National Mold Awareness Month |
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The 3 words homeowners do NOT want to hear:
"You have mold."
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People are often terrified when they hear the word “mold." Alarming internet information creates fear and uncertainty when even a tiny spot of mold is found growing on a window frame.
Before the panic or disbelief starts, take a step back and remember the biology of mold and fungi. You’ll find that mold is less scary and easier to fix than
you’d think.
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(walls with water damage) |
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What is Mold?
Mold is a naturally-occurring organism that is found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It can take a variety of forms: mushroom caps, fuzzy spots on rotting food or dying plants, or even speckles on various surfaces in your home. Mold, mildew, and yeast are all different types of fungi, and they all behave in similar ways.
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How and Where Does Mold Grow?
All molds and fungi need two things in order to grow: organic material and moisture.
Organic material found in our homes include wood, drywall, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpet, and fabrics.
Moisture is the second, and arguably the most critical, element needed for mold to grow. Bathrooms and basements are more likely to harbor water and humidity, which is why you are more likely to find mold in these locations.
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If you find mold growing in your home or building, it is important to remember: don’t panic! The CDC advises that exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or perhaps none at all. It truly depends on the individual.
Common health symptoms may include stuffy nose, dry throat, wheezing, and skin irritation. Those with compromised immune systems, asthma, or chronic lung illnesses can have more severe reactions.
Even if health symptoms do not occur, indoor mold can lead to various property damage. This can be issues like building decay or permanent staining and musty odors on materials.
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Mold can grow in all colors and varieties! Color does NOT indicate how dangerous a mold may be to your health. Instead, all mold types should be treated the same - removed and prevented from growing again. This must be done by eliminating excess moisture.
No moisture = no mold!
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How do I know if I have a mold problem?
Just like people, your home will benefit from an annual check-up. Take a walk through your home once a year and look for signs of both moisture and mold. Look for wet spots, condensation, leaks, or water stains (often an indicator of previous leaks.)
Your nose can be just as good a tool as your eyes. Mold often creates a musty odor. As you enter each new area, take a large sniff. Follow the smell and you may find the source.
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If you find a potential infestation in your home, Northeast Laboratory Services can help to identify if it is in fact mold and what type.
If you're a home inspector or a mold remediation specialist looking for a certified laboratory, give us a call today.
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Our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Lab is
AIHA LAP, LLC (ID #: 102960) accredited, and we pride ourselves on providing quality analytical results and personable service at competitive prices.
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L: Erin Bouttenot, IAQ Technical Manager
R: Sabrina Gormley, Account Executive
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Have you seen our renovations yet? |
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WELCOME BACK,
WE'VE MISSED YOU!
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After several weeks with our front entrance and sample room
in Winslow closed for renovations, NEL is happy to
welcome customers back into our reception area!
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Employee Birthdays
Sept 6 - Dave Still
Sept 17 - Ron Wood
Sept 26 - Jessica Richards
Sept 27 - Kalena Leathers
Sept 28 - Jordan Lyford
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Anniversaries & Accomplishments
1 year - Celine Beaudry, Waters Micro
3 years - Kim Kyes, Production, Bottles
4 years - Jess Hamilton, Quality
8 years - Tiffany Michaud, Production, Specialty
9 years - Marzena Krawczyk, Food Micro
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Jess Hamilton - QC/QA Manager |
Managing the Media Manufacturing Quality Department at NEL, Jess bears a lot of responsibility. Her knowledge about our product compositions and capabilities makes her a very valuable member of the NEL family. Her positivity, kindness, and dedication is a great asset that we are all very thankful for.
We recently had a chance to chat with Jess about her time at NEL and here's what she had to say:
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Can you tell us a little bit about your current job responsibilities at NEL?
Jess: I am the QA/QC Manager for the Media Manufacturing side of NEL. I am responsible for our quality system maintenance and improvement, ensuring our processes meet regulation requirements, assisting customers with technical questions about our culture media products, and analyzing the testing results from our QC Laboratory.
How have those responsibilities changed since you first started at NEL?
Jess: I started as a QA/QC Technician in the QC Laboratory where my duties revolved more around the testing of final product, review of paperwork, and environmental monitoring of areas within the facility. The training I received during that time gave me a good foundation and I was able to quickly gain knowledge of the QA/QC department as a whole.
What do you love about working at NEL?
Jess: I love that NEL is small enough that you feel like family- not only with other NEL employees, but also with our customers. I am thankful to be a part of the team here.
If you could tell the world something they may not know about NEL, what would it be?
Jess: Our company has the capability to manufacture much more than we have listed in our catalog. We manufacture a wide range of custom products that meet our customers' specific needs.
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Interesting Dates in Science History |
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September 2, 1992
September 8, 1994
September 10, 1977
September 15, 1968
September 19, 1876
September 24, 1852
September 25, 1956
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The Southern California Gas Company purchased the first motor vehicles powered by natural gas.
Microsoft gave Windows 95 its new name. Previously, the operating system had been referred to by its code name of "Chicago."
Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant and convicted murderer, became the last person to date executed by the guillotine.
An Wang obtained a patent for a calculating apparatus, a basic component of computer technology.
Melville Bissell patented a carpet sweeper.
A new invention, the dirigible or airship, was first demonstrated.
The first transatlantic telephone cable went into operation.
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Don't forget to submit
your classroom's media order!
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Upcoming Events:
AACC Conference, Atlanta, GA - September 27-30
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227 China Road
Winslow, ME 04901
120 Main Street
Westbrook, ME 04092
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* Disclaimer: this newsletter is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or medical advice, and should not be construed as such. |
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