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Meth Lab Cleanup In Front Royal, VA, Demands Environmental Expertise

Professional meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, is essential to safely decontaminate buildings where clandestine meth labs operate, are found abandoned, or raided by law enforcement.

Meth Lab Clean Up for Front Royal, VA — Courtesy of Crystalmethbc.com

There were 9,338 meth labs shut down by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 2014. These clandestine meth labs operate everywhere – in mobile homes, portable trailers, sheds, commercial buildings, and ordinary homes like yours and mine. They contain high levels of hazardous chemicals that demand meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, involving intensive meth decontamination performed by highly-trained, licensed, insured and regulated environmental professionals.

Meth residue left behind from the cooking process contaminates the very pores of the building where it resides. Ingredients include common household products such as drain cleaner, cold medicine, lye, cooking fuel, and battery acid. Cooking methamphetamine produces five to seven pounds of toxic waste for every pound of meth it yields.

Every home that once housed a meth lab is, in essence, a hazardous waste site. Homes contaminated by methamphetamine toxicity need hard core, professional hazmat cleaning performed by environmentally knowledgeable experts. The alternatives are gutting the building interior provided the base structure is unaffected, or demolition.

Not only are the chemicals used to make the drug toxic, but meth lab cleanup is inherently dangerous because of the volatility of the chemical manufacturing process. That makes meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, very costly. Forget insurance – it is unlikely your policy offers reimbursement for any loss or expense incurred in connection with a crime.

A 2014 law now requires all landlords, property owners, and home owners to disclose the prior existence of a meth lab on their property. In response to the law The Virginia Department of Health published consumer guidelines for meth lab cleanup so Front Royal, VA, residents can learn more about how to keep themselves safe and ensure they get the level of professional services needed to provide satisfactory meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA.

Combating Black Mold in Washington, D.C.

Black mold threatens Washington, D.C. homes along with the torrential rains expected through this coming weekend. Any time nature delivers soaking rains over an extended period of time homes, apartments, and businesses are vulnerable to potential property damage and health problems associated with the rapid proliferation of black mold. Washington, D.C. residents need to be alert to the conditions that support black mold growth, how to identify black mold, and when to call for professional black mold remediation.

As multiple storm systems, which may include the late addition of Tropical Storm Joaquin, converge on the Eastern United States, the stage is set for increasingly more intense rounds of significant flooding in Washington, D.C., and Virginia into next week. These converging factors will lead to heavy rainfall, possible flooding, and perfect conditions for black mold to infiltrate Washington, D.C. properties.

Abundant tropical moisture means excessive rainfall and strong gusty winds, a one-two combination that could force floodwaters into low lying areas and into buildings prone to flooding. What appears to be a minor spot at first glance, could be a red flag for serious hidden water damage or health concerns from a black mold infestation. Washington, D.C. residents, property owners, and businesses need to be vigilant and contact the mold removal experts at Envirotex at the first signs of mold growth.

Fungus stachybotrys, or black mold, produces mycotoxins. Exposure to black mold elevates susceptibility to asthma, coughing and wheezing by 30%-50%. Black mold exposure is also linked to bronchitis and respiratory infections. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence linking black mold exposure in Washington, D.C., to upper respiratory tract symptoms including asthma and hypersensitive pneumonitis in vulnerable populations. The key to eliminating symptoms is controlling indoor moisture.

Are you facing black mold in Washington, D.C.? Waste no time contacting our experienced environmental services company. Envirotex has the credentials, expertise, and know-how to eliminate your black mold problem for good. Protect your home and family, call Envirotex today.

Protect Property Investments With Asbestos Inspections in Upperville, VA

Professional asbestos inspections in Upperville, VA, can help pave the way for a smooth real estate transaction or property renovation.

Any wise investor knows to complete their due diligence prior to purchasing a property. Along with requirements from the lender and the law, asbestos inspections of Upperville, VA, properties lend integrity to any transaction and deliver peace of mind for those considering a real estate purchase or a home renovation.

Asbestos fibers are ubiquitous in materials used in building construction before 1980, when medical research revealed the deadly link between airborne, or friable, asbestos and certain types of upper respiratory conditions, lung diseases and cancers. Although owners of residential properties with four units or less are not required by law to remove asbestos, most experts recommend asbestos inspections in Upperville, VA, to identify and eliminate asbestos as a household hazard.

Envirotex is highly qualified, licensed and insured to perform professional asbestos inspections in Upperville, VA. We perform precise, cost effective, quality work with safety as our cornerstone. With ongoing training and certification, plus expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing, the professional environmental experts at Envirotex are well-prepared to safely and efficiently help alleviate any environmental problems, including asbestos, in Upperville.

Before you sign on the dotted line, be absolutely positive the property you are purchasing is free of undesirable contaminants and other toxins. Contact Envirotex for proof positive that the property you are buying is completely asbestos free and healthy. Schedule asbestos inspections in Upperville, VA, today with the environmental experts at Envirotex.

The Risks of Unauthorized Asbestos Removal in Middleburg, VA

Is asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA one of the line items for your home or commercial renovation budget? Before performing any demolition, interior remodeling, or renovation to property built before 1980, a professional asbestos inspection should be ordered.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (a.k.a. the VA Code) regulates the disturbance, inspection, testing and removal of materials containing asbestos in buildings constructed before January 1, 1985. A permit is required by law to perform asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA.

The VA Code (section 36.99.7) also requires testing, removal and re-certification of an asbestos abatement area be conducted by a Virginia licensed asbestos contractor in accordance with existing federal and state asbestos regulations.

Single-family residential homes and rental housing with four or fewer units (unless the renovation or demolition is for commercial development) are exempt from asbestos regulations, although the presence of friable asbestos is a health hazard and should be disclosed prior to settlement.

Should you have unskilled, untrained contractors or workers perform any work in or around disturbed asbestos fibers, you may be held liable. Depending on the nature of the infraction, you could face legal action involving the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), which regulates asbestos through Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) regulations. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulates asbestos disposal in landfills.

If material containing asbestos is contained and asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA is completed in strict adherence to OSHA’s compliant work practices, then notification is not generally required. However, if materials have been damaged by water or the actions of grinding, chipping, sawing or drilling, the asbestos is unleashed as the material is friable, or airborne, and the Commonwealth would require legal notification.

Why run the risk of an asbestos-related law suit or the long-term health ramifications of a life in the shadow of asbestos contamination? Call Envirotex today. Licensed, well-trained, experienced – Envirotex performs safe, efficient, and thorough asbestos removal in Middleburg, VA.

Mold Testing For Washington, DC Rental Properties

Mold Testing Needed at Washington DC Rental Property

Mold testing for Washington, DC, rental properties is now a very real legal consideration for landlords with multi-unit rental properties in the District of Columbia.

The D.C. Council unanimously passed The Air Quality Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-365) to address growing controversy over the dangerous and expensive damage a severe mold outbreak can quickly cause. This legislation closes a serious legal loophole regarding responsibility for monitoring, managing, and treating mold in rental housing in the District.

When it comes to mold inspection and mold testing in Washington, D.C., the law establishes The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) as the managing authority to establish a licensing and accreditation program for professional mold contractors, along with minimum mold work practice standards and guidelines.

From landlord disclosure of mold conditions to the 30 day time limit a landlord has to remedy mold contamination, the law is designed to ensure Washington, D.C., tenants are living in a mold and contaminate-free environment. The first step to assessing and treating a mold outbreak is mold testing in Washington, D.C.

Mold Infested Washington DC Apartment

While we often associate mold growth with old, dank, moist basements and bathrooms, modern research has shown this to be in error. In fact:

Energy-efficient construction techniques and “whole-building” engineering practices have created the perfect environment to incubate mold spores.
Scientific findings and statements regarding the causal link between mold and certain upper-respiratory, nervous system, and immune response conditions have elevated public awareness.
Recent multimillion-dollar court settlements place mold in the same legal category as asbestos, lead, and other potential toxic and damaging environmental threats.

We now know that, depending on DNA and the environment, mold affects different people on different levels – as an allergen, infectious agent, irritant, and a toxin. But most states are slow to legislate the ubiquitous issue of mold in indoor spaces. When it comes to mold testing in Washington, D.C., most players involved would agree – the District sits poised on the cutting edge of mold legislation in this country. Stay tuned for updates.

Mold Inspections Give Fairfax, VA, Property Owners Vital Information

Mold Inspections Fairfax, VA

Mold inspections in Fairfax, VA, yield vital information regarding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the environmental health in and around a building.

Most people give little thought to the air around them. But, for those with sensitivities and allergies, a mold outbreak can lead to significant health risks. Mold inspections are scientific examinations of the materials and air in your home or workplace that can undeniably identify simmering environmental issues like a mold outbreak, And, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), who in 2009 published the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mold, research evidence clearly links indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy people.

Experts estimate Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their lives indoors. Threats to air quality include molds, bacteria and biologicals, VOCs, radon, secondhand smoke, formaldehyde, lead and atmospheric hazards from home remodeling and common household products. Homeowners and businesses can employ mold inspections in Fairfax, VA, as a component of a more comprehensive safety and environmental security plan.

Thermal Imaging for Mold Inspections in Fairfax, VA — Digital Thermal Imaging Detects Hidden Mold Growth

As anyone who has experienced the nightmare of an environmental disaster, large or small, will tell you, do not delay in addressing environmental concerns – because the problem will only grow and become more expensive if neglected. Ensuring the overall environmental health of your property is imperative to the well-being of family, coworkers, friends and guests.

If you suspect mold or something in your indoor environment is making you sick, or have concerns about the presence of harmful or toxic substances in your home or business, contact the environmental experts at Envirotex.

Envirotex – creating a healthy environment one building at a time for nearly 20 years.

Straight Talk About Black Mold Removal In Gainesville, VA

Are you considering the sale of purchase of a home or commercial property in Virginia? If so, we have valuable information about black mold removal in Gainesville, VA, that may save you from a costly investment mistake.

Before you agree to sign a real estate contract take a step back and make a minor investment in an environmental inspection and black mold removal to assure you are buying a property with long-lasting, structural integrity undamaged by then ravages of black mold.

According to the disaster relief experts at FEMA black mold removal in Gainesville, VA, “the cost of mold sampling, both pre-and post-remediation, may be eligible for reimbursement, provided there is evidence prior to remediation to indicate the existence of disaster-related mold.” Though a caveat emptor exists, for those property owners who contract for black mold removal who have no evidence of mold colonization will be responsible for the subsequent costs of testing for black mold removal.

The costs to perform eligible remediation for black mold removal in Gainesville, VA, properties may be eligible for government reimbursement. Be aware that if you fail to take “reasonable measures to prevent the spread of mold contamination to a facility, the rehabilitation and repair of the additional contaminated area will not be eligible for federal assistance.” Proof of extenuating circumstances may waive requirements.

Black Mold on Ceiling in Gainesville, Va Notice the wave pattern against the far wall in this picture of an aggressive black mold. Removal in this Gainesville, VA, property will involve full sanitation of the HVAC ductwork system snaking through the building structure. This is the damage done by just one wall-mounted ventilation duct in one room of this structure. If black mold becomes entrenched, black mold removal in Gainesville, VA, can be staggeringly expensive. Although most insurance companies do not pay for mold treatment, always check with your agent and ask about government programs that may be available for homeowners facing black mold removal in Gainesville.

If you need peace of mind regarding the existence and extent of potential black mold removal in Gainesville, VA, contact the environmental specialists at Envirotex – serving the environmental needs of homeowners and businesses in Northern Virginia since 2000.

Asbestos Inspections in Loudoun County, VA

If you are planning to remodel or add on to your home, an asbestos inspection in Loudoun County, VA, may be in order. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is quite strong and provides heat and fire resistance. It was used in a variety of construction materials until research revealed the long-term health threat.

Asbestos fibers are released into the air by any disturbance of asbestos-containing material. Typical triggers for release include storm or fire damage, demolition work, or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. Exposure occurs only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged, causing a release of asbestos particles and fibers into the air. According to the EPA exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease and cancer, but symptoms of disease take years to manifest.

Hire a qualified professional to perform an asbestos inspection in Loudoun County, VA, to assess your potential risk exposure to asbestos. This is critical if your home was built before 1980 when asbestos laws went into effect. An asbestos inspection in Loudoun County, VA, includes a thorough visual examination and the meticulous collection and laboratory analysis of material samples. If asbestos is found your asbestos contractor will provide a written report describing its location along with the extent of the damage. The report will also give recommendations for remediation or encapsulation.

Envirotex is an environmental services company specializing in asbestos inspection. Loudoun County, VA, home and property owners can contact Envirotex for safe, reliable, professional asbestos inspection and remediation. When your home or health are in jeopardy, trust the highly-qualified environmental professionals at Envirotex to get the job done right.

Mold Inspections Protect Fairfax County, VA, Home Values

Before you buy or sell a home have a professional contractor provide a mold inspection in Fairfax County, VA, to protect the integrity of your largest personal investment.

Along with ensuring your home is structurally sound and in compliance with building codes and occupancy requirements, inspections required before the sale or purchase of real property reveal defects, latent damage, and hidden hot spots that could mean expensive, uninsured repair costs years down the road.

Mold inspections in Fairfax County, VA, are typically performed along with termite inspections and mandatory testing for lead paint, radon, and asbestos. These inspections are critical to evaluating the health and proper operation of all home energy, mechanical, electrical and water systems. Smart homeowners will also have a Home Energy Audit completed to verify the integrity of the roofing system, HVAC and ductwork, as well as the secure performance of the building shell.

Test results that indicate the presence of dangerous mold, asbestos, radon, or lead will trigger development of an environmental remediation and management plan to repair and replace poorly functioning components and materials and restore a healthy and energy-efficient home environment. Mold inspection assures Fairfax County, VA, property purchasers they are buying a well-built home that will appreciate in value over time if properly maintained. While some people are susceptible to the presence of environmental toxins, the true danger uncovered in a professional mold inspection in Fairfax County, VA, is costly property damage.

Your mortgage lender may require a mold inspection in Fairfax County prior to authorizing your loan. More importantly, many insurance companies do not provide coverage in standard homeowner policies for damages resulting from water leaks that could have been remedied with simple preventive household maintenance. These can include problems like an excessive level of indoor humidity, continuous water seepage or repeated leaks, property erosion or unchecked stormwater drainage, or internal condensation around bathrooms, doors, HVAC equipment and windows. Homeowners insurance policies generally exclude damage related to flooding no matter the cause, but they do provide coverage for sudden and accidental disasters.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the most costly disaster in the United States. Their website states “anyone can purchase a policy as long as their local community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Northern Virginia property owners and renters can visit http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm to see if their property is located in a community that particpates in the NFIP.

When you need the confidence of a thorough professional mold inspection in Fairfax County, VA, call the experts at Envirotex. Licensed, certified, and fully insured, we are an environmental services company of highly-trained and accredited professionals devoted to restoring the health of your environment through careful collection and scientific testing of sample materials from your home. We have safely performed thousands of environmental services, including mold inspections for Fairfax County, VA, homeowners, since 2000. Contact Envirotex now to take control of your property and schedule your FREE, no obligation, indoor environmental consultation.

Asbestos Removal for Washington, D.C. Property Owners

Asbestos removal by Washington, D.C. commercial property owners is mandated by law when loose, microscopic particles of asbestos, found in ordinary building materials until the late 1970’s, become friable and take to the air. Asbestos fibers, like nano-knives, can then be inhaled and begin slicing into the pleura – the lining of the lungs, where they amass and slowly begin their decades-long march toward disease and suffering.

But asbestos found in other structures, including homes, can remain, where it lies dormant until it is unwittingly exposed during renovation and remodeling, or following the wake of a natural disaster. Since asbestos creates a long-term health hazard when exposed, asbestos removal in Washington, D.C. is critical to eliminate the proven danger.

Never touch, smell, or disturb any substance or material you suspect may contain asbestos. Anything from a slight vibration from a passing truck or train to repeated patterns of friction can begin the process that releases toxic microscopic mineral fibers into the air.

Envirotex, an environmental services company of highly-trained, licensed, and accredited professionals, can determine the presence of asbestos through the careful collection and scientific testing of sample materials from your home. Following your initial asbestos inspection and scientific sample analysis, Envirotex will safely perform necessary procedures for proper abatement, containment, or asbestos removal in your Washington, D.C. home or commercial property.

When your home or workplace is unsafe, especially from invisible but deadly dangers, nothing else matters. Call Envirotex – a licensed, asbestos removal contractor performing approved containment and asbestos removal in Washington, D.C. Call the environmental professionals at Envirotex today to schedule your asbestos inspection.