The electric (E) field emissions in this residential bedroom are originating from the electrical wiring system inside the wall cavity. The electrical conduit is running horizontally about 20 inches above the floor level connecting the electrical outlets in the room. An additional E-field source is the ungrounded/unshielded power cord for the reading light. Therefore, we need a two pronged approach. First, eliminating the E-field emissions from the walls, and secondly rewiring the light with a power cord with a shielded and grounded power cord.

The benchmark or target goal of this E field mitigation is E-field level of below or equal to 0.3V/m. The Building Biology Evaluation Guidelines for Sleeping Areas SBM-2015 and the Austrian Medical Association (ÖÄK) use the following criteria for bedrooms.

The first step is to unplug the reading light and to conduct E-field measurements at the bed site. The photo on the bottom shows the bedroom with the bed in place and the headboard wall. E-field measurements are conducted area at nine (9) different points at the top surface of the bed. The color graphic show the electric field levels detected in Volt/meter (V/m) at each location. The top represent the headboard area of the bed and the bottom the foot area.

After the first application of the shielding paint (YShield HSF54) to the headboard wall surface, measurements were repeated at the same nine locations to evaluate the results, i.e. determine what reduction has been achieved and if the target goal has been reached. For the E-field shield to work it has to be connected to ground. A grounding plate and grounding straps are attached to the wall and a cable connected to ground.

The measurement results show a significant E-field reduction in the head and center area of the bed. However, it is apparent that the wall to the right of the bed has some impact on the field levels (yellow areas). Therefore, we now applied a shielding coat to the wall to the right of the bed.

It is imperative that all E-field shielding surfaces are connected to a proper grounding system and continuity of conductance of shielding surfaces is achieved. Any grounding work should be conducted by a licensed and experience electrical contractor. Grounding is also important part of electrical safety in such a project.

After two walls are now shielded, the measurements are repeated. The graphic below shows the results obtained afterwards.

The measurement results show the target goal has been achieved. E-field levels are now zero in the head area and all remaining areas are below or at our benchmark of 0.3 V/m. Congratulation, the mitigation project has been successful.

To complete the project, need to repaint the wall. We used Zinsser BIN Shellac primer to counteract any potential odor emissions from the shielding paint. Two coats were applied. Finally, a coat of flat latex paint was applied to bring the room back to the original color theme and the shielding mitigation is not noticeable.

The last step is the rewiring of the reading light with a shielded power cord by electrician. This is scheduled to be performed. We place cut off switch into the outlet, in the meantime, so that the room can be occupied again. The occupant will have to turn the reading light off at the outlet switch to break the electrical connection and not at the reading light.

The following individuals were part of the EMF Mitigation Consortium that completed the successful E-field shielding project. Have a good night’s rest.

Peter Sierck     EMF &RF Solution       Principal

Kirk Gilliam     Light Connector          Electrical Contractor

Suki Ince                                              Solar Energy Expert

Overview

Microbial growth on building materials is always an undesirable occurrence and will often lead to some type of health symptoms in susceptible individuals. A specific fungi, Stachybotrys chartarum also called atra, has gained significant notoriety in the scientific, medical and legal community. Stachybotrys can contribute to specific health symptoms if sufficient exposure occurs. A number of personal injury lawsuits have been filed against restoration contractors for exposing occupants to its spores and mycotoxins.

There are numerous species of Stachybotrys, but Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) has been determined to cause health effects which necessitate precautions being taken when working in environments contaminated with this organism.

What is it?

Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black fungus that can grow on wet material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content. The color of visible growth of Stachybotrys is due to the spores. Spores are the reproductive bodies of fungi and are analogous to the seeds of a plant. While growing, Stachybotrys colonies are moist (slime mold) and the spores are not easily aerosolized, but the spores can easily become airborne during demolition or when dry.

Where is it?

Stachybotrys chartarum can be found world wide growing on materials which high cellulose content such as paper, wallpaper, drywall paper, fiberboard, gypsum board, particle board, seeds and textiles. For Stachybotrys to grow, these materials must be wet for sometime (7 to 12 days). It grows best at temperatures which are comfortable for humans. Chronic leaks or moisture conditions promote growth of Stachybotrys.

Inadequately dried building materials in structures which have sustained moisture intrusions due to rain, plumbing floods or other causes, are susceptible to the growth of the fungi. Gypsum boards behind waterproof wall coverings are particularly susceptible because moisture and humidity levels can not dissipate rapidly. Unless a moisture survey is conducted, the excess moisture may go undetected long enough for Stachybotrys growth to occur.

Why the concern?

Toxic metabolites called trichothecene mycotoxins can be produced by Stachybotrys chartarum. These mycotoxins are a normal part of the metabolism of these fungi under certain conditions, but can cause health symptoms in humans and animals exposed to significant quantities. Once produced, the toxic compounds remain chemically stable for many years.

Animals are most often affected by these fungi from eating contaminated feed. However, the toxins produced can also irritate the skin and the mucosal membranes in humans. The chemicals are toxic when inhaled and can suppress the immune system. The most significant route of exposure is inhaling particles or spores and mycotoxins. If Stachybotrys chartarum spores are released into the air, there is a potential for allergic, respiratory or immunological symptoms to develop or become exacerbated. Stachybotrys chartarum is one of many toxin producing mold species.

Conditions most often associated with Stachybotrys chartarum exposures include:

• Cold and flu like symptoms
• Eye irritation and inflammation
• Red skin rash
• Irritation of inflammation of nasal passages, lungs and sinuses
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Inability to concentrate

How do I know if Stachybotrys chartarum is present?

If there are health complaints from occupants which correlate with possible exposure to Stachybotrys, a survey should be conducted by qualified professionals. An experienced environmental mycologist can easily identify Stachybotrys spores from a spore trap sample, surface sample or in bulk samples. Most Stachybotrys spores are not able to grow under laboratory conditions so testing by culturable methods which require growth of the organism are not reliable methods for determining the presence of this fungus.

Scotch tape lift samples or swab surface samples are an easy way to identify Stachybotrys on the job site. When small patches of black mold growth are discovered on building materials, a piece of scotch tape or a swab is pressed gently to the surface and can lift a sample which an experienced environmental mycologist can identify. An experienced mold inspector will be able to collect the samples in a fashion that a trained mycologist can readily identify the mold genus.  

What should I do if I find Stachybotrys chartarum?

Occupants in the affected area should be notified by the building owner or other appropriate person. Health risks and remediation methods cannot be predicted based simply on the presence of Stachybotrys chartarum in the building materials by sampling results alone. Elevated airborne mold spore levels cannot be assumed by the presence of mold growth on the building materials. An exposure route has to be present.

Depending on the extent of the contamination problem, different levels of containment are necessary for remediation of Stachybotrys contaminated building materials.

• In all situations, the cause of water accumulation must be discovered and eliminated
• Clean up should be conducted when the affected areas are unoccupied.
• Trained and experienced professional remediation companies should be hired for the removal (ask for certifications from ACAC, IICRC or RIA)
• Personal protective gear must be worn by workers at all times.
• Consultation with and evaluation by a Certified Microbial Consultant may be advisable if sensitive population is present or the mold growth is expected to be > 10 sq. ft.
• Post-remediation verification can document the efficacy of the remediation and provides an assessment for re-occupancy.

Should you suspect a mold problem and would like to speak to trained and certified microbial consultants, please call us at 760-804-9400.

– Environmental Testing & Technology, Inc.

References:

< http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm >

< https://www.emlab.com/app/fungi/Fungi.po?event=fungi&type=primary&species=35>

< http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/em/downloads/pdf/sandy/epi-mold-guidelines.pdf>

< http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC145304/>

< http://www.ictm.com/Reports/ereport_Vol1No6.pdf>

Expecting a child is a joy filled, exciting and demanding time in a parent’s life. It’s a time of change not only for a prospective parent, but also for their home. Specific preparations and renovations are required to provide the best environment for the baby’s arrival.

While many gifts will be provided at showers, you can anticipate that additional items will still be needed. Typically, everything is brand new and still originally wrapped or in boxes to make sure that the baby will get the best and the newest items. The nursery will have new furniture, new paint, new flooring, new bedding, clothing and curtains – it will mimic a beautifully decorated show room in a furniture store and it may also smells that way: that recognizable, slight chemical-like odor of a lot of brand new items.

During late pregnancy and when children are small, we typically spend more time in the indoor environment. In order to truly create the best and healthiest environment for an infant, ET&T suggests you give consideration to hazards not visible to the naked eye. For example, utilizing PID on-site diagnostic devices (photo-ionization detector), we have measured multiple nurseries and detected much higher TVOC levels (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) in the sensitive nursery environment as compared to the rest of the living quarters. At times, the levels were equal to the levels detected in the garage or garden shed where chemicals, such as pesticides and paints were actually stored.

One airborne pollutant that can be part of the chemical cocktail present in nurseries is Formaldehyde (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formaldehyde.html). It is used in many manufacturing processes and can cause eye, nose and throat irritations. Through our experience, we have measured significant levels of formaldehyde off-gassing from foam mattresses, changing table pads, furniture and flooring. Other chemicals of concern are the SVOCs (Semi-Volatile Chemical Compounds). These compounds settle out of the air quickly and become part of the surface dust. Some SVOCs are found in materials which contain fire retardants (PBDEs – polybrominated diphenyl ethers and chlorinated akryl phosphates) and documented studies link them to developmental challenges, infertility, hormone disruption and more. This group includes fire retardants which were used in furniture, nursing pillows, car seats, carpets and clothing until January of 2014. They are present in house dust and are either inhaled or ingested, putting toddles that are playing and crawling on the floor at a high risk.

Plastic toys, bottles, food containers and play mats are other sources of chemicals contaminants that may create an exposure to little ones through contact with food, water and house dust. BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates and PVC introduced in unsafe levels can mimic the hormone estrogen and cause adverse consequences to health (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=phthalates ). Our babies and toddlers are the most vulnerable population and testing for indoor toxins is an early and invaluable investment in the long term well being of our children

In addition to chemicals, there are environmental stressors that we can prudently avoid simply through placement and management. EMFs (extremely low frequency AC-magnetic fields) and interior RFs (radio frequency fields) are emitted from many electrical devices that are commonly used in our homes. Elevated AC-magnetic fields have been linked to childhood leukemia in several studies but this is still debated within the scientific community (http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/faculty/publications/Kheifets/Kheifets_Bioelectro_2005.pdf ). Due to the uncertainty and pending literature, prudent avoidance is the safest route. AC-magnetic fields may be present from the service drop, circuit breaker panels or local distribution lines entering the nursery through the walls. Baby monitors, while conveniently helpful to parents, need to be carefully located in order to mitigate their RF effects.

Other sources of RF exposure which can affect babies (even while in the womb) are mobile phones placed or used nearby. According to a study from Yale University, radiation from wireless devices can have non-thermal, biological effects on humans, including DNA strand breaks and other impacts not previously known (http://www.nature.com/srep/2012/120315/srep00312/full/srep00312.html ). Fortunately, EMF fields and RF radiation can be managed with a professional audit of your devices that measures, evaluates risk and makes recommendations for optimum placement.

In storage areas and around the outside of your home, herbicides and pesticides may be present. Insects and weeds are best controlled by a utilizing a Management Program and avoiding the generalized “kill it all” spray schedule, used by many professional exterminators and landscapers. Non-toxic alternatives are readily available on the market and can provide remedies specific to your needs.

There are many things you can do to prevent or limit the environmental stressors that you and your loved ones might be exposed to. Your baby may be blissfully unaware of your decorating efforts and loving intentions but the effort to control toxins will give you peace of mind and give him/her an excellent start in life.

The following list is provided to assist you in achieving a healthy home:

• Choose zero VOC water based paint for the remodel of the nursery (and throughout the house). If you decide to strip down paint coats, please consider the age of the home as buildings constructed before 1979 may contain paint with high lead content.
• Avoid flooring materials that are suspected of or known to emit chemicals. If you decide to install new flooring, chose a natural less toxic material and install it early enough that it has a chance to “off-gas” harmful chemicals.
• Pregnant women and small children should not participate in any of the remodeling work or be exposed to the generated dust or odors.
• Solid wood furniture contains less glues and is less likely to off-gas formaldehyde or other VOCs. The recommended surface finishes are acrylic water based, which create the least odors, and waxed or oiled finishes.
• Avoid pads and furniture containing polyurethane and fire retardants. Buy untreated products produced before 2005 or after 2014 – the best choices are untreated products made of natural fibers such as certified organic cotton and wool.
• New bedding, clothing and curtains should be laundered prior to placing them in the nursery.
• Avoid plastic products such as bottles, containers and toys that are not labeled “BPA free”. Limit the use of canned foods. Best is to convert over to glass and high quality stainless steel containers for all food storage.
• Buy natural and chemical-free products and toys whenever possible – for example: BPA-free plastic toys may still contain EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or items labeled PVC free might still contain phthalates.
• It is a good idea to check the manufacturer’s online recall list and the government’s official recall site to verify you are using materials that have not been found to be defective.
• Place the crib adjacent to a wall that does not have refrigerators, electrical service drops or other electrical appliances on the other side. Consider a professional EMF evaluation for best placement.
• Purchase baby monitors that are activated by motion and sounds sensors. Place them at the furthest possible distance from the crib. Wired devices emit less RF radiation. Consider an RF evaluation for best placement.
• Avoid using your mobile phone near the baby. Do not place the mobile phone, cordless phone, or other devices at their charging stations in the vicinity of the baby’s crib or play area.
• Avoid scheduled pesticide applications – consult with a licensed pest control expert on low toxicity alternatives.
• To make your home less attractive to roaches, ants and rodents, take the trash out frequently and do not leave food out.
• Have professional drying performed after a flood or consult with a mold professional if you suspect or discover mold in your home.
• Choose natural, low and non-toxic cleaning products, steam cleaners and filtered vacuums (i.e. H.E.P.A. Filtration). Organic and chemical free products, especially for the young, have become a booming industry and there is a variety of excellent products available at reasonable costs (personal care products, laundry and dish detergent, cleansers, lotions, foods, etc.).

The above list is not intended to be complete or include all potential hazards in the environment of a small child. Good websites to visit that include valuable child-specific information are:                                                                       www.healthychild.org; www.recalls.gov; www.cpsc.gov ; www.ewg.org; and www.marycordaro.com .

Should you have any questions or would like to discuss your indoor environmental concerns or schedule an on-site evaluation, please call us at 760-804-9400.

Written By Felix Neumann

If you were to see your neighbor spraying down his house with a hose everyday, you might question why. Having a spray-type sprinkler system installed in close proximity to the exterior walls of your home is not much different. Constant overspray from sprinklers can cause moisture to migrate through the walls of your home and inevitably into interior building materials. Drywall, baseboards and other building materials can become elevated with moisture and potentially help support mold growth.

Solution: To prevent this from occurring, simply do not allow your sprinklers to overspray onto exterior walls. We recommend installing a drip-system in areas that are near exterior walls. If this is not an option, the next best thing is to ensure that the sprinklers are spraying away from the building.

2. Planter Boxes Near Exterior Walls

Similarly to the sprinklers, planter boxes located in close proximity to exterior walls can cause the same problem. If the soil is consistently damp and in direct contact with the residence, it can eventually cause a moisture intrusion. Even more so, roots of some plants can crack and/or penetrate  walls. Any small intrusion is now a pathway for water to migrate easily through.

Solution: The simplest way to prevent moisture intrusions from planter boxes near your home is to not have any at all. If you insist, make certain that the planter boxes are professionally water proofed. Also, it is recommended to use plants with low water consumption such as succulents.

3. Rain Gutters Not Connected To Drains

Rain that falls from the roof may splash up onto exterior walls similar to sprinkler overspray. Large amounts of water are likely to pool near the walls of your home and possibly cause migration into building materials.

Solution: Effective rain gutters involve four proper steps. First, rain gutters need to be installed on the residence in all appropriate areas. Secondly, ensure your rain gutters are clear of all debris to allow a steady flow of water. Thirdly, rain gutters should to be connected to downspouts. Lastly, downspouts should be connected to drains or at least have an attachment to redirect water away from the structure.

4. Weed Screed Covered

Weeps screeds do exactly what they are designed to do: weep water away from the structure through a series of holes. They are installed at the base of stucco walls to allow excess moisture to escape the back of the stucco membrane. Stucco is a porous material that will absorb moisture and without a way to escape, trapped water can lead to mold growth on building materials.

Solution: Ensure that the weep screed around your house is clear from ground covering, soil and vegetation. Provide a gap between the weep screed and the ground covering to allow moisture trapped inside exterior walls to drain out properly.

5. Landscaping – Slope Towards Home

Structures built on a sloped hill can present challenge problems. Rain and other water runoff will move downhill where it may pool next to or come into contact with your building. Enough water migration can cause a moisture intrusion and may lead to mold growth on building materials.

Solution: Have an appropriate landscape design that will redirect water away from your building. Ensure that appropriate drainage is installed around the exterior of the structure.

The term “mycotoxin” refers to the toxic metabolites that are produced by different types of molds and even some bacteria. These aerobic organisms are ubiquitous in nature and thrive off organic matter whenever favorable temperatures and moisture conditions are present. Commonly, elevated levels of humidity are enough to sustain the growth of fungal colonies. Routes of exposure include direct consumption, breathing in “moldy air” in damp indoor areas, and even absorption through the skin. It wasn’t until recently that people considered mold something other than a nuisance, but over the past decade new scientific research discovered that mold inside water-damaged homes may be linked to health problems. Due to the fact that many mycotoxins target rapidly growing cells, children, adolescents and immuno-compromised are among the most vulnerable. As climate change increases, so do the complexity of mycotoxin exposure; more rainfall, storms and floods create moist conditions which sustain fungal growth, warmer temperatures are more favorable, and even droughts weaken the seeds of plants which allow for greater fungal contamination.

Molds require three environmental factors in order to survive: oxygen, food and water. Since we cannot limit the presence of oxygen nor organic matter (i.e. cellulose based building materials), moisture becomes the target in which we can control. Keeping your indoor environment dry is crucial to prevent mold from growing; water problems such as roof and plumbing leaks, floods, and irrigation overspray need to be fixed within 24-48 hours. Signs of water-damage, water-stains and musty odors indicate that a fungal colony may have already started to grow and will need to be properly addressed by a professional. Even if the water source has been identified and repaired, existing colonies will remain dormant and still retain their ability to produce mycotoxins. Whether you think or know of a potential mold problem inside of your indoor environment, it is important to have the issue resolved as soon as possible.

In recent years, more and more consumers are asking for a “mold test” with the expectation of (one) air sample inside the building and (one) outside reference sample. How much information can really be expected from such a limited scope of work and air sampling data?

Mold is present everywhere, at all times on our planet. It is nature’s garbage man whose task it is to decompose organic materials to free the elements and nutrients so that they are back in the soil and available for the next generation of plants – an important role in the circile of life.

Mold spore levels vary significantly in any given location. Limited duplicate sampling, such as two air samples collected at the same time in the same location even shows these fluctuations in variance. One location cannot represent a building assessment, as it lacks an indoor reference location. For professional exposure assessments, numerous duplicate samples must be collected (at different times) to achieve a statistical confidence for true exposure levels, according to recommendations by professional organizations in the indoor air quality industry such as ACGIH – www.acgih.gov  or the AIHA – www.aiha.org

Air sampling can be part of a mold or microbial investigations, but does it assess the present building conditions? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The levels of airborne mold spores do not provide information on the location and extent of a potential mold and moisture problem within the structure. Airborne mold spore or bacteria levels provide information on the potential exposure concerns only if enough data is available. In accordance to EmLab P&K, it is vital to “compare total concentrations from indoors, outdoors, complaint and non-complaint areas” – www.emlab.com. Collecting only one spore trap sample indoors is simply insufficient! There is a great risk for false positive or false negative conclusions, such that a building with a mold and moisture problem may or may not have any elevated or unusual mold spore levels.

Are all air sampling professionals equal by level of education and quality of practice?  Currently, zero state licensing programs in California exist that would pre-qualify a mold professional. Asbestos and Lead assessors and consultants are going through a training and testing program by State approved schools and testing centers. The asbestos and lead sampling technicians are required to work under the supervision of a fully licensed consultant or assessor. “All levels must keep their license current at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with continuous education programs”. – www.cdph.ca.gov

In California, “mold professionals” do not have to do anything; they can simply show up at your door step and call themselves a professional mold assessor. Do they calibrate their pumps, flow-check them before and after sampling, wipe them down prior to avoid cross-contamination? What is their level of education? Where have they learned industrial hygiene practices? Do they carry any recognized certifications or licenses (such as American Council for Accredited Certification – www.acac.org  or the Indoor Air Quality Association – www.iaqa.org)?  These are all questions many consumers are not aware of and bestow their trust in a high Google listing, good looking website and miss-representing sales techniques. All too often, a good deal is too good to be true.

A fact to moisture measurements: Infrared cameras are not moisture meters. They detect temperature differences at the surface of a material which may be evaporative cooling from a material during the drying process…or …a sign for lack of insulation inside the wall cavity. The world’s leading IR Imaging company state that these tools “make it easy to see temperature differences and radiation emitted from objects” – www.flir.com.  IR cameras are a good and fast screening tool for surface temperature differences but cannot replace true moisture meters which measure actual moisture content. In contrary to many claims, IR imagers can not look inside wall cavities. In order to truely know what conditions are present, opening up the wall cavity may be the best option.

The approach to collect one indoor and one outside spore trap air sample without a thorough inspection is a sub-standard building evaluation. The reports and laboratory analysis sheets appear to be scientific to the consumer but contain very little site specific information that can actually be used to evaluate or improve the indoor air quality or provide guidance for repairs. The high variance that naturally occurs with airborne mold spore levels is completely overlooked; the benefit for the customer is very limited, to say the least.

A basic mold and moisture assessment of a structure includes: a thorough visual inspection, true moisture content measurements of building materials, possible air sampling in several indoor locations and local outdoor references, possible surface sampling and a detailed site-specific report including recommendations which the customer can use to repair the building, if necessary. To discuss your indoor air quality concerns and develop a professional solution oriented approach, please call us at (760) 804-9400 or contact us at info@etandt.com.

– Environmental Testing & Technology

Written by Felix Neumann, CMC

The above link is an interesting down-to-earth video on the effects of RF fields on water in the brain. Our brain acts as an amplifier for your car key to increase the distance that the signal is received.