3 March 2004

WHAT IS OZONE?

by:

Clean START USA - Clean air restoration using Ozone treatment.

Ozone is sometimes called "activated oxygen". It contains three atoms of oxygen O3 rather than the two atoms we normally breath. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilizer in the world, and it's function is to destroy bacteria, viri, and odors. Ozone occurs quite readily in nature most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact that "fresh, clean, spring rain" smell that we notice after a storm results from natures creation of ozone. Ozone is also created by water falls and other natural sources. We are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the "ozone layer" that circles the earth above the atmosphere. Ozone is created by the sun's ultra-violet rays. This serves to protect us from ultra-violet radiation.

Ozone kills bacteria by rupturing the cell wall of the offending organism. This action kills the bacteria leaving only harmless waste. While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life cycle. When it is faced with odors the extra atom of oxygen destroys them completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is destroyed and there is nothing left...no odor....no extra atom, only oxygen. In addition to the effectiveness of ozone, we also know that it is safe when used properly.

Note that no one has ever claimed an illness resulting from ozone exposure. The three-atom form of oxygen is a naturally occurring compound in the earth's atmosphere. The life cycle of ozone is: generation, oxidation, return to oxygen. Trace amounts of ozone are formed by the sun and by lightning. Ozone cannot be stored or transported because of its unstable tendency to break down quickly, so ozone must be generated on site. Because gaseous ozone is highly reactive, it readily oxidizes (breaks down) organic matter. When the ozone encounters another compound, one oxygen atom will break away, attach itself to the compound, and oxidize it. Ozone actually breaks down odor-causing compounds, thereby eliminating the odor and changing the ozone back to oxygen (O2). Ozone acts 3000 times faster than chlorine as a bactericide, and it is the strongest oxidant commercially available for air & water treatment.

One of the best features of ozone is its ability to control odors by attacking the offending organisms. Far stronger than simple ions, which cannot possibly kill substantial amounts of bacteria, OZONE has the ability to kill any bacteria or virus known to man.

See also http://www.delozone.com/ozonefacts-whatdoesitdo.html

2 March 2004

CONGRATULATIONS POLZIN GLASS

Congratulations to Polzin Glass on their new building. Duden/Viking constructed the building and the Polzin's are ready to go with all you Auto and Building Glass needs. Stop in and see their new store. Thank you Polzins from Starr Architects for the opportunity to design this fabulous new structure!

The gang at Polzin Glass

1 March 2004

TIKI TAN NOW OPEN AT NEW LOCATION

Cindy and Kevin Green have expanded their Tanning Salon on Highway 3 at the Heritage Retail Center just north of Target. Complete Hawaiian decor sets a great mood for Tanning. Kevin and Cindy Green worked with Don Starr to replicate an Hawaiian experience.

29 February 2004

KITCHEN CONCEPTS NEAR COMPLETION

Stop in by appointment to see Tammy at Kitchen Concepts for kitchen design and sales.

Tammy Abraham, Muggs and Mark Olson working out a new kitchen plan.

17 February 2004

Download Power Point seminar on mold dangers and remedies.

Posted 17 February 2004 - Don Starr

16 February 2004

Myths and Facts About Mold

by Lee Senne of Senne Technical Sevice

Test Your Mold IQ: 10 myths regarding mold contamination

Myth #1: Mold contamination occurs only in older or water damaged homes.
Fact: Mold contamination is just as likely to occur in newer homes as older homes. Some experts would suggest that newer homes (1980 and later) are at even greater risk due to an increased emphasis on energy efficiency (less ventilation), the use of nontraditional building materials, and decreased building quality. Although moisture is an important factor in mold contamination, high humidity or condensation can provide the necessary moisture for mold growth.

Myth #2: Insurance companies do not pay for abatement and repairs related to mold contamination.
Fact: Although most policies do not contain explicit clauses for mold contamination, the root cause of your mold problem may represent a legitimate claim. Be sure that your insurance policy is up to date and covers most of the primary causes of mold contamination (e.g. storm damage, building defects, or ventilation problems).

Myth #3: Certified home inspectors are experts in mold contamination.
Fact: Certified home inspectors are usually generalists who are trained to recognize a wide variety of home-related problems, including water damage and obvious signs of mold. Unfortunately, the general home inspector is rarely an expert in mold contamination. Conversely, experts in mold contamination may not be trained in other aspects of home inspection (e.g. moisture readings, HVAC, electrical, and structural engineering).

Myth #4: If I can’t smell mold, then I must not have a problem.
Fact: Many molds do produce odors characterized as "earthy" or "moldy"; however, the production of such odors will vary based on environmental factors, the nutrient source, or the type of fungus present. If you detect odors, then there is reason to act; yet absence of odors does not indicate absence of contamination.

Myth #5: Mold contamination and water damage must be disclosed when selling a home.
Fact: At present, Minnesota (and several other states) does not require full disclosure of problems such as mold contamination or water damage. As a home buyer, if you do not include a contingency for a thorough home inspection, you will likely be forced to pay for the repairs yourself. The only other option is to pursue the matter in court or arbitration. Although home buyers can voice complaints with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, actions are generally limited to claims against the real estate agent/company or to claims involving fraud. Nevertheless, homeowners who knowingly sell contaminated or water-damaged homes have been held accountable for repairs. Consult with the Minnesota Department of Commerce for more information. If you are buying a home across the St. Croix, you may be relieved to know that Wisconsin does protect home buyers with more stringent disclosure laws.

Myth #6: Stucco homes are more susceptible to mold contamination.
Fact: In recent years, stucco homes have received much attention regarding the likelihood of exterior cracking, water leaks, and mold contamination. Still, their is very little evidence to demonstrate that stucco construction (cement plaster) is any less or more susceptible than other home exteriors. The controversy has emerged in light of recent accounts that stucco installations may not meet certain building codes. Such cases often involve synthetic stucco products or 'exterior insulation and finish systems'. If you are interested in these issues, the City of Woodbury (Minnesota) maintains an informative website for homeowners and building contractors: Stucco Homes.

Myth #7: Indoor air monitoring is required to accurately determine indoor mold contamination.
Fact: Indoor air monitoring can provide a snap-shot of spore abundance in the air that you breath; however, it is rarely required to determine the type or extent of mold contamination in your home. Due to higher costs and limited application, it is typically used for tracking hidden sources of proliferation or for documenting rates of exposure. Furthermore, depending on the type of sampling perform, airborne mold levels can be highly variable and should always be compared to outdoor counts.

Myth #8: Mold contamination can be prevented or removed by an air purifier.
Fact: Air purifiers, including those that produce ozone, have limited effect on indoor air quality of mold-infested homes. In fact, high numbers of fungal spores and other airborne particles may actually clog the filtering system and the air cleaner itself becomes a source of further proliferation. More importantly, ozone-producing cleaners can produce ozone levels sufficient to irritate the respiratory system. Purifiers that employ ionization technology are also ineffective at removing airborne particles such as mold spores and pollen grains.

Myth #9: Bleach is the best treatment for mold contamination of building materials.
Fact: Bleach and other chemical treatments have very limited application. For safety concerns, bleach should be used only at 10% of full strength (1 cup bleach to 9 cups water). Bleach should not be applied to metals (bleach is corrosive to metals) nor should bleach be used in combination with detergents containing ammonia (due to the formation of toxic fumes). The U.S. Environmental Protection agency recommends that porous materials with visible contamination be replaced rather than cleaned. Porous surfaces include wood, insulation, dry wall, carpets, and many other building materials. If you are tempted to use one of many commercial products to solve your mold concerns, your should note that there is nothing on the market that is proven safe and 100% effective for in-home applications.

Myth #10: Mold is just a cosmetic nuisance.
Fact: Mold (mildew) growing on your bathtub is a cosmetic nuisance; but mold contamination on or within the building materials of your home is much more than just a matter of aesthetics. Concerns such as allergies, asthma, infections, and the long-term repercussions of mold toxins are just a few of the many real health effects associated with indoor mold contamination. Homeowners must also be aware that the value of their home is also at stake.

Submitted by Lee Senne CEI Senne Technical Service Inc. 16 February 2004

15 February 2004

More on Mold....

EMERGENCY SALVAGE OF MOLDY BOOKS AND PAPER
by Beth Lindblom Patkus
Preservation Consultant
Walpole, MA

AVOID "QUICK AND EASY" CURES: "Quick cures" that you may have heard about (such as spraying Lysol on objects or cleaning them with bleach) may cause additional damage to items or be toxic to people; they are also often ineffective. In the past, mold-infested collections were often treated with fumigants. Ethylene oxide (ETO) will kill active mold and mold spores; other chemicals that have been used are less effective. All of these chemicals can have adverse effects on both collections and people, and none of them will keep the mold from recurring.

Call Lee Senne at Senne Technical Services - phone =(952) 652-2614 or Don Starr at Starr Architects - phone = (507) 663-0818 for all your mold removal requirements.

Submitted by Lee Senne CEI Senne Technical Service Inc. 15 February 2004

14 February 2004

Everybody is talking about Mold....

If I have mold in my home, what should I do?

The first course of action is to determine why the mold is growing. Investigate any areas that are moist, and repair the source of the moisture. You could have a roof or plumbing leak. You could have groundwater leaking into your basement. Your air conditioning drip pan could have mold growing in it. Your air duct system could be contaminated with mold. If you see mold in your laundry room, chances are that your dryer is not properly vented to the outside. Clothes dryers generate humidity and should never be vented inside the house. Mold will grow on any surface that provides moisture and food. Substances that are porous and can trap molds, such as paper, rags, wallboard and wood, should be thrown out.

After you have made all the repairs, it is time to clean. Use the following pointers:

· Use a non-ammonia household cleaner in hot water and scrub affected areas before sanitizing with the bleach solution.

· Wear gloves when handling moldy materials. If you are sensitive to mold, you may wish to wear a particulate-removing respirator or facemask. Also wear protective clothing that is easily cleaned or may be discarded.

· Hard, non-porous materials can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water, 10% bleach to 90% water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the area clean. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products; it can produce a toxic gas! It is important to clean thoroughly. If you leave some mold behind, the spores will be easily released back into the air when the material dries out.

· Remove porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpeting or sheetrock (drywall) and dispose of them. They are nearly impossible to clean and will surely produce more spores when dry.

Don't fool around with indoor mold. Error on the side of safety. That's the message from a leading public health expert on mycotoxins.

"Not all species within these genera are toxigenic, but it is prudent to assume that, when these molds are found in excess indoors, that they be treated as though they are toxin producing," writes Harriet M. Ammann, a senior toxicologist for Washington State Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health Assessments. Her guide to mold contamination is available from the Washington State Department of Health.

Get the mold out, Ammann writes, and treat it all as potentially toxic.

That seems to indicate that these steps should be followed in most mold cases:

· Proper containment

· Establishing negative air pressure/sealing vents/ducts

· Removal of porous building materials damaged by water where evidence of contamination exists

· Proper personal protection

More on preventing duct contamination from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Clean it up

· The general advice for cleaning mold from non-porous materials: Scrub with a mild, non-ammonia detergent, rinse and stimulate drying with air movers

For removing mold from wood (framing materials behind tiled walls, for example):

· Trisodium phosphate will probably do the trick - Use four to six tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and two tablespoons of ammonia to a gallon of water - Do not let it soak; wipe it off within a minute and be sure not to mix with any bleach - Ventilate well, wear rubber gloves, a fitted respirator (with all mold cleanup), etc.

· Don't try killing the mold with bleach - Contamination can be deep. A bleach application only affects the surface; furthermore, many fungal spores resist bleach, and bleach treatment, at best, inactivates spores - but they're still toxic and allergenic - Some experts say that, after drying, a bleach application (10 percent) may sprayed onto the surface. (Minnesota Department of Health suggests 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water.) Do not rinse. Dry with dry paper coth and discard.

Ozone will treat surface mold and kill it dead not allowing any spores to recontaminate the building.

Contact Clean START tfor all you mold questions and solutions. Clean START offers Ozone Treatment and Mold Identification and Remidiation at affordable prices. Our lab technicians arrive at the building site and appear as a regular Cleaning Service type of business so that others are not cognisant of the fact that you have mold.

Call Lee Senne at Senne Technical Services - phone =(952) 652-2614 or Don Starr at Starr Architects - phone = (507) 663-0818

Senne Technical Services and Starr Architects are the testing and design divisions of the Clean START program. Clean START offers mold remidiation services indiscreetly for all your mold removal needs.

Posted 14 February 2004 - Don Starr

13 February 2004

Congratulations to Keith and Nina Pumper (pictured below) and Scott and Tracy Woodruff on their new facility in Dundas. Pumper Plumbing and Heating will be occupying part of the space. Space is available for lease. The building should be completed soon and was built by Northfield Construction.

Pictured here are Keith Pumper, Nina Pumper and Carrie Breckenridge in the new Pumper Plumbing and Heating Space in the Pumper/Woodruff building.

Posted 13 February 2004 - Don Starr

12 February 2004

Jesse James Coffee Shop open!

Joan and Jim Spalding have opened a new Coffee Shop in the Heritage Square Building on South Highway 3 in Northfield. They have excellent blends of Coffee and really great sandwiches. Check out Jesse James Coffee Shop next time you go to Target. Starr Architects designed the interior of the space working closely with Jim and Joan. Northfield Construction did the buildout as well as the carpentry on the entire building. The building was owned and developed by Jasnoch Construction and the Jasnoch Family Partnership.

Pictured above are Jim, Elizabeth and Joan Spaulding

Mini Gallery

Posted 14 February 2004 - Don Starr

2 February 2004

Announcing Clean START tm - an ozone air treatment to kill household odors and surface mold.

Clean START tm is coming soon and will involve an extensive treatment of households, boats, cars and R.V.'s that removes smoke and other odors. And yes Clean START tm will also remove mold and dust mites killing them dead. The building, boat or vehicle must be evacuated for a period of 5 hours, removal of pets and plants is also required. The intensive treatment can cure a surface mold problem, a fire damage problem and many others. Complete testing for mold and mold remidiation of mold growth within walls and cavities is also available. Contact Don Starr at (507) 663-0818 or Lee Senne at (952) 652-2614 for more information. Clean START tm for all your mold and odor problems.

Posted 2 February 2004 - Don Starr

27 December 2003

Hello All,

It is with great pleasure I announce our new Web log. A Place for information on Development and Construction as well as what is new and exciting in the Design World.

Please revisit as often as you like. Along with informational articles, sketches and drawings, we will be keeping you posted of our projects and progress throughout the year. Check back often to see what we've been up to. Starr Design Group Architects specializes in Commercial, Residential, Industrial and Institutional Architecture.

Don Starr A.I.A., C.I.D.

Posted 27 December 2003 - Don Starr

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