Every day, Clark Seif Clark professionals are deployed across the nation helping both large and small customers resolve health & safety, industrial hygiene, environmental and indoor air quality issues.
At a moment's notice, Clark Seif Clark can send their experts anywhere they are needed. No matter if it's in response to a hurricane, wildfire, flood, tornado or other natural disaster, Clark Seif Clark is ready to help and can respond in no time at all.
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National COPD Awareness Month and Identifying Indoor Pollutants to Help those Suffering from the Disease |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The institute reports that 17 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with the disease and millions more likely have it, but have not officially been diagnosed. Globally, COPD affects 251 million people according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
800.807.1118
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COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and in some cases asthma. Tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 4 people with COPD have never smoked. Additional factors, such as exposure to air pollutants in the home, at work, genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role. This is why the agency states that the most important aspect of treatment for COPD is avoiding tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.
“November’s designation as National COPD Awareness Month makes it the perfect time to spread the word about ways to prevent new cases of COPD and to educate those with the condition about ways to avoid airborne pollutants,” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “Most people recognize that keeping away from tobacco smoke is important, but there are numerous other airborne allergens and respiratory irritants that people with COPD should also avoid. These include elevated levels of mold, bacteria, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) to name a few.”
The industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) professionals at CSC offer comprehensive air testing services in residential and occupational settings to identify a wide range of airborne pollutants associated with COPD and other respiratory ailments. If IEQ testing identifies an issue, CSC’s building science experts can help come up with solutions to mitigate or eliminate any exposure risks.
CSC has also sponsored an educational video about National COPD Awareness Month that can be seen below:
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To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, building science, industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety testing services, please:
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Potential Hidden Exposure Hazards Found in DIY Home Improvement Projects
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing millions of people to be stuck at home for much of 2020, do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects have become increasingly popular. Unfortunately, depending on the type of project, and the age and condition of the home, many DIYers may come into contact with hidden exposure risks.
In addition to building code compliance issues, laws, permit requirements, ladders, sharp tools, and electrical and gas hazards, DIY projects could expose unsuspecting people to a number of fairly common hazards. For example, many homes still have asbestos-containing materials. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Lead-based paints are another issue. Homes built before 1960 can contain heavily leaded paint and some homes built as recently as 1978 also contain lead-based paint. These paints were used for decades and exposure to lead dust can lead to serious health concerns, especially for children.
Many new materials and finishes used in projects could also expose families to elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde in some cases. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to some VOCs may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
“Lead was banned for use in residential settings in 1978. Asbestos was never banned and is still used in some materials to this day, although asbestos in products before 1980 is very common. Another very common unexpected surprise someone taking on a DIY project may encounter is water damage and mold growth under floors, in a wall or behind cabinets,” said Derrick A. Denis, Vice President of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) for Clark Seif Clark. “Mold is easily aerosolized and just like asbestos or lead-based paints, needs to be handled properly. The source of the moisture also has to be identified correctly and addressed or the mold and other water damages will simple come back. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen and an asthma trigger. Some types of mold can even cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”
To help protect DIYers and all building occupants, the IEQ professionals at Clark Seif Clark provide air, surface and material testing, monitoring and consulting services for renovation and construction projects in residential homes, schools, commercial buildings and institutional properties. CSC also recently sponsored an educational video about DIY home improvement projects and potential hidden dangers that can be seen below:
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To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, building science, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. |
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About Clark Seif Clark: CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals. |
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21732 Devonshire St., Ste. B,
Chatsworth, CA 91311
800.807.1118
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