Monday, September 17, 2007
Quick Statistic For Your Next School Board Meeting
Federal statistics show about 20 percent of schools in the nation report air-quality problems.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Custodians Get Sick While Cleaning Mold
I just read that in Houston seven school custodians were hospitalized after getting sick from mold. Apparently the mold smell in the school building is strong enough for the custodians union to claim that the building is not safe for students, teachers and other staff members. You can read the full article here.
Here are a number of articles about mold found at SchoolFacilities.com:
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:Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Another School Board Discusses Mold
A Texas school district board is meeting this week to discuss a major mold problem at one of its schools. Apparently the problem will cost millions to solve as everything from the insulation to the exterior brick work needs to be replaced. Sound familiar?
Use the article title above to link to the full story.
In the meantime, has anyone noticed how many problems America's schools experience with poor indoor air quality? From mold to formaldehyde it seems as if our classrooms are unsafe, especially in older buildings. Sounds like a few more building codes and laws need to be in place to fix this "growing" problem. Write us, blog us or email us with your comments.
Now go get some fresh air.
Use the article title above to link to the full story.
In the meantime, has anyone noticed how many problems America's schools experience with poor indoor air quality? From mold to formaldehyde it seems as if our classrooms are unsafe, especially in older buildings. Sounds like a few more building codes and laws need to be in place to fix this "growing" problem. Write us, blog us or email us with your comments.
Now go get some fresh air.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Summer School For Mold, Mildew And Indoor Air Quality Projects
Yesterday a friend called me and mentioned that his new home in Iowa was tested to have high levels of Radon. This prompted me to send him a link to www.pureaircontrols.com for some help with this subject. I also sent him to the EPA web site and both seemed to help out.
What does this have to do with Schools? This event prompted me to remind our education facility managers and school administrators that during summer break testing your buildings for indoor air problems is a good idea, especially when students and teachers are off campus. This gives you the time and space required to check the ventilation systems, test problematic spaces such as old schools and portable classrooms, conduct abatement if needed and prepare your classrooms for the upcoming semester. Providing safe and healthy learning environments for students and teachers is a breath of fresh air for everyone.
What does this have to do with Schools? This event prompted me to remind our education facility managers and school administrators that during summer break testing your buildings for indoor air problems is a good idea, especially when students and teachers are off campus. This gives you the time and space required to check the ventilation systems, test problematic spaces such as old schools and portable classrooms, conduct abatement if needed and prepare your classrooms for the upcoming semester. Providing safe and healthy learning environments for students and teachers is a breath of fresh air for everyone.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Heatwaves Can Lead To Poor Indoor Air In Schools
Facility managers listen up. Proper HVAC maintenance before, during and after the heavy use periods is directly related to improved indoor air in your classrooms, energy efficiency and overall lifecycle costs. Keep the filters clean, especially on portable classroom HVAC systems, keep the coils free and clear of debris and always be sure to be ventilating with the required amount of outside fresh air.
Moisture leads to mold and mold leads to poor indoor air quality. Stay cool and breath easy!
Moisture leads to mold and mold leads to poor indoor air quality. Stay cool and breath easy!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Renovation Project Uncovers Mold At A California High School
This headline and article caught my attention and seems to cover a frequent occurrence with renovation of school facilities in the United States. Mold is being discovered in older school facilities in the walls, under carpet and throughout the ventilation systems. The real problem is when it's not discovered!
Mold Clean-Up Begins At A Lodi High School
Read the article here.
Mold Clean-Up Begins At A Lodi High School
Read the article here.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
High Performance, Environmentally Responsible, Energy Saving, Sustainable Roof Systems
National Coatings Corporation (NCC), announces the release of their new Low Rise Roofing Adhesive (LRRA) adding to their extensive line of high performance, environmentally responsible, energy saving, sustainable roof systems for commercial and industrial buildings.
Camarillo, CA June 27, 2007 -- National Coatings Corporation (NCC), announces the release of theirnew Low Rise Roofing Adhesive (LRRA) adding to their extensive line of high performance, environmentallyresponsible, energy saving, sustainable roof systems for commercial and industrial buildings.Roofing screws and fasteners can now be a thing of the past. "Why make holes in a roof only to try to seal themup?" says Matt Kolb, President of National Coatings Corporation. The rapidly increasing acceptance of low riseroof adhesives is the result of their many benefits. One study even suggests that the labor savings alone can be upto 75% over the mechanically fastened systems! Seamless monolithic LRRA eliminates the temperaturetransmission from mechanical fasteners resulting in greatly improved building efficiency and positively affectingclimate change. The National Roofing Contractors Association estimates that up to a whopping 18% of the roofsystems R-value can be recovered by using polyurethane adhesive instead of fasteners.
This very high performing product has been subjected to the industry's most rigorous testing includingUnderwriter Laboratories UL 1897, Uplift Tests for Roof Covering Systems and FM Approvals Standard 4470 forsecuring selected roof insulations for various windstorm classifications.
Vince LaBruzzo, National Sales Manager states that "the benefits of adhesion to nearly every deck type, addedinsulation, long list of credentials, no disruption to building occupants, no VOC's and significant labor savings are sure to please the roofing community.
Performance through Innovation™ is the way National Coatings Corporation (http://www.nationalcoatings.com/) responds to the needs of the roofing community. This is a roofing system component engineered to last a lifetime.
About National Coatings Corporation
Performance through Innovation™, National Coatings Corporation (Camarillo, CA) is a leading manufacturerand supplier of premium-quality elastomeric roof and wall coating products. For over 25 years, NCC has providedits customers with leading edge products, support, and thought leadership. National Coatings is a charter memberof the Cool Roof Rating Council and the ENERGY STAR® Roof Products group, founding member of the RRCI(Reflective Roof Coating Institute) and was twice recognized as ENERGY STAR Roof Products Partner of theYear. NCC's leading brands include AcryShield®, AcryPly®, AcryGuard® AcryPly-D™, and AcryFlex®.
# # #
Contact Information
Matt Kolb
National Coatings Corporation
http://www.nationalcoatings.com/
800-423-9557
Camarillo, CA June 27, 2007 -- National Coatings Corporation (NCC), announces the release of theirnew Low Rise Roofing Adhesive (LRRA) adding to their extensive line of high performance, environmentallyresponsible, energy saving, sustainable roof systems for commercial and industrial buildings.Roofing screws and fasteners can now be a thing of the past. "Why make holes in a roof only to try to seal themup?" says Matt Kolb, President of National Coatings Corporation. The rapidly increasing acceptance of low riseroof adhesives is the result of their many benefits. One study even suggests that the labor savings alone can be upto 75% over the mechanically fastened systems! Seamless monolithic LRRA eliminates the temperaturetransmission from mechanical fasteners resulting in greatly improved building efficiency and positively affectingclimate change. The National Roofing Contractors Association estimates that up to a whopping 18% of the roofsystems R-value can be recovered by using polyurethane adhesive instead of fasteners.
This very high performing product has been subjected to the industry's most rigorous testing includingUnderwriter Laboratories UL 1897, Uplift Tests for Roof Covering Systems and FM Approvals Standard 4470 forsecuring selected roof insulations for various windstorm classifications.
Vince LaBruzzo, National Sales Manager states that "the benefits of adhesion to nearly every deck type, addedinsulation, long list of credentials, no disruption to building occupants, no VOC's and significant labor savings are sure to please the roofing community.
Performance through Innovation™ is the way National Coatings Corporation (http://www.nationalcoatings.com/) responds to the needs of the roofing community. This is a roofing system component engineered to last a lifetime.
About National Coatings Corporation
Performance through Innovation™, National Coatings Corporation (Camarillo, CA) is a leading manufacturerand supplier of premium-quality elastomeric roof and wall coating products. For over 25 years, NCC has providedits customers with leading edge products, support, and thought leadership. National Coatings is a charter memberof the Cool Roof Rating Council and the ENERGY STAR® Roof Products group, founding member of the RRCI(Reflective Roof Coating Institute) and was twice recognized as ENERGY STAR Roof Products Partner of theYear. NCC's leading brands include AcryShield®, AcryPly®, AcryGuard® AcryPly-D™, and AcryFlex®.
# # #
Contact Information
Matt Kolb
National Coatings Corporation
http://www.nationalcoatings.com/
800-423-9557
Indoor Air Quality Test Results Prove Major Problems In 9 Out Of 10 Households
AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007 Reveals IAQ Problems in 9 Out of 10 Homes
AirAdvice was founded in 1999 to support and improve quality of life for people suffering from conditions related to poor indoor air quality. Since our inception, we have compiled the largest collection of indoor air quality data in the world. Culling over a billion points of data from 49,130 IAQ tests conducted over a 34-month period, AirAdvice has compiled these findings in the AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007.
AirAdvice senior IAQ chemist Lucas Klesch - one of the white paper's authors elaborates on the significance of this report. "Besides making people aware of just how seriously prevalent indoor air problems are and how these problems affect them, the report explains how uncovering and resolving IAQ problems creates a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment and helps cut energy costs, too."
The AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007 gives HVAC contractors detailed statistics and information on indoor air quality problems, as well as helpful information for contractors' customers. Highlights from the 28-page report include:
96.7% of all homes tested had at least one indoor air quality problem.
The most common indoor air quality problem in North American homes is particle allergens (e.g., dust, dander, pollen, spores, bacteria, and other airborne pollutants). Over 91% of homes tested showed elevated particle allergen levels.
Chemical pollutant (volatile organic compound) problems were the second-most frequent type of problem found. Elevated chemical pollutant levels were found in 7 out of 10 homes (70%).
Carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels were outside recommended ranges in many homes.
Carbon monoxide, a clear, odorless, and potentially deadly gas, was found at elevated levels in 2% of homes.
The tests were conducted in cooperation with a network of over 1500 HVAC-IAQ professionals who placed the AirAdvice IAQ monitor in homes across North America to test for six indoor air problem types: particle allergens, chemical pollutants (volatile organic compounds), temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
The AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007 is available for download at by clicking here. Or, visit www.airadvice.com for additional indoor air quality resources and information.
AirAdvice was founded in 1999 to support and improve quality of life for people suffering from conditions related to poor indoor air quality. Since our inception, we have compiled the largest collection of indoor air quality data in the world. Culling over a billion points of data from 49,130 IAQ tests conducted over a 34-month period, AirAdvice has compiled these findings in the AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007.
AirAdvice senior IAQ chemist Lucas Klesch - one of the white paper's authors elaborates on the significance of this report. "Besides making people aware of just how seriously prevalent indoor air problems are and how these problems affect them, the report explains how uncovering and resolving IAQ problems creates a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment and helps cut energy costs, too."
The AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007 gives HVAC contractors detailed statistics and information on indoor air quality problems, as well as helpful information for contractors' customers. Highlights from the 28-page report include:
96.7% of all homes tested had at least one indoor air quality problem.
The most common indoor air quality problem in North American homes is particle allergens (e.g., dust, dander, pollen, spores, bacteria, and other airborne pollutants). Over 91% of homes tested showed elevated particle allergen levels.
Chemical pollutant (volatile organic compound) problems were the second-most frequent type of problem found. Elevated chemical pollutant levels were found in 7 out of 10 homes (70%).
Carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity levels were outside recommended ranges in many homes.
Carbon monoxide, a clear, odorless, and potentially deadly gas, was found at elevated levels in 2% of homes.
The tests were conducted in cooperation with a network of over 1500 HVAC-IAQ professionals who placed the AirAdvice IAQ monitor in homes across North America to test for six indoor air problem types: particle allergens, chemical pollutants (volatile organic compounds), temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
The AirAdvice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007 is available for download at by clicking here. Or, visit www.airadvice.com for additional indoor air quality resources and information.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Poisonous Mold
A librarian in New York State claims to have been made so sick by the mold in her school that she cannot return to the building.
Link
Link
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Indoor Air Quality Improvements Save Energy Q & A
Q: Can improving the IAQ in our school reduce energy consumption?
A: You might be tempted to think the answer is NO. Many factors in a school, some that involve energy, can impact the IAQ in a building: cleaning materials, products and practices, maintenance, paints, furniture, carpet, plug loads, ventilation, CO2 levels, humidity, temperature. The list goes on and on. But after closer evaluation and improved understanding of what determines IAQ in a school, it turns out there is a direct correlation between IAQ improvements and energy reduction.
Read the full article at SchoolFacilities.com here.
A: You might be tempted to think the answer is NO. Many factors in a school, some that involve energy, can impact the IAQ in a building: cleaning materials, products and practices, maintenance, paints, furniture, carpet, plug loads, ventilation, CO2 levels, humidity, temperature. The list goes on and on. But after closer evaluation and improved understanding of what determines IAQ in a school, it turns out there is a direct correlation between IAQ improvements and energy reduction.
Read the full article at SchoolFacilities.com here.
U.S. EPA settles with SoCal mold prevention company for $11,700
From The IEQ Review June 20, 2007
Sample bottles lacked safety information, directions for use by Francisco Arcaute, EPA LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with American Mold Guard, Inc., a San Juan Capistrano, Calif. mold prevention company, for $11,700 for alleged violations of federal pesticide law.
[FULL STORY]
Sample bottles lacked safety information, directions for use by Francisco Arcaute, EPA LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with American Mold Guard, Inc., a San Juan Capistrano, Calif. mold prevention company, for $11,700 for alleged violations of federal pesticide law.
[FULL STORY]
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