All Clear Restoration of Maryland

03/02/2022

How is your indoor air quality tested and analyzed for? See below!

02/15/2022

Learn about the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Act.

What is the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in in 1974 when it was passed by congress and then further amended in 1986 as well as 1996 (https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-04/documents/epa816f04030.pdf). The state of Maryland, According to COMAR 26.08.05, requires that water samples be collected in compliance with the SDWA by an approved individual certified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
What are some things we look for when testing water samples? Just a few include Ph levels, Chlorine, organic & synthetic organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, nitrates and nitrites, lead, copper, and microbiological contaminants to name a few. Depending on what we sample will determine where we take the samples at. They can be taken either at the tap inside the home or at the entry point to the distribution system. If you would like more information on having you house water tested, please feel free to reach out to All Clear Environmental Group, LLC and we can provide further services.

02/04/2022

What is black mold and is it dangerous?

What is Black Mold and is it really as dangerous as people think?
Black mold known as Stachybotrys chartarumm(black mold) is but one of many molds that are "black" but what caused such the scare over it?
In 1993 in a few Cleavland homes there were 10 cases of infants getting bleeding lung syndrome (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4797455/). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) first attributed this to "toxic" black mold only to later issue an update that the association was unproven and needs further study. (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4909a3.htm)
Most molds need certain amounts of humidity (RH) to grow, usually over 60% but black mold needs a RH of over 90% meaning it will be since most in floods. It is a mold that is unlikely to be found in nature (unless you reside in very humid areas) thus if found inside a home it can become a problem. Black mold also requires organic material and poor air flow to proliferate.
To date there is no link to inhaled Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins and deadly diseases. But there are risks for people with allergies, asthma, and other hypersensitivities. There is no evidence that black mold causes symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, an inability to focus, or a headache. These symptoms have been referred to as "toxic mold syndrome" but are largely due to media hype. Yet some people are allergic to mold. It should always be removed from your home. (https://www.webmd.com/lung/can-black-mold-kill-you).
With all this said, black mold itself does not appear to be deadly to a healthy individual but can cause issues with those with allergies, immunosuppressed individuals, and those with lung conditions. Most negative health effects to black mold appear to be simple allergic reactions (running nose, coughing, postnasal drip, etc.). Even though black mold does not seem to be as dangerous as the CDC thought back in1993 it is still important to get rid of it. If you suspect you have black mold, contact All Clear Environmental Group, LLC to perform an inspection and provide recommendations (protocol) for a certified microbial remediation firm to get rid of the mold.

06/07/2020

All Clear Restoration of Maryland is introducing a new service just in time for the reopening of stores, restaurants, hair salons and many more. We now offer COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfectant Application for both commercial and residential. Please call us at (410) 531-1601 or email any questions to [email protected]. Our industrial Hygienist will be more than happy to discuss the process and any other questions you might have.

11/17/2014

Performing a microbial investigation on the basement. Included olfactory and vision sensory receptors as well as laboratory samples using 15LM for 10 min or 150L which is pulled from the area into a "spore trap". Then they get FedEx to our lab in VA for analysis.

11/09/2014

Microbial testing in action. Samples taken inside as well control sample from outside to determine if spore counts are elevated In the home. Zefron Air-O-Cell sampling disks are used to collects tiny particles.