Services

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Specializing in the inspection and testing of asbestos in Homes and Commercial Buildings. Testing of a specific building material or whole House-Building testing for the purposes of renovation or demolition activity.

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Mold Inspection

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Expert inspection and testing for mold inside structures. Includes visual inspection, moisture meter testing, thermal imagery, and air sampling. Includes site specific report with detailed recommendations.

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Lead-Based Paint Testing

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

Lead-Based Paint Inspections and Lead Risk Assessments. To determine the existence, nature, and severity of possible lead hazards that maybe inside your Home posing exposure concerns.

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Indoor Air Quality Investigations

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

Conduct air sampling for Radon, Volatile Organic Compounds, Formaldehyde, Asbestos, PM 2.5, Combustable Gases, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Mold.

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PCB Screening Assessment

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

to assist with San Francisco Bay Area municipal agencies’ efforts to manage PCBs–containing building materials during demolition so that PCBs are not discharged to municipal storm drain systems from demolition of applicable structures via vehicle track-out, airborne releases, soil erosion, or stormwater runoff.

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CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

Assembly Bill 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires that Licensed Child Care Centers (CCC) operating in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010 must have their drinking water tested for excessive lead levels by January 1, 2023.

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Sewage Backup Screening

Clearance Post Remediation

Sewage backup releases physical and airborne contaminants. Touching this bacteria can lead to a variety of symptoms, including stomach cramping, vomiting, fever, and severe forms of gastroenteritis. If sewage conditions aren't properly cleaned up and surfaces disinfected, cross contamination can transpire. Cross contamination is when sewage bacteria is transferred from one room to another typically by foot traffic. If you are looking to ensure safe conditions, contact us to perform testing to ensure efficacy especially after cleanup.

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Clearance Post Remediation

Efficacy testing that includes visual inspection of work area(s) that can include air sampling for asbestos and mold, dust wipe samples for lead, and swab samples for sewage. This service is typically performed after work as part of a clearance prior to re-occupancy and reconstruction. This maybe important for you as part of a third party verification that a job has been completed successfully. Abatement or remediation contractors don't and shouldn't offer this clearance service as for it is a conflict of interest.

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Awareness Training

Clearance Post Remediation

Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Contractors in need of asbestos, lead, silica, or mold awareness training for their workers in accordance with Cal-OSHA requirements. Training can be performed via Zoom conference online or in person at your Facility.

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Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Silica dust can stay airborne for up to 12 days, posing exposure concerns to workers and occupants days after work took place. Asbestos has been a deadly word in various industries since 1929, when the first lawsuit was filed.

This natural silicate material is responsible for more than 11,000 deaths each year, as nearly 1.3 million America

This natural silicate material is responsible for more than 11,000 deaths each year, as nearly 1.3 million Americans go to a workplace in which they exposed each day.

Now, respirable crystalline silica, which is the second most abundant mineral on Earth, is quickly gaining a similar reputation as about 2.3 million workers are exposed to it annually.

Silica, like asbestos, is dangerous when inhaled.

Both of these exposures occur when workers cut, grind, crush, or drill materials containing the dangerous substances creating very small dust particles. Invisible to the eye, workers can become unknowingly exposed until severe health issues occur months, or even years later.

With OSHA’s new silica rule in effect for construction, maritime, general industry, and soon for hydraulic fracturing, the general public is becoming more aware of the connection between silica exposure and lung diseases, much like it did in the late 1970s with asbestos.

As silica, which is quite literally everywhere, climbs to the top of many employers’ agendas, it might be fair to consider it as the modern-era asbestos.

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Radon Testing

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

When you breathe in radon gas, radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs. Over time, these radioactive particles increase the risk of lung cancer. It may take years before health problems appear. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. No radon issues in California? Think again! Radon is naturally occuring and there are many areas of California that suffer from radon issues. Visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/california.pdf

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Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Generate Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program Manuals for contractors and property management companies in accordance with Cal-OSHA requirements. These manuals are site specific and tailered to meet your companies needs based on your scope of work. O&M manuals can be generated for asbestos, lead, mold, and silica.

About Us

Serving the entire Bay Area since 1997

Family owned business, our goal is to meet your needs with exception to detail while being sensitive to your budget. We are not extremist and believe that every environmental condition has a reasonable solution to remedy. All of our services are site specific, includes comprehensive report with detailed recommendations. We don't perform abatement or removal, only inspection and testing, so there is no conflict of interest.

Did You Know?

In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.

Lead Poisoning

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and abrasion can create hazardous lead dust and debris by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults, children, and pets. Residual lead dust can contaminate properties and pose lingering exposure over time.

Vermiculite Attic Insulation

Yes, likely to contain asbestos. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.

A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may contain asbestos.

Sad backstory, Gold miners discovered vermiculite in Libby in 1881. In the 1920s, the Zonolite Company formed and began mining the vermiculite. In 1963, W.R. Grace bought the Zonolite mining operations. W.R. Grace the owner of the former vermiculite mine in northwestern Montana knowingly and willfully spread harmful asbestos in and around the town of Libby unbeknownst to not only the mine workers, but their families and general public. Many generations of people and families in Libby contracted asbestos related diseases. The mine closed in 1990, and since then the EPA has designated Libby as a superfund site in need of cleanup and W.R. Grace former management faced jail time and severe fines. For more information on this, see video https://youtu.be/au3DShahmBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@ertbayarea.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

I am planning to perform Renovation or Demolition, what should I test for?

The two main hazards you should test for PRIOR to renovation or demolition activity are asbestos and lead-based paint. You should test first to avoid contamination and exposure concerns but also for liability. The handling, work practices, and disposal of asbestos and lead are regulated and restricted by certain local, state, and federal agencies.

In the Bay Area, an agency called BAAQMD requires individuals performing renovations or demolitions in excess of 100 square feet to obtain what is called a J# authorization. This J# is a requirement in a addition to what your City or Town Building Department requires for the permit process. For more information on BAAQMD asbestos requirements and to obtain J# visit https://www.baaqmd.gov/permits/asbestos.

Furthermore, Cal-OSHA regulates occupational exposure to asbestos and lead. The contractor you hire has employees that must be notified in advance of the presence of asbestos and lead and must be properly protected and trained. The average general contractor doesn't employ asbestos or lead certified or trained workers. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule (RRP) requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the RRP rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in structures built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. For more information on EPA RRP Lead requirements visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renovaterightbrochure.pdf.

I think I am suffering from symptoms related to Mold exposure

Do you live inside of a Home or work inside of a Building that is old or has history of water damage or moisture intrusion? If so, mold exposure maybe a problem. Many times issues arise when water and moisture intrusion affects a structure and occupants attempt to dry out naturally by opening windows or by using fans. Areas underneath floors, behind walls, and above ceilings are dark and damp enviornments with limited airflow. Attempting to naturally dry out water damage is moot and futile. If water damage has remained in excess of 72 hours without professional water damage restoration actions taking place quickly, mold can establish.

Once mold establishes it can continue to grow and manifest, many times hidden unbeknownst to occupants. Mold growth then begins to release spores into the air that occupants can breathe in. Everyone's sensative and immune system is different, therefore it isn't uncommon for some people to get allergic reactions and some people experience no symptoms. However, mold exposure can cause flu-like symptoms, upper respiratory issues, asthma, and neurological problems (e.g., concentration and memory issues, weakness, light sensitivity, sinus, tremors, general feeling of numbness).

I just moved into a new Home and am feeling sick

Newer Homes can suffer from volatile organic compounds such as Formaldehyde because new building materials and surfaces off-gas. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

What does a Mold Inspection entail and why use ERT

ERT mold inspection and testing services are diffferent then what our competitors perform. First of all we have over 25 years of experience in the mold industry and have performed tens of thousands of inspections. Unfortunately, the government has yet to establish mold regulatory action levels or requirements. Currently, there are only industry standards, With the lack of mold regulations many incompetent individuals with no enviornmental background pertaining to mold have advertised to perform mold testing. Many of these individuals have simply taken an online mold class and received bogus inspector or testing certifications. Many of these individuals have been recruited by laboratories to take samples and simply submit to lab for analysis with results forwarded to you. Some of these individuals that propose to perform mold inspection or testing also propose to perform remediation or treatment, which is clearly a conflict of interest.

Mold inspections can be very useful, but ONLY if performed by the right individuals or company. It is imperative that the company or individuals performing mold inspection or testing DO NOT perform mold remediation or cleanup. Regardless if their inspection and testing costs are cheaper. It is a conflict of interest. See what happens when you choose the wrong company or individuals to perform mold inspections and testing, view video https://youtu.be/fsERL3PqCMs. Beware! You get what you pay for and if you choose the wrong unethical people to perform, you may pay more than necessary in the long run.

ERT mold inspections and testing are site specific and comprehensive. We understand that mold is naturally ocurring and in all enviornments. We attempt to first visually inspect the structure and identify visible mold conditions that maybe present. Mold conditions identified are put into perspective, typically in two general categories, surface "cosmetic" mold as compared to mold infestation. Surface mold is common inside Bathrooms on surfaces where lack of air circulation or ventilation is present or lack of housekeping is apparent. Mold infestation is when a building material is infested with mold many times related with underlying water damage or moisture present.

ERT performs moisture meter testing and uses a thermal camera to determine if underlying water damage or moisture is present underneath floors, behind walls, and above ceilings especially in areas that contain existing plumbing. We attempt to determine the source of water and moisture intrusion whether it be from an active plumbing leak or exterior naturally occuring rains. We then obtain air samples from the structure to determine if amplified and/or elevated airborne mold is present or posing exposure concerns. As part of air sampling we obtain air sample outside the structure in order to establish naturally ocurring mold spore concentrations we can compare to. The industry standard is that indoor airborne mold spore concentrations should be less than exterior naturally ocurring mold spore concentrations. The species of mold from inside to outside should also be similar. Sometimes indoor air sampling identifies a particular species of mold that is known to produce mycotoxins which may create special health concerns in susceptable individuals.

ERT reports are site specific and include detailed recommendations to remedy any mold conditions identified. Many times surface mold conditions can be easily remedied by occupants using microbial disinfectants as part of Housekeeping, to include improving air circulation inside the structure and possible use of portable HEPA air filtration units. Some conditions such as mold infestation may require extraordinary actions to remedy, which would then require a mold abatement contractor to professionally address under containment.

I am in need of removal or abatement services

We don't perform removal or abatement services. However, two highly respected, reputable, and licensed contractors that serve the entire Bay Area can be contacted below. These contractors specialize in asbestos, lead, and mold remediation.

1. ZCON Specialities

Colleen Zonati

(408) 451-9512

zconssi@aol.com

2. Reliance Construction

Jeremiah Huelsenkamp

(650) 347-9100

jeremiah@reliance-const.com

I obtained a sample myself that I want analyzed, can I drop off to your office?

No, unfortunately we don't accept samples from others for analysis. We use to many years ago, but policy change restricted this for two main reasons. First, we can't confirm that the sample was taken properly. Secondly, we can't certify the property address where the sample was obtained from. For these reasons all of our testing services are performed onsite and in person.

I contacted an abatement contractor first, I want to bypass an inspection or testing and use them exclusively to consult and advise me

The issue with this approach is conflict of interest. Using a company to identify and advise you of abatement or remediation needs when they have vested financial interest in making money on said abatement or remediation is foolhardy. These abatement contractors generally send over a supervisor that provides a glorified bid to perform remediation, while sometimes offering a limited site inspection and even sampling for free or sometimes for a small fee. This is akin to the old adage of the fox guarding the hen house. It is generally best to keep environmental consulting and remediation separate per California Building code of ethics.

I am thinking about using a self test kit on Amazon or at Home Depot

This is your prerogative, and is clearly the cheapest route, but comes at risk. The risk is with potential false positives, improper sampling techniques, and shipping issues. Many times these laboratories are out of State and are not accredited in California making the results invalid to meet regulatory requirements. It is best practice to leave the testing and analysis to a trained professional for accuracy and efficacy.

I contracted with a general contractor to perform a repair or renovation and they haven't mentioned asbestos or lead as needing to be identified or addressed beforehand

This is all to common, but carries monumental risk and liability. First of all this indicates non-compliance of the contractor to properly address many local, state, and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to Cal-OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency. Secondly, you as the property owner maybe considered the employer if fines or litigation is levied by the actions of your contractor. You as the owner of the property where work is taking place are also responsible and own the waste and contamination generated from your property. Don't let a contractor jeopardize and compromise you to fines and lawsuits. Not to mention, puting your property and occupants at risk for lingering hazards and exposure overtime.

I am a renter and the property owner disregards my concerns and doesn't want to pay for an inspection or testing

California's implied warranty of habitability requires a landlord to keep the premises in a condition fit for the occupation of human beings. Landlords must substantially comply with housing and building codes/standards that materially affect a tenant's safety and health. The presence of asbestos, lead, or mold concerns automatically triggers requirements for the landlord to address in a timely manner. Landlord disinclination of your concerns opens liability and introduces litigation. If the landlord isn't willing to address your concerns and pay for professional inspection or testing it maybe advisable to withold your rent payment, front the inspection or testing fee yourself, seek financial retribution, and even relocation costs. Worst case scenarios where environmental hazards has posed exposure concerns and contamination of your personal items exists, added punitive damages for medical or decontamination of items maybe warranted.

I am in the process of purchasing a property and the Home inspection report contains an environmental red flag that my realtor downplays

Your realtor may tell you to avoid testing your Home for environmental hazards because of escrow contigency constraints or fear of losing offer because of multiple bids. Your Home is a huge financial investment to include the health and well being of your Family is imperative. Doing your due diligence includes no matter what putting your concerns a priority, which may include insisting on testing before you purchase or move in.

My Home suffered from recent or past water damage, now I smell mold and believe I am experiencing symptoms related to mold exposure, will this problem go away?

The short answer is no. Once water damage has set in, mold establishes. Once mold establishes, it then grows and releases spores into the atmosphere. Even after the source of water and moisture has ceased, once mold established it can continue to grow and manifest for years. Growing inside floor, wall, and ceiling cavities and other inaccessible areas of the Home unbeknownst to you.

I just bought a property, shouldn't the seller have provided environmental testing reports

The seller isn't required by law to perform environmental inspection or testing reports. The seller is only required to disclose what they have knowledge of. This disclosure is many times vague, and selective memory sets in if it means potential devaluing of property or complications with sell.

I have belief or have been told it doesn't look like or is asbestos, can this be true?

No. This isn't true or prudent. No one can tell if a building material is asbestos based on appearance. The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is to have sample analyzed by an accredited laboratory using a microscope. Another misconception out there is the presence or absence of asbestos based up age or era of the material. This misconception is foolhardy. The United States did put a ban in the late 1970's on the domestic manufacture of asbestos, however this ban disn't apply to contractors using stockpiles of building materials in their inventory and also didn't apply to the import of building materials from other Countries still using asbestos. FYI, even today there are countries still manufacturing asbestos containing materials and importing into the U.S. Yet another misconception is that every house on a given street built by the same builder used the same building material batches or stockpiles on each and every house. This is not always the case, contractors back in the day may have run out of the same construction materials or used diffferent vendors. You may also have heard from a friendly neighbor when discussing asbestos that they tested their house and no asbestos was present which suggests that your Home yields the same results. Again this isn't true and other similar Homes in your neighborhood shouldn't be used as a case study.

I had a renovation performed inside my Home, the contractor cleaned up and it looks clean, should I have concern?

Yes, possibly. Visibly clean doesn't mean that microscopic particulate and contamination doesn't linger or exist. An old adage "the solution to pollution isn't dillution" holds true. Sure cleaning by amatuerish individuals is semi-afffective, but can be insufficient without using proper methods, products, and equipment. This in turn can create false pretense of safety. It's never to late to test your Home for environmental hazards after the fact.

I had abatement performed recently, should I have a clearance performed?

It is your prerogative. The abatement contractor isn’t required to provide this service nor do you want them to provide this service for conflict of interest reasons. Sometimes abatement contractors say they have a third party consultant they use to perform clearance for you. This too is a conflict of interest. If you want a clearance you should be the one that seeks out and contracts with a consultant of your choosing. You maybe thinking if work was professionally performed it should be safe and clean, why do I need a clearance. The reason and need for clearance is that even contractors are human and maybe their work was substandard.

I am impressed with this website and want to go with ERT for inspection or testing, but want to get a competitive bid first

We actually encourage getting a competitive bid or pricing. Just make sure to compare apples to apple. Meaning find out in detail what each consulting firm offer’s specifically and avoid quotes that are open ended pricing and not fixed. Many times variation in consulting firms methods, techniques, application and interpretation of industry standards, and pricing exist. You often get what you pay for. Meaning if the price seems cheap than it is likely a limited service being performed. If price seems too high then it maybe consulting firm overselling their services, many times services in excess (e.g., taking more samples than necessary) in order to make the most profit. ERT strategy is to provide service pricing at or below other consulting firm competitors. We would much rather get continued future business and referrals being fair and upfront with pricing as compared to taking advantage of our clients. This pricing strategy ensures our sucess with continued business. We don't sell you more than you need, just enough to meet your needs or concerns and comply with regulatory requirements.

I am a concerned neighbor or pedestrian and believe that an active job site in my neighborhood is undergoing work where asbestos and lead wasn’t tested for polluting the environment or contaminating the neighborhood

In this day and age you have many options to be a whistleblower for the betterment of the environment. Going online and contacting Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Cal-OSHA for asbestos, and the EPA for lead is a affective way to get a response and help. These agencies may not respond to the job site immediately, but by providing information such as photo or video documenting potential violations is sure proof way of having these agencies audit these contractors and hold them accountable. Contact information to report potential violations below.

1. Bay Area Air Quality Management District for visible air emissions outside a property, visit https://permits.baaqmd.gov/aq#/complaints/complaint-overview or call call (800)-334-6367.

2. Cal-OSHA for worker safety and non-compliance visit https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/complaint.htm#:~:text=Contact%20the%20District%20Office&text=Telephone%20the%20Cal%2FOSHA%20Enforcement,to%20any%20questions%20you%20have. or call (866) 924-9757

3. Lead paint violations, EPA RRP (e.g., renovation, repair, painting activity on pre-1978 property) visit https://www.epa.gov/lead/report-lead-based-paint-complaints-tips-and-violations#:~:text=For%20detailed%20information%20or%20questions,housing%20and%20child%2Doccupied%20facilities.

Prior to contacting the above agencies try and obtain as much site information as possible such as address, contractor name (who is doing the work), property owner name (if available), specific dates and times of violations or work activity. This information will help agency enforcement. You do have the right and option to file a complaint anonymously.

I have been exposed to mold as a renter and the Landlord has engaged in tort by not addressing issues, what are my next steps

Whether tort is intentional or unintentional if the Landlord disregards mold conditions inside your residence is negligence. You may need to contact a medical practitioner to assess potential mold exposure to include contacting an attorney to discuss potential litigation and retribution. Here are a few contacts (below) for further assistance.

MOLD EXPOSURE TREATMENT

1. BioReset Medical - www.bioresetmedical.com

2. Dr. Husbands - https://www.drhusbands.com/moldillness/

3. Anatara Medicine - https://www.anataramedicine.com/environmental-toxins/best-mold-exposure-treatment-doctor-san-franscisco-ca

MOLD LITIGATION LAW FIRMS

1. The Regan Law Firm -

www.thereganfirm.com

2. Bracamontes & Vlasak Law Firm - https://www.bvlawsf.com/toxic-torts/toxic-mold/#:~:text=Contact%20A%20San%20Francisco%20Toxic%20Mold%20Attorney%20Immediately&text=BV%20Law%20serves%20clients%20in,6777.

A few personal recommendations as interim solution to address mold conditions inside your residence in order to mitigate exposure.

1. Blueair Air Purifiers -

https://www.blueair.com/us/

2. Concrobium Mold Control (e.g., mold cleaning product) - https://www.concrobium.com/products/mold-control-spray/

3. Mold Respirator/Mask - https://www.homedepot.com/b/Safety-Equipment-Respirator-Masks/Mold/N-5yc1vZc25kZ1z18up9

4. Kilz Mold and Mildew Primer - https://www.kilz.com/primer/kilz-mold--mildew?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc5r29MJebF5og6fGKcAqPMdf2tzHdMUATMY-6n5G9R6vIEsGdbunuwaAovtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

5. vremi Dehumidifier Machine - https://vremi.com/products/moisture-maniac-dehumidifier

6. Water Sump Pumps - Superior - https://www.superiorpump.com/products/utility/91250.html

7. Quietcool Attic Fans - https://quietcoolsystems.com/attic-fan/

8. Clean Crawl Spaces - https://www.cleancrawlspaces.com/ and/or Bay Area Moisture Control - https://bayareamoisturecontrol.com/

I am interested in environmental testing on my property but have no idea what contaminants or hazards I should test for

It is important to do your Homework and educate yourself prior to contacting a consulting firm. This is vital because there are many different kinds of inspections and testing that can be performed, but there isn't one single test or analysis that covers all contaminants. Therefore, try to think about why you want the inspection and testing and define your concerns and purpose. This will help a consulting firm to customize services to meet your needs and will also help define pricing.

Get to know SILICA - on the horizon, the new asbestos

Asbestos has been a deadly word in various industries since 1929, when the first lawsuit was filed. This natural silicate material is responsible for more than 11,000 deaths each year, as nearly 1.3 million Americans go to a workplace in which they exposed each day. Now, respirable crystalline silica, which is the second most abundant mineral on Earth, is quickly gaining a similar reputation as about 2.3 million workers are exposed to it annually.

Silica, like asbestos, is dangerous when inhaled. Both of these exposures occur when workers cut, grind, crush, or drill materials containing the dangerous substances creating very small dust particles. Invisible to the eye, workers can become unknowingly exposed until severe health issues occur months, or even years later. With OSHA’s new silica rule in effect for construction, maritime, general industry, and soon for hydraulic fracturing, the general public is becoming more aware of the connection between silica exposure and lung diseases, much like it did in the late 1970s with asbestos. As silica, which is quite literally everywhere, climbs to the top of many employers’ agendas, it might be fair to consider it as the modern-era asbestos.

Words like Mesothelioma and asbestosis are synonymous with asbestos. Billions of dollars have been awarded in mesothelioma cases in the past four decades and more than 100 companies have filed for bankruptcy. When it comes to silica, we’re becoming familiar with the terms silicosis and COPD.

Both diseases, like mesothelioma and asbestos, cause severe and often lethal lung damage. Silicosis is brought upon by inhaling even trace amounts of silica particles. Over time, these silica particles scar the lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing. Asbestosis has an eerily similar effect, as they are both forms of lung fibrosis.

There are three types of silicosis to be aware of:

Acute silicosis: Occurs within a few weeks or years of exposure and causes coughing, weight loss, and fatigue.
Chronic silicosis: Occurs when workers experience low, yet constant exposure to the hazardous material. Lung scarring can appear 10 to 30 years after exposure.
Accelerated silicosis: Occurs within 10 years of constant, high exposure to silica.

OSHA estimates that between 1,000 and 1,500 people die each year due to silica exposure.

Already, there has been an abundance of silica-related lawsuits and deaths. In 2009, a former sandblaster was awarded $7.9 million against his employer in Mississippi after contracting silicosis.

For years, companies looked for ways to hide the dangers of asbestos because of its prevalence throughout industry. Those decisions inevitably came back to haunt them mightily. In recent months, all too many employers have been looking for ways around silica testing and employee education requirements. Therefore, it’s highly conceivable that silicosis lawsuits will run parallel with those brought about by mesothelioma.

If you think silica testing is too expensive to be worthwhile, then you might want to rethink your stance and use asbestos as a reference.

I am concerned with Radon, but have been told it is only an Eastern United States problem and not an issue in California

Not true. Yes, radon is most prevalent in the Eastern United States, however pockets of California can still suffer from elevated radon concentrations. Radon is naturally ocurring and comes from the earth. Radon enteres the Home typically through concrete slab foundations or Homes that have basements. Radon is a carcinogen and has been linked to cancer. Have your Home tested for radon during a real estate transaction especially. Visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/california.pdf

What is the recommended indoor air quality testing service?

If you don't have a specific concern, but want to evaluate the air quality in general, we recommend testing for mold and volatile organic compounds. These are the two most common indoor contaminants. This service entails obtaining one two hour air sample from inside the structure and is considered an essential test to assess general air quality concerns.

What are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)

Most of us are used to the electronic conveniences of modern life. But few of us are aware of the possible health risks presented by the gadgets that make our world work.

Our power lines, cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other appliances send out a stream of invisible energy waves. Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced anywhere electricity is used, including at home and in the workplace. Some experts are concerned about potential health effects from these fields.

If you are concerned with EMF exposure in your Home or Office, please contact us for an assessment. We can test and quantify exposure risk.

Work is actively taking place inside my Home, and we forgot to test for asbestos and lead

STOP. Cease all work. Contact us for testing. If contractor is involved in renovation advise them of potential hazards, contamination, and exposure concerns. Avoid cleaning up debris, can stir up contaminants and cause cross contamination. Consider vacating the premises. If temporary relocation isn’t feasbile, then isolate and contain the work areas using plastic sheeting or closing doors and sealing with masking tape. Close shut all HVAC registers and seal with masking tape. If you have any HEPA air purifier machines utilize them. Don’t use regular vacuums, only HEPA vacuums. Don’t dry sweep. Use only wet methods for interim cleanup. Don’t use regular mopping bucket system, instead use disposable swiffer style mop. Don’t use your furnace or air conditioning system. Avoid operating fans. Wear disposable foot shoe booties while inside the Home, while wearing N95 mask. Again, it is best to stop work and relocate and test for asbestos and lead prior to re-occupancy and continueing work. Depending on results, it maybe necessary to have abatement contractor to cleanup and for ERT to perform clearance.

Video

ASBESTOS VIDEO

Asbestos Hazards in Renovations, Restorations, and Demolition

MOLD VIDEO

Toxic mold devastates family, causes myriad health problems

LEAD VIDEO

EPA Lead Certification - Contractors & Lead Paint Poisoning

MOLD VIDEO

CBS13 Investigates Mold Wars: Tennant Rights When You Find Mold In Your Rental Unit

RADON VIDEO

How dangerous is radon to your health?

SILICA VIDEO - The new Asbestos

Flooded Homes

Flooded Homes: Removing Standing Water & Mucking Out

Asbestos No Longer in Use? Think Again!

The stunning truth about asbestos use in the U.S.

MOLD Inspection (Horror Story)

What happens when you choose the wrong individuals or company to perform.

Mold Video

Toxic Mold Syndrome: “It Was Like I Lost My Personality”

SILICA

The production of crushed quartz countertops may be causing deadly lung issues in workers.

Welcome to ERT

Welcome to ERT

Service pricing

Please contact us for site specific quote to meet your needs

SERVICE AREA

Counties Served

Services

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Mold Inspection

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Lead-Based Paint Testing

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

PCB Screening Assessment

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

CA Child Care Centers Lead Water Testing (AB 2370)

Sewage Backup Screening

Clearance Post Remediation

Clearance Post Remediation

Clearance Post Remediation

Clearance Post Remediation

Clearance Post Remediation

Awareness Training

Clearance Post Remediation

Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Silica Testing - The new Asbestos?

Radon Testing

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

Operations and Maintenance Program Manuals

About Us

Serving the entire Bay Area since 1997

Did You Know?

Lead Poisoning

Vermiculite Attic Insulation

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ERT

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Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Gallery

Video

ASBESTOS VIDEO

MOLD VIDEO

LEAD VIDEO

MOLD VIDEO

RADON VIDEO

SILICA VIDEO - The new Asbestos

Flooded Homes

Asbestos No Longer in Use? Think Again!

MOLD Inspection (Horror Story)

Mold Video

SILICA

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"Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings"