Lead Paint FAQs
What Is Lead-Based Paint?
Lead-based paint is a type of paint that contains lead, which is a naturally occurring metal that can be toxic to humans. Lead was added to paint because it accelerates drying, resists moisture, and increases the paint's durability, helping it keep a like-new appearance for longer. Lead paint can be found on both the interiors and exteriors of houses and buildings.
When Did Lead Paint Stop Being Used?
As early as the 1920s, consumers, businesses, and governments became increasingly aware of the health and environmental concerns associated with lead paint; however, lead-based paint was still commonly used in the construction of new homes and buildings until the late 1970s, specifically 1978.
Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?
When lead paint begins to chip, crack, and deteriorate, it can release lead particles into the air. When people inhale or swallow these lead particles over a long period of time, they can cause lead poisoning or lead toxicity. Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism and saturnism, causes a wide range of adverse health effects. Children and pregnant women should be especially cautious of lead paint exposure, as lead toxicity can cause physical and mental developmental problems in young children and unborn babies.
How Do I Know If My Home Or Building Contains Lead Paint?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, lead paint can be found in 87% of homes built before 1940 and in 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978. The most surefire way to know whether or not your home contains lead paint is to hire a licensed lead paint testing company, as do-it-yourself lead paint testing kits are often inaccurate. Here at DCM Environmental Testing Co, we provide home and business owners throughout Massachusetts and the surrounding areas with professional, on-site lead paint testing services! Contact us today for a free estimate on a lead paint test!
Does Lead Paint Need To Be Removed?
The Massachusetts Lead Law requires lead paint hazards in homes and buildings built before 1978 to be removed or covered when a child under the age of six years old is living there. Homeowners and rental property owners are responsible for complying with this law, but financial help may be available through tax credits, grants, and loans, according to Mass.gov.
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Asbestos FAQs
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of microscopic fibers. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of products and building materials because it is naturally fire resistant and is an excellent thermal insulator.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
When asbestos is disturbed, it releases microscopic fibers into the air that can be inhaled by people. Over a long period of time, inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to several different lung problems, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. For this reason, it’s incredibly dangerous to live or work in a home or building that contains asbestos.
When Did Asbestos Stop Being Used?
Studies show that asbestos was used for thousands of years due to its naturally occurring fire resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos became increasingly popular during the 19th and 20th centuries because it was used to insulate and fireproof a wide range of building materials. The use of asbestos began being phased out in the 1970s, and mining for the material ceased in 1983.
Does My Home Or Building Contain Asbestos?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the only way to truly know whether or not your home or building contains hazardous asbestos is to hire a professional asbestos testing company who can take samples and have them tested by a qualified laboratory. DCM Environmental Testing Co. offers professional, unbiased asbestos testing services throughout Massachusetts and beyond! Contact us today for a free asbestos testing estimate!
How Is Asbestos Removed?
Asbestos removal should always be performed by licensed asbestos abatement professionals who can safely remove the hazardous material without harming themselves or the public. Asbestos removal wear personal protective equipment like respirators and completely seal off the area with plastic sheeting to ensure that the asbestos fibers are contained within the work area.
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Mold FAQs
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that lives on, and breaks down, plant and animal matter. There are over 100,000 different types of mold that we know of, some of which are harmful to humans, and some of which are beneficial to us for medicinal uses and more.
What Health Effects Can Exposure To Mold Cause?
Mold releases spores into the air that can cause a wide range of allergies and health problems when they are inhaled by humans. Some symptoms of exposure to mold spores include wheezing, congestion, itching, coughing, allergy attacks, flu-like symptoms, and more. Mold exposure can be especially harmful to people who have preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma.
How Do I Know If My Home Or Building Contains Mold?
Some common signs of mold growth in a home include a musty or mildewy smell, small white or black spots on clothing & linens, odors & stains on carpets, allergy flare-ups, and more. The best way to know whether or not your home contains mold is to hire a professional, unbiased mold testing company. Contact DCM Environmental Testing Co. today for a free estimate on a mold test at your home or building!
How Should Mold Be Removed From My Home Or Building?
The best way to deal with mold in your home is to discover and resolve the root cause of the issue. Mold growth can be caused by water damage, leaky pipes, and other plumbing problems. Once the cause of the mold growth has been found and fixed, you can then attempt to scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water. Soft, porous materials like fabric, drywall, and ceiling tiles that have mold may need to be thrown out, as it can be impossible to completely remove the mold from them.