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What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

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Exposure to environmental toxins in an enclosed space can result in a wide range of health effects. The symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality are collectively known as sick building syndrome. Individuals who experience unexplained illnesses should explore whether their home or workplace could be contributing to poor health. Why Does Sick Building Syndrome Occur? Sick building syndrome, often abbreviated as SBS, is a catchall term for exposure symptoms for which the doctor cannot determine an exact origin. Possible contributing factors to SBS include formaldehyde, fungus, mold, poor lighting, excessive dust, poor ventilation, carbon monoxide, significant emotional stress, pesticides, animal and insect droppings, cleaning chemicals, ozone, and asbestos. What Are the Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome? Often, people who have SBS think their issues stem from the common cold, flu, or other types of infection. Everyone experiences this condition differently, but some of the most ...
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Four Signs That It's Time to Clean Your Dryer Vent

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Regular vent cleanings and machine maintenance are important for keeping your dryer operating efficiently and safely. Left unattended, a clogged dryer vent can lead to a variety of issues and potential hazards. Review these four signs that it's time to clean your dryer vent. Poor Performance One of the most noticeable signs of a clogged dryer vent is poor machine performance. Typically, a normal load of laundry should only take 35 to 40 minutes to dry. If your vent is clogged, you may notice that clothes aren't completely dry after a finished drying cycle, or that they emit an unpleasant, musty odor when they're finally dry. Excessive Heat When a dryer vent is clogged, it forces the machine to work overtime to get the job done. This often produces excessive heat, which is a major factor in dryer-related house fires. If your clothes come out of the dryer feeling noticeably hotter to the touch, or if you notice excessive heat in the room where the machine operates, it may...
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How Common Are Bed Bugs in Pittsburgh?

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Bedbugs are among the most notorious and irritating pests to deal with. Not only do they deprive you of peaceful sleep and cause stress and anxiety, but their severe infestation can also cause anemia. Pittsburgh is one of the most bedbug-infested cities in the USA, with most pest control companies ranking it among the top 20. Below are more details on bed bugs to help homeowners identify and control their infestation. What Are Bed Bugs? Bed bugs are external parasites that directly feed on blood. Unlike most pests, bed bugs are not disease carriers, but their bites can cause itching, allergies, and leave marks that last for several days. A female bed bug can mature within one month and start laying eggs. Most bed bugs feed when people are asleep, between 2—5 a.m., then hide in the beddings and various crevices in the house during the day. How to Identify the Presence of Bedbugs in a Home Bedbugs mature quickly, and their population can increase dramatically within a short time. ...
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Signs That Your Home May Have Mold

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Mold is harmful to humans because it emits toxins that can cause health issues. The dense, black Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most dangerous molds that can grow in a home. Here are some commons signs that your home may have a mold problem. Squishy Floors If a home's foundation isn't durable enough, it can let water seep in from the soil and soak the floorboards, causing them to retain moisture and have a squishy feel. Over time, mold will develop and rot the wood. You can go into your basement and pull up small parts of the floor to check for mold. Smells of Dampness If you fail to get rid of creosote buildup or repair a leaking chimney cap, moisture can accumulate in the mortar and some of the more porous bricks. This moisture will stimulate the growth of mold and give off a damp smell. Flooding A leaking roof, unelevated entrances, and living in a low-lying area can cause flooding. Your walls and floors often absorb excess water. If they fail to dry, mold will g...
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