Lead poisoning is a serious concern for families with young children, particularly those that live in older homes. Children can be exposed to lead by inhaling or swallowing it, or by absorbing it through the skin. Once lead enters into a child’s body, it is distributed throughout the tissues, causing widespread damage and a variety of symptoms. If you have young children or you’re an expectant parent, contact a company that offers lead paint testing in San Francisco. By testing your home and arranging for lead paint removal , if necessary, you can protect your youngsters from acute and chronic lead poisoning.

Physical Symptoms
It’s common for kids who have been exposed to lead to not display any symptoms of lead poisoning. This is one reason why you should call a company about lead paint testing despite the absence of symptoms. When kids do display symptoms, they can include headaches, fatigue, and a metallic taste in the mouth. They may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, or nausea. Parents might also observe loss of appetite, weight loss, and pale skin caused by anemia. Children may complain of muscle and joint pain or weakness, and they may suffer from seizures.

Behavioral Signs
Lead paint removal is essential for eliminating the possibility of behavioral and cognitive changes among kids . Behavioral problems may be accompanied by irritability and difficulty concentrating. Some children may appear to be inattentive, while others are hyperactive. Lead poisoning may easily be mistaken for the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Long-Term Effects
When children are exposed to lead for a prolonged period of time, additional health problems can develop. They may have delayed muscle and bone growth, impaired muscle coordination. Seizures followed by unconsciousness may occur, and children may suffer from hearing loss and damage to the nervous system or kidneys. Developmental delays, and speech and language problems are also associated with exposure to lead paint.

If you look at the periodic table, you’ll see several elements that you need to consume for good health—calcium, zinc, and iron are just a few that you might recognize. However, lead is one element that is not good for your health. If you live in an older Bay Area home, contacting a lead paint removal company serving San Francisco and scheduling lead paint testing may be essential for your health and that of your family.

This video provides additional information about the dangers of lead poisoning. Being exposed to even small amounts of lead can be extremely dangerous. It’s not just your two-legged family members who are at risk of poisoning if you don’t schedule lead paint removal—your family pets may also be affected by lead paint. Watch this full video clip to learn how lead can enter the body and affect your health.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are non-conductive and resistant to fire, heat, and chemicals. These properties make asbestos very versatile and durable, and are the reason why it has been used in many applications, including construction, for decades. However, asbestos can be harmful to the health of those who come into contact with it and has been linked to cancer, which is why many people in the Bay Area turn to companies that provide asbestos abatement in San Francisco . Here is a closer look at the connection between asbestos exposure and cancer.

How Are Asbestos and Cancer Linked?
When asbestos is disturbed, some of its fibers can become airborne and then be inhaled. Once these fibers enter the lungs, they may stay there permanently. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning that it is recognized to cause cancer, so exposure to and inhalation of asbestos can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. According to The Mesothelioma Center , asbestos-related cancers affect nearly 8,000 people in the United States each year. In order to reduce cancer risk, it’s essential for homeowners to leave asbestos testing and asbestos removal to the professionals.

What Types of Cancer Are Associated with Asbestos?
The two types of cancer that are most commonly associated with asbestos are lung cancer and mesothelioma. There are approximately 4,800 asbestos-related cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the chest wall and the lining of the lungs, and there are about 3,000 new cases of this form of cancer diagnosed each year. Asbestos exposure is believed to be the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Other forms of cancer have also been linked to asbestos. These include colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, esophageal cancer, and kidney cancer.

Who Is at Risk for Cancer Due to Asbestos?
Individuals who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis over a long period of time are most at risk for asbestos-related cancer. Individuals who have worked with asbestos during construction and those who spend long periods of time in buildings with asbestos—especially asbestos that has been disturbed—are at greater risk for cancer. The amount of asbestos inhaled, the length of the exposure period, the makeup of the asbestos fibers, and the source of the asbestos fibers all impact a person’s risk of developing asbestos-related cancer. In addition, smoking and having lung disease can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer due to asbestos exposure. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, an asbestos abatement company can remove the material to help keep your family safe.

If you live in an older home or work in an older office building, you may be at risk for asbestos-related health conditions, including mesothelioma. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation and in other applications of home construction several decades ago. If you are concerned about your risk due to asbestos exposure, schedule asbestos abatement in San Francisco and read the following information about the link between asbestos and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. It is a rare type of cancer, but can be very deadly. Exposure to asbestos is thought to be the primary cause of this condition. The more asbestos fibers you breathe in during your lifetime, the greater your risk of developing mesothelioma becomes. Some of the symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, weight loss, dry cough, and shortness of breath. If you are concerned about your mesothelioma risk, contact a company that provides asbestos testing and, if necessary, schedule asbestos removal for your home. If you experience any of the symptoms of mesothelioma before or after the asbestos removal company visits your home, be sure to visit your doctor right away.

You likely give little thought to the air you breathe inside your home or office each day, so you may be surprised to learn just how important indoor air quality can be. There are a number of things that can impact your air quality, and you may need help from an asbestos removal and mold removal company serving San Francisco to ensure your home’s air is safe for you and your family. Continue reading to learn three important facts about indoor air quality.

It Can Be Worse Than Outdoor Air Quality
While outdoor air can have many pollutants, many homes and office buildings actually have worse air quality than the outdoors. Chemicals in paint and other construction materials, mold growth, and dust can all negatively impact indoor air quality. Some older buildings may also have lead paint and asbestos insulation, which can both contribute to poor indoor air quality.

It Can Impact Your Health and Comfort
If your home has poor indoor air quality , your family’s health may suffer. Inhaling mold spores can cause a number of symptoms, including respiratory problems and headaches. Lead paint inhalation can be toxic, while inhaling asbestos particles can cause potentially fatal cancer. Even if your home is free from these toxic substances, it can still have poor indoor air quality due to dust buildup in your home, which can contribute to allergies.

There Are Steps You Can Take to Improve It
One of the simplest steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality is to change your HVAC filter every month. It’s also important to regularly clean your home and launder your linens to keep allergens at a minimum. If you suspect that your home may have lead paint or asbestos, you can arrange to have lead paint testing or asbestos testing performed and, if necessary, schedule lead paint or asbestos removal. If your home is harboring mold growth, schedule mold remediation services to improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Breathing in elevated levels of mold and mildew can initiate an allergic or even toxic response in an otherwise healthy individual. In children, indoor mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks and even result in long-term respiratory problems. Preventing asthma attacks in children can be as easy as cleaning up mold and mildew in your home. This catchy tune from the Ad Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will tell you more about protecting your child from mold-related asthma problems.

A mold remediation company in San Francisco can protect you and your family from indoor mold exposure. In addition to mold removal, a thorough mold remediation involves eliminating the source of moisture that caused the mold problem in the first place. Call your San Francisco mold abatement professional to get started.

Lead is a heavy metal that was used for many residential and commercial purposes, the most notable being lead paint and lead varnishes. Lead-based paint was available to the general public until 1978, when it was banned for residential use due to the toxicity of lead. If you live in an older home or apartment building in San Francisco, contact a lead paint testing and removal company to protect yourself and your family from the harmful side effects of lead poisoning. To clear the air surrounding lead, here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths about lead poisoning.

Myth: Eating Paint Chips is the Only Way to Get Lead Poisoning
While eating paint chips or chewing on things that have lead paint are obvious ways a child can be poisoned by lead, he or she only has to breathe lead dust to become poisoned. Toys that have come into contact with lead dust can also poison a child when put in the mouth.

Myth: Low Levels of Lead are Harmless
The truth is that even very low levels of lead in a child’s blood can create long-term developmental problems. If your child’s doctor finds evidence of lead poisoning, contact a lead paint removal company in San Francisco to eliminate the risk of further contact with lead.

Myth: Lead Poisoning is Not a Problem Anymore
It’s true that lead-based paint is no longer available to the general public, but that doesn’t mean lead poisoning isn’t a very real problem. As lead-based paint gets older, it begins to peel and chip. Old lead-based paint also creates dust that can be inhaled and lead to lead poisoning in children and adults.

Myth: Only Children are at Risk from Lead Poisoning
Speaking of adults, children are not the only ones who are at risk for lead poisoning. It’s true that children are especially vulnerable to the toxicity of lead, but adult health can also be compromised by lead poisoning. For example, exposure among adults can result in reproductive complications. Even if you don’t have children in your home, contact a lead removal company if you suspect your home contains lead-based paint.

Although adults are also at risk of lead poisoning, children are most susceptible to lead poisoning. Child lead poisoning can occur quite easily when children crawl or play on contaminated surfaces and subsequently ingest or inhale lead dust. High levels of lead in a child’s blood can cause seizures, coma, and death. Even very low levels of lead can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, malformed bones, and slow growth. Look for signs of irritability, sluggishness, fatigue, and learning difficulties in children. Loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation are also signs of lead poisoning.

If you suspect that your home is subjecting yourself or your family to lead, contact a lead paint inspection company in San Francisco. If lead is discovered in your home, a professional lead removal company can safely remove the threat from your home. Lead inspection is particularly important if your home was built before 1978.

Outdoors, mold plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors, however, mold growth serves no good purpose. Indoor mold is a big problem in San Francisco thanks to the moist air that blows in from the Pacific Ocean. The following guide will serve as an introduction to indoor mold, covering the most important topics including the signs and dangers of indoor mold and the importance of hiring a mold inspection and removal company in the Bay Area .

Signs of Mold
A mold problem can usually be seen or smelled. Mold growth often appears as slightly furry, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size over time. Molds also produce a musty odor that may be the first sign of a mold problem inside your home or business. Also take note of any prolonged indoor allergies you are experiencing.

Health Effects of Mold Exposure
Speaking of allergies, nasal and sinus congestion are typically the first (and most common) symptoms of mold exposure. Eye irritation, throat irritation, and skin irritation are also commonly experienced in people exposed to mold indoors. While less common, there have been reported cases of serious infections and toxic effects as the result of mold exposure. Infants, young children, and the elderly are at an increased risk for experiencing more severe health effects related to mold exposure.

Testing for Indoor Mold
If you suspect that you have mold growing inside your home or business, contact a mold inspection company in San Francisco to make sure. A mold inspection expert will use air samples, tape lifts, and swab samples to positively identify indoor mold, determine all the species and levels of mold spores in the air, and determine the most appropriate mold removal solutions and procedures.

A sewage backup can seriously disrupt your life. In addition to damaging parts of your home, raw sewage can leave behind a noxious smell and potentially dangerous microbes. For the sake of your family’s safety, it’s important that you have a team of professionals take care of backed-up sewage immediately. After cleanup is finished, you should hire Safe Air Fast Environmental to provide bacteria assessment services.

It’s important to note that many kinds of bacteria are beneficial. However, raw sewage, also known as black water, often contains infectious bacteria that can cause severe illness. Safe Air Fast Environmental can employ sophisticated methods and equipment to assess the danger posed by the bacteria in your home. We offer our San Francisco clients Preliminary Bacteria/Sewage Assessments after the initial contamination, and we offer Post-Bacteria/Sewage Remediation Clearance Assessments after remediation has concluded. If we detect additional contamination, we will recommend further cleaning. If we don’t detect any harmful bacteria, we will provide official documentation stating that the area is clean.