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 JANUARY 14, 2008 |
It’s a great day in Orem, Utah...
It is a great day here in Orem, Utah. It is freezing cold and we are going to dip into the single digits this week. Snow is everywhere and the best place to be is right here in front of my oversized computer monitor with the furnace pumping warm heat onto my feet.
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Adam & Haily - New Year’s Eve
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I am really looking forward to all of the issues that will be shared in the MMM this coming year. As many of you know, I have trimmed back my outside volunteer time to allow me to concentrate on the three areas that need my attention. What are those three areas?
- 1) My family
- 2) My inspection enterprise
- 3) The MMM
These are the three time priorities this year and I look forward to accomplishing great landmarks in each of those three areas.
SUBSCRIBER APPRECIATION - I want to thank all of you who subscribe to the MMM. It has been such a great experience to share experiences and friendships over the years. The MMM has been a bonding influence that has allowed inspectors to share their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly in a learning setting. The feedback, questions, and photos that are shared are really the driving force in the direction of each new issue. I have gained great insight as I research the topics that are presented and I hope that you find them educational as well.
MMM SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL - I look forward to increasing the MMM subscribership in 2008. One of the ways that I am going to do this by marketing and by offering incentives to our current subscribers who refer to us new subscribers. So if you want to read the MMM for free in 2009, then refer us to a few of your friends now. I will offer a $20 discount to our current subscribers for each new full fee subscriber they refer. This discount will be applied to your next year’s subscription payment. All you have to do is tell the new subscriber to put your name on the REFERRER line on the online MMM subscription form. We will notify you of the discounts as the new subscriber is added.
What topics would you like to see discussed in the MMM in 2008?
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| A.O. SMITH ATTIC FAN RECALL |
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I haven’t encountered this particular attic fan here in Utah, but 6,300 of them were sold somewhere in the United States. If you see one, take a close picture of the motor’s production sticker and then compare the serial numbers to those listed in the recall notice.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
| Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2008
Release #08-161 |
Firm s Recall Hotline: (866) 567-3878
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
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A.O. Smith Recalls Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Whole-house Exhaust Fan Electric Motors
Units: About 6,300
Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio
Hazard: The fan s electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. A.O. Smith, the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M 334076M, 03207JY 33407JY, and YB07 YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.
Sold at: The recalled motors, included with the exhaust fans, were sold at home improvement stores nationwide or by professional installers or builders from February 2007 through November 2007 for about $3,000.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at (866) 567-3878 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm s Web site at www.aosmithmotors.com
Have you seen this fan during your inspections?
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| SIMPSON STRONG TIE TRAINING |
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In the later part of 2007 I had the privilege of attending a wonderful day of training by Simpson Strong Tie. They have released their 2008 training schedule and I encourage all of you to register for appropriate courses near your home. I list the first quarter training for the greater Northwest area, but realize that there is a full U.S. schedule up on their website.
http://www.strongtie.com/workshops/workshops.asp?Site=SST
Each of their classes has a specific audience in mind, and not all of them are presented on the level of the typical home inspector. So look for a class that interests you and get registered today. The classes are free, yet the content and materials are top notch in the industry.
| Start Date |
Workshop Name |
City |
State |
Course Code |
Available Seats |
| 01/29/2008 |
IBC 2006 Wind & Seismic Design |
Stockton |
CA |
SST-IBC101 |
20 |
| 02/05/2008 |
Building Officials & Inspectors Workshop |
Stockton |
CA |
SST-INS101 |
77 |
| 02/12/2008 |
Engineers, Architects, & Specifiers Workshop |
Stockton |
CA |
SST-ENG101 |
94 |
| 02/19/2008 |
Engineers, Architects, & Specifiers Workshop |
Kent |
WA |
SST-ENG101 |
89 |
| 02/21/2008 |
Building Officials & Inspectors Workshop |
Kent |
WA |
SST-INS101 |
91 |
| 02/27/2008 |
Anchoring Systems |
Sandy |
UT |
SAS-GEN102 |
99 |
| 03/04/2008 |
Authorized Stocking Dealers |
Stockton |
CA |
SST-ASD101 |
90 |
| 03/06/2008 |
Contractors, Builders, & Developers Workshop (Replacement for March 11th class) |
Stockton |
CA |
SST-BLD101 |
100 |
| 03/13/2008 |
Anchoring Systems |
Emeryville |
CA |
SAS-GEN102 |
116 |
| 03/18/2008 |
Engineers, Architects, & Specifiers Workshop |
Littleton |
CO |
SST-ENG101 |
92 |
| 03/19/2008 |
General Connector Technology |
Littleton |
CO |
SST-GEN101 |
98 |
| 03/25/2008 |
Contractors, Builders, & Developers Workshop |
Kent |
WA |
SST-BLD101 |
99 |
| 03/27/2008 |
Authorized Stocking Dealers |
Kent |
WA |
SST-ASD101 |
99 |
| 04/08/2008 |
General Connector Technology |
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MT |
SST-GEN101 |
100 |
| 04/15/2008 |
Engineers, Architects, & Specifiers Workshop |
Fresno |
CA |
SST-ENG101 |
94 |
| 04/16/2008 |
General Connector Technology |
Fresno |
CA |
SST-GEN101 |
99 |
| 04/24/2008 |
Anchoring Systems |
Reno |
NV |
SAS-GEN102 |
95 |
Which Simpson classes are you most interested in attending?
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| VERMICULITE ATTIC INSULATION |
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Current Best Practices for Vermiculite Attic Insulation
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offices have received a large number of phone calls from citizens concerned about vermiculite insulation in their home that might be contaminated with asbestos. EPA is gathering more information about vermiculite insulation and other products containing vermiculite. If you suspect vermiculite insulation is in your home, the safest thing is to leave the material alone. If you decide to remove or must otherwise disturb the material due to a renovation project, consult with an experienced asbestos contractor. The following information provides a common sense approach to help you find out what kind of insulation is in your home and decide what to do if you have vermiculite insulation.
What is vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like accordion shaped pieces when heated. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, absorbent, and odorless material. These properties allow vermiculite to be used to make numerous products, including attic insulation.
Photo - Vermiculite Insulation -
Do I have vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite can be purchased in various forms for various uses. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. The pictures below show several samples of vermiculite attic insulation.
Photo - Different Grades of Vermiculite -
Photo - Close Up of Vermiculite Insulation in an Attic -
Photo - Attic Containing Vermiculite Insulation -
Is vermiculite insulation a problem?
Prior to its close in 1990, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos which resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos. Attic insulation produced using vermiculite ore, particularly ore that originated from the Libby mine, may contain asbestos fibers. Today, vermiculite is mined at three US Facilities and in other countries which have low levels of contamination in the finished material.
How does asbestos cause health problems?
Asbestos can cause health problems when inhaled into the lungs. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos fibers are released into the air. Persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure increases the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may result in lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases your risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.
What should I do if I have vermiculite attic insulation?
DO NOT DISTURB IT. Any disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Limiting the number of trips you make to your attic and shortening the length of those trips can help limit your potential exposure. EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend that:
• Vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed in your attic. Due to the uncertainties with existing testing techniques, it is best to assume that the material may contain asbestos.
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| • You should not store boxes or other items in your attic if retrieving the material will disturb the insulation. |
| • Children should not be allowed to play in an attic with open areas of vermiculite insulation. |
| • If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite, hire professionals trained and certified to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. |
| • You should never attempt to remove the insulation yourself. Hire professionals trained and certified to safely remove the material. |
What if I occasionally have to go into my attic?
EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend that homeowners make every effort not to disturb vermiculite insulation in their attics. If you occasionally have to go into your attic, current best practices state you should:
| 1. Make every effort to stay on the floored part of your attic and to not disturb the insulation. |
| 2. If you must perform activities that may disturb the attic insulation such as moving boxes (or other materials), do so as gently as possible to minimize the disturbance. |
| 3. Leave the attic immediately after the disturbance. |
| 4. If you need work done in your attic such as the installation of cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified professionals who can safely do the work. |
| 5. It is possible that vermiculite attic insulation can sift through cracks in the ceiling, around light fixtures, or around ceiling fans. You can prevent this by sealing the cracks and holes that insulation could pass through. |
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6. Common dust masks are not effective against asbestos fibers. For information on the requirements for wearing a respirator mask, visit the following OSHA website:
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/respiratoryprotection/index.html
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What are the next steps?
The guidance provided in this brochure reflects the current testing technology and knowledge of precautions one may take regarding vermiculite attic insulation. EPA is initiating further studies on vermiculite attic insulation and pursuing other asbestos related issues. Additional information will be provided to the public via the EPA and ATSDR web sites and through additional outreach materials as it becomes available.
Is my health at risk from previous exposures to the asbestos in the insulation?
If you removed or disturbed the insulation, it is possible that you inhaled some asbestos fibers. Also the disturbance may have resulted in the fibers being deposited into other areas of the home. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist). Where can I get information on testing or removal of the insulation? EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend using a trained and certified professional to conduct removal work. Removing the insulation yourself could potentially spread asbestos fibers throughout your home, putting you and your family at risk of inhaling these fibers. For certified asbestos removal professionals in your area, refer to your local Yellow Pages. Your State Environmental Agency can confirm that the company’s credentials are current. You can find your State Agency at: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/whereyoulive.htm. Currently, there are specific technical issues involving vermiculite sampling that can complicate testing for the presence of asbestos fibers and interpreting the risk from exposure. EPA and ATSDR are not recommending at this time that homeowners have vermiculite attic insulation tested for asbestos. As testing techniques are refined, EPA and ATSDR will provide information to the public on the benefits of testing that produce more definitive and accurate test results.
What if I have work-related exposure to vermiculite?
Workers who have had significant past exposure, or have significant ongoing exposure to asbestos, to vermiculite from Libby, or to other asbestos contaminated materials should consider getting a medical exam from a physician who knows about diseases caused by asbestos. For more information and to obtain a fact sheet concerning occupational exposure to vermiculite, contact the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at: 1-800-35-NIOSH, or http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html.
Where can I get more information?
Information on the Agency’s guidance on asbestos and vermiculite, including insulation and horticultural products, has previously been available on EPA’s website. Additional information on vermiculite and asbestos is available from the following sources:
General Information
- EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service: Asbestos Line:
1-800-471-7127
- EPA Asbestos Ombudsman: 1-800-368-5888
- EPA's Asbestos Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
Health Information
Worker Safety
Consumer Products
Mineralogy
Prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute for Occupational Safety and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, May 2003. EPA publication 747-F-03-001
I regularly encounter vermiculite insulation in the older homes that I inspect here in Northern Utah, and the clients are always wondering how big of a deal it is. Si I ask all of you, how big of a deal is vermiculite insulation as an asbestos risk? What descriptive text do you use when you encounter the building material?
The following is a great informational sheet from the Environmental Protection Agency. I hope that you enjoy the information.
What descriptive text do you use when you encounter vermiculite?
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| HOME METH CONTAMINATION - GET GEPHARDT |
Bill Gephardt has become one of the favorite investigative reporters in Northern Utah. His in-depth stories always hit home with the current issues facing our local area. You will find his Home Meth Contamination video quite informative. The transcription is written out below.
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Get Gephardt: Home Meth Contamination
Imagine moving your family into a home, only to find, you have to get out because your family's health is at risk. That's happening to families all across Utah whose home's are condemned because the previous residents used methamphetamine. In frustration, some decided to ‘Get Gephardt’.
It's not just houses. Meth contamination also exists in apartments, condominiums, and even hotel and motel rooms. But did you know there's a simple test to detect whether the previous residents may have used meth?
Tawyna Nichols never got to move into the American Fork home she purchased. After she closed, and started paying the mortgage, she found the house was contaminated with meth. 130 times more than what Utah's health department says is safe.
"A million things ran through my mind, what are we going to do, where are we going to live, how are we going to pay a mortgage." said Tawyna.
It’s the same story with Richard Poole. He's moving everything out of his West Jordan home. It too exceeded Utah's allowable levels for methamphetamine exposure.
"I'm really mad" said Richard. Justin Hellander discovered the problem after he and his son got sick.
"The rash on my son's face. Headaches. I'd been having diarrhea." said Justin.
Justin, Richard, and Tawyna all suspected the methamphetamine contamination when they got tips from neighbors and police.
All three victims could have found out for sure if their homes were contaminated with meth from a simple $45 test. It's put together by Data Chem Laboratories in Salt Lake.
To see how well the test works, we met with meth clean up specialist Kyle Adams at an Eagle Mountain home where residents were arrested for using methamphetamine.
Health department regulations require wearing hazardous materials suits wherever meth is suspected because of the dangers.
In the home we sampled two areas, on a dresser and end table. Wearing gloves, the instructions says simply pour the included alcohol solution on the gauze pad provided. Then, rub the gauze inside of a specific surface. The gauze then goes back in the sterile laboratory container.
Across the street, Heather and Brett Birkholm agreed we could also do the test in their home. They built the home, and have never used meth. So the test ought to show negative, or not detected.
Back at Data Chem Laboratories, chemists gather what is collected on the gauze.
The sample is placed in a sophisticated spectrometer. The machine is set up to detect the presence of methamphetamine.
Anything above one microgram detected from that square we wiped in the home would be considered unsafe, says the State Department of Health.
"Okay, so we definitely have methamphetamine in this sample." said a Chemist.
That sample along with the one other came from that home were police arrested a resident for meth use.
Remember that one microgram is the state limit for safety. Our samples from that home showed a contamination of 3.3 micrograms, and 1.5 micrograms.
What about that sample we took from across the street at the Birkholms? The results show "ND", or not detected.
"You could say its almost 99% accurate. It's like a fingerprint for a chemical." said a chemist. As for Tawyna, she faces the expense of moving everything out, and paying thousands to hire people like clean up specialist Kayle Adams to neutralize the health hazards of meth contamination. “Everything in the home is garbage. The carpeting, the padding, the fridge, the stove.” said Tawyna.
What can't be cleaned has to be simply thrown away. Tawyna wishes she tested before buying.
“We want people to know that they should get their home tested. No matter what. It's worth the money.” said Tawyna.
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Have you ever considered testing for Meth? Would this service increase or kill your normal inspection business?
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| CPSC TORCHIERE LAMP RECALL |
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I have seen hundreds of these lamps during my inspections. Since they don’t stay with the home after it closes, it is doubtful that inspectors are apt to comment upon them. I think that the following information is great info for use on your websites and in your regular client and agent newsletters as consumer news. Use the information as you see fit.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
| Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2008
Release #08-159 |
Firm s Recall Hotline: (866) 916-7233
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
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Torchiere Lamps Recalled By L G Sourcing Due to Fire Hazard; Lamps Sold Exclusively At Lowe s Stores
 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Portfolio Incandescent Torchiere Lamps
Units: About 90,000
Importer: L G Sourcing, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Manufacturer: Field Smart Lighting Co. Ltd., of China
Hazard: A short circuit in the lamps wiring can pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: L G Sourcing has received two reports of lamp fires. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled lamp has a black steel frame and a bowl-shaped light fixture. The item number 179878 is printed on the packaging and the bottom of the base of the lamp. Only lamps sold between March 2005 and October 2007 with UL listing number E246506 are included in the recall. Lamps marked ETL listed are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Lowe s retail stores nationwide from March 2005 through October 2007 for about $17.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lamps and return them to any Lowe s retail outlet to receive a refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact L G Sourcing toll-free at (866) 916-7233 anytime or visit www.lowes.com
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| PC #314 FEEDBACK |
Do you ever encounter windows or doors that have either the inner or outer panes of glass missing?
Occasionally. However, they usually remove the shards so finding it is not so obvious! Mark Bremerton
I've seen it a few times. I'm surprised they did not remove the broken pieces at least. Richard Aiello - Winthrop,MA
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| PHOTO CHALLENGE #315 |
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Take a look at this furnace that was retrofitted into the 1958 home. What would you comment upon in your report.
What would you report after looking at the above photo?
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| QUOTABLE QUOTE |
| “If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.” ~ Albert Einstein |
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