Category Archives: Environment

When a crime or a traumatic death happens in a home or business, the arrival of police, paramedics, and investigators is only the first chapter. Once the scene is documented and released, everyone leaves — and the property is handed back to its owner or the victim’s family, often exactly as the incident left it. In that moment, one difficult and surprising question tends to surface: who cleans up a crime scene after the police leave?

The short answer catches most people off guard. This guide explains who is actually responsible, what the authorities do and don’t handle, why crime and trauma scene cleanup is not a job for family or building staff, and how the costs are typically covered in British Columbia. It is written to be practical and clear at a time when clarity is hard to come by. Please note that it is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Who cleans up a crime scene? The short answer

Police, paramedics, and coroners do not clean up crime or trauma scenes. Their role is to respond, investigate, and document. Once a scene is released, responsibility for cleanup and decontamination falls to the property owner, the occupant, or the deceased’s family or estate — not to any government agency. Because these scenes involve blood and other biohazards, that responsibility is almost always passed to a licensed professional crime scene cleanup company with the training, equipment, and legal authorization to remove biohazardous material safely. In other words, the people left to arrange cleanup are usually the ones least prepared for it — which is precisely why professional help exists.

What the police and authorities actually do — and don’t

It is a common and completely understandable assumption that if the police attend a scene, someone official handles the aftermath. In reality, each responder has a narrow role:

• Police and investigators secure the scene, gather evidence, and document what happened.
• Paramedics and medical staff treat and transport the injured.
• The coroner or medical examiner attends in the case of a death and arranges removal of the deceased.

Once these tasks are complete and the scene is formally released, the property is returned to the owner or family. Cleaning, decontaminating, and restoring it is not part of any of these agencies’ responsibilities. That work — and its cost — sits with whoever owns or is responsible for the property.

So who is responsible for the cleanup?

Responsibility depends on the property and the situation, but it generally falls to one of the following:

• Homeowners — a homeowner (or their family) is responsible for cleanup of their own residence.
• Family or estate of the deceased — after a death at home, responsibility commonly falls to the next of kin or the estate.
• Landlords and property managers — for a rental, the property owner is typically responsible for restoring the unit, though specifics can depend on the tenancy agreement and circumstances.
• Business owners — commercial property owners are responsible for their premises, with the added duty of protecting employees from exposure.

No matter who holds responsibility, the safe and practical path is the same: bring in professionals rather than attempting it in-house.

Why crime and trauma scene cleanup is never a DIY job

It is natural to want to spare the family a cost, or to simply “handle it.” But crime and trauma scenes are among the most hazardous cleanup jobs there are, for reasons that are not obvious at first glance.

Blood and bodily fluids can carry bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis and other infectious agents, and contamination spreads far beyond what the eye can see — into flooring, subfloor, drywall, and other porous materials. Ordinary household cleaners do not disinfect to the required standard, and improper handling can expose people to infection or spread contamination through the rest of the property. There is also the matter of the residues investigators leave behind — fingerprint powder, luminol, and sometimes tear gas — which carry their own hazards and can damage belongings.

Finally, biohazardous waste cannot simply be bagged and put in the trash. It must be contained, transported, and disposed of in accordance with provincial and federal regulations, by a company licensed to transport hazardous waste. Doing this incorrectly is both unsafe and unlawful. Professional crime scene cleanup exists precisely because the work demands training, protective equipment, proper disinfectants, and legal authorization that households and building staff simply do not have.

Who pays for crime scene cleanup in BC?

Cost is understandably one of the first worries, and the reassuring news is that families are often not left to shoulder it alone.

Insurance. Many homeowner’s and property insurance policies include coverage for biohazard or trauma cleanup, though the amount and conditions vary by policy. A reputable cleanup company can usually work directly with insurers and help document the claim.

Victim assistance. British Columbia operates programs intended to help victims of crime with certain costs, which in some circumstances may extend to cleanup. Eligibility and coverage are specific and change over time.

Because coverage differs case by case, the practical first step is to contact a professional cleanup company early — they handle these situations regularly and can explain the likely options for your circumstances. Again, this is general information, not insurance or legal advice.

What professional cleanup actually involves

A qualified crime and trauma scene cleanup company follows a formal, staged process rather than simply “cleaning.” At Urban Environmental, that means containment of the affected area; methodical cleaning and disinfection in stages using field-tested agents; and the detection, disinfection, and complete removal of all traces of biohazardous material and infectious waste — including tissue, bodily fluids, contaminated household goods, and sharps such as needles or razor blades. All biohazard waste is then packaged and removed in accordance with provincial and federal regulations. The goal is not only a clean property, but one restored to its original condition — safely and discreetly.

How to choose a crime scene cleanup company

Because this is a service most people hire only once, and under stress, it is worth knowing what separates a legitimate company from the rest:

• Proper licensing to transport and dispose of hazardous waste
• WorkSafeBC (WCB) clearance and liability insurance
• Trained technicians and a documented containment-and-disinfection process
• Discretion, compassion, and rapid response
• Willingness to work with your insurer

Urban Environmental meets each of these. We are WCB-cleared, insured, and licensed to transport hazardous waste, and we serve homes and businesses across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the wider Lower Mainland with technicians who can be on site as quickly as you need them.

Frequently asked questions

Do the police clean up a crime scene?

No. Police, paramedics, and the coroner respond to, investigate, and document a scene, and arrange removal of the deceased — but cleanup and decontamination are not their responsibility. Once the scene is released, that falls to the property owner or family.

Who is responsible for cleaning up after a death at home?

Responsibility generally falls to the homeowner, or to the next of kin or estate of the deceased. For rentals, it typically falls to the property owner. In practice, a licensed biohazard cleanup company is hired to do the work safely.

Can I clean up a trauma scene myself?

It is strongly discouraged. Blood and bodily fluids can carry infectious pathogens, contamination spreads into hidden materials, and biohazard waste must be disposed of legally by a licensed company. It is a health and legal risk, not merely an unpleasant task.

Does insurance cover crime scene cleanup?

Many home and property policies include some biohazard or trauma cleanup coverage, though this varies by policy. A professional company can often bill insurers directly and help with the claim.

How quickly can cleanup begin?

Once the authorities have released the scene, a professional company can usually respond quickly. Urban Environmental can have technicians on site across the Lower Mainland as fast as you need them.

Key takeaways

• Police, paramedics, and coroners do not clean up crime or trauma scenes — they respond, investigate, and remove the deceased.
• Once a scene is released, cleanup responsibility falls to the property owner, occupant, or the deceased’s family or estate.
• It is not a DIY job: biohazards, hidden contamination, investigator residues, and strict waste-disposal laws make professional cleanup essential.
• Costs are often covered, at least in part, by home or property insurance and possibly victim-assistance programs — confirm the specifics for your situation.
• Choose a company that is licensed for hazardous waste, WCB-cleared, insured, and discreet.

We’re here when you need us

Facing the aftermath of a crime or traumatic loss is one of the hardest things a family or business can go through, and arranging cleanup should not add to the burden. Urban Environmental has long been a trusted name in crime and trauma scene cleanup across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, handling every job with thoroughness, discretion, and care. If you need help, call us at 604-299-0379 or request a quotation — technicians can be on site as quickly as you need them.

Remodeling your home is a very exciting process, but like with any large undertaking, you should take some precautions when it comes to making sure that the process is safe for your home and your family. Whether you are hiring professionals or doing it yourself, there is always the importance of clearing your house of potential hazards.

Most of us have at least heard of asbestos and been informed it is dangerous to humans with exposure over time. But what is asbestos, and how do you make sure it won’t affect your remodel?

Continue reading to find out more about asbestos and the advantages of asbestos testing services.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It a Problem?

Asbestos is, of course, a naturally occurring mineral, but it was used, not so long ago, for this purpose because of its durability and fire-resistant properties. For many decades, asbestos was used in everything-from insulation and flooring tiles, roofing shingles, and even siding. The crux of the matter, however, is that whereas asbestos was the favored construction material then, we now know that exposure to its fibers leads to serious health issues.

Why Should You Worry About Asbestos?

Yes, if your home was built before the 1980s, chances are that it contains asbestos in one form or another. As long as these materials remain sealed and undisturbed, they pose little to no risk. On the other hand, during renovation when there is tearing out or alteration of walls, ceilings, or floors, then you stand a possible chance of disturbing these very same substances, thus setting free dangerous fibers into the air.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

The dangers of asbestos on human health cannot be overstated. When disturbed, asbestos fibers easily go airborne, making it a substance that will reach the lungs or digestive system once ingested. The problems that it has been proven to cause when exposed for a long period will include:

1. Mesothelioma : Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition that affects the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs, and the peritoneum, the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract. Asbestos makes it almost exclusive and by the time mesothelioma diagnosis is made, it is nearly always fatal.
2. Asbestos-related lung cancer : Asbestos-related lung cancer is indistinguishable (looks identical to) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. There is estimated to be a further lung cancer for every death from mesothelioma.
3. Asbestosis : Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that usually develops after many years of exposure to asbestos. This condition may cause progressive shortness of breath and in severe cases can be fatal.
4. Pleural thickening : Pleural thickening is usually a disease that develops after severe exposure to asbestos. The pleura lining the lung becomes inflamed and thickened. As it worsens, the lung itself may become compressed, which can lead to shortness of breath and pain in the chest.
5. Other cancers: There is some evidence of cancers of other body parts, including the gastrointestinal tract, that have been connected with asbestos exposure.

All these are serious Health risks of asbestos during home renovation,, and it’s apparent, therefore why asbestos testing should be done before any renovation.

The Importance of Asbestos Testing Before Renovation

Maintaining the Health

This is mainly due to health issues. Simple operations like drilling, sanding, or demolition during building renovation can easily introduce asbestos fibers into the air; micro-fibers that cannot be seen-in many cases you and your family may not even realize it until it’s too late. So if you have an old home, then you definitely need to seek specialized asbestos testing services at your place of residence to ensure there is no presence of such hazardous materials at your place. It is a small price to pay for avoiding a risk of severe health conditions in the future.

Avoiding Judicial Complexity and Financial Losses

Frankly speaking, redevelopments may already be stressful when it comes to money. Now, though, to enter a project without sufficient asbestos testing may open a Pandora’s box of legal and financial distress. If the asbestos has been disturbed and not contained correctly, there could be heavy fines or suits against one, especially if it affects others. Other than that, where one is told that one has compromised the safety of one’s home, there may be costly remediation bills that appear out of the blue.

Asbestos testing services help avoid expensive mistakes by giving a clear idea of what you are dealing with.

Ensuring a Smooth Renovation Process

Perhaps nothing worse than a kicking start into a home project – major snag down the line. Getting an asbestos test done before starting, though, puts you on the clear. In case you find asbestos, proper remediation will be arranged before getting dirty. This brings both mental peace of mind and also keeps the renovation schedule intact.

Boosting Property Value and Safety

It has not only saved your health but increased the value of your property: In any home buying scenario, it is easier to sell a home that is asbestos-free. Potential buyers are likely to buy houses that have undergone tests and been cleared for hazardous materials. However, if your house exhibits signs of having asbestos, it will deter would-be buyers or lessen your selling price.

And who would not feel safe and cleaned staying in a place? If you know that your home has no asbestos, it can turn to be like a sanctuary for you.

What to do if you suspect asbestos in your house

If you suspect that your house contains asbestos, don’t be alarmed! Here’s a fun little guide to help you navigate the whole process:

Considering the Source

Asbestos is only harmful if it deteriorates and creates dust that contains microscopic asbestos particles. Many products in your home contain asbestos, including floor tiles, insulating wraps on hot water pipes, and the insulating wraps used on many water heaters. Most automotive brake pads also contain asbestos, as do many other commonly used products. If those products are in good condition, the asbestos they contain poses no harm.

Contain / Cover-up.

If materials are only somewhat damaged, you can rectify it by either limiting access to the surrounding area or fully enclosing it. This may be done by covering it up or containing it. If you discover asbestos in vinyl floor tiles, you should cover them with wood or carpet. The same applies for insulated pipes with asbestos; you can contain it using a protective sleeve or cover.

Check the Age of Your Insulation

The most common source of asbestos exposure is the older insulation, which is usually asbestos because of its resistance to heat and gives good insulation for homes. It is quite common that houses built during the middle century are likely to have insulation that contained asbestos. As of ComfyLiving, it is estimated that half of US homes were built prior to 1980. If your home is old, you’re likely to have asbestos in the insulation installed in it. You can pay a crew to remove the asbestos and replace it with newer insulation that doesn’t contain asbestos.

Seal Suspected Asbestos

If you think that you might have insulation or other products in your house which contain asbestos, one provisional fix is to seal off the suspected source. You can spray over the suspected insulation and other items a spray of water to limit the dust that they may create. You also could seal off the supposed asbestos source using sheets of rolled plastic while you wait for the professionals to amend the problem.

Hire a Professional Asbestos Service

The best option to deal with unwanted asbestos in your home is to hire a properly trained and equipped asbestos removal team. The team will have hazmat suits, respirators, and the equipment needed to contain and remove items likely to contain asbestos. The team can also dispose of contaminated materials safely and permanently.

Making the Right Choices for Your Renovation

When planning your home renovation, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Start With Asbestos Testing : Asbestos Test Test for asbestos before demolition or remodeling. This is the first step that pays off in terms of safety and peace of mind.
2. Use Professional Services : Engage services from professionals with competency and experience in the field of testing for asbestos. This way, you will be assured that testing and remediation are made safely and effectively.
3. Risks and Regulations : Learn about the dangers of asbestos in your community and local regulations regarding handling and disposal. Education is a very important component of your safety and compliance.
4. Communicate When You Are Renovating : If you’re hiring contractors, discuss your concerns about asbestos. Open communication will ensure that everyone’s perception of safety measures is all aligned.
5. Consider an Asbestos Management Plan : For old homes, you could consider preparing an asbestos management plan that details where and what is present – asbestos materials. This would prove very helpful as a ready reference for contractors and the eventual homeowner.

In Conclusion: Don’t Skip Asbestos Testing!

In fact, it is advisable to discover the dangers of asbestos in an older home prior to embarking on renovation. Investment in asbestos testing before renovation saves you not only your health but your property and your peace of mind.

Remodeling should be fun: the opportunity to make your house yours. Don’t let fear of unknown dangers dampen that excitement! Let us take that burden from you. Contact Us today for professional asbestos testing Services, and allow us to take the guesswork out of this very necessary process so that you may focus on what matters most-you can make your house into a home.

Thanks for joining me on this asbestos adventure today! All the best with the renovations and remember: knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your wellbeing.

Asbestos is a mineral organically found and mixed into building materials for four decades because of the fire-resistant properties it has. When it became clear that inhaling asbestos fibers could be the cause of profoundly serious respiratory infection – mesothelioma most notably – the practice stopped in the 1990s, but the problem is that many older homes will still have asbestos in them.

If you have any reason to suspect your home has asbestos containing building materials, plan to have asbestos testing performed and contact a professional. As asbestos abatement experts, Urban Environmental is here to answer any questions or concerns regarding asbestos in your home. In this article we will lay out the risks associated with asbestos removal and provide you with the information you need if you are an owner of an older detached home that may have asbestos in the building materials.

Detailing the Risk

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Breathing in asbestos fibres can also cause other serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung diseases and cancer. Asbestos exposure is the #1 killer of workers in B.C. and contributes to around 40+ workplace deaths each year. On an average, which works out to approximately 33% of all work-related deaths for the year. It is not possible to reverse the lung damage caused by asbestos exposure which is why its important to do all we can to minimize and eliminate the risk of exposure.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air. The problem is that asbestos fibres are microscopic – meaning it is too small to see without a microscope – and can be airborne for days. As the fibres are airborne it can circulate around or come to rest on other surfaces in your home. Due to it being impossible to see the fibres, there is a considerable risk of inhaling them.

Exposure to harmful airborne asbestos is known to potentially cause serious health concerns for anyone who is even only temporarily exposed to it. With regular exposure the risk factor becomes even greater.

Anyone who is planning to renovate or demolish a home built before 1990 should be talking to their contractor about undertaking asbestos testing and proper removal. Identifying and safely removing asbestos does come at an additional cost but doing so will ensure the health and safety of everyone working on the project or living on the property.

How to Know if Asbestos is in My Home?

Over the 40 years between 1950 and 1990 hundreds of thousands of homes in North America were built with materials that contained asbestos, and up until 30 years ago they did so without any understanding of how asbestos could be much more harmful than it is beneficial for being a fire retardant. In the year of 1990, the use of asbestos within building material was discontinued, that can be used as a basic guideline to know if asbestos testing is needed in your home.

Asbestos has been used in over 3,000 common building materials. Building materials such as plaster, drywall joint compound, spray applied texture, vinyl and linoleum floors, flooring mastic and window mastic in home build pre-1990 are likely to contain asbestos and should be assessed by a qualified professional prior to disturbing them.

We have explained that you cannot visually identify asbestos, and there’s no inexpensive DIY kit that you can buy at a hardware store to test the materials yourself. A qualified consultant or hazardous material building inspector would have to be contacted to sample and assess the materials at a lab for asbestos and provide you with a hazardous materials survey report.

Asbestos was found in my home, now what?

Once asbestos has been identified in your home and you have received your hazardous materials survey report the next step is to contact an asbestos abatement contractor. Finding a reputable and qualified asbestos abatement contractor is important to ensure that the removal process is done properly and safely following detailed safe work procedures.

The abatement contractor will ensure that asbestos-containing materials are identified and removed. Upon completion, a clearance letter will be provided outlining the hazardous materials removed and deeming the residence safe for repairs, renovation, or demolition.

What we do here at Urban Environmental is take samples of possible asbestos-containing materials in your home and assess them at a lab to see if asbestos is found. If the results come back as asbestos-containing, we will provide you with an estimate based on your proposed scope of work and remove all materials needed in a professional and safe manner.

Need Vancouver area asbestos abatement? Urban Environmental is tops for property remediation in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and elsewhere in the Lower Mainland and we understand the importance you put on maintaining your home or commercial properties well.

Keep the home and common areas clean and dirt free

Mould grows on dirty, and moist surfaces, and combating the surfaces that you can see is usually an excellent course of action to prevent mould growth. Regular cleanings of cooking spaces, appliances and other high use areas will help prevent the growth. Things such as cooking oils, dirt and even soap scum can help facilitate mould growth, so tackle those asap!

Humidity control!

Humidity is a mould’s best friend, and in the summer, it can be sticky hot. Using an air conditioning system, or dehumidifier is a great way to keep the humidity down in your home and prevent mould growth. Pay attention to your crawl space or basement as airflow might be limited if it is an older home. You can even stick a dehumidifier in these spaces to ensure that your home is protected to the best of your ability.

Control the temp!

Mould has an ideal temperature to grow, and preventing your home from reaching that mark is a great way to prevent its growth. The perfect temperature for mould to grow is between 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, or 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. So, keeping your home in the low 20’s or low 70’s will allow your home to be cool, and not encourage mould to grow. If you are away for a long-time during the summer, you may want to set your thermostat for just below the threshold to ensure that you are not wasting energy, but also not returning to a mouldy home!

Air circulation is the key

As mould likes to be left alone, having air circulation in problem areas can be an essential guard against its growth. Areas such as your crawlspace, or basement that has poor air circulation might need some help during the summer months. Consider placing a fan in these spaces, and ensure that all vents in the roof, and throughout the home are open.

If you are struggling with mould growth, then try these handy tips to help this summer. However, if things start to get too bad, then bring in the experts at Urban Environmental! We have been the go-to mould remediation company here in the Lower Mainland, and we are ready, and able to help with any of your mould colony needs.

Now that COVID-19 is in full swing and social distancing orders have been implemented, many people find themselves spending more time than ever before at home and possibly in need of something to do. Once you have the surface cleaned your house, perhaps it is time to move on to a bigger project. For instance, cleaning out the garage, finishing the basement or renovating the bathroom. But what should you do if you come across something a little unexpected? Perhaps a touch of mould in the bathroom? Lack of insulation in the attic? Here is how you can deal with some unanticipated of you next at COVID-19 induced home improvement project.

Mould

Discovering mould in your home is never a pleasant experience but rest assured it does not have to be a disaster. Whether the patch of mould is big or small, there are always ways to rid your home of it for good. If you are lucky enough to catch the mould early then, you can potentially scrub it out yourself, with the proper protective equipment. Mould spores can cause an allergic reaction or irritation if they are inhaled, it is recommended to wear a mask while cleaning the mould. Scrubbing the mould with a mixture of bleach and water then allowing it to dry should kill the mould spores, but you should be careful to check that it has adequately dried and fixed any underlying causes.

If you are unlucky enough to discover a large area of mould or have a reoccurring issue, then it is better to call in professionals, like Urban Environmental, to ensure the pesky mould is dealt with efficiently and permanently.

Insulation

As you start in on renovations like finishing the basement or the attic, then it is essential to ensure this new space if as comfortable and cozy as possible so that your family may enjoy it year-round. Installing insulation is something that is best left up to the professionals. While it may sound like a simple task for any handyman out there, improper insulation installation can lead to increased home heat loss and increased energy consumption, which in turn will lead to higher home heating bills. In other unlucky cases, the improper installation of insulation will also lead to trapped moisture and eventually the growth of mould. The growth of mould can, in turn, lead to long term respiratory issues or structural weakness of affected wood.

When installing insulation, it is highly recommended to go with fast, efficient and professional service like you would find from Urban Environmental. Give us a call today to find out how we can help with your latest home improvement projects!

As a professional remediation company, we know a few things about deep and meaningful cleaning. We have been inundated with questions about how we to clean surfaces and homes. So, we thought it was time to put pen to paper and help our clients in and around Vancouver!

Hard Surfaces
As COVID-19 can live for a number of days on hard surfaces, you will want to start here. For hard surfaces, you will first want to use traditional soap and water to clean the surface area. Once that is done, you can move to disinfect. You should look to use an EPA approved disinfectant, but if that is not available, you can use a diluted bleach solution with five tablespoons of bleach per four litres of water. Spray, and wipe down this solution and let dry.

Soft Surfaces

As these surfaces can be a little tougher to clean, it is essential that you follow both the manufacturers and EPA guidelines for cleaning. If the material can be thrown into the laundry, do it. Otherwise, use an EPA approved cleaner, and follow the instruction from the manufacturer. Spray the cleaner, and let it dry completely before use.

Cars

Make sure to pay attention and wipe down your vehicle’s interior. You can utilise wipes such as Armour All or other manufacturers to get a deep clean that will disinfect while you go. As well, you may want to use a softer disinfectant on your steering wheel and gear shift as you come and go from your vehicle.

Electronics

As with soft surfaces, make sure to follow the manufactures instructions to avoid any damage to the electronics. Consider using alcoholic wipes on gaming systems, remotes, game controllers or headsets. As well, for mobile phones, you can disinfect and let the phone dry. Before using, make sure that the alcohol or disinfectant as entirely dried!

Linens and Clothes

The easiest thing for these materials is to put it in the wash. Make sure to add in commercial soap, or another cleaning agent to ensure that the contents are washed thoroughly. You do not need to add disinfectant or other agents.

COVID-19 is not a bad case of the flu, and people around the Greater Vancouver area should pay attention and take appropriate steps. Remember, do not hoard, listen to our medical professionals and stay home and most important of all WASH YOUR HANDS!

As we live in a rain forest, mould is a significant concern for homeowners and renters in and around Vancouver! So, as one of the leading mould remediation companies in the city, we thought it might be time that we put pen to paper to help out some of our clients. So, here are the most common places for mould to grow in and around the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

Roofs

As the winter turns to spring, we see a lot of rain here in the GVRD. Although most of our roofs are waterproof, you can see significant water damage to older roofs across the coast. Where there is water infiltration, there is probably mould. Mould loves a dark, wet and warm place, and your attic or roof lining is the perfect spot for mould to grow and flourish!

Living Rooms

Living rooms are a common place for mould because of books. No, we are not kidding. Mould needs something to grow on, and as books have wood pulp, they are an excellent place for mould to grow unnoticed. Add into the fact that books are often stored on wood bookshelves; you have all of the ingredients for an infestation.

Basements

Cold, dark and damp, the perfect spot for mould to grow. If your basement is susceptible to flooding or water leaking in, it needs to be checked at least every couple of weeks. We dark basements are the perfect spot for mould growth to explode, and if not properly treated, you could have issues for months, if not years.

Garage

As one of the few places in our homes that are regularly exposed to the elements, your garage can be home to serious mould growths in only a few weeks. If your garage door is leaking, or water is getting through in that window that always has a few drips going down the panes, you can have a mould colony in a few hours. If left unattended, this can turn serious quickly, and that is a problem only an expert can clear.

Laundry Room

As your laundry room has an exhaust to the outside, it is prime for mould growth, and you probably did not even know it. Think about it, if you have any leak into the area, the heat from the dryer is only going to speed up mould growth!

If you think you may have mould, or need assistance with remediation, then it is about time that you called Urban Environmental. We are the leading Vancouver based mould remediation company and are here to help. Call us today and see how expert technicians can remediate mould from your home for good!

Here on the West Coast, we get a lot of rain, and that means that mold is always a threat. Naturally, a few of our clients have started to ask what some of the causes of mold are, but we thought it would be better if we went in a little different direction. We know that water causes mold, but what else needs to be in the area or room to cause mold to grow.

Mold Spores

First and foremost, you need the presence of mold spores to grow mold. These spores can come from a variety of sources, and it is tough to find the cause. Mostly, it is either through the environment or rotten food.

A Food Source

Mold spores can only do so much, but they need a food source to feed off of. In most homes, you will find mold spreading via exposed wood or drywall. As well, if you are storing clothes or bedding in an attic, mold loves cotton and other natural fibres. As long as the fibres can bind with mold, you have yourself a food source.

Darkness

Mold is a substance that needs the dark to grow. The reason for this is that mold cannot grow under any ultraviolet light. This means that if there is any sunlight or natural light from the outdoors coming into a room, you will see a lack of mold growth.

Warmth

Mold needs to find a sweet, warm spot to grow, and no matter the area or building, if it is warm, it can become. He reasons for this is that mold is unable to produce in sub-zero temperatures, and it is part of the reason that you will not see any mould issues in outdoor buildings.

Oxygen

Like all life, mould needs oxygen to survive. This is why mold will flourish in attics or other open rooms with access to fresh air. However, you will see a lack of mold growth if you open an old safe or blocked off room.

Moisture

Whether it be rain, water run-off or humidity, moisture is needed to spur on mold growth. It does not need to be a lot, but once it starts, it can get out of hand quickly.

Time

Most mold colonies need between 24-48 hours to start to spread; that is, it. So, what does this mean? It would help if you got on top of mold growth before it gets out of hand.

If you notice mold growth or some tell tale signs of mold in your home or office, you need to get on top of it and call the team at Urban Environmental. We are your local source for all things mold remediation, and we can help. We are proud to offer our services across the Vancouver area, and we cannot wait to help you and your home out with your mold issue!

Locations used for the growth and production of cannabis, legal or otherwise, are sometimes referred to as “grow-ops”. People are often surprised to learn that many residential buildings have been used at some point or another in their history as a grow-op, with some estimates being as high as 1 in 4 in some regions of BC. These locations can remain contaminated for ten years, or sometimes more. Mold is a significant concern in these buildings. The dangerous toxins caused by mold do not merely disappear; naturally, they must be removed for an area to made safe again. While a larger and long-term set-up may cause more overall damage, size and scale may be less important than you might think. A small set-up that was only in operation for a few days can still be dangerous for a variety of reasons. Both individual homeowners and landlords are at risk, in terms of health problems as well as financial cost.

• If you are planning to live in the building
  • The high moisture and humidity requirements of a grow-op can lead to warped or rotten wood
  • The same conditions are likely to create mold, which poses many serious health risks
  • Modified building structures such as drill holes in concrete, electrical or ductwork that seems sloppy, hastily done, or with no clear legitimate purpose are common in former grow-ops
  • Any of these issues will require structures/systems to be repaired, replaced, and sometimes even demolished if the damage is too severe
• If you are planning to rent the building out
  • In addition to credit checks, applicant forms, and interviews, landlords should make it known that they will regularly inspect the exterior of a property.
  • This serves a dual purpose: by examining the exterior of a building, a landlord can be on the lookout for many of the previously mentioned signs a homeowner would look for. It also discourages anyone who would potentially use a rental property as a grow op from doing so, as a vigilant landlord is likely to spot the signs of the operation.
• If you suspect a location is contaminated
  • If you suspect that a building has been used as a grow op, you should contact a professional service.
  • Even if it seems to be only a minor problem, only trained experts have the tools and knowledge to determine the scope of the problem.
  • Properties should always be inspected to ensure they meet municipal safety standards

No matter if you are planning to live in the building, or suspect it is contaminated, trust the local experts at Urban Environmental to ensure that your grow-op is treated and eradicated the right way.