February 2007 Newsletter                               View an index of all our newsletters
 

How Can It Be Addresses

Sick House Syndrome – from poor air quality in a home – can result in allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity, migraines, cancer and emphysema. Many people in our area may be subjected to the syndrome, and especially children, the elderly and people with degraded immune systems, have increased susceptibility.

During these winter months, our homes are closed tightly for comfort and energy efficiency. This, combined with the fact that modern construction practices have made most of the homes we live in very air tight, traps the numerous particles, fibers, and gases found in indoor air in our homes. Many of these foreign particles may be of concern. Some are called irritants, other allergens, while still others are labeled sensitizers or toxins.

These particles of concern include lime and silica dust (which are found in concrete), pet dander, chips of lead paint, carbon (from fireplaces or candles). At a recent air quality lecture, the speaker suggested outlawing candles, due the large about of contagions they add to household air. Also in this list are body parts of dead microscopic insects. Fibers of concern include asbestos, animal hair, and carpet fibers, while gases of concern include carbon monoxide, radon and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.

These substances find their way into our homes in various ways. They may be emitted from the building itself, furnishings and cleaning material, tracked in on shoes or flow through leaks in the home. They may also grow inside the home itself. So what’s a homeowner to do? To improve air quality indoors, it is best to audit the home (either personally or professionally) to locate typical sources of problems. The review should also assure that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment are serviced on a regular basis. A professional touch may be preferable, as doing-it- yourself renovation and clean-up projects often cause more problems than they solve. For some improvements occupants of a home can do to improve home air quality, consider the following tips:

1. Install improved filters and use HEPA vacuum cleaners.
2. Install high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters.
3. Perform duct cleaning.
4. Maintain the seals of sewage traps.
5. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.
6. Avoid toys, mattress covers and other soft materials containing latex, vinyl or neoprene.
7. Mite proof mattresses and pillow covers; purchase non-allergenic blankets.
8. Air seal all gaps around windows and doors.
9. Avoid flannel pajamas and blankets
10. Avoid detergent residues and antistatic sprays on clothes.
11. Wash all new clothing in Borax.
12. Avoid chemical pesticides
13. Remove paints, solvents, pesticides and fertilizers from inside the house. Store outdoors or in a shed.
14. Replace porous surfaces with smooth surface materials.
15. Use front door mats.
16. Use products that are solvent free, low toxic or hypoallergenic.
17. Use carbon filters on showers to reduce chlorine exposure.
18. Avoid using unvented appliances, germicidal products, air fresheners and perfumes inside the home.

Alban is proud to offer FREE Continuing Education Courses in Real Estate Offices!
Call Tina to schedule one of our educational seminars, for additional information, or to schedule our services at 800-822-7200 or 301-662-6565.

From the Desk of
Arthur Lazerow

I am back from InspectionWorld 2007, ASHI’s annual convention, which was in DisneyLand, Anaheim California, this year. Other than being stranded overnight on the trip home during Dallas’s ice storm, the trip was excellent.

Karen Reisman, a noted corporate communications trainer, presented the keynote address, entitled Speak for Yourself – Power and Presence. ASHI inspectors are remarkably concerned about communication skills. Several years ago I presented a communication skill seminar at InspectionWorld at DisneyWorld. I assembled many of the crisis communication skills learned from my days at Hotline, Montgomery County Mental Health Association, and oriented them to communications with home inspection clients. I discussed creative listening skills, reflective questioning, and empathetic responses to acknowledge client’s emotions. Nearly 400 ASHI members attended.

Ms. Reisman’s formula for effective communications focuses on the trust factor and how to develop it. COD=effective communications. Content is the foundation and relies on knowledge and attitude. The “O” is for Organization, using three major points to make your case and using 3 words to define your goal. Delivery revolves around people skills. Making contact with your client, a firm handshake, using names, looking in their eyes, smiling, and finding commonality results in a pleasing delivery and a successful communication.

The other bonus of attending InspectionWorld is face time with our service providers. Besides spending time with Alban’s newest inspector, Goofey, Terry Howell of Radalink, our radon analysis laboratory, demonstrated their latest “Bluetooth” enabled continuous radon monitor. Ben Fontaine of Pro- Lab works diligently on our needs for mold sample analysis.

To Shut It Off Or Not
Vacation Prep

• Water Service. Anytime a home will be vacant for more than just a few days, it is best to turn off the water at the main water supply valve. Many plumbers tag this valve as the “Main Water Shut- Off..” Every homeowner or occupant of a dwelling should locate this valve for emergency use in the case of a pinhole leak, major pipe break or flood. Shorter vacancies do not require the water to be turned off. There is this exception, however. Any home with polybutylene water supply pipes or with a history of pinhole leaks is a candidate for shutting off the water even during weekend trips.

• Electricity and heat during the winter months. Never turn these off.

• Miscellaneous. Secure all window and door locks and on your way out, lock all deadbolts. Slider doors should have deadbolts for security. Stop newspaper delivery. Stop mail delivery or have your favorite neighbor collect your mail daily. Install several lamps on timers so the home does not appear vacant at night. Most of all, enjoy your trip worry free.