When we think of combustion engines and the pollutants they produce, we typically picture cars and trucks driving along the interstate. In fact, we rarely think that there would be contamination from these combustion processes inside of our homes and businesses. If you’ve ever noticed a black stain on your carpet, around your wall outlets, or near ventilation grates, you may have a carbon black or soot problem on your hands. Carbon black and soot can both pose a significant risk to the health of you and your family if left undetected and untreated.

Carbon Black

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, carbon black is a black residue that results from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuel such as oil or gas with a limited supply of combustion air and high temperatures. In the United States, carbon black is manufactured as a binding agent in rubber (specifically tires) and for use in household products with functions such as pigmentation, ultraviolet (UV) stabilization and use as a conductive agent. Carbon black can be found in black printing inks, paper, plastics, and surface coatings. It appears as a fluffy, highly pigmented, black powder. Because of its close physical and chemical similarity to soot, carbon black is thought to be carcinogenic and can possibly pose a risk to your health if inhaled. It is almost identical to soot in composition but contains more carbon as a result of its manufacturing process.

When discussing air testing, the first question many people have is “how are samples collected?” While many people picture collecting a sample of air in a jar or some other simple container, the actual process is much more efficient than that. All in all, air samples typically require a filtration process in which the air is pushed through a filter or slide and the contents of the filter/slide are then analyzed for particulate matter and contaminants. That’s exactly why we use Air-O-Cell® Cassettes.

Air-O-Cell® Cassettes are manufactured by Zefon International and are basically miniature air filtration chambers that catch air contaminants on a small slide for microscopic analysis. Contaminant-laden air is pushed through an inlet slit using an air pump and directed toward the slide. The air passes through the chamber, leaving particles behind on the slide and passing out of the other side of the chamber. This slide can then be extracted from the cassette and analyzed directly underneath a microscope for particles and contaminants.

Quality drinking water is essential for our health and well-being. Testing water quality is important for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. Whether water is used for drinking or irrigation, it’s vital that water quality is monitored regularly so that any problems can be addressed in a timely manner.
In this article, you will learn about common water contaminants and why it’s important to contact commercial laboratories for regular testing of water quality.

What are the most common contaminants in the United States?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common contaminants can be biological, pathogenic, chemical and mineral. Below, we will discuss some of the most common contaminants and the impact they have on individuals who ingest them.

If you live in an older home and/or you’re planning renovations, it is wise to consider the potential for asbestos exposure in your home. Removing asbestos from the home can be an arduous process.

The first step to removing this potentially dangerous material from your home is to properly identify it. Asbestos can persist in a variety of areas within your home including acoustic ceiling spray, floor tiles, linoleums, insulations, drywall/joint compounds, exterior stuccos, roofing, etc. Thus, it is very important to have testing performed prior to initiating the demolition or renovation process in your home. By contacting professionals, you can ensure that your home and your family is safe from asbestos exposure before, during, and after your renovation.