public, state or federal housing; single-family and multi-family homes. The older the house, the more likely it is to contain lead paint.

Lead paint found in a child’s residence is often the source of childhood lead poisoning. Even a microscopic amount of fine lead dust is enough to poison a child. When lead paint is found on moving surfaces, such as windows and doors, lead dust can be released through normal use. This dust settles, where it can be easily picked up on children’s toys and fingers. Even if lead paint has been covered by layers of nonleaded paint this danger still exists, especially when the paint is disturbed.

Older homes, child care facilities, and schools are more likely to contain lead-based paint. If you or your child lives in this type of residence of frequent these types or older buildings, you can assume there may be lead paint exposure. 87% of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, while 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 have some lead-based paint. Hire EIS to check for lead-based paint. Our certified inspectors and risk assessors can conduct an inspection to determine whether your home or a portion of your home has lead-based paint and where it is located. This will tell you the areas in your home where lead-safe work practices should be used for renovation, repair, or painting jobs. Our certified risk assessor can conduct a risk assessment telling you whether your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil. We can also tell you what actions to take to address any hazards.

The RRP Rule requires that renovators are trained in the use of lead safe work practices, that renovators and firms be certified, that providers of renovation training be accredited, and that renovators follow specific work practice standards.

The rule applies to all firms and individuals who are paid to perform renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. This includes home improvement contractors, maintenance workers, painters and other specialty trades.

EIS has trained tens of thousands of contractors since the inception of the RRP Rule. Sign up for a class now on our training page.

EIS provides exceptional services at a competitive price.  To inquire further about our price, please contact us at (718) 431-3535.