Categories for: Uncategorized

“BIC” Pencils have 200% more LEAD

November 1, 2013

According to the CDC, “Approximately 250,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, the level at which CDC recommends public health actions be initiated. Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body.“ Lead poisoning is still a prominent problem throughout the country and beyond, which makes us wonder... Read More

Lead found in Unexpected Places

November 1, 2013

We often talk about lead in paint, but lead can be found in many other unexpected places. 1. Pipes: Lead was used in plumbing material up until 1986 when it was banned for use in this application.  Even after it was banned, levels of up to 8% lead are still considered acceptable. Consider having your water tested to ensure it is... Read More

EPA RRP Enforcement Increasing

November 1, 2013

It has been almost two years since the EPA’s RRP Rule became law, and many of us hear the same question every day.  Where is the EPA enforcement?  This question was answered for us recently when the EPA showed up at our door to audit, not only a scheduled Dust Technician class, but also our training records. Upon thorough review... Read More

Dangers Associated with Radon Gas

November 1, 2013

Radon gas that occurs naturally with the decay of uranium.  This gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be found in ore, shale, limestone and granite. When emitted from these sources it enters the surrounding soil where it can then be disbursed into the air. So what’s so bad about radon? It’s radioactive and carcinogenic. It is one of... Read More

Legionnaires’ Disease

November 1, 2013

We’ve been seeing more and more stories in the media about reports of Legionnaires’ disease so we thought we would provide some basic info about the disease.  The name “Legionnaire” comes from the first outbreak which occurred in 1976 at the American Legion Convention, in Philadelphia PA.  The disease is caused by bacteria (legionella) which thrive in aquatic environments and when... Read More

Mold know-how: Controlling its growth

November 1, 2013

Mold spores are everywhere and cannot be completely removed from residences, but by following common sense and utilizing proper mold know-how, the issues associated with mold growth can be limited. Control the moisture and you will control the mold. Rapid response may be obvious when dealing with broken water mains or overflowing clothes washers but it is also critical when... Read More

Heating Oil Storage – What Every Home Owner Should Know – The BASICS!

November 1, 2013

There are millions of Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s) located throughout the country and the vast majority of these UST’s are used as the primary source of heating fuel in many of our homes.   Heating oil is widely used for residential consumption because it is readily available and an efficient fuel for heat generation.  In many areas, either propane tanks or underground... Read More

THE EPA AND THE SNAKE PIT OF LITIGATION!

November 1, 2013

If you are a contractor, tradesman, maintenance worker or property owner the lobbyists, in conjunction with the Government, have literally thrown you into the snake pit of litigation!!!  As a nationally respected lead-based paint subject matter expert and having performed thousands of lead inspections, site assessments and abatement projects,  I am sharing with each reader my belief that the federal... Read More

One of the newest “buzzwords” in the environmental field is Crystalline Silica.

November 1, 2013

Q: What is Crystalline Silica? A: Crystalline Silica (SiO2) is one of the most abundant minerals found  in the earth’s crust.  It is found in many different forms, but the three most common are quartz (most abundant), cristobalite, and  tridymite. Q: Where do I come into contact with Crystalline Silica? A: You come into contact with Crystalline Silica every day.... Read More

LEW Environmental President, “Times Have Changed!”

November 1, 2013

After 20 years of being a leader, pioneer and principal in the environmental industry, and working with clients from every aspect of our society, I can honestly share one thing about environmental matters for certain; Times Have Changed!!! When I began my career, laptops, which were mostly for large companies, were just entering the consumer market, the internet craze was... Read More