Frequently Asked Questions
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Lead & IH Chemistry FAQs |
Asbestos FAQs |
Microbiology FAQs |
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"Method Reporting Limit." MRLs can best be defined as the lowest concentration that can be reliably reported under current laboratory operating conditions. The MRLs are typically 5-10 times higher than the method detection limit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How do I convert % lead by weight to parts per million (ppm)? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Multiply % lead by weight value times 10,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How do I convert mg per kilogram (mg/kg) to parts per million (ppm)? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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mg/kg is equal to ppm; 1 mg/kg = 1 ppm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How do I convert mg per liter (mg/L) to parts per million (ppm)? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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mg/L is equal to ppm; 1 mg/liter = 1 ppm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The "Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing" published by HUD in June 1995 and the US EPA Toxic Control Substances Act (TSCA) Title IV, state the following lead hazard in soil recommendations.
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According to 40 CFR Section 141.80, Subpart 1, Control of Lead and Copper, the lead action level is exceeded if the lead level is greater than 15 ppb. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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What are the regulatory levels for lead in settled dust (wipe samples)? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing" published by HUD in June 1995 and the US EPA Toxic Control Substances Act (TSCA Title IV), have published the following lead in settled dust recommendations:
California Title 17 sets forth the following regulatory levels:
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According to Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1926.62) and Cal OSHA (8 CCR 1532.1)" Lead in Construction Standard," the following action level and permissible exposure limit have been established:
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What are the regulatory levels for waste characterization purpose? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Waste characterization is a complicated issue as there are several different tests currently performed in order to determine if your waste is "hazardous" or "non-hazardous." The following decision tree has been provided as a general guideline.
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RCRA 8 and CAM 17 Metals
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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the type most commonly used in structural applications. Asbestos is heat resistant, very strong, and has remarkable insulating properties, making it a desirable material in construction. |
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There are essentially 6 types, only 3 of which were used commercially. These are: Chrysotile or White Asbestos: It is the most common type in the U.S. It is mined in Canada and previously mined in California. It is a serpentine structure, both wavy and hollow. Amosite or Red-Brown Asbestos: This type's name is derived from its place of origin, Asbestos Mines of South Africa. It is an amphibole structure, long straight solid rods. Crocidolite or Blue Asbestos: Only about 2% to 3% of the asbestos we encounter in this country are of the Crocidolite type. It is an amphibole structure very similar to Amosite, except for color. This mineral is mined in Australia. The other three, which may be included in regulatory standards, are listed as tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos All are fire resistant with high tensile strength and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural means. All are carcinogenic; that is, all have been shown to cause cancer of the lung and stomach, based on studies of workers. |
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In 1980, a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)/OSHA work group concluded that there was no level of exposure to asbestos below which clinical effects did not occur. They recommended a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) based on the lowest measurable airborne fiber level, 0.01 f/cc. EPA has accepted this conclusion and recommends that 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter be used to define the successful completion of asbestos abatement work. The risks associated with low levels of cumulative exposure are not well-established, and considerable debate surrounds the issue. |
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The three primary regulations or types of regulations are:
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There are three exposure routes for asbestos fibers: (1) inhalation via the respiratory system (2) ingestion via the mouth associated with asbestos fibers in drinking water and (3) skin contact. Asbestos has been known to cause a number of disabling and fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural plaques. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos; therefore, all exposure to asbestos should be avoided. |
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This list can be obtained by calling the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health at 916-574-2993. |
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Where is asbestos typically found in a structure and how can I be certain asbestos is present? |
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Asbestos can be found in various locations throughout a structure. Some examples include, but are not limited to acoustic ceilings, taping mud on sheetrock, plaster, flooring, heating ducts, stucco, flue pipes, pipe lagging, and roofing. To determine the presence of asbestos, a sample must be taken to a laboratory and tested using polarized light microscopy (PLM) as the testing methodology. |
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No. If it is in good condition and is not being disturbed, it is best to leave it undisturbed. In order for asbestos to be a health hazard, it must be released from the product into the air people breathe. |
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The California State Contractors Board requires that contractors have a valid and current contractors license and certificate for asbestos abatement work. |
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Molds are the most typical form of fungus found on earth, comprising approximately 25% of the earth's biomass. Other fungi include yeasts and mushrooms. Molds are ubiquitous on our planet and are essential decomposers of organic substances necessary for sustaining plant and animal life. Molds are made up of masses of filament-like cells called hyphae. Under the appropriate conditions, the hyphae will grow into long intertwining strings that form the main body of the fungus, or the mycelium. Molds reproduce via spores; however, they can also spread if a fragment of broken hyphae is transplanted to an area with adequate moisture and organic matter for food. |
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Do not panic, mold is common in the environment and is normally present. It is found in soil, air, on plants and just about every substrate. Just because mold was found does not mean that there is a problem. However, when concentrations are high suggesting a fungal growth source present, this indicates further action should be taken, i.e. removal of the fungal colony and its source. |
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This term generally refers to only mold capable of producing mycotoxins, natural organic compounds that are capable of initiating a toxic response in vertebrates. However, all molds under proper conditions are capable of eliciting a negative health response in humans through other methods such as inflammation, allergy, or infection. The severity of the response depends upon the type and amount of mold present as well as the susceptibility and sensitivity of the individual experiencing mold exposure. It is believed that specific environmental conditions are needed for mycotoxins to be produced, however, the specific conditions that cause mycotoxin production are not yet fully understood. |
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All molds have the potential to cause health effects such as allergic reactions of the eyes, nose, and throat, dermatitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other immunologic effects. Other reported effects such as fever, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, respiratory dysfunction, excessive and regular nose bleeds, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and liver damage are symptoms of an individual who has been exposed to mold via inhalation. The extent to which an individual may be affected depends upon one's state of health, susceptibility to disease, the organism with which one came in contact, and the duration and severity of exposure. Some effects may be temporary until the infested area is vacated; however, others may be long-term or permanent. |
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Genera of fungi that are of most concern include Aspergillus and Stachybotrys as they have been implicated in disease. Cladosporium, often found in fungal studies, is the most common fungus encountered in indoor air quality studies. Read more about these and other mold spores in our Mold Library. |
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According to Peter Kozak in his paper on mold health effects, "Endogenous mold problems generally occur after prolonged or repeated water damage to a variety of organic materials." Floods, leaking pipes, leaking windows, and leaking roofs are all potential sources of moisture that can lead to mold infestation. Increased ambient humidity as a result of inadequate ventilation or improper drying of flooded areas can also lead to mold growth. Lifestyle choices such as overpopulating a residence, keeping a house closed up without running an air conditioner or dehumidifier, the presence of multiple indoor houseplants (especially if over watered and without adequate ventilation), and poor housecleaning habits can also lead to mold growth. |
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Molds reproduce through the production of spores. The environment in which a given mold may grow prolifically is very likely different from the environment necessary for spore production. After the spores are formed, they are released into the air to be carried elsewhere for germination and growth. Mold spores can survive for many years in dry or hot environments, requiring only moisture and available organic matter to allow them to germinate. |
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Mold results in building biodeterioration with degradation of structural integrity, and destruction of interior furnishings. Public awareness of mold in buildings has been heightened by frequent events including: proliferation of mold in buildings from excessive moisture and water damage; evacuation of mold-contaminated schools and buildings; debilitating health claims by building and residential occupants exposed to mold; and escalating rates of asthma and allergies among adults and children. |
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Who do I call if I suspect a problem with mold in my home/office? |
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Contact us at Forensic Analytical Laboratories for consulting and laboratory services to investigate potential mold problems and assist in providing solutions. Be sure to take control of your home before mold does! |
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Why are Aspergillus and Penicillim grouped together in some of the analyses? |
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In non-viable sampling generally only the spores are present to analyze. Aspergillus and Penicillium have very similar spores that cannot be distinguished from each other using non-viable techniques. |
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Look at your results carefully, using the data interpretation sheet provided by the laboratory. Assess whether you think you have a problem. If you have any further questions or are still unsure about your results, please call and we will be happy to help you. If you think you have a problem, do not panic. The problem may be fixed by a thorough cleaning and not require major remediation. Talk to a professional who can advise you as to the best method to remove any mold. The California Department of Public Health Indoor Air Quality Program has developed a web site that includes a variety of documents, including "Mold In My Home: What Do I Do?" for additional information on this issue. The documents are currently available online at http://www.cal-iaq.org. |
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There are no mandated actions specific to molds and indoor air quality required by any state or federal agencies. The U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality web site states, "Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants." |
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The first step in preventing mold growth is to remove the source of moisture. Stopping leaks, decreasing indoor air humidity, and proper cleanup of waters after flooding are key to stopping the germination and growth of molds. It is important for individuals, landlords, building maintenance personnel, architects and builders need to know effective means of avoiding mold growth, which might arise from lifestyle choices or maintenance and construction practices. Locating and proper remediation of existing mold growths are essential to decrease the health affects of mold contamination. |
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For more information and industry links on Mold Contamination Issues and Current Regulations, visit the EPA Indoor Air Quality web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html. |