Barkett Kenney, Inc.

2011-12-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

Water Damage

Water damage describes a large number of possible losses caused by water intrusion. The water damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to property loss.

The three classifications of water damage are Clear Water, Gray Water, and Black Water damage. Clear water damage is associated with tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines. Gray Water damage refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness on exposure or even consumed. Black water is grossly unsanitary. Examples are toilet bowls with urine, sump pump failures and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines. In all cases, don't delay mitigating the problem. Let us help. We provide on-call emergency water damage mitigation services 24/7. Locations served: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Brevard counties, including, but not limited to the cities Hobe Sound, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Melbourne

Mold Remediation

Mold assessment and Mold remediation are techniques used in occupational health: mold assessment is the process of identifying the location and extent of the mold hazard in a structure, and mold remediation is the process of removal and/or cleanup of mold from an indoor environment.

High humidity surface mold damage is silently growing in the bathrooms, basements, attics and walls of countless homes and businesses, creating mold symptoms, mold illness and other respiratory ailments whose source often goes undetected. Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The main problem with the presence of mold in buildings is the inhalation of these mycotoxins. Let us help.

Smoke and Fire

Fire and smoke are very ethereal in essence and have no tangible form, can be neither touched nor examined, and do not have any real volume. Smoke is the collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass. It is commonly an unwanted by-product of fires.

Odor Removal

An odor is a volatilized chemical compound, generally at a very low concentration, that humans or other animals perceive by the sense of olfaction. Odors are also called smells, which can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odors. Strong and pungent odors are often perceived as offensive. It does not matter if it is trash, pet smells, or simply the smell of mildew. Odors can wreck havoc on your nose and nervous system. Let us help.

2011-12-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Have you had water get into your home? Call us if you need help with drying out your home. We bill your insurance company!

Smoke Damage?

2011-11-14T22:32:00.001-05:00

Smoke Damage RestorationSmoke and soot can travel into other rooms affecting paint, carpet, upholstery, drapes, clothing and any other family belongings. Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor. Smoke can penetrate within cavities of the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.Smoke damage requires immediate attention, our FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE experts are ready to help!Smoke damage comes in 4 basic varieties:Wet smoke: resulting from a low heat fireDry smoke: results from a fast burning high temperature fireProtein smoke: has an extreme pungent odor but it is invisibleFuel oil soot smoke: It comes from the furnace currentsDamaged areas should only be tested by professionals for smoke danger level.Our FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE professionals will first target the type of smoke and identify what type of restoration or replacement is needed.Call our FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE experts to restore your home!Smoke Damage can you leave you devastated, but our professional team is ready to help get your home or property and your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration team responds immediately, taking all necessary procedures to mimimize your losses and coordinate a Cleanup and Smoke Restoration plan. We will repair and restore all damage to your property due to any Smoke and Fire. Removal of smoke and soot can not be done with professional equipment used by a Smoke Damage Restoration company like ourselves. We also ensure the removal of all toxic gases that may have been released due to burning of hazardous materials within your home or business.Smoke Damage Restoration include:• Inspection and evaluation damage to contents and structures• Emergency Board up Services• Removal of acidic smoke and soot from surfaces• Immediate odor-controll steps• Cleaning and deodorizing of clothing & personal belongings• Pack out & storage services• Complete Smoke Damage Restoration

IICRC Changes its Name to The Clean Trust

2011-10-14T22:08:00.001-04:00

For Insurance Providers and Consumers:
· Where do I look for certified professionals?
The Clean Trust- Look for certified professionals. Visit www.certifiedcleaners.org or www.thecleantrust.org

Water Damage?

2011-10-13T21:26:00.000-04:00

Water pipes run through your entire home and are used by many home appliances such as: dishwashers, clothes washing machines, hot water heaters, water softeners, and toilets. If one of these appliances fails, the result could be water flowing into your home. Here are some statistics to think about: Every year more than 250,000 homes sustain water damage caused by leaking or ruptured water pipes, washing machine hose failures alone cause approximately $150 million in damage to homes in North America each year, approximately 5 million hot water heaters rupture each year.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

2011-10-10T23:21:00.000-04:00

The first signs of water damage might seem trivial: a drip here, a drop there – nothing that can’t be dried with a towel.

But warnings like water stains on the ceilings or a leak under the kitchen sink can lead to real problems like a weakened roof or rotten floorboards. A burst pipe can damage your furniture and other personal possessions, and flooding can very quickly lead to problems with mold.

Why take a chance? Learn where your home is most likely to suffer water damage, and what you can do to help prevent it.

Finding Possible Culprits: Indoors
The Kitchen
A good place to start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? The kitchen: a place with a whole lot of water.

Look carefully at your major appliances, and make sure they are up to snuff.

•The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
•The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.
•The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.
The Bathroom
The bathroom is another water damage hot spot. Here’s what you should examine and address:

•Showers And Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
•Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
•Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak. Again, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
The Basement, Laundry, Or Utility Room
•Washing Machine: Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
•Water Heater: Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.
•Sump Pump: Battery-operated backup sump pumps can help protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump. Test the sump pump before the start of each wet season. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within those 10 years.
Since water may still come through an overflowing drain or cracks in the foundation walls, make sure items stored in the basement are kept off the floor. Furniture should be on casters or shims and arranged away from floor drains.

Stopping Indoor Leaks
The quickest way to stop a leak is to turn off your home’s water. Of course it’s not a permanent fix, but turning off the water in the moment can give you time to repair the specific problem.

Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Check it frequently for problems, and shut off the water if you are away from your home for several days or longer.

Depending on the severity of your leak, you may be able to fix it with relative ease. Plumbing, though, is a complicated business; if you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to call a plumber or a contractor.

Finding Possible Culprits: Outdoors
The Roof
It’s not rocket science: roofs are there to keep your home dry, and if you’ve got water coming inside, your roof is a pretty good place to start. That said, there are a number of different ways for water to get in through your roof, so consider the following points as you conduct the examination:

•Keep the roof free from leaves, twigs, and other litter to allow for proper drainage. Clogged gutters can easily lead to poor drainage, which in turn can lead to leaks in both the walls and at the foundation.
•Make sure air can flow freely through all soffit and roof vents. This will reduce the buildup of heat and moisture and help extend the life of the roof.
•Consult a professional on using a preservative or cleaner (depending on the type of roof you have) to help limit the weathering effects of moisture and slow the growth of molds and mosses.
•Replace missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles.
•Watch for damage in valley areas of the roof, and around the flashing at chimneys, vents, and other junctions.
•Check your attic around flues, plumbing vents, and chimneys for roof leaks, especially if you’ve noticed water stains on the ceiling.
•If it’s winter and you’ve got water in the attic or see water stains on your ceilings or walls, look for any ice dams.
From Gutters To The Ground
Once you’re off the roof, there are still possible culprits to investigate. Take a look around the foundation of your home; a few simple changes could make all the difference.

•Place splash blocks at the end of downspouts to carry water away from the foundation, or add an extra length of downspout if necessary.
•Every spring, have the air conditioning (A/C) system serviced by a qualified contractor. Make sure their service includes inspecting and cleaning the A/C condensation pan drain line. Change the air filters on a regular basis.
•Before winter starts, disconnect garden hoses from all spigots and turn off each spigot’s water supply.
•Replace any damaged caulk around windows or doors.
•Repaint wood siding as needed.
•Fill in any low spots next to the house to help water drain away from the foundation.
Hardware That Can Help
To help keep an eye on these or other trouble spots, you may want to consider installing a water leak detection system, especially if you’re frequently away from the house. Leak detection systems can be either active or passive.

Along with leak detection systems, individual appliance systems can be installed on specific home appliances.

Active Leak Detection Systems
These systems usually generate some type of alarm, but they also perform a function that will stop the water flow. They feature some form of shutoff valve and a means to determine that a leak is occurring. Most devices use moisture sensors to detect a leak. Other systems utilize a flow sensor and a timer to determine that something is leaking and the water needs to be turned off. An active leak detection system can either operate for an individual appliance or it can control a whole property.

Passive Leak Detection Systems
These systems, also called "water alarms," are intended to alert you to a possible water leak. They generally sound an audible alarm tone; some may also feature a flashing light.

Passive systems are frequently battery-operated, stand-alone units. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Some simply sit on the floor while others may be wall mounted. A moisture sensor is located on the bottom of the unit and activates the alarm when it becomes wet. Battery-operated devices need to be tested regularly, and the batteries should be replaced on a periodic basis.

Individual Appliance Systems
These systems are installed on a specific appliance and will automatically shut off the water supply in case of a leak.

Depending on the type of device, you may be able to install this system without any special tools. However, in some cases, a qualified plumber may be needed.

Whole-House Systems
These systems feature a shutoff valve installed on the main water supply pipe. When the system detects a leak, it will automatically shut off the entire water supply. If you travel often, this type of system could help you rest assured while you’re away from home.

Whole-house systems typically take between four and six hours to install, and a qualified plumber is normally required

The Unamed Storm of 2011

2011-10-10T22:24:00.001-04:00

Wow! What a weekend in the Treasure Coast Area. Did you have damage? We are here to assess and help if you did. Please contact Barkett Kenney, Inc. if you expierenced any water intrusion from this past weekend.

2011-09-30T22:26:00.001-04:00

Chinese Drywall Update
New guidelines spell more confusion for Chinese drywall cases.
Charlie Jones, CGC, CIE, CSI, CDDC, IA, WIND certified Umpire / Barkett Kenney, Inc.
Monday, April 04, 2011 |
E-Mail / Print |

On March 18, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released an update to guidance on remediation for homes with drywall problems. The report, Identification Guidance and Remediation Guidance for Homes with Corrosion from Problem Drywall, makes a few significant changes: (1) It declares that the removal of all electrical wiring is no longer necessary; and (2) it adds the year 2009 to the range of years in which the tainted drywall was installed in U.S. housing, extending the time frame by one year.

"This decision [not to mandate wire replacement] is based upon the results of recent scientific studies on the effects of corrosive environments on electrical wires, which found no acute hazardous conditions or performance issues with the wiring in conditions simulating decades of exposure to problem drywall," according to the executive summary.

"In general, residential electrical system components appear to be relatively tolerant of the corrosive environment created by problem drywall, if the system is installed properly," a CPSC report says.

They "appear to be relatively tolerant if installed properly." Not very definitive if you are a homeowner, a home buyer, a mortgage lender, or an insurer.

The new guide continues to call for the replacement of all possible problem drywall; fire safety alarm devices (including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms); electrical distribution components (including receptacles, switches, and circuit breakers, but not necessarily wiring); gas service piping; and fire suppression sprinkler systems. As for the wiring, the government says even some exposed wiring that has corroded doesn't necessarily need to be removed if it can be cleaned off successfully.

Why Worry?
At first glance, the changes might look like good news for insurers. Moreover, the government says in its press release announcing the altered guidelines that the relaxation of the wiring-replacement mandates could save on remediation costs. Maybe, but Sandia National Labs, the testing agency whose experiments generated the Interagency Task Force on Problem Drywall's new guidelines, was in no way definitive in its findings.

"While no fire, smoking or other safety events occurred during the course of this experiment, CPSC staff and Sandia are mindful of the limited scope and controlled conditions of this experiment," the task force said in a report of the test results. It further stated that the experiment doesn't cover every difference in "conditions, wiring, installation, brands, environmental conditions and other possible confounding factors that are actually present in the affected houses."

The experiment was limited to 15-amp wiring and 110-volt outlets, and it didn't test exposed, corroded wire after it had been cleaned; although, in the report, the task force suggests cleaning wiring as an alternative to replacing it.

In addition, U.S. District Court Judge Eldon Fallon ruled last year that all electrical wiring should be removed as part of the repair process for tainted drywall. He is overseeing consolidated drywall litigation in New Orleans, and hundreds of homes are already being repaired under a pilot program based on his instructions. For now, this remediation settlement with the drywall company (Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co.) stands, and the protocol Fallon established, based on days of presentations of scientific evidence, will continue to be used in settlements. The goal is to expand the protocol for thousands of other homes containing the contested, tainted drywall.

Making guidance even murkier, the CPSC's new report says, "All repairs must comply with local codes." So if a locality decides wiring needs to be replaced, which authority’s guidelines will prevail, and can the locality’s ordinance be challenged in court?

Something's Missing
The Sandia experiment and the subsequent report from the Interagency Task Force beg more questions than they answer when it comes to making determinations about claims. It is unclear which findings, Judge Fallon's or the Interagency Task Force's, will stand the test in other court challenges. Judge Fallon based his ruling on substantial, real-world evidence, and the Sandia methodology left much unaccounted for that would arise in the real world.

Moreover, the CPSC and its affiliated agencies that dabble in the field of drywall-policy making don't provide federal guidelines on several areas critical to claims adjustment.

Dust—The procedures for handling and protecting against corrosive demolition dust from tainted-drywall repair are given only a cursory recognition: HEPA vacuuming is optional.

Internal damage—There seems to be no consideration of corrosion to the internal systems of HVAC, appliances and other systems with circuit boards, any of which could be claimed under a drywall-gas damage loss.

Local code—While the report says that all remediation work must abide by local code, there appears to be no governing federal rule.

Universality of findings—The Sandia methodology targeted widely used 15-ampere wiring for 110-volt outlets with PVC insulation, but the findings could be challenged for claims that involve untested 20-amp wiring, 220 outlets and wiring with other specifications than those used in the experiment.

Many approaches in solving the dilemma have lumped tainted-drywall claims into one basket when, in reality, every case is unique. Some homes' walls may be 100% Chinese drywall; others may have only a wall or room that was built or replaced during the problem years. The new regulations make no distinction between the two. A case-by-case analysis by an adjuster is the best option.

As for the broader legal and regulatory venue, in a recent case, Walker v. Teachers Insurance Co., the plaintiffs claimed that the discharge of gasses doesn't fall under the pollutant exclusion because it is, by definition, smoke, which is covered. Using the Merriam-Webster definition of smoke—a suspension of particles in a gas—the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The case is under appeal, but it will be worth watching.

Regarding the new federal guidelines, an affected homeowner and former chief of staff for the Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia formally requested a public hearing on the March 2011 guidance. The CPSC has said it is considering opening a public forum in response to his request.

Charlie Jones, CGC, CIE, CSI, CDDC, IA, WIND certified Umpire, is the CEO of Barkett Kenney, Inc.

Barkett Kenney, Inc. Water Restoration Contractors

2011-09-27T18:18:00.002-04:00

Barkett Kenney, Inc. has been in the remediation business for several years. Only recently has there been such a significant demand for our services as restoration contractors. We have always done both areas of this business but only recently have our clients understood our value in managing claims with honesty and integrity to put homeowners back into their home with minimal down time and bring their home back to pre loss condition as expeditiously as possible with an assignment of the claim to manage the entire process taking the huge amount of effort it takes with the insurance company to manage a claim to its completion. Our clients are very pleased that we assess the loss. Write a report. Discuss the loss with both the field and desk adjusters and work on putting the home back together. All of this often prior to the check being written from the insurance company.

News Release on MSN

2009-10-30T16:37:00.001-04:00

Toxic drywall? Goodbye, insurance
Some buyers are finding their homes were built with tainted materials from China. Yet when they turn to their insurers, they get dumped -- and could face foreclosure.

[Related content: insurance claims, home buying, foreclosure, insurance, housing]
By The Associated Press
James and Maria Ivory's dreams of a relaxing retirement on Florida's Gulf Coast were put on hold when they discovered their new home had been built with Chinese drywall that emits sulfuric fumes and corrodes pipes. It got worse when they asked their insurer for help. Not only was their claim denied, but they've been told their entire policy won't be renewed.

Learn more about Chinese drywall
Thousands of homeowners nationwide who have bought new houses made with defective building materials are finding their hopes dashed and their lives in limbo. Experts warn that cases like the Ivorys', in which insurers drop policies or send notices of nonrenewal because of tainted Chinese drywall, will become rampant as insurance companies work their way through the hundreds of claims currently in the pipeline.

At least three insurers already have canceled or refused to renew policies after homeowners sought help replacing the bad materials. Because mortgage companies require homeowners to insure their properties, they are then at risk of foreclosure, yet no law prevents the cancellations.

"This is like the small wave that's out on the horizon that's going to continue to grow and grow until it becomes a tsunami," said Florida attorney David Durkee, who represents hundreds of homeowners who are suing builders, suppliers and manufacturers over the drywall.

During the height of the U.S. housing boom, with building materials in short supply, U.S. construction companies turned to Chinese-made drywall because it was abundant and cheap. An Associated Press analysis of shipping records found that more than 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported from 2004 to 2008 -- enough to have built tens of thousands of homes. The materials are heavily concentrated in the Southeast, especially in Florida and areas of Louisiana and Mississippi hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.

More from MSN Money
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The defective materials have been found by state and federal agencies to emit "volatile sulfur compounds" and contain traces of strontium sulfide, which can produce a rotten-egg odor, along with organic compounds not found in U.S.-made drywall. Homeowners complain the fumes are corroding copper pipes, destroying TVs and air conditioners, and blackening jewelry and silverware. Some believe the wallboard is also making residents ill.

The federal government is studying the problem and considering some sort of relief for homeowners.

Video: 5 words insurance companies hate

The Associated Press interviewed several homeowners who, like the Ivorys, were unlucky enough to purchase properties built with Chinese drywall. Those homeowners are now being hit with a second wave of bad news: Their insurers are declining to fill their claims, then canceling the policies or issuing notices that they won't be renewed until the problem is fixed.

The homebuyers have little recourse against the Chinese manufacturers; the companies and the Beijing government are not likely to respond to any lawsuits or reimburse them for the defective materials.

In each instance, the insurer learned of the drywall through a claim filed by the homeowner seeking financial help with its removal.

The Ivorys have sued their builder, but it could take months for their case and hundreds like it to work their way through the courts. In the meantime, the Ivorys have moved back to Colorado because their three-bedroom ranch home two miles from the Gulf of Mexico is unlivable and soon will be uninsured.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster," said James Ivory, who is still making mortgage payments on the Florida house. "It was all in our heads -- nice weather down there, calm life, beaches. Now I don't know what to do."

Continued: 'We provide insurance, not warranty service'

US Consumer Product Saftey Commission Makes Response

2009-10-29T12:22:00.002-04:00

Status of Federal Action on Chinese Drywall Announced
Today federal agencies will announce their actions in response to hazards connected to Chinese drywall. We are sending this special email to families affected by this problem so that you can be aware of these developments.
The media and congressional staff are being briefed on both actions underway to reduce the potential hazards and the status of investigations into the impact that some Chinese-made drywall may have on human health and corrosion of electrical and metal components.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is leading a group including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and numerous state departments of health on this issue.
The Investigations
Basically, the combined federal task force investigating the issue has found elevated levels of two elements in some Chinese-made drywall: sulfur and strontium. We are conducting additional scientific tests to find the connection between these elevated levels and any reported health symptoms or corrosion effects. The results of these additional tests will be released in November.
The investigation of the drywall itself also found that the Chinese-made drywall emits elevated levels of sulfur compounds. Current testing is looking for the specific chemical compounds and any connection to health and corrosion effects.
When investigators tested homes, some findings surprised them. Researchers were looking for hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide, which have been suspected of being related to the contaminated drywall due to reports of "rotten egg" smells and sulfur-like corrosion of copper and other metals in the homes. These gasses were only found occasionally when outdoor air levels were elevated as well.
The early sample study of homes found levels of two known irritants: acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. But the levels were the same for both homes with Chinese and non-Chinese drywall and were not unusual for new homes. Levels were lower when home air conditioning was in use.
As CPSC Chairman, I want affected families to know that we are currently working diligently to identify a nexus between Chinese drywall and the reported health symptoms and corrosion effects.
Federal action
While testing closes in on the causes of the problems, federal and state agencies are taking actions to the extent of their authority.
CPSC actions include the following:
1. To date, we have received nearly 1900 complaints from residents in 30 states about health and corrosion symptoms.
2. We have conducted more than 700 telephone interviews with affected homeowners and we will be releasing dozens of in-depth investigation reports to the media and public today.
3. We have launched a Drywall Information Center Web site to provide ongoing information to the public about this issue. To access the site go to www.DrywallResponse.gov.
4. We are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and stop imports. We have identified hundreds of thousands of stockpiled boards and we have sent notice to the warehouses where they are stored.
5. We want any homeowner who believes their health symptom and/or corrosion of electrical and metal components is tied to drywall, to report to CPSC’s Hotline immediately. They can reach us at 1-800-638-2772.
6. Like all task force members, we are talking to Congressional and White House officials about possible legislation and other means of helping families affected by and struggling with this issue.

Some of you may be aware that I just returned from a week-long Product Safety Summit in China. At that Summit, I called upon Chinese manufacturers to do what is “just and fair” and meet their responsibilities to the consumers of their product, if we prove certain drywall is defective.

We understand that this problem has, literally, driven people from their homes. To those families we would like to say that we are driving as hard as we can to find out what is causing these health symptoms and corrosion problems.

All of the federal and state partners will continue to work on behalf of the families affected by this Chinese drywall issue. We are committed to providing answers to homeowners. As new information becomes available, we will share it as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Inez Tenenbaum
Chairman
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

TIPS: Federal and state health experts suggest these steps to improve indoor air quality and to reduce exposure to substances that can cause health concerns:
o Open windows as much as possible to let in fresh air.
o Keep the temperature inside homes at the lowest comfortable setting.
o Run the air conditioner or dehumidifier.
o Also, spend as much time outdoors in fresh air as possible.
o Do not smoke, and especially do not smoke indoors. Cigarette smoke contains, among other contaminants, formaldehyde.

For more information: www.DrywallResponse.gov.

You are currently subscribed to the email list "drywall" as: jackmfrost@yahoo.com
The Drywall Information Center (http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html) provides information on CPSC's investigation of problem drywall. CPSC has received over 1,000 reports from residents in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to the presence of drywall produced in China.
To report suspected problem drywall, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
To unsubscribe, please do one of the following:
(1) go to http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/signup.aspx and use the on-line form
(2) send a blank email to leave-1140151-442121.7bc1e91b165452c8b3f7c2a8873d6df0@list.cpsc.gov
Thank you.

This message is from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
an independent federal regulatory agency, located at 4330 East West
Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814 Toll-free hotline: (800) 638-2772

Breaking News on Chinese Drywall

2009-10-27T18:26:00.000-04:00

Expert Says Chinese Drywall Comes With Fungus, Bacteria, and Fecal Matter
By Eric Barton in Breaking NewsTue., Oct. 27 2009 @ 6:00AM

Defective drywall from China is full of bacteria and fungus and, in at least one case, fecal matter.

That's according to Spiderman S. Mulholland, an expert in building inspections. Mulholland says the drywall is so corroded with bacteria that it's likely causing health issues for those who live in homes built with the defective wall board.

Mulholland announced his findings Sunday at a conference in Orlando for owners of homes with Chinese drywall. He told the hundred or so homeowners that he and his team spent 20,000 hours and about $500,000 testing Chinese drywall.

The defective drywall is in perhaps as many as 100,000 houses nationwide, and
homeowners say the stuff produces gases that corrode metal and cause respiratory problems.

Photo from thevirginiaaccidentlawyer.org
Chinese drywall causes metal to corrode within months.
Mulholland, owner of U.S. Building Consultants Inc. in Gainesville, says he tested five samples of Chinese drywall and found evidence of fungi and bacteria in all five.

One sample also included fecal matter, but it's not clear if it's the product of the Chinese manufacturers or the installer.

The bacteria in the drywall is the most alarming, Mulholland said. It's feeding on organic matter, which isn't found in drywall manufactured elsewhere. As it eats the organic matter, it produces the sulfur gases homeowners say plague homes built with Chinese drywall. And the bacteria can become airborne, meaning homeowners are breathing it in.

"We have found major bacterial issues that could lead to significant health issues," Mulholland said by phone this afternoon.

Dr. Patricia Williams, a University of New Orleans toxicologist, also attended the conference and told homeowners to move out if they're suffering from health problems from Chinese drywall.

Mulholland said the bacteria shows that the Chinese drywall was manufactured incorrectly. "There's no alternative to how this is happening. This stuff was made with something that's causing this bacteria to grow."
Tags: Chinese drywall, Housing crisis, Orlando Related Content
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More About...
Spiderman Mulholland
Construction Sector
Building Products Manufacturing
Orlando (Florida)
Gainesville

Nano Scale With speacial Filters for Air Conditioning

2009-10-27T10:59:00.001-04:00

http://www.nanoscalecorp.com/

Spiderman Mullholland Makes announcement of Bacteial Issues in Chinese Drywall

2009-10-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2009/10/chinese_drywall_bacteria.php

The Florida Legal Blog

2009-10-27T01:47:00.000-04:00

http://www.floridalegalblog.org/

Insurance Law Blog

2009-10-27T01:39:00.000-04:00

http://www.propertyinsurancecoveragelaw.com/

Chinese Drywall Blog

2009-10-27T01:33:00.000-04:00

http://chinesedrywallblog.com/

BESI- Chinese Drywall Protocol Certification

2009-10-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Building Envelope Science Institute Check out www.besinstitute.com

Consultant Charlie Jones

2009-10-26T23:42:00.001-04:00

Charlie Jones is a former professional athlete. Drafted in the 37^th round in 1997 for the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Florida Atlantic University after his Junior year. Charlie pitched in a 4 year career for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. This experience is what has formed Charlie's work ethic and "I can do it attitude." This mentality is critical to the success and focus of Charlie's life approach. Life can throw you plenty of curveballs but can't be struck out. Charlie is always willing and therefore always studying to be better and more educated. His current studies include law school where he is seeking his JD degree.

Currently, Charlie is the General Manager of Barkett and Kenney Construction. Charlie has managed successfully with the outstanding team at Barkett and Kenney, $300,000,000.00 in appraisal work for Florida Insurance Guarantee Association and for the insured. In addition to this Barkett and Kenney Construction has received awards from the Parade of Homes for Best Contractor Quality Craftsmanship 2008 from the Treasure Coast Builders Association and Best Small Commercial Project in Indian River County 2008 for Seaside Smiles Dental Office. These accolades are a small part of the successes that Charlie has been a part of while in the Construction Industry.

Charlie's life growing up has been consumed with Construction and Insurance. Charlie's Grandfather was a General Contractor in South Dakota and Charlie's other grandfather was an Insurance agent in Minnesota. Charlie' Dad is a Commercial Property Owner, Manager, and Developer in Minnesota and Florida. Charlie's interests unknowingly at the time have been formed with this influence in his life.

Partial List of Awards-

2008 Best Small Commercial Project Indian River County- Seaside Smiles

2008 Best Contractor Quality Craftsmanship, Voted from Peers at Treasure Coast Builders Association and Parade of Homes for Sea Colony Home, Indian River Shores, Florida.