Mold is everywhere. The problem lies in where you don’t want it to be – INSIDE your home. Water intrusions from roof leaks, poor gutter installation, burst pipes, or even slow pipe leaks can wreak serious havoc in your home. Mold exposure can cause your allergies to worsen, asthma to act up, or create an even more serious respiratory condition. Visible growth is the obvious indicator that you may have a mold problem. A musty or damp smell may also be noticed. Sometimes, simple home maintenance may solve your problems, whether it be to open bathroom doors after showering or making sure your bathroom vent fan is working properly and is large enough to accommodate your moisture removal. But other times, you have a hidden problem inside your walls and hiding at doors and windows that bring the trouble. BEC can perform mold testing and inspection and provide a mitigation protocol for your contractor to follow for mold removal. BEC does not perform mold removal/remediation services. Mold remediation is a process that includes containment, removal, and cleaning of mold contaminated materials. While both the testing and remediation processes deal with mold, performing both services on the same project creates a conflict of interest. However, BEC can provide reputable recommendations for mold remediation specialists. Per the EPA, there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. We recommend you review an excellent resource from the EPA called A Brief Guide to Mold & Moisture in Your Home.(https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)

Suspect you may have asbestos in your home or building and you are planning to make renovations or demolish a structure? You may need asbestos testing. Prior to any work that might disturb building materials, Air Pollution Control and the EPA require appropriate testing of materials to ensure no harm comes to you or the environment. However, if the materials aren’t damaged or planning to be disturbed during your remodel you do not need asbestos testing, as long as the material is in good condition, and the materials should be left alone. Regardless of age, all public and commercial buildings require asbestos inspection prior to demolition or renovation activities. BEC can handle large scale surveys as well as home project testing. If you have asbestos that requires abatement, BEC can make recommendations for a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Was your home built prior to 1978? If so, there’s a pretty good chance your home may have lead based paint. Lead poisoning is most common from lead in paint and includes the dust that may occur from paint deterioration. If your paint is in good shape it is usually not a problem. However, if your paint is showing signs of damage and wear (cracking, peeling, chipping, chalking, etc.), it might be a good idea to have it tested for lead. Especially if there are children in the home. If you do have lead paint, please make sure you hire a Lead-Safe Certified Renovator (RRP). Ask BEC for recommendations or a search of the EPA website can point you in the right direction. Locate Certified Renovation and Lead Dust Sampling Technician Firms(https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearch)

The US EPA has its own resource document regarding duct cleaning. If you are considering this service, we highly recommend reviewing this data on their website: US EPA | Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?(https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned)

Our training is performed in-house by BEC in Arlington, TN (a suburb of Memphis, TN). We currently offer Initial and Refresher courses for Lead RRP, Asbestos Worker, Asbestos Supervisor, Arkansas 2-Hour Asbestos Awareness, and Asbestos O&M. Online signups for Lead RRP classes are with Seagull Environmental Training (processed through Zack Academy) and can be found here.(https://www.zackacademy.com/location/us/tn?select_et_state=&select_city_state=tn-arlington) When searching class locations, please search "Arlington, TN" for BEC classes. Asbestos class scheduling is currently in progress. Please keep an eye on our site for updates. BEC training is currently offered in English only. Please visit the Seagull/Zack Academy website for available Spanish options. Additional information can be found on our Environmental Training (javascript:void(0))page.

Training certificates are provided only after completion of the course and after you have passed your examination. Seagull certificates are typically given at the end of class. However, certificates may not be processed by Seagull until the next business day. In those cases, the certificate can be picked up from our training office in Arlington or we can mail them to the address you provided at registration. BEC does not have the ability to issue or make changes to any certificates. You must contact the training provider directly if you have any issues regarding your certificate. - Seagull Environmental Training (800) 966-9933

BEC can accept electronic payments by credit card or ACH, as well as payments by check or cash. To make a payment by ACH or credit card, please contact our office and we will provide you with our current payment terms. Note that a transaction fee will apply to all credit card payments. Payments by check can be mailed to: Brown Environmental Consulting PO Box 1034 Arlington, TN 38002 Please make checks payable to Brown Environmental Consulting.