When mould invades your home you may reach for bleach or other household cleansers, but mould can easily spread where moisture is present. The crawlspace under your home or the duct work in the walls and attic are particularly susceptible to mould.

If you suspect a mould problem at your home or business it is important to schedule a property assessment by a mould removal company like A&M Abatement Services Ltd. Their mould removal experts will determine the variety of mould, the extent of the infestation, and will be able to properly remove the mould and restore your home or business. Our Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and St. Albert neighbors and customers ask us a lot of questions with the first one coming from Canada’s usual pragmatic stance – how much does it cost to have mould removed? 

The reality is that the level of infestation will directly affect your mould removal cost. The mould in the bathroom may require just a few dollars’ worth of cleaning supplies. However, mould grows and can spread – if it gets into your heating and cooling system, mould spores can get recirculated through your home, continuing to make you sick even if you’ve cleaned up the area where you originally found the mould. 

A quick Google search places the cost of the initial consultation between $250 and $500 (always ask if it includes air and surface samples), and samples vary between $18 and $225 apiece, depending on the laboratory. As you can see, remediation costs depend on how big of space needs cleaning, and how much mould is present to be cleaned. Be sure to pay attention to the experience of the mould remediation company you’re hiring, and if they offer any guarantee should the mould come back. 

Because of Canada’s changing climate, everyone should consider insurance to ensure it will cover at least part of the mould remediation cost, especially if you live in a flood zone. Home owners’ insurance typically covers mould remediation and removal only if the problem results from a sudden emergency already covered under your policy, such as a burst pipe. Insurance usually doesn’t pay if the mould resulted from chronic moisture, deferred maintenance, or floodwaters (unless you carry flood insurance).

If you discover mould in your home A&M Abatement Services Ltd. is here for you with free estimates on remediation, odour removal, cleaning, and sanitization. Contact us, A&M Abatement at 780-803-3774 today, proudly serving Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St Albert and surrounding areas, as well as Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Though us Canadians don’t like to think about other ‘organisms’ living in our home, it is a reality we face with our humid climate – mould is just one of those many creatures. It can be hazardous to your health depending on the type of mould.

If scrubbing and bleaching does not solve your problem, it’s time to call in the mould remediation specialists at A&M Abatement Services Ltd. to uncover and remove the harmful spores. When spores are present in large quantities, they are a health hazard to humans and can potentially cause allergic reactions as well as respiratory problems. Long exposure can be particularly harmful. The term “toxic mould” refers specifically to moulds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum, where exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and, in some cases, death.

Mould remediation begins with a visual investigation that takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on where the problem is hiding – in plain sight or behind walls. Next, for health or legal reasons the consultant may suggest taking air and surface samples to identify your particular mould type.

Cleaning up after mould removal

Cleanup can be as simple as spraying and disinfecting drywall, or as complex as:

• HVAC disinfection
• Drywall, stud, and insulation removal
• Cleaning personal belongings
• HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification outlines these five major principles of mould remediation:
• Control of mould at the source of contamination before it spreads further
• Make sure safety and health precautions are taken by cleanup professionals: anyone involved in the mould remediation process must be protected from exposure through a combination of practices and controls
• A post-cleanup assessment has to be completed by an independent environmental expert to ensure that remediation work is being properly performed. It is highly recommended that appropriate documentation of the remediation process be kept by project management
• Oversee the proper physical removal of the mould from the structure as bleach alone cannot kill mould
• Ensure that moisture is controlled to limit future contamination or recontamination; the moisture problems must be identified, located, and corrected or controlled as soon as possible.

Searching for a reliable mould and asbestos removal expert

At A&M Abatement Services Ltd. our comprehensive services include remediation, odour removal, cleaning, and sanitization. If you discover mould in your home A&M Abatement Services Ltd. is here for you with free estimates. Contact us at 780-803-3774 today. We proudly service Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St Albert and surrounding areas, as well as Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Reduce Health Risk and Liability with Expert Mould Removal in Edmonton

Have you noticed discoloration on your walls, buckling flooring materials or warped ceilings? If so, it is highly likely that your property has incurred water damage, which can lead to mould problems if not taken care of immediately. Mould spores can germinate and grow wherever moisture is present. If neglected, they can lead to unsafe living or working conditions, the depreciation of property value, long term structural damage and unsalvageable personal belongings and furniture. Mould has a distinct smell to it so you may be able to track down the source of the smell if it is in sight. However, not all types of mould will give off a smell, so a thorough inspection by professional mould abatement experts in Edmonton is the only way to be sure.

Where might you find mould spores?

• Foundation walls, drywall or framing
• Attic sheeting
• Basement walls
• Bathroom tiles
• Kitchen sink cabinets
• Window and door jambs

Mould growth occurs in all types of buildings but it can be controlled by improving ventilation and insulation and by quickly drying wet surfaces. However, if mould has significantly damaged your home, it requires expert attention to ensure its growth systems and active spores are removed.

A&M Abatement Services Ltd – Safe and Effective Mould Remediation in Edmonton 

Mould remediation not only involves removing the mould, but also eliminating the source of the water or moisture. Do not attempt to clean the area yourself if you detect black mould. This degree of damage should be handled by specialized equipment and procedures to safely and effectively remove all traces of contamination. Black mould can be very toxic and cause serious symptoms and health problems including:

• Mental and neurological symptoms
• Respiratory symptoms
• Circulatory symptoms
• Vision and eye problems
• Skin problems
• Immune system problems
• Reproductive system problems
• Tiredness and discomfort

Time is of the essence when your home or business property is contaminated with mould. Simply cleaning it with bleach and water will not suffice. The process involves correct cleanup and removal techniques to address the damage and health risks associated with mould build up. Removing contaminated material will prevent the spores from spreading and causing more destruction to your investment. It’s a good idea to have a mould removal company inspect the area to determine the extent of the damage before resuming your daily activates.

A&M Abatement Services Ltd is Edmonton’s leading mould removal company, providing fast response and quality service. Contact us today at 780-803-3774 or visit us online for more information on mould abatement in Edmonton.

Most people know mercury as the liquid metal used in thermometers. But did you know that mercury can also be found in many common workplace products? Keep reading to learn more about mercury, how it affects your health, and how to dispose of it safely.

What is Mercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring chemical element found in the earth’s crust. It’s released into the atmosphere by natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions and also through human activities like burning coal, burning products that contain mercury, the production of cement and during the process of waste elimination. Even in small amounts, mercury is a potent and dangerous toxin.

Common Items Containing Mercury

Although more and more industries are moving towards mercury-free alternatives, there are still a number of products used in the workplace that contain mercury. For example:

• Barometers
• Button batteries
• Dental fillings
• Electrical switches
• Fluorescent and neon lights
• HVAC equipment
• Hydrometers
• Medical products
• Paints manufactured before 1992
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pressure gauges
• Thermometers
• Thermostats
• Thermostat probes
• Vehicles

Use extreme caution when working with a piece of equipment that contains mercury. If the equipment breaks, the mercury could be released into the air and inhaled as vapour. Inhalation is the most common source of exposure. Proper disposal is the only way to protect the safety of the environment and anyone working with products that contain mercury. If a spill occurs don’t risk trying to clean it up yourself, call A&M Abatement Services for professional hazardous material removal.

How does Mercury Affect Your Health?

Mercury can enter the bloodstream through direct contact with the skin, or through the lungs where it is inhaled as vapour. The side effects vary depending on the amount, and the duration, of the exposure. High dose exposure is fatal but even low-dose mercury exposure over a long period of time can result in:

• Anxiety
• Birth defects
• Brain damage
• Damage to the nervous system
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Infertility
• Insomnia
• Kidney damage
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Respiratory problems
• Vomiting

See a doctor immediately if you suspect that exposure to mercury is negatively impacting your health. Although it occurs naturally, mercury poses a serious health risk to humans. And if spilled mercury makes its way into nearby rivers, lakes and oceans the consequences for wildlife can be serious and far-reaching. That’s why it’s so important to rely on experts like A&M Abatement Services for hazardous material removal.

The professionals at A&M Abatement Services in Edmonton have the skills and the knowledge required to safely and properly dispose of products containing mercury, asbestos, mould and more. When it comes to hazardous material removal, don’t take a chance on your health, leave it to the professionals. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Mould. We know it as the fuzzy fungus that grows on expired food, and the strange looking stains that appear on walls and floors after water damage. But when it comes to mould, a lot lurks beneath the surface. Keep reading to learn how mould can affect you and how best to deal with it.

Where Can Mould Develop?

Any chronically damp area inside your home is at risk. Mould often appears after major leaks or flooding, but can also develop as a result of excess humidity from everyday things like cooking and showering. Mould grows on porous surfaces like wood, drywall, and insulation and reproduces through spores that are carried in the air.

How to Identify a Mould Problem

In most cases, mould is easy to spot by its smell and the visual signs of mildew. But not all mould is visible. Mould can often take hold deep inside the walls, ceiling and floor tiles, or underneath carpets and underlay.

Mould and Your Health

Daily exposure to mould may result in some of the following health issues:

• Asthma
• Chest and/or nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Dry, irritated throat
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Rashes or other signs of skin irritation
• Sneezing

Speak to your doctor if you suspect mould is negatively impacting your health.

Safe Mould Removal

Certain strains of mould can be toxic to humans and should only be cleaned up by professionals like the experts at A&M Abatement Services. Professional mould remediation addresses large scale infestations and prevents regrowth.

Preventing Mould Regrowth

Preventing regrowth is an important part of any mould remediation plan. The most common causes of mould are excess moisture and poor ventilation. Prevent mould from spreading by checking for the following in your home:

• Damp spots — Check for damp spots throughout your home and address any leaks you find immediately.
• Turn on the fans — The exhaust fans in both your kitchen and your bathroom can help remove excess moisture from the air.
• Vent — Make sure that your exhaust fans, and the dryer line, is properly venting to the outside and not simply blowing the air into your walls.
• Tight seal — In areas prone to a lot of exposure to water, like your kitchen and bathroom, make sure that seals are tight so water can’t seep into the walls or floor.
• Dehumidify — The humidity in your home should range from about 30 – 50%, anything more than that and mould can become an issue.
• Clean — Keep your water holding appliances like de-humidifiers and air conditioners, clean and disinfect regularly.

For professional mould removal and remediation, contact the professionals at A&M Abatement Services in Edmonton. We have the expertise needed to properly dispose of all sorts of hazardous materials like asbestos, mould, lead, mercury and more. Contact us today for a free estimate!

If your home was built before 1990, it’s highly likely that your basement boilers and pipes are insulated with asbestos. During this period, asbestos was commonly used in homes and commercial buildings as an inexpensive insulator and fire retardant. Also found in cement, flooring and ceiling materials, asbestos is a natural mineral fibre in rock that is white in colour and crumbly in texture. When the substance is disturbed, it releases tiny fibres into the air. If inhaled, these tiny fibres can damage the lung tissue and cause cancer.

Though asbestos may take years to cause disease, there are many risk factors that will determine how the exposure will affect your health. These include:

1. Your current state of health i.e. if you smoke or if you have lung disease
2. The amount of asbestos you were exposed to
3. The amount of time you were exposed for
4. How often you were exposed
5. The type of asbestos fibres you were exposed to

Safe Asbestos Removal in Edmonton for Any Size Removal, Cleanup and Treatment Job

Asbestos fibres behind walls and in attics, or kept away from your indoor space pose little risk. However, if you suspect traces of asbestos in your home or business environment, it’s recommended that you consult an asbestos abatement contractor right away. The substance may look similar to other forms of insulation like mineral or fiberglass-based materials. That is why it is important to have the professionals test the material first to determine if it is asbestos.

• If you try to remedy the situation on your own, you may cause more dust to penetrate the air and spread all over your home.
• If this occurs, keep away from your home until you have the area cleaned and treated by a company specialized in asbestos abatement.
• If you are currently in the process of renovating an older home, be alert and stay on guard for unexpected sources of asbestos.
• Power-sanding floor tiles and plaster walls containing the substance can release dangerous amounts of fibres into the air.

Speaking to a professional before commencing your renovation project can protect you and your family from unsafe living conditions and potential health issues. It can also help you prepare a spending plan for your money if you do require asbestos removal. Contact A&M Abatement today at 780-803-3774 or visit us online for more information. Our team of experts can test a sample of your material to see if it contains traces of asbestos. We utilize top-of-the-line protective equipment and employ proven procedures for asbestos removal in Edmonton. You can trust that we will also dispose of the material safely.