Identifying Asbestos

Unless material is labeled as containing asbestos the naked eye can not tell if the material contains asbestos.

A  certified professional should do the testing as incorrect sampling can cause fibers to be released.

Information resources about asbestos can be found at http://epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Where Do You Find Asbestos?

Stem pipes, boilers and furnace ducts
Cement sheet, millboard and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves
Soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings
Asbestos cement roofing, shingles and siding
Patching compounds and textured paints

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber, which can only be positively identified with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers.

From studies it is known that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of: lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.


Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Cleaning Moldy Areas

When cleaning mold use a N-95 respirator, available at hardware stores costing around $25.
Wear gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm.
Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes.
Use detergent or bleach to scrub the surface, be certain the air remains dry.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Mold Locations and Repairs

Plumbing leaks such as faucets, sink traps, disposals and water lines to refrigerators. All water leaks should be repaired immediately.

Absorbent or porous material such as ceiling tiles and carpet. Mold can grow on or fill in empty spaces and crevices of porous materials so the mold may be impossible to clean, thus requiring complete removal.

Mold can grow on practically any surface that is stored in a humid area.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Mold - It's Everywhere

"There is always a little mold everywhere in the air and on many surfaces."
Mold spores occur in the indoor and outdoor environments. Mold spores enter your house through doorways, windows, A/C systems, etc., as well as attaching themselves to people. When the spores drop into areas of moisture they will grow.


Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Mold Health Risks

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as cough and wheezing. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections.

"Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors." However, some people are sensitive to molds and may have symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation when exposed to molds.

Individuals may experience headaches, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Mold & Mildew - the difference

"Mold" and "Mildew" are terms that are used generally to describe growths of  fungi on various surfaces.

The difference between the two is in their appearance and the growing surfaces.

Information resources:
http://epa.gov (EPA 402-K-02-003) A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Read Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and other Molds, which provides specific information about certain molds.


Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com

Mold, Asbestos & the Property Manager

At the completion of this article you will be able to identify likely locations of mold and asbestos (within residential rental properties) as well as the potential health hazards associated with each.

Additionally, you will be able to identify appropriate solutions to these potential health hazards.



Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com