The Dog Ate My Homework, Part LXIX

Okay but tired, had a surprise drive for five hours today, etc.

Enjoy!

 

Author: John

Nobel-Prize Winning, MacArthur Genius Grant Near Recipient writing to you regularly about Fitness, Wealth, and Wisdom - How to be happy and how to be healthy. Oh, and rich.

4 thoughts on “The Dog Ate My Homework, Part LXIX”

  1. The latest chapter of Repairs is up today, “They’re Here”: https://zaklog.substack.com/p/theyre-here?r=2nmhek&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

    On an unrelated note, I recently came to the conclusion that some severe health problems I’ve been having may be due to mold in our home. I have no idea the bill to clean that up, but it is probably quite high and beyond what we can manage ourselves. The bill to leave it in place is slowly killing me, and rendering me useless in the meantime. Please pray for our family.

    Reply

    2. zaklog-

      I’ve been doing mold assessments/remediation for 25+ years, so here’s some suggestions, as follow:

      1. Is there visible discoloration on drywall or framing indoors? If you have a crawlspace is there discoloration on the joists?
      2. If there is, use transparent Scotch tape to collect sample(s). Fold back the tape 1/2″, and leave around 1″ long exposed. Press against the discoloration and press it on the inside oif a Ziplok® baggie. Write the date/time, your name, location, etc. on the bag.
      3. Do a search for AIHA accredited labs. I recommend EMSL. Take or mail it to them; they have 40+ locations. The staff will assist you with filling out a Chain Of Sample Custody (COSC) online and arrange payment. The COSC must accompany the sample(s). DO NOT BUY A “MOLD TEST KIT” FROM A HARDWARE STORE – THEY’RE USELESS.
      4. If results come back positive with results above “light” contamination, I’d recommend doing a search at iaqa.org to find a local professional to do IAQ sampling and a moisture assessment.

      If inside your house, you can cut out the growth and wipe down discoloration on studs/sheathing with 6% bleach (Lowe’s stocks it). Wear a N95 mask, nitrile gloves and a Tyvek® suit. If in the crawl space or in an area >10 sq ft, hire a professional that has pollution liability coverage.

      After remediation, call your HVAC company and get them to clean the air-handler and do duct cleaning.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

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