WHEN IN DOUBT...

            Many years ago, someone told me, in referring to a speech he was giving to students at a local high school, “when in doubt, don’t.”  I thought of that statement many times and believed in most cases it was good philosophy.  How many times have I said I wished I hadn’t done this or that?  Can the opposite philosophy also be true?  Should we sometimes say “when in doubt, do?”  The proverbial bucket list tells us things we would like to do, perhaps climbing a mountain or sky diving (not for me, thanks). 

  But what about house hunting and making an important financial decision?  How many precautions should one take?  I want to make sure the roof is in good condition, the house is solid, is big enough for my family, has a nice well-kept lawn, has no electrical problems, and the list goes on and on.  What about meth residue?  Is that a question one might ask as well?  It certainly was not one I considered when buying my house.  I’m not sure I had ever heard of it, much less had a concern.

            My dad had a saying he used quite frequently, “time brings change.”  We continue to add to our list of concerns when buying our residence or rental property.  Leaning on the side of caution is always good advice, and when buying a home perhaps talking with neighbors or checking public websites might be worth our time.  What if the possibility exists that the house has meth residue?  Call an environmental specialist; call Crisis Cleaning toll free at 1-877-260-4828.  They have a new location in Solsberry, Indiana, but still have the same great service and concern for our environmental needs.  Whether the issue is meth residue, asbestos, mold, infectious disease or death scene cleanup, Crisis Cleaning will work with you to help put your mind at ease. 

            Crisis Cleaning also has meth test kits available for purchase.  These kits are good informational tools to help with your decision making.  Whatever your environmental needs, Crisis is here to help.  When in doubt, give them a call.  They will be glad to answer your questions or concerns.

By Joan Mason

HOME BUYER BEWARE

         Looking for one’s dream house can be both exciting and stressful at the same time.  After taking a new job in a new city, I remember my husband and I looking for a comfortable house in a suitable location as close to work as possible.  Finding just the right house can be difficult and time consuming.  Of course, one big consideration is price.  Although it took about six months, we finally made our decision, and were pleased with our choice.   Even though we were glad the looking was over, we did have fun touring various homes and could of course always use some decorating ideas.  Sometimes friendly pets made the tour even more fun, except for one instance of a pet snake.
Purchasing a home is a huge decision and one that cannot be taken lightly.  Considerations include public schools, flooding zones, shopping centers, location, house plan, upkeep of home, condition of roof, heating system, property taxes, lawn and the list goes on.  Perhaps one more consideration should be whether the home was used for meth consumption or a meth lab.  Disclosures may or may not include such information.  Sometimes the house may have gone through foreclosure or simply was vacant for a substantial amount of time.  In such cases, the history of the house may not be known to the realtor. If the house was rented, the owner may not be aware of any meth contamination.   Home buyers must beware of many factors when considering their purchase.  In many instances, potential home buyers require inspection as a condition of the purchase.  Perhaps it would be wise to talk with neighbors in the area to learn more about the previous home owner and the neighborhood itself.  If there is the possibility of meth contamination, the potential home buyer or the owner may wish to hire a professional to inspect/test.
Crisis Cleaning is an environmental specialist company, certified and licensed, in the areas of meth contamination, asbestos, mold, infectious disease, and death scene cleanup.  Meth test kits are available for purchase by those do-it-yourself home buyers for their information only at http://www.crisiscleaning.com/home-meth-test-kit-test-meth-residue.  Please follow instructions shown on the kit.  While the results cannot be used to clear property and negative results may be inconclusive, the meth test kit can quickly and inexpensively arm the potential home buyer with information as to possible meth contamination and therefore peace of mind.  For certified testing of meth residue, give Crisis Cleaning a call.  They are available to help with advice or service on any environmental issues.
           Call toll free at 877-260-4828 or email at info@crisiscleaning.com.  Check out their website at www.crisiscleaning.com.  Taking a little time to check out a home may mean a substantial savings down the road.

by Joan Mason

WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

              Having dogs can sometimes mean being careful about how your house smells.  After I’ve been gone for a little while and come home, I notice if there’s any unpleasant odor from my two sweet but mischievous dogs.  Unpleasant household smells can be caused by various objects within the home, and when I smell anything but a pleasant odor, I am unhappy and immediately finding the cause.  Why? Because it is normal to want our homes clean and safe.  But what about safety issues we cannot smell or detect easily?  For example, how do asbestos fibers smell?  If I don’t smell anything, does it mean there’s nothing dangerous lurking in my house?  I have always been taught it is better to be safe than sorry.  If you believe there may be asbestos fibers airborne in your house, calling a specialist is important to your health and safety. 

            Just recently I was in a home where one of the bathrooms had chipped tile.  The question came up as to whether the tile might be asbestos.  One of the home’s residents has COPD.  I do not know if the tile is asbestos, but action is being taken to insure the health and safety of the home’s residents.  Asbestos that has been disturbed and has airborne fibers may have no detectible odor but the health issues are still there. 

            If you believe your home, rental property, or commercial building may have an asbestos issue, call the professionals at Crisis Cleaning.  While undisturbed, asbestos may have no harmful effects but when it is disturbed and airborne fibers are present, it’s time to make sure all is well with your home.  You might think of it like a rattlesnake in the mountains, undisturbed and causing no problems, but then when a person disturbs the snake, look out, big problem.  I don’t think Crisis Cleaning handles snake problems but when it comes to asbestos, they are certified professionals.  Remember, better to be safe than sorry.  Give Crisis Cleaning a call today toll free at 1-877-260-4828. 

By Joan Mason

GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY

            Many of us dream of a job that would allow us to be financially secure while having fun, right?  One such job might be the president/CEO of one’s own company, with all the amenities, an expensive cherry desk, full featured phone, top-of-the-line computer, fax machine (wait that’s built into the computer), and printer, while leaning back in our tall leather chair with a cup of coffee or a latte and reading the newspaper (with our feet on the desk of course).  Do we really need to read the paper?  After all, we can get all the news on our computer or cell phone.  Wow, what a life – what a job.  But such visualization is not always an accurate depiction of a president/CEO.  I know a President/CEO who is growing her company and does have an office, but she believes in hands-on experience.  Such is the case with Donetta Held, President/CEO of Crisis Cleaning.  She, along with her husband, Rick, and their entire staff, works tirelessly to please customers and contribute to a healthy and safe environment.

Both Rick and Donetta Held indicate their jobs are “never dull.”  It seems typical days are really non-typical, in that there is such a variety of situations with every job. They travel all over the State testing meth contaminated homes, talking with and educating owners and tenants on the decontamination process.  Donetta and Rick enjoy meeting the people during inspections and, since the owner or tenant responsible for cleanup may not be the same person who created the meth contamination, they many times lend an understanding and compassionate ear to personal family stories and lives.

            In the situation of asbestos contamination, asbestos can be a potential problem only when it is disturbed, at which time tiny particles may not be seen with the naked eye.

Donetta also receives calls about mold remediation.  Such remediation can be an expensive process.  A home may be left vacant for an extended period of time without heat and air and mold can form.   Donetta feels it may be more economically/financially beneficial to leave the utilities connected than to have possible expensive mold remediation later.

            Crisis Cleaning is a family-run, service-oriented, cleaning company that began in 2001, focusing on meth lab cleanup, death/crime scene cleanup, mold remediation, lead remediation, and asbestos management.  Crisis is certified and licensed and ensures their jobs are done right.  They bring a personal touch to each difficult situation, and their professional experience gives their customers the confidence they need to feel at ease and know any problems will be resolved.

            Whether it’s asbestos, meth or mold contaminating your home or rental property, you can call the professionals at Crisis Cleaning for help.  Phone toll free at 1-877-260-4828, email at info@crisiscleaning.com or visit their website at www.crisiscleaning.com. 

By Joan Mason

THE INSURANCE DILEMMA

           My dad used to say one can be “insurance poor.”  While that statement may be true, we all have insurance of some type and usually many types, including homeowners, auto, health, life, cancer, and the list goes on.  We try to protect ourselves from as much financial harm as possible while protecting valuable assets.  And have you   read your insurance policies, really!  And if so, do you completely understand those policies?

            It seems when I finally understand a policy, society brings something new and different into the overall picture; for example, mold and meth issues.  Does my homeowners cover mold?  Well, now policies are specifically mentioning inclusion or exclusion of mold.  On to the subject of meth; when residential or rental homes have been used for meth labs, unbeknownst to the buyer, does  homeowner’s policies cover testing and decontamination?   My first thought is “probably not.”  As hard as it is to believe, I just may be wrong.  In many cases, property insurance covers the cost of professional decontamination. 

            Standard policies may include first-party property coverage and also liability coverage.  The policy either has “named perils” or “open perils.”  Named peril policies show exactly what is included in the dwelling coverage while open peril policies show what is excluded.  One named peril included in many policies is vandalism.  It will either be listed as a named peril or not excluded in open perils.  Smoke damage is normally a covered peril.  Just like a kitchen fire, the smoke and fumes from a meth lab leave a similar residue in the structure and on the contents, which need cleaning. 

            Liability coverage may come into play if a meth lab is busted by a law enforcement agency and condemns the property as inhabitable.  If you receive such a notice, you may want to request a coverage determination under both first-party coverage and liability.

            I could talk about insurance all day (are you kidding?  Yes), but you would probably stop reading at this point.  The important thing to remember is to promptly call your insurance and follow up with a letter, best sent certified.  Since you may have both first-party coverage and liability, one or both may cover meth cleanup.  If you are denied, you need to get the denial in writing and have coverage counsel review it. 

            Some rental property owners are hesitant to file an insurance claim due to concern they will be dropped, and it is true they could be dropped by their insurance carrier.  It is good to research other insurance carriers that will allow coverage.  Why have insurance if you cannot use it when you need it?

            My friends at Crisis Cleaning will be happy to walk you through the insurance process, taking care of the hassles associated with such claims.  Give them a call today if you need help with meth residue contamination (877) 260-4828.  You will be glad you did!

(Contribution:  The Meth Solution by Donetta J. Held)

By Joan Mason

WHAT'S THE DIAGNOSIS?

            When I was in school, our class took a trip to Vincennes.  I know, it wasn’t the Bahamas or even King’s Island, but we had a great time.  Seeing the old, historical homes of great American patriots meant a great deal to the class.  I was so excited, but please remember that was a few (and a few more) years ago.  I still love this old, historical city that has grown and is a landmark in our State.  Historical homes are many times preserved for future posterity. 

            Sometimes, however, older homes are purchased and beautifully remodeled.  My aunt and uncle had a house built for them when they were first married.  I loved that house.  Walking in the front door and traveling to the right in a circle brought you right back to the front door.  Of course, there were bedrooms to your right and eventually a bathroom was added.  The kitchen was in the back of the house and then as you continued through the circle, there was the dining room, and then back to the living room in the front of the house.  The house had a cellar and an upstairs area over it in the middle of the circle.  After my aunt and uncle had both passed away, the property was sold and the new owners remodeled this house beautifully.  However, I will always remember the original look of the home with my aunt and uncle sitting on the long front porch waiting for us to arrive for a visit.

            Was there asbestos in their house?  I don’t know the answer, but asbestos was used in earlier years as a flame retardant.  In good condition, asbestos is harmless.  However, when damaged, asbestos can release microscopic fibers into the air that can lodge in a person’s lungs.  Long-time exposure or heavy dosages can build up and lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as asthma.   

            Back to remodeling a house that contains asbestos; if remodeling or renovating, asbestos removal may be essential, and if so, it is time to call in the professionals.  Crisis Cleaning can take the hassle and fear out of asbestos removal.  They follow local, state, and federal asbestos removal regulations.  We will discuss asbestos more in future articles, but please remember when in doubt, give Crisis Cleaning a call toll-free at (877) 260-4828 or email info@crisiscleaning.com.  Leave the worry to the professionals.

By Joan Mason        

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BREAD?

            Keeping bread in the refrigerator, particularly in the summer, seems like a good idea (although I’ve been told it doesn’t help).  We go grocery shopping and try to make our food supply last as long as possible.  Grocery prices keep moving upward, so if you’re like I am, you try to consume every ounce of food in some form or another.  Ground beef, for example, is great for hamburgers, meatloaf, pasta dishes, chili, meatballs, tacos, and the list goes on.  Then comes the time to clean out the refrigerator.  By now we’re sick of all the hamburger, right?  Oh, I can still make a meatloaf sandwich, one of my favorites.  But when I go to get the bread, it has turned blue/green.  While I like lots of colors, not on my bread please.  It has mold, and of course I dispose of it rather quickly at that point. 

            Just what is mold?  Can it be good or bad?  We know penicillin is a type of mold, which has saved billions of lives.  Blue cheese for example has some type of mold added, which also helps in the aging process.  So there definitely is good mold.  Now let’s look at the bad mold.  While not all mold is a reason for worry, too many mold spores in the air can produce a problem.  Typically the goal is to make sure that indoor air has about the same number of mold spores as naturally occur in the outside air.  Some types of mold, like the black mold Stachybotrys, produce deadly toxins and are not safe even in small amounts.

            Growing undetected in your basement or inside walls for years can trigger subtle physical systems and long-term health problems.  With  chronic mold exposure one can experience sinus congestion and runny nose, cough, throat irritation, skin irritation, headache and sneezing. 

            If you believe there is a problem with mold, call the certified mold remediation experts at Crisis Cleaning and take the fear and frustration out of dealing with potentially deadly mold.

Crisis Cleaning has a 24-hour emergency hotline at (877) 260-4828.  Leave your worries with the professionals.       

By Joan Mason

EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER

             Have you ever sat in a classroom and been taught “how to” use a certain software program or how to work a machine or work a problem or whatever the case may be?  Well, I have.  I remember several years ago attending a class on using a particular software.  Of course we all had computers in the classroom, and I took notes after notes, while noticing everyone else seemed to be doing the same.  As the instructor continued and time moved on, my head seemed to be spinning and the instructions got a little more complicated, or was it my focus?  I thought wow; everyone seems to understand this class but me.  I thought the instructor was moving a little too fast, but I realized much information had to be instilled in our minds to fully understand the software.

            After class everyone was talking, and I realized we all had the same problem, not really thoroughly understanding everything that was communicated about the software.  As I went to my desk, with notes in hand, I decided I was going to learn through experience with some help from my scribbles.  Anytime I had a free moment, I went into the program and worked with it, day after day, week after week.  And it worked.  I learned more from first-hand experience than from the classroom.  Many of us are visual learners and while studying helps, nothing in my opinion works as well as hands on experience.

            I have been writing for Crisis Cleaning’s blog, after reading their information and becoming better informed.  However, I recently had the opportunity to go with a certified inspector to a home for a meth test inspection.  What an experience. No one was permitted to live in the house until resolution of any possible meth contamination.  After meeting the owner of the house and briefly discussing the current situation, we proceeded with the testing.  With supervision, I even participated in the testing process, but before we could begin, we placed disposable covers on our shoes.  I noticed the house was very warm and contained what my nose sensed as an unpleasant odor.  We tested all rooms and areas in the three-level house (main level, upstairs, and basement). It was difficult to reach the ceiling in some of the rooms on the first floor, as they appeared to be ten feet tall.   While testing in the basement, my nose felt some kind of sensation and wanted to keep running.  I don’t know if it was the heat or something else.   

 With this visual lesson, I now realize how much work and care it takes to do a good, professional job.  Every room was tested carefully and thoroughly.  And I can tell you first hand, it’s not an easy job.  I saw how much work was put into every step.  Crisis Cleaning is a professional company that focuses on meth decontamination, mold, asbestos, death/crime scene cleanup, and lead remediation.  If you have concerns in any of these areas, give Crisis Cleaning a call toll free at (877) 260-4828.  They are certified, insured and licensed and will make sure the job is done right.

By Joan Mason

BUT I DON'T LIKE TESTS!!

             How many tests would you guess you have taken so far in your life?   This number would include school exams, medical, dental, eye exams, and household tests for whatever reason – termites, gas leaks etc.  I remember being very anxious and nervous when it came to school tests, and in particular if they were timed.  I was usually the last one to finish because I kept looking over my paper to make sure I had made the right choices.  When I go to see the doctor and he says more tests are needed, I get a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.  Why must we take so many tests?  Well, one reason, at least for school exams, is to make sure we have comprehended what was taught, and if not, that we find out the reason we are having any problems with a class.  Other tests, such as medical and household, may be to go straight to the problem and find a possible solution or deterrent to prevent further issues.  There are times I think I would rather not know test results and just stick my head in the sand and pretend everything is fine; maybe what I don’t know won’t hurt me – but, what if it will? 

            Our last article talked about meth decontamination professionals  who can work with you if you suspect meth residue may be contaminating your rental property or your residence due to previous meth exposure in the home.  After working with professionals as a first step, step two involves testing.  Even though some states do not require pre-testing before beginning meth lab decontamination, thorough specific pre-testing can be helpful.  Why pre-test?  You may save thousands of dollars, since 25% of Crisis Cleaning’s pre-tests reveal the home’s meth levels are within the safe zone and do not need any professional decontamination.  Wow, money is saved by not performing unnecessary cleanup.  Who wants to spend money unnecessarily?  It would be like taking medication for an illness you don’t have, and we all know some medications are very expensive.

            So we have covered steps 1 and 2 – begin by working with professionals and two, take the test if you suspect meth contamination.  We will continue with the next steps in our future articles.  In the meantime, be safe if you suspect any meth residue – call Crisis Cleaning toll free at 1-877-260-4828.  They are licensed and certified, and will make sure the job is done right.  Resolving any problem begins with knowing the facts.  Call Crisis Cleaning today!  

by Joan Mason

DO IT YOURSELF??

          Have you seen how easy these DIY television programs make things look?  They repair, replace, decorate, landscape; you name it.  Have you tried to do some to these tasks yourself?  Sometimes it looks good and it all works out, but sometimes it doesn’t.  I do some things myself, like changing light bulbs, batteries, curtain alterations, painting (that usually means painting me and the room), but there have been times I have tried to do things myself and ended up spending more, because after I spent money trying to do it myself, I had to spend money hiring someone to fix what I did!  If I have a meth contamination problem in my residence or rental property, should I just get some bleach or other cleaning solutions and try and fix it myself?  I used to think bleach could solve about any household problem and still keep it on hand, but some things require a professional.  It takes professionals with specialized solutions to remove meth residue, because it resists most normal cleaning products. 

            Let’s start with the first step in resolving meth contamination, and then we will talk about additional steps in our next few articles.  First step is to work with professionals.  Most of us go to our family doctor for help when we feel a little under the weather, but if we have a specific problem with our health, we may choose to see a specialist.  Crisis Cleaning is a meth contamination specialist who may save you money.  They will walk you through the process and their friendly and courteous staff will be happy to answer your questions.  Since many times property insurance covers the cost of professional decontamination, Crisis Cleaning will help with the hassles of claims and paperwork.  Since meth decontamination requires specialized solutions that are not available to the general public, Crisis Cleaning’s solutions are safe and biodegradable and developed specifically for removal of chemical contaminants, not just bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

            Take that first step and call Crisis Cleaning toll free at 877-260-4828 or email them at info@crisiscleaning.com.  The hardest part of any job is getting started.  Don’t delay; call or email today if you suspect you may need help with meth residue contamination in your home or rental property.  Give the worry to Crisis Cleaning because they know what to do to solve the problem.

By Joan Mason

LEFTOVERS ANYONE?

            Don’t know about you, but I do not like to throw away food, especially with today’s prices.  I try to buy just the right amount for one meal’s consumption, but I can’t always accurately predict my appetite for a particular food on a particular day.  So I may wind up with leftovers, which is fine for a short time. I believe some leftovers are even better the second day than the first, like chili, for instance.   Unfortunately when my body does not totally agree with certain foods, it lets me know with the first meal and any subsequent leftovers.  While leftovers can be good, after all there is little or no waste, they can also create discomfort.  If they cause discomfort the first time around, the leftovers will most likely re-create those same issues.

            Let’s look at some leftovers that may cause negative effects, with symptoms such as depression, breathing problems, confusion, and headaches, among others.   I am talking about long-term exposure to meth residue, symptoms of which may be the same as those of meth users, and which may take up to a year to appear.  If you are living in a house where meth was made or used, take precautions and work with professionals to alleviate this possible problem.  Don’t let unwanted leftovers affect your health and wellbeing.

Give Crisis Cleaning a call if you suspect possible meth contamination.  They are as easy as a phone call away, toll free at 877-260-4828, or email at info@crisiscleaning.com.  They may be able to save you money and work with you to file claims, as property insurance in many situations pays for professional decontamination.  Play it safe and enjoy peace of mind. 

Watch for our next article to learn more about meth residue and some steps you can take to deal with it in your home or rental property.

By Joan Mason

DID YOU LOCK YOUR DOORS?

Don’t know about you, but anytime I leave the house, I have to make sure all is well inside before walking out the door.  The same is true for my car.  Before I had a garage, I made sure my car doors were locked prior to going inside the house.  I learned that lesson the hard way; once when a black cat was placed in my car on Halloween.  It is a little scary when you open your car door to a screaming cat jumping out at you, leaving evidence of the visit in your vehicle.  Another time, I discovered someone sleeping in the back seat of my car when I started to get in it the next morning.   Locking doors has been a good habit for me in the past several years, but not so much when I was younger and lived in the country.  We went to bed with unlocked house and car doors.  Not much happened back then.  No one tried to steal anything or harm anyone.  It does not seem so today.  I would not think of retiring (the old expression for going to bed) without making sure my house is locked, and I mean every door.  And of course we have security systems to help protect us in our homes.  What has changed so much in the past several years?   In my opinion, people have become more brazen or perhaps I am just more aware of what is going on around me because of the media blitz.  Perhaps there is more drug dependency now than in earlier days, or again maybe we are just more aware of drugs now than then.   Even today we have availability to lock and secure our homes remotely.  Wow, things sure are different nowadays.

Well, my house is locked and secure and no harm, hopefully, will invade my private domain.  Yet I must ask myself if all is safe since I locked my house?    Wow, what a question.  Why would my home harbor any potential danger or place me in harm’s way?  How could such a thing happen?   Perhaps we could say it is an “inside job.”  Maybe something microscopic and unnoticeable to the naked eye is putting me at risk.  Of course we can see any insects usually, except perhaps for termites and then we can see their damage, but what about Asbestos?  As most of us know Asbestos left alone may pose no health issues, but if you are like me, you like to re-arrange things from time to time.  Perhaps I go beyond just re-arranging and decide to remodel my kitchen; there should be no problem, right?  Perhaps there will be no problem, but do we want to make sure our house is safe when remodeling?  Could we say Asbestos may be a silent threat?  If you have an older home and want to remodel, you may not know where Asbestos is located and if it will be disturbed.  Should you be concerned?  Absolutely, but do not panic.  Fortunately, there is a company that will inspect your house for Asbestos to see if there is any hidden danger lurking.  Not only can they check for possible Asbestos contamination in the air but also for meth residue contamination and mold.  We will talk about meth and mold in future articles, so keep watching and be informed.  Give Crisis Cleaning a call toll free today at (877) 260-4828 or email them at info@crisiscleaning.com.  They serve Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, and North and South Carolina.  

And protect your health and your home!

By: Joan Mason, Blogger for Crisis Cleaning, Inc.

The Importance of a Checkup! 

Why do many of us call our physician to schedule our yearly check-up?  While we may not feel ill, we do want to catch or prevent any possible future health problems. 
We may take vitamins, all the way from A to Z, to build up our strength and keep us

healthy.  Many times I stop by a store, whether department or pharmacy, and view their aisles of vitamins and supplements.  And how many times has your doctor told you to exercise?  Why, to keep our muscles strong or perhaps lose a few pounds (or maybe to re-proportion the weight we already have) and to maintain a good balance.  We also may be told to drink more water and watch our caloric and sugar intakes, eat lots of vegetables and low-fat foods.  Oh, and some of us take our medications to keep ourselves in check and prevent physical problems such as a stroke or heart attack.  Certainly we work at keeping our bodies healthy so we may lead happy, productive and longer lives.

Now let’s ask ourselves how many of us who have older homes, say built before 1978, make an appointment for a house checkup to insure we have no issues with possible asbestos exposure?  Left alone, contained and intact, asbestos may pose no harm to one’s health or well-being.  Many times simply leaving it alone is all that is required.  However, if you are planning to remodel your older home, please be aware of your house’s asbestos locations.  Disturbed and airborne, asbestos may pose a health problem over time.  Certainly television has brought awareness to mesothelioma and the possibility that asbestos exposure may cause various lung issues.  Who doesn't want clean and healthy lungs?  If you suspect your home may need an asbestos inspection, especially if you are considering remodeling, what about a home health checkup?  As the saying goes “An ounce of prevention…” 

What can you do if you want a home health safety inspection?  One way is to call a company on whom you can rely to make sure all is well with your house.  Such a company is Crisis Cleaning, Inc. who is an environmental decontamination company servicing Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, North and South Carolina.

Give them a call today toll free at 1-877-260-4828 if you have any questions or issues with asbestos, mold, or meth residue contamination in your home.  Hopefully, your house will get a clean bill of health and at the very least a company created to help people just like you solve home health and safety issues.  

By:  Joan Mason

DANGERS OF LIVING WITH TOXIC MOLD

You already know that your brain on meth is not great; but did you know that mold can have devastating neurological consequences, as well?

Of course, scientists have long suspected that mold exposure - especially to super-toxic molds like Stachybotrys - can damaged the human brain. It’s kind of a given, considering the toxic effects of mold on the rest of our physical systems. But recent studies have started to link household and workplace mold exposure to serious neurological and psychological symptoms.

So what does your brain look like on toxic mold?

Anxious and depressed

The more we learn about the neurochemicals in our brains, the more we find out that so many things factor into anxiety and depression. Sure, these can be inherited conditions rooted in your natural brain chemistry. But certain issues - like nutritional defects - can make anxiety and depression worse.

And, it turns out, mold can do the same.

In one recent study, mice consistently exposed to Stachybotrys mold were more likely to become depressed and anxious than their non-mold-exposed counterparts.

Forgetful

Besides making us more anxious and depressed, mold may make us forgetful. The same study that found mold exposure makes mice anxious found that exposure also makes them more forgetful. Mice experienced serious deficits in contextual and spatial memory after even relatively low exposure to the toxic black mold.

Apparently the mice exposed to the mold experienced decreases in brain mass in the hippocampus - a major brain region that helps control memory.

Parkinsonian movements

While we still don’t know the real cause of Parkinson’s disease, this study showed the mold-derived toxins can cause parksinsonian symptoms by degenerating dopamine neurons. Exposure to these toxins may cause some of the movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease.

What you can do

Estimates say that between 40% and 70% of U.S. homes have some mold lurking in dank basements and behind sheetrock walls. While not all of this mold is incredibly harmful, some of it can have the effects mentioned above - especially on children and their rapidly-developing brains.

Luckily, there is an answer to mold in your home or commercial building! Professional mold remediators like those at Crisis Cleaning can test your home’s air for levels of mold exposure. Then, we can use proven techniques to efficiently rid your home of the mold that could be making you and your family sick.

If you suspect your home has a mold problem, call our 24-hour hotline at (877) 260-4828 to discuss mold testing and remediation today!

WHY YOU SHOULD TEST BEFORE YOU BUY OR RENT A HOME.

In the spring of 2013, Jenny and Chris Nugent were excited to buy their very first home. They spent their life savings on a beautiful ranch fixer-upper in Mooresville, and dumped in some extra money to fix holes in the wall replace the flooring, and upgrade the bathroom. They never expected to have to deal with meth in their dream home.

Until everyone started getting sick.

Around August, the Nugent kids - then 10, 8, and 1 - started getting sick. The signs were subtle, like a flu that just wouldn't go away. At first, Jenny thought it was just a virus they were passing around, as families do.

But their 10-year-old daughter was getting “the flu” every couple of weeks. She’d get sick, get well enough to go to school, and then be sick again within a few days. And the baby grew lethargic and irritable, woke up every two hours at night, and had diarrhea for six weeks straight. To top it off, the family’s beloved dog died not long after they moved into the new house.

Finding the Answers

Jenny searched for answers, but it wasn't until May that a neighbor mentioned the home’s previous owner had cooked meth. “I was in contact as soon as I started suspecting,” says Jenny, “I called the homeowners’ insurance company and filed a claim, and then contacted the inspector who did our property inspection. Both of them called me back and told me about Crisis Cleaning.”

Jenny ordered one generic meth test kit online. It came back positive. Just to be sure, she used Crisis Cleaning’s certified test next. It, too, was positive.

The next day, the family moved into a hotel, leaving most of their belongings behind. They had no idea what would or would not still be contaminated.

Jenny immediately contacted Crisis Cleaning, but there was no way the Nugents could afford to pay for their services. Their homeowner’s insurance policy didn't cover meth cleanup, and their savings was gone. Not to mention they’d have to pay rent and a mortgage payment while straightening out the mess.

Getting it Cleaned Up

Luckily for the Nugent’s, Crisis Cleaning takes on about one pro bono case per year. After hearing the family’s heartbreaking story, they offered the Nugent’s their services free of charge.

First, Crisis Cleaning tested the property. It was many times the legal limit for meth residue - especially in the downstairs in the kitchen and near the baby’s room. “No wonder he wouldn't sleep for more than two hours at night,” Jenny says in retrospect. The poor baby probably had headaches from all the meth exposure.

Crisis Cleaning’s crew soon came to remove all the contaminated belongings from the home. Jenny says this was the biggest relief. Without an expert there to take care of it, they would have been clueless as to which belongings to trash, and where to take them.

From there, things stalled a bit. The Nugent’s were - and still are - in the midst of a lawsuit against the Realtor who sold them the home. The Realtor happened to be the previous homeowner’s mother, and the Nugent’s think she may have known about the meth exposure.

Unfortunately, the previous owner’s attorney’s stalled. But, eventually, Crisis Cleaning was allowed in to decontaminate the property, which took about three days.

Where They Are Now

Today, the Nugent family owns a certified meth-free home in Mooresville, but they’re still living in an apartment. “It just feels like a huge death happened [in that home] for us,” says Jenny, “It’s just a dark place for us now. We’re just wanting to break even and move on somewhere else.”

The Nugent's last year hasn't gone as planned, but they’re much better off than they could have been.

Without Crisis Cleaning, says Jenny, “we would have ended up foreclosing just because we didn't have the funds. . . To me, it’s like they were angels for us because otherwise we would have lost everything. It’s that simple. I mean, they saved us.”

As the Nugent’s rebuild their lives, they’re putting the finishing touches on the Mooresville home. Soon, they’ll install new carpet so that it can go back on the market. Hopefully they’ll sell the home soon, so they can buy a new one; but this time before they buy, they’ll test for meth.

http://www.crisiscleaning.com/home-meth-test-kit-test-meth-residue

By Abby Hayes

Can Police Dogs Sniff Out Meth Residue???

How is a police dog trained to alert to drugs? The dogs couldn’t care less about the drugs themselves, they’re just searching for their favorite toy. Most dogs love to play tug-of-war with a towel. Trainers wash the towel so it has no scent to confuse the dogs and they play tug-of-war. Later the trainer rolls a bag of marijuana into the towel and the dog learns to associate that smell with their favorite toy. As the training progresses different drugs are rolled into the towel. The dogs’ keen sense of smell is invaluable in the war against drugs, but what about methamphetamine residue lurking unseen in the walls and carpeting?

Let me share with you the heart breaking story of one family in northern Indiana. They searched and searched and found the home they’d always wanted. They had all of the initial inspections performed, waded through the mounds of paperwork involved in purchasing a home and finally signed on the dotted line. Whew! They’d done it; they’d bought their new home. The family picked colors for different rooms and began to paint. Smiling faces covered with occasional streaks of paint, as they worked on their new home together; even redoing some of the wood flooring. Finally they moved in.

After being in their new home for only a week, they heard from the local police that they suspected the previous owner had been manufacturing meth at the home. Alarm bells chimed in the minds of the parents. What had they brought their children into; surely not a former meth lab? Police dogs were called in to sniff for drugs, but the dogs did not detect anything.

Feeling uncertain whether a police dog could detect meth residue contaminant in the walls and carpeting, especially since the police had discovered a suspicious burn pile in the back yard, they learned of Crisis Cleaning and decided to have their home tested. Lab results came back and even with the new painting on the walls and ceilings of their new home there were many rooms that tested positive for meth above Indiana’s threshold of 0.50 ug/100cm2. Now this family is living in a home that could potentially make them ill, unless they choose to have it decontaminated. But having a five bedroom home decontaminated is a huge expense.

So who is to blame? The realtor, did he or she know about the home’s history, the family for not ferreting out all of the facts, or the previous owner? Thankfully, for this family there is at least the hope of using their insurance and possibly even the previous owner’s insurance through ongoing liability, since they did not commit the illegal act themselves. All of this could have been avoided if meth testing were added to a home inspector’s list of things to be checked before a home is purchased. For only $59 plus the cost of shipping to a professional lab, the family could have known beforehand that the home they were thinking of purchasing had meth residue all throughout it. So much anguish could have been spared.

Oh, and back to the police drug sniffing dogs, they are great at what they do, finding packets of drugs, but we now know they cannot detect methamphetamine residue. It lurks, undetected, by humans and dogs. Demand a meth test as a condition of sale prior to purchasing a new home or prior to signing a rental lease.

Meth: Is it the Scourge of Indiana and Our Nation?

Everywhere you turn you hear another story about a meth lab bust. But we know for every illegal lab that gets busted there are many more that are operating that are never busted. Now, with the one-pot method addicts are making their own meth and many people are receiving serious burns or even being killed.

For instance in our home state of Indiana, Evansville is trying to get legislation to make it a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. If they gain that title it will enable more funds and resources to be allotted to the war on meth in their county. Two northwestern Indiana counties already have that distinction.

Then in the middle of the state we have numerous labs that are busted every day. So Indiana is quickly becoming covered with the scourge of meth, which should give renters and new homebuyers cause for concern. Many of these homes where meth labs were present, but they were never busted, are put on the market or placed on the foreclosure list for sale. Or a landlord will clean a property after a tenant moves out and he is none the wiser that a meth lab was ever on his premises. This opens the door for innocent people to move in and begin living with meth.

Methamphetamine residue is very harmful and it doesn’t go away over time. The occupants may first notice they have respiratory problems, or kidney ailments, or even unexplained rashes. The very thought of an infant crawling on a carpet where meth had been cooked or smoked in the home, makes me cringe. The home has to be decontaminated.

Crisis Cleaning is Indiana’s leading meth lab cleanup company. They use a product called Crystal Clean that actually renders inert or kills the meth residue. Check us out at www.crisiscleaning.com. Or you can find a recent article about Crisis Cleaning at http://homecleanermagazine.com/.

WHY I CLEAN METH

When I was a young girl, my father became an entrepreneur after he quit his secure job at Eli Lilly Corporation as a union electrician in 1972 and started his own electrical contracting business.  I have many memories sitting around our family dining room table during evening meals listening to dad and mom talking about the business.  In many ways my preparation for running a corporation began back in the seventies at that very dining room table.

In 1979, the same year I graduated from high school and started working for my father’s company, my grandfather retired, so my father purchased his father’s general contracting company. 

In 1984 my father appointed me President of the family business and gifted me with 10 percent ownership shares in the corporation.  Fortunately, I gained the fortitude to steer the helm of the family contracting business in the direction of performing insurance repair work rather than continue as a general construction company.

In the 1990’s I continued my education and training and received many certifications from IICRC [Institute of Inspection Cleaning Repairs Corporation].  IICRC establishes nationally recognized rules and regulations for restoration contractors who perform fire, wind, water and mold remediation work.  Our family business is a certified firm of IICRC.

In 2001, I attended an IICRC training class.  One section covered death and crime scene cleaning; this course peaked my interest.  Since our company was already certified for cleaning in odor, fire and smoke damage; it seemed logical to add death and crime scene cleaning to our list of services.  However, marketing a general contracting company as a cleaning company for a death scene seemed quite difficult.  Therefore, in 2001 I created a sister company called Crisis Cleaning. 

Under the new company name I attended trade shows of funeral directors, coroners and sheriffs whenever they held annual conferences.  In the summer of 2006, during the annual sheriff’s trade show, many sheriffs who came by our booth asked if our company did meth lab cleaning.  Multiple sheriffs told us how much of a problem it was becoming and that there was a great need for companies to assist in the cleaning of meth lab contaminated homes.  They weren’t talking about helping law enforcement with the removal of chemicals from the home.  They were talking about the cleanup of the properties from the residue left after the cooking or smoking of methamphetamine.  I remembered the important business fact about starting a successful business.  “Find a unique niche, or fill a need or demand that’s not being met and you’ll have lots of business.”  I felt deep in my heart that this was the niche or need that was not being effectively met and decided to pursue this further.

In 2006, I did research on meth lab cleaning and discovered that our own state of Indiana was in the process of creating laws governing the cleanup of illegal drug labs.  Therefore, I took all the required training classes and obtained certification from IDEM [Indiana Department of Environmental Management] in January, 2007 as a Qualified Inspector.

On March 23, 2007 Indiana’s new drug lab law governing the cleanup of illegal drug labs became effective.  My name and company were listed on their website as a company qualified in Indiana to perform inspections, testing and decontamination services on illegal drug labs. 

Unlike death and crime scene cleaning, most property owners found themselves dealing with the costs of cleaning up meth contaminated properties without the assistance of insurance coverage.  When property owners, including rental property owners, called their insurance companies to report a claim, they were told “No, the testing and cleaning of meth lab residue were not covered.”   At that time, I did not do my own research, I, like most property owners, accepted the verbal refusal from the insurance companies.

With the denial of insurance proceeds, many property owners were cleaning up their meth lab contaminated properties on their own even though Indiana’s drug lab law only allowed such cleaning by property owners under the written supervision of a Qualified Inspector.  After doing their own cleaning without consulting a Qualified Inspector; property owners called our company to schedule testing.  They hoped their cleaning efforts were successful in ridding their property of methamphetamine contamination.

Unfortunately, I found, without proper instructions, many property owners were using the wrong products or were covering over the methamphetamine contamination by painting.  They did not realize that painting alone, especially using the wrong type of paint, does not encapsulate the methamphetamine contamination.  The methamphetamine contamination was seeping through the paint.

Knowing that most property owners were faced with the financial burden of funding the cleanup themselves and without proper instructions; I again felt the same urging to fill an unmet need as I did in 2006 when the sheriffs asked if our company provided meth lab cleaning services.  Therefore, in 2009 I began writing this book to fill the need of providing a proper step-by-step guide to cleaning meth residue in the home based on my professional experiences.

It wasn’t until April 2010 on a particular decontamination job the property owners were successful in obtaining insurance proceeds to cover all the costs of the testing and decontamination services that our company performed for them.  Their insurance company even covered all the costs of replacement and repairs that were necessary for all porous items {structural or personal contents} that had to be disposed of.

However, there are many states without drug lab laws.  Property owners in those states may be forced to do the cleanup themselves, especially if insurance proceeds are not available in their situation.  The need for effective step-by-step instructions still exists, which fueled my desire to continue and finish this book.

I’m sure there will be critics of this book, particularly remediation contractors who will say cleaning of an illegal drug lab is too dangerous for property owners to do themselves.  My response is, “It’s even more dangerous for property owners to do the cleanup of an illegal drug lab without the proper instructions!”  Therefore, the purpose of this book is to provide property owners with the effective information needed to safely undertake such tasks on their own.

While there are several states with regulations that do not permit property owners to do their own cleanup, several states do permit the property owner to perform this task under the supervision of the remediation contractor who is qualified in that state to perform meth lab decontamination services.  There are also many states without any regulations at all.  This book will provide the knowledge and resources to many property owners who don’t have a clue what they should do if faced with meth contaminated property.

Once the dangerous chemicals are removed from the home by law enforcement, the contamination of meth residue, as a result of cooking or smoking meth in the property, is still there lurking unseen in the interior of the home.  It must be cleaned up before the property is safe for habitation, especially by small children.

One Pot Meth Method is Costing You, The Taxpayer, Thousands or Possibly Millions of Dollars

The makeshift shake and bake method of making methamphetamine is sending thousands of uninsured burn patients to hospitals across our nation. Combined they require millions of dollars in treatment. Since most are uninsured the hospital absorbs the cost, which is contributing to the closure of some burn units.
The one pot method is made by combining unstable ingredients in a 2-liter soda bottle. If the person mixing the poisonous concoction makes even the smallest mistake, like removing the cap too soon or accidentally puncturing the plastic bottle, the vile stuff can explode. The explosion combined with the dangerous chemicals, burns flesh and may cause permanent disfigurement or blindness, and possibly even death in some cases.
An Associated Press survey of several states with high methamphetamine activity showed that up to a third of the patients in some burn units had suffered meth related burns, and most were uninsured. Treatment costs can be $6,000 per day and their stay may be lengthy due to the severity of the burns from the fire and the chemical burn damage to their lungs and windpipe and may reach $130,000.
Consolidation has played a part in some of the seven burn units which have recently closed, but the cost of treating uninsured patients is the main contributing factor. And many of the uninsured cases were linked to methamphetamine manufacturing.
Most of the burn patients that are discovered to be meth users or manufacturers lie about how they were burned. This complicates the process of trying to determine the dollar amount that taxpayers have to pay, but it is estimated to be at least tens if not hundreds of millions.
Big meth labs in homes, garages, sheds, etc. have been exploding for years, but the health risk for the shake and bake method is that the meth maker often holds the container close to their body. This causes severe burns from the face to the waist.
The one pot method has become popular because the addict or meth maker can carry everything he or she needs in a backpack. This method is also quicker; it produces meth in a matter of minutes after the volatile solution is combined. This can be accomplished in a bathroom stall or a car. The convenience of the one pot method has helped many people to make their own meth instead of buying it from a meth manufacturer, who has a big production lab. But the shake and bake method comes with many risks and is a huge factor in the rising count of burn patients.
Around three fourths of the meth lab busts in Indiana are now of the shake and bake variety. Niki Crawford of the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Team says the one pot method is the culprit for the rise in meth injuries, which are mainly serious burns. She also stated that Indiana had eighty-nine meth related injuries from 1999 to 2009, but has now had over seventy in twenty-three months.
Some burn victims suffer such severe damage that reconstructive surgery is warranted and with only approximately ten percent having insurance coverage, it is left to the hospital to absorb the cost and thus is passed on to the taxpayer.

Can Children’s Toys, Clothes and Bedding Found in a Meth Contaminated Home be Saved?

Most children’s toys, clothes and bedding are considered porous items and are hard to be cleaned effectively, especially if they are found in a room with high levels of methamphetamine concentration. It is recommended they be thrown away. Porous items can include, but are not limited to the following items:

• Infant bottles, nipples, utensils
• Infant toys that are put in the mouth
• Stuffed toys or animals
• Children’s clothing in highly contaminated areas
• Mattresses, sheets and bedding, especially baby blankets
• Upholstered furniture or chairs
• Papers or books
• Plastic containers or flatware
• Curtains or wall coverings
• Untreated or unfinished wood furniture

You can see from the items listed above that innocent babies and children definitely come out on the losing side when their parents or guardians cook or smoke meth in their presence or even just in the home where they reside. Children who are found living in a meth home will be removed and taken to the hospital to be checked for contamination.

Some non-porous items can be effectively cleaned, such as hard surface furniture made of pre-finished wood or metal that was not in a highly contaminated area.  However, any hard surface furniture made of plastic, unfinished wood or porous material is more difficult if not impossible to clean successfully.

If you have items that need to be discarded, dispose of them in a solid waste landfill and make sure you notify the landfill that these items came from a meth contaminated property. Always obtain a receipt for what you disposed of at their facility.  You may be asked for proof of this from your local health department or the cleanup contractor with whom you are working.

We work closely with Child Protective Services. If you have any questions or know of a situation that concerns you, please don’t hesitate to call us toll free at 1-877-260-4828.