Is this mold? It turns out, it’s oxidation on the metal. (CBS)

CHICAGO (CBS)–  It’s one of the scariest things a homeowner can hear: “You’ve got mold.”

That’s just one of the scare tactics 2 Investigator Pam Zekman found one company using to trick suburban homeowners into paying for expensive mold remediation that they apparently did not need.

A company representative “was saying that everyone in this house could get sick and he was saying that I would not be able to sell this house,”  Deerfield homeowner Craig Davishoff says.

Another homeowner, Julie Newman of Northbrook, had a similar experience.

“I was scared and asked what I could do about that. And he offered on-the-spot remediation,” she says.

For an additional $800, TriState D.U.C.S  agreed to take care of Newman’s alleged mold problem.  That was on top of $400 she was already paying for duct cleaning.

“I feel like the whole thing now, in retrospect, is a scam,” Newman says.

Why?  Newman and other customers related how TriState technicians would use a swab to get material from inside the vents.  They would then put the swab into a chemically treated vial and, if it turned purple, the technicians would say the homeowner had mold.

But, the test kit instructions say on the box that the swab test “is only a screening tool that cannot and should not be used as a definitive measure of protein containing mold.”

“It could be any one of four or five biological things. And even if it were mold it doesn’t differentiate the different types,” says Larry Schwartz, owner of Safestart Environmental.”

To do that, experts certified in detecting mold, like Schwartz, send a sample to be tested in a lab. Schwartz was hired to do just that by the Parsons family after Tri-State said their Lake Zurich home had mold.

“I totally just freaked out, was envisioning the worst possible scenario,” Denise Parsons says.

But lab tests Schwartz requested were negative for all molds except one of the most common.

“That’s a usual and customary level that we all breathe all of the time,” Schwartz says.

When Schwartz told Denise Parsons that she didn’t need any mold remediation, she was visibly relieved.

“That’s wonderful. What a relief. Thank you so much,” she said.

In Davishoff’s Deerfield home, a TriState technician did a swab test in the children’s bedroom and then said the results showed “this is a real bad mold problem,” Davishoff recalled.

Then the technician pointed to white streaks on his basement ductwork as more evidence of mold

“I was shocked,”   Davishoff says.

He was shocked and concerned enough to agree to pay $1,200 more to TriState to fix the alleged mold problem.

Later Davishoff feared he’d been duped and hired Safestart Environmental to double-check for mold.

“It’s nothing more than oxidation on the metal,”  Schwartz says.

Schwartz took samples to a lab for further tests, but once again the verdict came back as “no mold.”

“I was suckered. They lied to me, then they tried to rip me off,” Davishoff says.

Davishoff wasn’t ripped off because he stopped payment on his check to TriState before they could cash it.

The operators of Tri State D.U.C.S, who have used  a variety of similar names,  did not  return calls seeking comment for this story.

Experts say if you really have a mold problem you must find the source of moisture, which is what typically causes mold. It must be repaired and any damaged surfaces should be removed and replaced.

The links listed below are to organizations that can help you select qualified duct-cleaning companies and mold detection or remediation specialists if it turns out you really need them.

The Indoor Air Quality Association

American Council for Accredited Certification

National Air duct Cleaning Association 

Continued here:
2 Investigators: Firm Accused Of Bogus Mold Cleanups

NANUET, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the tri-state area's leading fire and water damage remediation experts at Total Environmental Restoration Services, Inc. (TERS) were called upon by a major New York State government agency to handle full smoke mitigation of a 13-floor government building in New York City.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120216/NY54891LOGO&nbsp😉

TERS responded immediately by deploying their in-house team of specialists and state-of-the-art equipment to the scene.

TERS was chosen for the job based on a successful 20-year reputation in fire and smoke remediation, water damage restoration, flood repair, air quality restoration, and mold removal, throughout New York (NY), New York City (NYC), New Jersey (NJ), Connecticut (CT), and as far reaching as Rhode Island (RI), Pennsylvania (PA), Delaware (DE), and Maryland (MD).

Loss Description

As the result of an underground fire, smoke infiltrated the basement and all thirteen floors of a major government agency building in New York City causing significant air quality damage. The restoration project required immediate and swift attention to minimize loss of productivity and taxpayer expense, and maximize safety.

"The officials managing this cleanup did the right thing by introducing experts right away. We were able to collaborate with local fire officials, customize our approach, and quickly implement solutions," said TERS Environmental Analyst, Gary Shaked.

Unique Issues

Once the fire was fully extinguished, building owners and government officials required an urgent assessment of the microscopic damage to air quality, removal of all pollutants, and prevention of the spread of smoke damage.

Based on the importance of this particular government body, the in-house TERS team worked around-the-clock to provide complete smoke damage remediation. The building was closed for only 24-hours, during a weekend, to ensure that employees could swiftly and safely reoccupy the space. Remediation and mitigation projects of this magnitude typically require 7-10 days of cleanup and restoration; TERS completed the project in just 36 hours.

Job Elements

TERS technicians began the effort with a thorough air quality analysis using state-of-the-art laser particle meters and indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors to accurately measure contamination concentrations. Their testing also confirmed the absence of asbestos or other dangers that can be aggravated by fire and smoke. Immediate steps were taken to isolate the affected areas of the building and begin remediation.

Using their organic, non-chemical and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) approach to air filtration TERS eliminated all microscopic air contamination and deodorized the building without adding new toxic substances. As a result, employees returned to a smoke-free, toxin-free work environment.

"We're an environmentally-focused, science-based company," said Shaked, "our primary goal is to purify affected areas, not introduce new toxins."

Job Recognition

After the 36-hour cleanup period, TERS provided full documentation to the building owner, the employees' union, and all pertinent state and local government officials to certify full remediation. The Department of Health verified their work and the safety of the air quality, commending TERS for their strict adherence to EPA and other regulatory guidelines, while exceeding expectations for the smoke cleanup.

"Our in-house team is poised to handle everything from smaller, homeowner jobs to large-scale projects such as this," added Shaked. "Our techs are regularly trained in the latest technology and environmentally-sound remediation techniques and can respond instantly to your needs."

TERS remediation and mitigation experts are available 24/7 through their emergency hotline, 877-777-3117. A complete overview of their emergency remediation services is available at http://www.TERS.com. 

Go here to see the original:
Successful and Swift Smoke Cleanup for New York City Government Office with Total Environmental Restoration Services ...

H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting has launched a new website focusing on its New Jersey mold removal and flood water remediation services.

(PRWEB) February 15, 2012

H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting has launched a new website focusing on its New Jersey mold removal and flood water remediation services.

"This new site allows H&H Environmental to more effectively market our services to clients in New Jersey," said Kevin Hinchey, owner of H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting. Hinchey also added, "The site allows us to effectively convey our value propositions, our quick response time, and means to contact us in the case of a mold or water emergency."

H&H Environmental has completed hundreds of NJ mold testing and mold remediation jobs. They handle mold removal projects ranging from small residential homes to corporate, commercial and industrial facilities. All of the mold removal products used for testing and remediation are environmentally friendly.

In addition, the company provides New Jersey water removal and flood water remediation services. They off 24-hour emergency water extraction services, with a thirty minute response time.

H&H Environmental provides public insurance adjuster services, including:

The company provides mold and water remediation services to Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Union, Passaic, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex and Warren County, Ne Jersey.

The website can be found at http://www.njstatemoldremoval.com

About H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting:

Having completed thousands of mold inspections and mold remediation jobs, our professional staff is experienced in handling projects ranging from small residential homes to corporate and industrial facilities. Serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. For more information, call 888-250-6653.

###

Kevin Hinchey
H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting
888-250-6653
Email Information

Read the original here:
H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting Launches New Jersey Mold Removal Website

South Eastern School District is once again battling a mold problem in its middle schools.

The district is spending about $25,000 to clean up mold in South Eastern Middle School-East after air quality tests revealed mold spores.

The mold is primarily in the locker rooms and gym area, possibly because of increased humidity, said Superintendent Rona Kaufmann. The HVAC system is being cleaned, too. That's only months after spending $112,000 last summer for mold remediation in South Eastern Middle School-West.

Air quality tests have been done on a quarterly basis in both buildings since the issue arose. Kaufmann said some students in East complained of mold-related illness, but that it was impossible to know if it was directly related to the school's condition.

The nurse's office in both schools have been keeping track of any students who have symptoms related to mold-caused illnesses, Kaufmann added.

"We're taking it seriously," Kaufmann said.

More mold remediation work needs to be done in the West building, she said, in the gym area. Plans for that work haven't been finalized.

Work in the East building is beginning this month and will be done after hours.

Results of the air quality tests, recommendations and pictures of remediation can be found on the school website by clicking "Air Quality at SESD."

Follow this link:
Mold problem resurfaces in South Eastern

As more material costs become more expensive for mold professionals, clients are also disputing to finalize the project and pay for the work. The added costs are creating a challenge for many mold professionals to get paid and complete projects correctly. Molderizer.com announces a new technology which the company claims to remove at least one person in labor and cut material cost by 35% from a project.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) February 05, 2012

Molderizer.com states, mold contractors are now claiming more mold remediation projects are ending without full payment. This has became all to clear for the mold contractors in the Guillmette School. While their is a large dispute between ethics and project performance. It appears mold remediation contractors are in a bind to receive full payments for work that they claimed have completed.

Mold contractors working on the Guilmette School, which displaced 1,300 students and staff for most of the school year has finally been re-open. But the multimillion dollar mess from the mold is not entirely been wiped clean as the Eagle Tribune reports below:

"Several subcontractors who sent scores of workers into the school to scour the infested ducts and rip out the soggy insulation, tiles and wallboards say they've been stiffed by the general contractor who hired them to get the $1.9 million cleanup done within the tight deadlines set by the school district. They say they may sue."

"They haven't paid us a dime, and we don't know how to get paid unless we apply pressure," said Tim Robbins, owner of Servpro of the Seacoast, a Dover, N.H., company that was one of four Servpro franchises hired for the Guilmette job by Servpro of Lawrence, the job's general contractor. Robbins said he had up to 85 people working on the cleanup and is owed about $650,000." You can read the news story here

Molderizer.com has been reaching out to mold remediation professionals who have been having similar issues. The on going costs and worry of future outbreaks may ruin many of the mold professionals hard work and reputation.

Finally after negotiations with it's elite clients who had exclusive access to Molderizer.com mold remediation products. Molderizer.com has reported that they will be making it's line of non-toxic mold cleaners available to the public and other mold professionals.

Molderizer.com stated "The new technology being released will allow mold contractors to quickly kill mold and prevent it from coming back. Molderizer and Safe Shield are two of our newest green mold killing products, that also encapsulate surfaces to prevent future mold amplification."

"This new technology has already saved our private clients thousands by reducing labor costs and preventing any worries from legal ramifications that are caused by mold projects having a re-occurrence of mold after a mold remediation has been completed."

Molderizer.com has reached out to many mold contractors to offer a new technology to subside costs and improve profits by applying their newest mold remediation products, called Safe Shield and Molderizer.

Currently, till the end of February mold remediation professionals can receive a complimentary sample of the mold remediation kit. Get access to this complimentary sample at http://www.molderizer.com

###

Markus Skupeika
Molderizer.com
1 (877) 978-6501
Email Information

Read more:
Will Mold Remediation Professionals Have A Harder Time To Get Paid In 2012? Molderizer.com Offers A Solution

15-11-2011 10:32 waterremovalatlanta.com Mold remediation is essential in any workplace, because spore outbreaks are an indoor air quality issue. We know you want to protect your employees and customers. You know that "sick building syndrome" has become a legal liability, a drain on productivity across the country, and a tenant issue. Protect your enterprise and your people. We will develop a commercial mold remediation for any business, industry, government agency and institution. We have effectively served offices, schools, hospitals and numerous commercial entities with our industry leading procedures: Thorough building investigation to isolate the source of water Mold testing to determine the extent of contamination and species of mold Identification of mold hot spots including the use of infrared technology Protection of work areas not affected by the commercial mold remediation process Safe removal and disposal of all contaminated materials Removal of microbial growth Advanced rapid drying Elimination of spores Treatment to decontaminate surfaces and prevent reappearance of mold

Continue reading here:
House Mold Remediation Atlanta - Video

Placing emphasis on helping mold sufferers, the team at Molderizer.com has moved into assisting mold professionals and mold sufferers with it's new guide about mold removal cost. While there is much confusion on the complete cost for a mold remediation, the contributors have developed a guide to avoid any surprises.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) February 02, 2012

Molderizer.com has just setup a new page on their site that will be dedicated to assisting mold sufferers about the details of mold removal cost. The team hopes to help educate mold sufferers with solutions and alternatives to mold remediation projects.

The team lead, Maurice Manhattan stated “We have tons of members contacting us about mold removal costs. It appears many mold remediation companies have all different costing and quotes. We wanted to develop a unique mold removal costing page to help remove any confusion and surprises. Also, we placed some tested and proven alternatives to get rid of ones own mold problem.”

The site contains numerous guides which were developed from professionals in the industry. Molderizer.com not only contains products which are now available to the public, but also the site is leaning towards information and advice for many folks with mold problems. With it’s vast network of professionals, the site is looking to educate consumers and mold remediation professionals on safer measures to clean and prevent mold problems.

Currently to subside costs for mold professionals, http://www.molderizer.com has developed two green mold solutions. Molderizer and Safe Shield, which were once only available to mold remediation companies. The site has now released the formulas to the public. The green mold products have been used in the industry and are used to kill mold and prevent any future outbreaks.

For those who wish to learn more you can view the new guide that helps people get an understanding of mold removal cost at Molderizer.com.

###

Markus Skupeika
Molderizer.com
1 (877) 978-6501
Email Information

Continued here:
Molderizer.com Issues A New Blueprint That Helps Reduce Mold Removal Cost

Molderizer.com announced that it's green mold remediation products will now be available to the public. After having previous commitments with some of the more larger mold remediation companies, Molderizer.com has created a new agreement in which all mold companies can drive profits with the unique mold cleaner and encapsulation formulation.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) February 01, 2012

It appears that MyCleaningProducts.com, the company responsible for it's green bean line of mold remediation products. Have recently renewed there product license agreement with some very highly profitable mold remediation companies. This means, what was once only available to select mold remediation companies. Now will be available to all mold contractors and mold sufferers.

The new product line includes two new green products. These non-toxic mold products are specifically formulated to do two important steps in cleaning black mold and mildew. The first product is called Molderizer, which is to break down the DNA of mold spores. The second product, is a unique formula which creates a barrier on surfaces to prevent mold spores from reproducing. The science behind Safe Shield will literally suffocate mold spores to prevent future amplification.

MyCleaningProducts.com states that Molderizer is a non-toxic mold cleaner which breaks down the DNA of mold spores. This green formula allows mold remediation companies to use the product during a typical mold remediation without worrying about toxic chemicals or future mold outbreaks.

The second piece of the new mold kit is called Safe Shield. This green product also breaks down the DNA of mold spores, but is primarily focused as a secondary application to create a clear barrier on any surface, which will entrap mold spores thus killing them.

MyCleaningProducts.com CEO, Markus Skupeika states "It has finally happened. We are now able to offer our Molderizer and Safe Shield new formulations to the public. What was once only available to large mold remediation companies is now available to large mold companies, and small companies, as well as consumers. We can happily say our past clients have profited extremely well using the new formulas. After rigid testing with these companies, we have come to the agreement to share the technology and bring Molderizer to the public."

Markus Skupeika, the CEO of MyCleaningProducts.com also states: "Molderizer offers a fast non-toxic solution to kill mold and prevent future mold amplification. The Molderizer kit has helped 1,000's of mold professionals to easily pass clearance tests, which occur after a mold remediation project. This increase in successful clearance tests are saving mold contractors thousands in project and labor costs."

Till the end of February, Molderizer.com is now offering a complimentary sample of the Molderizer kit.

###

Markus Skupeika
Molderizer.com
1 (877) 978-6501
Email Information

Here is the original post:
Molderizer.com Announces It's Green Mold Remediation Products, Which Were Only Available To Select Mold Companies ...

26-07-2011 16:21 servicemasterrestorations.com 239-321-5077 Mold removal service Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples. ServiceMaster Clean of Lee and Colliers county can get rid of your mold problems.

Follow this link:
Mold Removal From Condos, Apartments, Hotels, etc. Fort Myers Fl. 239-321-5077 - Video

21-11-2011 13:34 http://www.waterdamage-atlanta.com Mold remediation is essential in any workplace, because spore outbreaks are an indoor air quality issue.

Read the original here:
Mold Remediation Atlanta - Video