What is the relationship between water and air? Well, when it is in your home, there is a direct relationship between the two. A little excess moisture, gone undetected, can create serious indoor air quality problems.
MOISTURE EQUALS MOLD
Modern construction techniques make living easier, but they also bring along their own potential problems. Old lathe and plaster walls have been replaced with more efficient gypsum-board "drywall". Cheaper? Yes. Energy-efficient? Yes. But what is drywall? Essentially, it is mined material pressed between two large sheets of thick paper. Simple, right? But what happens when that simple building material is hiding an undetected moisture intrusion?
Well, the porous paper around the gypsum acts as a sponge, absorbing the moisture and hanging on to it for dear life. And since half the time the affected side is on the back, in the dark, recessed wall cavity, it is very difficult for the moisture to evaporate. And is it remains.
ADDING TO THE EQUATION
Moisture is the catalyst that begins the process. The paper backing is the fuel that creates a home for the life about to spring forth. Now we have the optimum environment, but how does the actual mold come from? Well, here is a secret: It's already there, waiting to proliferate. Remember how we said that the bulk of the drywall material, the gypsum, was mined? It came from the ground and was then made into drywall. Those pesky, dormant mold spores are just laying in wait for the chance to spring forth when conditions are right.
Don't let it happen. Take the preventative steps to keep the moisture out. That is the first, and best, step to take in order to keep the mold at bay.
The Expert’s Corner
Copyright © 2009
20090303-2
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
These days, especially these days, many people are increasingly more and more concerned about the air quality of their environment. This can range anywhere from the increases in carbon monoxide and the depletion of the ozone layer all the way to second-hand cigarette smoke coming from a neighbors apartment. Moreover, these are valid concerns, since science and study have shown that poor air quality can have a direct impact on the quality-of-life and health of you, your family, even your pets.
Welcome to The Expert’s Corner, where you can get honest and factual answers to your most pressing questions about the indoor air quality of your environment. Our experts understand the business of indoor air quality and strive vigilantly to collect and share information that is important to you. In the coming weeks, you will be able to ask questions about a wide variety of topics on these subjects. In addition, we will continue to post information and resources directly related to improving the state of you indoor air quality.
STARTING SMALL
So, what can you do to stop up the hole in the ozone layer? Well, eliminating excess carbon dioxide emissions could be a start. However, one person really cannot prevent everyone else in the world from making up the difference that you make. So care and conservation may seem fruitless and a waste of time. Nevertheless, if everyone, and I mean everyone were to stop polluting, then things could be changed for the better.
Sometimes the best we can do is to provide a good example for ourselves, our family, our neighborhood, and so on. History and psychology have combined to prove that one person can make a difference—first in perception, then in action.
LEARN MORE
Now that you are committed to making the world a better place, where do you start? Since Knowledge IS Power, then quality education and information are the next best step. Find out the specifics of what a “carbon footprint” is. Go to quality sources to determine the answer. Take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever you are able.
And then tell your friends.
Please check back here often to find out more about what you can do to make a difference.
Sincerely,
The Expert’s Corner
Copyright © 2009
20090303-1
Welcome to The Expert’s Corner, where you can get honest and factual answers to your most pressing questions about the indoor air quality of your environment. Our experts understand the business of indoor air quality and strive vigilantly to collect and share information that is important to you. In the coming weeks, you will be able to ask questions about a wide variety of topics on these subjects. In addition, we will continue to post information and resources directly related to improving the state of you indoor air quality.
STARTING SMALL
So, what can you do to stop up the hole in the ozone layer? Well, eliminating excess carbon dioxide emissions could be a start. However, one person really cannot prevent everyone else in the world from making up the difference that you make. So care and conservation may seem fruitless and a waste of time. Nevertheless, if everyone, and I mean everyone were to stop polluting, then things could be changed for the better.
Sometimes the best we can do is to provide a good example for ourselves, our family, our neighborhood, and so on. History and psychology have combined to prove that one person can make a difference—first in perception, then in action.
LEARN MORE
Now that you are committed to making the world a better place, where do you start? Since Knowledge IS Power, then quality education and information are the next best step. Find out the specifics of what a “carbon footprint” is. Go to quality sources to determine the answer. Take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever you are able.
And then tell your friends.
Please check back here often to find out more about what you can do to make a difference.
Sincerely,
The Expert’s Corner
Copyright © 2009
20090303-1
EXPERT Indoor Air Quality Advice
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The Expert’s Corner
Copyright © 2009
20090303
For free inspections, try this site
The Expert’s Corner
Copyright © 2009
20090303
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