Apex Environmental Consulting services

The EPA and the College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimate that most people spend 80-90% of their time indoors. Experts believe building-related illness accounts for more than $60 billion in lost productivity in the United States alone. Clearly, indoor air quality is an important issue for everyone.

Asbestos is a well-recognized health hazard and is highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Although the EPA has banned the use of many forms of asbestos, it is commonly unknown that asbestos is still utilized in many building products. OSHA estimates that 1.3 million people face significant asbestos exposure on the job. The heaviest exposure occurs in the construction industry particularly during renovation or demolition. In an effort to avoid accidental exposure to asbestos on the job site, Apex believes in conducting a thorough survey of all suspect materials and training of all contractors that may approach the project. Our staff has more than 50 years of combined experience in asbestos surveys, specification development, the bid process, project management, and training.

Mold has recently become one of the hottest topics in tort and construction litigation. Mold related lawsuits and claims have had a profound impact on the construction and insurance industry. While mold is not a new phenomenon, its adverse affects are becoming more known to homeowners, building owners, property management, schools and contractors. Molds are common forms of fungi. They can be found almost everywhere, year-round, indoors and outdoors. Mold fungi produce microscopic cells called `spores` that spread easily through the air. Because these spores need moisture to grow, mold usually becomes a problem in areas where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common sources of indoor moisture that cause mold problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basements or crawl spaces, or any moisture condensation on cold surfaces.

Even small quantities of lead can be a serious health concern, especially for children. Lead rarely occurs naturally in water. Contamination usually occurs as a result of corrosion and the reaction between the water and lead parts of the delivery system. Through the early 1900`s is was common in many areas of the US to use lead pipes for interior plumbing. Although copper piping eventually replaced lead piping, lead was still frequently utilized for connections. The effects of low levels of lead toxicity in humans may not always be obvious. Because lead is not noticeable to the taste or smell of the water, testing is the most prudent measure for identification. It is important that water be tested using specific sampling procedures outlined by the EPA. A qualified consultant must then interpret the results to establish a filtering or piping replacement plan.