it’s about 23:00, a few hours after i added my 2 cents about health at the make cents of real estate seminar, made possible by Branka Nedimovic (Real Estate); which also features the following experts: Michael Hallet (Mortgage Broker), Jason Golbey (Lawyer) & Dale Trach (Home Inspector).
i’ll try to summarize the topics covered at the seminar. the first topic covered were the N95 disposable mask (similar to the one on the right), the same type of disposable masks that you could find an any store for roughly $7.50. they are mostly useless and almost all the time are used improperly. the masks themselves are meant to protect against particulates, that’s it!!! vapors or other chemicals are not stopped by these types of masks. furthermore if you are going to wear one for protection you should make sure it seals properly (at all edges). you have to be clean shaved, have a fit-test conducted by a competent person, and the straps have to be placed in a particular position. however, the normal member of society would not be aware of these requirements, and thus will wear them thinking the mask will protect them against everything. which…unfortunately can lead to a bigger issue, the users will stay longer in the area with exposure, and increase the exposure even more, thinking falsely that they are protected.
recommendation, do yourself a favour, and if you want to use a respirator buy a re-usable respirator (they are approximately $30), get the right type of filter cartridge for the potential exposure, and get a fit-test. to determine the right type of respirators, feel free to drop me a message, or see some of the safety providers (i.e. Acklands-Grainger). make sure that whomever you buy the half-face re-usable respirator, they can do a fit test for you to make sure you got the right size and model. if you want extra information on maintenance and use, feel free to drop me a message. don’t forget to be clean shaved if using a respirator…it’s that important!
the second topic i covered was the preference for hardwood or laminate floors instead of carpet in the home. there are many types of particles that enter our home, and having a carpet in the house acts like a magnet for these. they settle on the carpet, filter through and can re-enter the air at a later time when disturbed. having hardwood or laminate, you will see the settle dust, dead skin, pet hair, etc, and thus will clean it sooner. thus removing the potential exposure at a later date. also, think of who spends most time on the floor…your kids. and what do young kids like to do on the floor?
the third topic covered was the indoor air quality. don’t be afraid to open your window…it helps remove air pollutants from your home, and bring in clean air. studies have shown that even in cities like los angeles, on the worse days, the air outside is still cleaner than the air indoor in the city. so, open your windows, let the clean air in…and reduce your pollutants in your house. some pollutants are ultra-fine particulates, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), carbon dioxide, etc.
i also touched on asbestos, and its prevalence in building materials. asbestos has amazing properties, and it’s these properties that cause the adverse health effects. asbestos is dangerous if inhaled, because the very fine particles will reach deep in the lungs, and act like small sharp needles. they puncture the lung tissue, and over time, with long term exposure…health effects occur. there is a long latency until health effects are seen (20-35 years).
keep in mind though, asbestos is dangerous if in the air and inhaled. if it is contained (or sealed), it’s safe and is doing the work properly. it becomes dangerous when one would disturb it (i.e. drill, cut, saw, grind, etc.). furthermore, asbestos is a natural occurring substance, and is present at background levels. low background levels are safe…so keep that in mind as well.
feel free to drop me a comment or message should you want more information, or would like to know about any future seminars.
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