How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
As per CDC - Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Ref: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Fluview Surveillance Reports - CDC Swine Flu Updates
FluView Surveillance Reports
The most recent report on Swine Flu by the CDC can always be found on the FluView Weekly Surveillance Report page.
The most recent report on Swine Flu by the CDC can always be found on the FluView Weekly Surveillance Report page.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy During the Pandemic
As per the CDC, stay informed. The website http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update
Weekly Influenza Activity Estimates Reported by State and Territorial Epidemiologists [Activity levels indicate geographic spread of both seasonal and novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses] - Map can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
A Pandemic Is Declared
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/
Friday, June 12, 2009
How Can I Tell if I Have A Mold Problem?
Answer from www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Read the publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" at www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html [EPA 402-K-02-003]
Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en el formato PDF www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide_sp.pdf Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008.
Read the publication "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]
Mold Resources are available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Read the publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" at www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html [EPA 402-K-02-003]
Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en el formato PDF www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide_sp.pdf Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008.
Read the publication "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]
Mold Resources are available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Large Asbesto Project Completed by The MACK Group
Asbestos Sheetrock Wall and Floor Tile Removal Project by The Mack Group, LLC
The MACK Group, LLC, a premier asbestos removal and abatement contractor, recently completed the removal of asbestos containing sheetrock walls and floor tile at a large conglomerate’s facility in New Jersey.
A large Fortune 500 conglomerate needed to have asbestos abatement activities conducted at their facility with attention to safety and schedule. In addition, the client had a tight budget and required the work to be done with no dust emissions. The Mack Group, LLC (MACK) was selected based on their economical approach to the project, their impeccable safety record and adherence to all laws, rules and regulations as well as their commitment to meet the tight schedule.
Asbestos containing materials (ACM) at the site that required abatement included 10,000 square feet of asbestos sheetrock walls with spackle. In addition, there was 6,200 square feet of ACM floor tile with mastic.
Prior to asbestos abatement activities, a 10 day notification was submitted which is a written notification of intention to demolish in accordance with 40 CFR 61.145 to 61.155 and N.J.A.C. 7:26-2.12(d) and (e). All utilities were also disconnected.
All work was performed following all OSHA & EPA regulations as they pertain to asbestos abatement. In addition, all OSHA and other safety regulations were followed as safety is paramount on all of the Mack Group’s projects.
Mobilization to the site required that several tasks be completed with attention to detail. This included the placement of all required signage on all entrances to the work area, installing connections to electric and water and the building of separation barriers and a decontamination facility. Each area was sealed off utilizing plastic sheeting. Negative air with HEPA air filtration machines were also installed so that any potential dust created would not leave the work area. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) inspection was performed by The MACK ’s competent person.
To remove the tile and mastic, MACK used a combination of proprietary flooring removal ride on machines and shot blaster machines that they own in their fleet of abatement equipment. These machines allowed MACK to easily remove the tile and mastic down to the original concrete floor surface.
The other ACM was abated by using proper asbestos wetting, removal and handling techniques to safely remove the materials. MACK used various techniques to remove the asbestos materials including wetting of all friable ACM and bagging the ACM using poly-wrapping. Also utilized was the wetting and direct placement in lined (at least 6 mil thick liner) and sealed bulk containers.
The transportation of asbestos and ACM was in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3.5(d) and by registered New Jersey solid waste vehicles. ACM was then properly disposed at a licensed landfill.
The project was completed without incident or injury and on schedule
About The MACK Group, LLC
The Mack Group, LLC is an expert specialized contractor providing a wide range of services from asbestos removal and abatement to decontamination nationwide. We take great pride in our safety record and our commitment to meeting our client’s project schedules and monetary budgets. Our services include asbestos, mold and lead abatement and removal, industrial and pharmaceutical duct cleaning and biological and chemical remediation, and all types of concrete surface preparation and floor covering removal (shot blasting, terminator, etc.).
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC – Corporate Main Office
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 877-759-MACK
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: www.mackgrp.com
Email: Steve King sking@mackgrp.com
The MACK Group, LLC, a premier asbestos removal and abatement contractor, recently completed the removal of asbestos containing sheetrock walls and floor tile at a large conglomerate’s facility in New Jersey.
A large Fortune 500 conglomerate needed to have asbestos abatement activities conducted at their facility with attention to safety and schedule. In addition, the client had a tight budget and required the work to be done with no dust emissions. The Mack Group, LLC (MACK) was selected based on their economical approach to the project, their impeccable safety record and adherence to all laws, rules and regulations as well as their commitment to meet the tight schedule.
Asbestos containing materials (ACM) at the site that required abatement included 10,000 square feet of asbestos sheetrock walls with spackle. In addition, there was 6,200 square feet of ACM floor tile with mastic.
Prior to asbestos abatement activities, a 10 day notification was submitted which is a written notification of intention to demolish in accordance with 40 CFR 61.145 to 61.155 and N.J.A.C. 7:26-2.12(d) and (e). All utilities were also disconnected.
All work was performed following all OSHA & EPA regulations as they pertain to asbestos abatement. In addition, all OSHA and other safety regulations were followed as safety is paramount on all of the Mack Group’s projects.
Mobilization to the site required that several tasks be completed with attention to detail. This included the placement of all required signage on all entrances to the work area, installing connections to electric and water and the building of separation barriers and a decontamination facility. Each area was sealed off utilizing plastic sheeting. Negative air with HEPA air filtration machines were also installed so that any potential dust created would not leave the work area. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) inspection was performed by The MACK ’s competent person.
To remove the tile and mastic, MACK used a combination of proprietary flooring removal ride on machines and shot blaster machines that they own in their fleet of abatement equipment. These machines allowed MACK to easily remove the tile and mastic down to the original concrete floor surface.
The other ACM was abated by using proper asbestos wetting, removal and handling techniques to safely remove the materials. MACK used various techniques to remove the asbestos materials including wetting of all friable ACM and bagging the ACM using poly-wrapping. Also utilized was the wetting and direct placement in lined (at least 6 mil thick liner) and sealed bulk containers.
The transportation of asbestos and ACM was in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26-3.5(d) and by registered New Jersey solid waste vehicles. ACM was then properly disposed at a licensed landfill.
The project was completed without incident or injury and on schedule
About The MACK Group, LLC
The Mack Group, LLC is an expert specialized contractor providing a wide range of services from asbestos removal and abatement to decontamination nationwide. We take great pride in our safety record and our commitment to meeting our client’s project schedules and monetary budgets. Our services include asbestos, mold and lead abatement and removal, industrial and pharmaceutical duct cleaning and biological and chemical remediation, and all types of concrete surface preparation and floor covering removal (shot blasting, terminator, etc.).
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC – Corporate Main Office
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 877-759-MACK
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: www.mackgrp.com
Email: Steve King sking@mackgrp.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Industrial Mold Removal and Remediation Services Nationwide
The MACK Group, LLC provides mold remediation and cleanup contracting services.
Mold Remediation Basics
- The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings.
- It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold.
- Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are potentially toxic.
Mold Remediation Planning
The MACK Group, LLC considers the following questions when planning the remediation of mold:
- Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
- Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
- Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
- Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
- Are building occupants reporting health problems?
- Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
- Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
- Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
- Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?
Mold Remediation Means and Methods
A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. This may include:
- Wet Vacuum and Damp Wipe
- HEPA Vacuum
- Interior Demolition - Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.
The MACK Group, LLC selects remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protection Equipment and containment as appropriate.
Remediation and Cleanup Final Steps
The MACK Group, LLC makes sure the mold remediation is complete by:
- Making sure the water or moisture problem is completely fixed.
- Use of professional judgment to determine if the cleanup is sufficient. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors will not be present.
- Via air sampling, the kinds and concentrations of mold and mold spores in the building should be similar to those found outside, once cleanup activities have been completed.
- We revisit the site(s) shortly after remediation to look for signs of water damage or mold growth.
- The clients personnel and tenants will be able to occupy or re-occupy the space without health complaints or physical symptoms.
Nationwide Mold Remediation Removal Contractor Services
We offer our remediation services within the Continental United States with particular emphasis in New Jersey (NJ), New york (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), Delaware (DE), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Connecticut (CT), West Virginia (WV), Indiana (IN) and Illinois (IL)
Contact us at www.mackgrp.com
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