Environmental Services
DALLASWHITE’s Environmental Services include abatement and remediation of:
- Asbestos
- Chemicals
- Chinese Drywall
- Lead-Based Painted Materials
- Microbial Contaminants
- Mold/Mildew
- Sewage
Exploratory & Preliminary Testing
Our certified hygienists will test your property to determine if there are hazardous materials that require environmental remediation. If it has been determined that hazardous materials are present, our certified hygienists will develop a protocol for the abatement and remediation of the hazardous materials that complies with local, state, federal, and OSHA regulations.
Abatement & Remediation
Our certified technicians will set containment, remediate, and dispose of all hazardous materials according to the protocol developed by the hygienists. Using state of the art air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, disinfectants, HEPA vacuums, negative air machines, and sealants, according to the protocol, our technicians will ensure that your property is completely decontaminated.
Asbestos
Asbestos is used in a wide array of building materials. When asbestos is disturbed during a catastrophe it can be a health hazard. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, exposure to asbestos could potentially increase the risk of developing cancer of the lungs or other organs. In order to reduce health risks due to asbestos exposure, it is recommended that asbestos-containing material that have been disturbed be abated according to industry regulations.
Chinese Drywall
DALLASWHITE stays abreast of new health hazards in building materials and takes pride in being industry leaders in new remediation practices. Recently, Chinese Drywall has been cited as a hazardous building material. According to Chinese Drywall experts, the terms “Chinese Drywall,” “Contaminated Drywall,” and “Tainted Drywall” refer to drywall imported from China from 2001 to 2007.
Chinese Drywall has come to light as both a potential safety and health hazard for the following reasons:
- Chinese Drywall poses a safety threat because heat and humidity cause the drywall to release gases, which not only create a noxious odor, but they corrode copper and other metal surfaces. Such corrosion can damage your appliances and electronics as well as copper plumbing. Furthermore, corrosion of electrical wiring compromise the effectiveness of your smoke detectors, thereby increasing fire risks.
- Chinese Drywall poses a health risk because it is so friable that particles of the drywall easily dislodge, aerosolize, and enter your lungs. Gases emitted from the material are also thought to affect the central nervous system.
For these reasons, even after Chinese Drywall is removed, the toxic drywall particulate may remain unless property removed by an industry professional trained in remediation. DALLASWHITE is proud to be on the cutting edge of new remediation protocols as they are developed.
Here are some useful links for more information on Chinese Drywall:
- http://www.chinesedrywall.com
- http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/business/energy-environment/24drywall.html
- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123171862994672097.html
Lead
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), levels of lead found in children younger than 18 years of age are getting lower and lower because the substance is banned from gasoline, residential paint and solder used in food cans and plumbing. However, lead can still be found in drinking water as well as in dust particles, dirt, and in paint used in older homes. Children can be more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults because they may come into contact with the substance by playing on the floor or ground, or by chewing on lead-based paint chips. According to the CDC, severe exposure to lead in children can potentially lead to anemia, kidney damage or brain damage. Adults exposed to lead may also suffer from serious health conditions such as increased blood pressure, weakened joints and even potential brain, or kidney damage if lead levels are high, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Due to the serious health consequences resultant from lead exposure, it is critical that lead found in paint, which is still common particularly in older homes or in commercial buildings, is remediated according to standard protocol. Likewise, lead found in other materials such as automobile compounds, industrial emissions, surface and ground water, and some forms of solder used in older plumbing systems should be handled according to industry protocol to reduce health hazards.
Sewage
Sewage backups create a severe health hazard and can cause costly property damage if not tended to properly. The longer the backup is left, the greater the potential for bacteria development and growth that can cause serious illnesses. In addition to causing potential illness, sewage back flows can compromise the integrity of your property’s structure by introducing harmful organisms into the structure. This can result in a large property loss. Swift and skilled response is essential for minimizing both health hazards and potential property loss.