DAVE'S BLOG

“Something in the air” takes on a whole new meaning today than that magic spring night in the 60’s or the Tom Petty song.  Mold, Fungi, Radon, Chinese Drywall and now PCBs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s have been around since the 1940’s.  They where manmade chemicals that were widely used in construction materials and electrical products.  They were banned by Congress in 1976 because of a “concern” about their health and environmental effects. 

The use and disposal of PCBs before the phase-out resulted in their widespread presence in our soil, air, water and food. Despite the federal ban, they remain present today in caulking and sealants used in the construction or renovation of older buildings before 1978.

So why did the EPA announce guidance about this cancer causing chemical in September of 09?

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency “announced a series of steps that building owners and public school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. 

Call out the instigator
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revelution is here! . . .

The press release acknowledged the growing amounts of evidence of levels of PCBs in caulk used in older buildings with discussion as to the health concerns related to this “banned” cancer causing chemical. 

But, the press release seemed to be carefully crafted such that it did not use the words “must” or “shall” in their discussion for actions and related testing.

Is this a serious issue? 

Also the “EPA recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if the PCBs are present at significant levels . . .”

In referring to high air test levels, the EPA also stated that “building owners should be “especially vigilant” in implementing and monitoring ventilation and hygienic practices to minimize exposures . . . ”

How are people exposed to PCBs?

Though PCBs were banned from production in 1978, they still typically exist in low-levels in our environment.  They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe and in dirt and dust outside.  They build up in our bodies over many years.

This long-term build-up of PCBs is what potentially causes harm. The levels of PCBs in our environment and in the bodies of people in this country have decreased significantly over time.

So why all the fuss now?

Food is a main source of exposure to PCBs. Fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters) contains small amounts of PCBs, as do meat and dairy products.

Indoor air and dust may also be a significant source of PCB exposure from PCB-contaminated caulk, electrical products, other building materials or products that contain PCBs.

What about caulk in single-family houses or other places?

EPA has found PCBs in large scale apartment complexes and public buildings. To date, EPA has not found PCBs in caulk in single-family houses.  They do note that generally air concentrations are below the public health exposure levels developed by EPA.

Run through the fields and the houses
Because there is something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the Revolution is here! . . .

- Tom Petty

 So where does this leave you?

Unless you sleep with old caulk gun, lick your window sills or snort contaminated dust,  PCBs should not be a great concern.  On the other hand if you work or live in a room where window caulk is peeling and falling on the floor, call an inspector for testing and recommendations before you “break out” into a song . . . you heartbreaker you!

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Full Press Release http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when spores are present in large quantities, they can be a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. When molds reproduce they make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ever-present, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture indoors.

Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete. Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, plumbing problems can all lead to mold growth inside homes, offices, clubhouses, and other areas humans gather.

For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food and a substrate (material) capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are the food sources. After a single incident of water damage occurring in a building, molds grow inside the walls. The right conditions, such as high humidity, can activate a mold bloom even after a long period of being dormant after the event has occurred.

If there are mold problems in a unit or home only during a certain time of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house and moisture is trapped) and occur in drafty units or homes more frequently during the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same effect as lowering humidity.

Assessment

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is necessary.

 These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

 Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

Remediation

The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:

*Sunlight

*Ventilation

*Non-porous building materials

*Household cleansers

Significant mold growth may require professional mold remediation and removal of affected building materials. As this issue has become more and more prevalent, different states have different requirements for licensing, certifying and qualifying mold remediation technicians. 

There are Certified Mold Inspectors, Certified Mold Remediators, and Certified Environmental Hygienists, all professionals that provide services relating to mold problems. While some mild instances of mold may be able to be addressed in a do-it-yourself way, if in doubt, a professional should be engaged for this purpose. The preparation of the area for the removal of the material, the disposal of the material removed, the personal precautions that are required, generally exceed those of a maintenance worker or handyman.

If in doubt, call a professional.

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com