Did you know that over 250 different species of mould have been indentified in Canadian buildings? While not all of this mould is hazardous to your health, the majority does have a negative effect on your health and on the indoor air quality of your office, school or home.

Mould can be grown and harvested in a controlled manner that we can use to our advantage to fight off viruses, as is the case with the mould species penicillin. The more common case however, is mould that negatively impacts our health. This mould can be found within the walls of our offices, buildings and schools, it can be toxic and cause harm to everyone who is exposed to it. It is these types of mould everyone needs to be aware of and educated on.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation recently released an article discussing several important areas of mould that you should understand. In the article are facts and information regarding the types of mould, what makes mould, how much mould is growing, when and how to seek professional help, why moulds are a concern, when it is a mould problem, how to tell if it’s mould and how to clean up small mould problems yourself. ASE Services works alongside contractors to ensure proper indoor air quality levels are met and to aid in suggestions regarding any necessary removal or further steps to deal with the issue.

The article also outlines steps to prevent mould and steps to mould-proof your home.

Mould and mildew are often discussed together. Why is this you ask? Mould and mildew are similar fungi that both spread in spores and thrive on moisture. They are similar in many ways however they are also very different.

In terms of color, mildew is typically gray or white and has a powdery or downy texture. The powdery mildew is the type you would find on flowers while the downy mildew is more commonly seen on agriculture products such as potatoes or grapes.

In comparison, the color of mould varies but it can be black, green, red, or blue. Mould often looks fuzzy or slimy and will eat through structural building materials such as wood. Mould also contains toxins called mycotoxins that may cause an allergic reaction or other illness in some people. As mentioned in previous blogs, symptoms of mould exposure may include headaches, asthma, and coughing. Irritation of the eyes and throat may also occur as a result of breathing mould toxins.

While mildew can often be removed with household cleaners, mould will continue to grow if it is not properly contained and removed. To ensure that you are not breathing in harmful mould toxins in your home or office have an indoor air quality inspection done. If you are concerned that your office may have a mould issue ASE Services does inspect large buildings in complexes.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that covers the internal organs in the body. With about 2000 diagnosed cases each year, it is not one of the most common forms of cancer, however it can be fatal. The primary cause of this cancer is exposure to asbestos. With 80% of cases involving those who have worked with or around asbestos, there is no confusion regarding the connection.

This statistic alone should encourage those working with asbestos to exercise proper safety procedures when dealing with the hazardous material. If you are employed in a position that requires you to work with or alongside asbestos, be sure that you have received the proper training to deal with the material. Short two day courses are offered by ASE Services to educate you on the proper handling and use of asbestos.

To learn more about mesothelioma cancer including the symptoms and diagnoses, click here.

ASE Services successfully remediates another grow-op in Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta (March 1st, 2011) – Alberta Safety and Environmental Services (ASE Services) successfully finished another grow-op remediation in the City of Calgary that was passed by Alberta Health Services.

“At ASE Services we use our knowledge and expertise to accomplish the remediation process correctly the first time,” explains CEO of ASE Services John MacDonald, “90 percent of companies that conduct grow-op remediations don’t know what they’re doing and the remediation doesn’t get passed by Alberta Health Services.” ASE Services conducts several grow-op remediations’ each year, all of which have been passed by Alberta Health Services.

The grow-op remediation took place in a 1.5 million dollar home located in the community of Lynx Ridge in Calgary, Alberta. “Every aspect of the entire environmental remediation process was managed by ASE Services,” concludes Director of Corporate Services at ASE Services, Tara Viccars.

About ASE Services

Alberta Safety and Environmental Services (ASE Services) is a professional, experienced, and results oriented environmental health, safety, and hygiene company. We specialize in helping our clients identify and address hazardous material concerns, with a focus on mould and asbestos. With over 30 years of professional industry expertise, ASE Services has successfully assisted with, and/or managed, over 1500 hazardous materials projects that range from small scale residential to million dollar commercial contracts.

Alberta Safety & Environmental Services is hired for hygiene and air quality services in Calgary

Calgary, Alberta (January 2011) – Alberta Safety and Environmental Services (ASE Services) was hired today to provide hygiene and air quality services as well as hazardous materials management for the housing industry in Calgary. With experience in hazardous materials management and air quality control they were the ideal selection to ensure health and safety within this industry.

ASE Services was hired for their expertise in hygiene and air quality services and hazardous material management. For this contract they will be providing these services for buildings that are being renovated or scheduled for demolition. “This is a contract that we are confident and excited to work with,” explains John MacDonald, President and CEO of ASE Services, “the monitoring and management of air quality and hazardous materials in situations where renovation or demolitions are occurring is extremely important.”

With many years of experience in these areas ASE Services is highly capable of providing these services to ensure the highest level of health and safety within the housing industry in Calgary. “We hope that more companies in Calgary will take similar precautions when conducting renovations or demolitions,” conclude MacDonald.

About ASE Services

Alberta Safety & Environmental Services hired for asbestos, mould, hygiene and indoor air quality services

Calgary, Alberta (January 5th, 2011) – Alberta Safety and Environmental Services (ASE Services) announced today that they have been awarded a municipal contract to provide hazardous materials and indoor air quality services in the city of Calgary.

The contract has ASE Services hired for all asbestos, mould, and hygiene needs. They will be using their experience and expertise to execute special assessments of indoor air quality or hygiene as they pertain to mould or asbestos. ASE Services will also be consulting with contractors and creating reports that monitor potential concerns.

ASE Services will work primarily on buildings that are being renovated or scheduled for demolition by the municipal department. “As a company, we are excited to be hired for this contract. With this said, this is a very large job, and one that will see us managing a number of different scenarios. We relish the opportunity and we look forward to executing our expertise in these very important areas,” commented John MacDonald, President and CEO of ASE Services.

About ASE Services