Ever wonder why you may get ice dams in the winter, which lead to leaks, flooding and mold?
Probably because you didn’t take the time to properly clean your gutters and downspouts from leaves and debris in the fall.
Robert Weitz, certified microbial investigator and principal of RTK Environmental Group, explains what you can do now to prevent ice dams and mold later.
In recent years, testing revealed that 70% of wells in Stamford, CT were contaminated with uranium and arsenic. Wells from Boston to Washington, DC have tested positive for a variety of harmful contaminants. You may mistakenly believe that because your drinking water comes from a well, it’s pure and safer than water from reservoirs. But well water can contain a host of contaminants, including coliform bacteria, uranium, lead, arsenic, E. coli, nitrates, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) radon, pesticides, and MtBE (a gasoline compound), which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including skin problems; damage to the brain, kidneys, and neurological system; gastro-intestinal illness; hair loss; and immune deficiencies.
The only way to know if your water is harming your family is to have it tested by an independent testing service like RTK Environmental. If you are interested in learning more or setting up a test, call us at (800) 392-6468 or learn more about water testing here.
Suffering from allergies, headaches, fatigue, or cold and flu like symptoms? It may actually be indoor air pollution, or an environmental toxin. Most environmental toxins are hidden from sight. RTK Environmental investigates a Connecticut home and finds hidden mold in an HVAC unit, and gives advice on other places toxins, like lead and asbestos, can hide.
Approximately 90% of indoor air quality issues are caused by high levels of VOCs and unhealthy levels of mold spores. VOCs and other toxic fumes can be found in carpeting, paints, solvents, electronics, cleaning products, air fresheners, candles, pesticides, nicotine, glue, home furnishings, building materials, and more. Mold can hide just about anywhere.
Lead paint and asbestos are the most dangerous when they are disturbed. If lead or asbestos is properly contained, they generally don’t pose a serious risk. But the minute they start to deteriorate, whether through wear and tear, renovations or remediation, they are a serious health hazard.
People who appear healthy may have elevated blood lead levels, which can lead to lifelong problems. Lead poisoning can cause serious, irreversible damage, including: brain damage, ADD and ADHD, aggressive behavior and tendencies for violence, damage to the nervous system, impaired growth, PICA, and in extreme cases, coma or even death.
– Irritability and mood disorders;
– Learning difficulties;
– Weight loss and loss of appetite;
– Abdominal pain;
– Constipation;
– Vomiting;
– Headaches;
– Sluggishness and fatigue;
– Seizures;
– Pain, numbness and/or tingling of the extremities;
– Muscle and joint pain;
– Memory loss;
– High blood pressure;
– Decline in mental acuity;
– Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm;
Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other serious respiratory ailments. Asbestosis and asbestos-related illnesses takes years to develop, and can be deadly.
– Tightness in your chest;
– Chest pain;
– Persistent dry cough;
– Finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips);
– Appetite loss;
– Nail deformities.
– Shortness of breath.
If you think you may have hidden toxins in your home, call RTK today to schedule a test.
Suffering from allergies, headaches, fatigue, or cold/flu like symptoms? It may actually be indoor air pollution. Indoor air can be 100 times more polluted than outside air. 90% of indoor air quality issues are caused by high levels of VOCs and unhealthy levels of mold spores.
There are many questions about health and safety following the incredible steam pipe explosion that spewed deadly asbestos throughout New York City’s Flatiron district.
RTK’s Meegan Taddonio joins Good Day New York to discuss what to look for in your home or office, how to protect yourself from asbestos and other dangerous toxins like lead, what you need to know about indoor air quality and asbestos in HVAC units, and more.
If you are concerned that your home or workplace has been contaminated, schedule an Indoor Air Quality and Asbestos test today.
RTK gives sound advice on the possible health affects of the massive steam pipe explosion at 21st and 5th in NYC. Asbestos was spewed for blocks, and the cleanup has just begun. Here’s what you need to know to protect your health.
Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other serious respiratory ailments. Asbestos monitoring by a certified professional can help homeowners and commercial property owners identify potential risks prior to purchase or renovation.
Most asbestos-related diseases don’t arise until years after exposure. Currently in the US, more than 15,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, according to the Environmental Working Group. This number continues to increase.
If you are concerned that your home or workplace was contaminated, please feel free to call us with any questions or to schedule a test.
For some local residents, the damage left behind by recent storms will require major work. But as NBC New York’s Ken Buffa explains, rushing to make those repairs could have serious lasting consequences. Here’s the story:
With a new baby on the way, a homeowner contacted ABC’s Good Morning America to test the indoor air in the baby’s nursery. The homeowner and reporter were both shocked when they learned the results of the indoor air quality test. Take a look:
Many common household items contain harmful volatile organic compounds–more commonly referred to as “VOCs”–that are harmful to your health.
We’ve shared a list of common household items that can produce VOCs, causing unhealthy indoor air pollution. Find it here.
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, so it’s a good idea to learn how and when to test your home. Read about specific kinds of products responsible for omitting VOCs here.
Resources:
How Safe is the Air Inside Your Home?
News 12 Connecticut says Stamford health officials are urging homeowners to test their well water for uranium, and speaks with RTK Environmental Group about testing, health affects, and solutions. Uranium was recently discovered in 70% of water wells tested in Stamford, CT. Contaminated well water is a growing problem all over Connecticut: approximately 20% of private wells are contaminated with toxins including uranium, arsenic, radon, carcinogenic pesticides, and heavy metals like lead. To be safe, you should test for all of these things. A basic well-water test does not usually include uranium.
Stamford health officials say it is dangerous to consume high levels of uranium long term because it is radioactive and can cause kidney damage and cancer.
They say since they issued the uranium warning, more homeowners are calling them or hiring private companies to test their water. To have your well tested by an independent testing company, call RTK at (800) 392-6468 or click here.
It is estimated that 70% of homes in the U.S. have mold behind the walls. This expert advice can help you find out if you have mold, teach you how to prevent it from invading your home, and guide you through the cleanup and removal process.
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West Hartford, CT 06117
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