Resources & Frequently Asked Questions

  • Asbestos is commonly found in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings constructed before the 1980s. However, many buildings after this date also have asbestos containing materials. Testing should be done when a property is involved in a real estate transaction, or if there are plans for renovations or repairs that will require disturbing materials that are suspect for asbestos.

  • Asbestos can be found in attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.

    Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.

    Roofing and siding shingles.

    Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings.

    Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.

    Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.

    Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation.

    Heat-resistant fabrics.

    Automobile clutches and brakes.

  • Asbestos is not a cause for concern as long as it is not disturbed or damaged. The asbestos fibers stay bound in the product and cannot become respirable. However, if materials containing asbestos have been ripped, chipped or damaged, it would be prudent to have a professional check on any suspect materials.

  • Asbestos has been known to lead to health effects such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The primary route of asbestos exposure is inhalation. Asbestos is typically inhaled when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and become airborne. Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, which is the time between exposure and health effect. For asbestos, disease may occur 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure.

  • A mold inspection/investigation is recommended:

    If there has been a recent water event (flood/leak),

    If there is a musty odor or if people are experiencing symptoms in the space and feel better when they leave.

    Before any real estate transaction.

    After mold remediation has been completed.

  • A typical mold inspection is a thorough investigation. It involves the inspector talking to the property owner about any areas where they have seen mold, where a musty odor has been detected, or where there have been moisture problems or water damage in the past. The inspector will go over the house thoroughly, looking at the building materials and areas that may be prone to mold growth. The inspector will typically do a basic air sampling of the inside and outside (for baseline comparison) for airborne mold spores. They may (or may not) suggest more specific air sampling depending on what they find in their visual inspection. These are sent to a third-party lab for analysis. If mold is detected, the inspector will try to find the source of the moisture that is causing the mold and talk to the homeowner to develop a remediation plan.

  • Using a third-party to do the initial inspection and/or post remediation verification ensures that you are receiving an objective, honest assessment of your situation. There is no conflict of interest. There might be a desire to skip this step, save a few hundred dollars and just hire a remediation company, however, there is a risk of getting a company that exaggerates the scope of work to cover the cost of their “free estimate”. Additionally, in New York State, mold remediation companies and mold inspectors are required to be two separate entities, protecting you from conflicts of interest.

  • PRV’s (Post Remediation Verifications) are not mandatory in most cases, however, it is highly recommended. A PRV verifies that the remediation has been successfully completed and verifies that the indoor air quality is safe to re-occupy the space. Additionally, documentation verifying the history of the property, including a PRV, is very helpful if the property is ever up for sale. Having this documentation expedites the selling process.

  • It depends. If a small amount of mold is on the surface, a damp cloth with vinegar can be used. However, if the mold is growing within the building materials, behind the walls and a mold colony is established, a professional is recommended. We can honestly let you know if something is surface mold or more extensive. Depending on the situation, if not properly contained and removed, a DIY’er can release tens of thousands of spores into the air, making the situation much worse, throughout the home.

  • As of June 2021, new clearance levels (in NYC) are 5 micrograms (µg) of lead in dust per square foot (ft2) for floors and 40 µg/ft2 for windowsill dust.

    To be considered “Lead Free” (in NYC) the amount of lead in paint must be below 0.5 milligrams per centimeter squared (<0.5 mg/cm2) as measure by XRF (See Below: What is Lead XRF Inspection?)

  • A Lead Hazard Analysis/Risk Assessment is an on-site investigation to determine the presence, type, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards (including lead hazards in paint, dust, and soil) and provides suggested ways to control them. Risk assessments can be legally performed only by certified risk assessors. This is highly recommended if you have small children in the home.

  • An X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) inspection is a simple, highly accurate test method to detect and quantify the amount of lead present on any painted surface. This method is non-destructive and can detect lead even when buried under multiple layers of paint. XRF Inspections must be performed by EPA Certified Lead Inspectors or Lead Hazard/Risk Assessors. (See Below: Local Law 31) All Oasis Indoor Environmental, Inc. inspectors are EPA Certified.

  • Children and Pregnant Women:
    Lead exposure can lead to learning and behavior problems in children. Exposure during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure and miscarriage and can affect the unborn baby.

    Adults:
    Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults.

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-term and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. For Example: Paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

  • Off-gassing is the airborne release of a chemical in vapor form. Prolonged exposure can cause headaches and other symptoms. Many types of furniture do their heaviest off-gassing for about a month after they are made. On the other hand, some products may continue off-gassing for years. If you are concerned about the levels of formaldehyde or other VOC’s, Oasis can test the levels in your home or workplace.

  • There is a wide variety of items that can create dust. Everything from paper products, skin cells, or allergens-such as dog or cat dander or dust mites which can be a respiratory irritant. There is also construction dust that may contain asbestos, lead or silica-which can be harmful if inhaled. Often renovations in an adjacent unit or office will cause dust and odor infiltration. Depending on your needs, we can test for all of these potential irritants and hazardous materials. We also have a solution for stopping the infiltration.

    Click here to see our solution.

  • Start tracking the odor. Is the odor constant or intermittent? Is it worse during a certain time during the day or night? Is it worse when it rains or when it is hot?

    Think about how to best describe the odor. In our experience, no words our clients use to describe the odor are silly. “Chemical, musty, sewer, sharp, skunky, sweet, something burning”-all descriptions are helpful.

  • We start with a visual inspection and can collect wipe samples to test for one or all of the components of the fire (e.g., char, soot, ash, etc.). There are often harmful chemicals released in a fire and toxic residue. This can also be tested for. After a fire cleanup has been done, a Post Cleanup Verification is highly recommended.

  • It depends. Stove design, gas flow rates and characteristics of stove use are key factors in the variance in emission factors. Limited data also suggests that CO and NO2 emission factors vary considerably with gas flow rate. If you are concerned about the emissions from your gas stove, Oasis can check the emissions during an Indoor Air Quality Inspection.

  • According to the health.ny.gov website, the 5 boroughs of New York City and Long Island are not on the “High Radon” list, however, outlying counties have the potential of high radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It can enter a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations, and other openings. Radon can be present at high levels inside homes, schools, and other buildings. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon tests are not expensive, and Oasis would be happy to test for Radon for your peace of mind, regardless of where you live in New York State.

  • While sewer gas isn’t dangerous in small amounts, the primary components of sewer gas (hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia) can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. At high levels, it can cause organ failure and even death. Oasis can investigate to check for cracks, leaks and look for the source of the sewer gas odor.

  • Sick Building Syndrome is caused by several factors. Commonly cited causes are inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor sources, and chemical contaminants from outdoor sources. Inadequate ventilation is one of the most often cited reasons. If your employees are complaining of not feeling well in the office, Oasis can check the indoor air quality of your office (or home) and make any recommendations on improving the indoor air quality.

  • Carefully read the violation, to determine exactly what the city is requiring.

  • Step 1: Abating the Lead Paint Hazard.

    Step 2: Dust Wipe Clearance Testing. (Oasis Indoor Environmental, Inc. is EPA Certified to do Lead Clearance Testing)

    Step 3: Gathering Paperwork.

    Step 4: Arranging Reinspection with NYC.

  • Step 1: Remediate the Mold.

    Step 2: Post Remediation Verification Testing. (Oasis Indoor Environmental, Inc. is licensed to do PRV testing)

    Step 3: Gathering Paperwork.

    Step 4: Arranging Reinspection with NYC.

  • All Landlords owning rental property in New York City, (whether it is 1 rental unit or hundreds of units) are required to have an XRF Lead Paint Inspection before August 2025.

    If there is a child under the age of 6 in the rental unit, Landlords have 1 year from the date the child moved in, to have an XRF Lead Paint Inspection.

  • Owners of residential buildings with three or more units are required by Local Law 55 of 2018 to:

    Annually inspect units for indoor allergen hazards such as mice, cockroaches, rats and mold, and respond to any complaints received directly from tenants or HPD.

    Make sure vacant apartments are thoroughly cleaned and free of pests and mold before a new tenant moves in.

    Provide the “What Tenants and Landlords Should Know About Indoor Allergens and Local Law 55” fact sheet and a Notice with each tenant’s lease that clearly states the property owner’s responsibilities to keep the building free of indoor allergens.

  • There are many neighborhoods of New York City that have been converted from Industrial to Residential. Depending on your property’s history and location, and if you are planning on gardening or adding a play area for children, we would recommend taking soil samples.

  • NYC water is considered some of the best drinking water in the world, but there is an aging infrastructure supplying the water to the homes and apartments in the area. We can currently test for Legionella, Lead, Asbestos and the overall water quality according to the FHA/VA drinking water standards.

  • There are three categories of water and the difference between them is important to know.

    Category 1: Sanitary, clean water. (Example: a leaking kitchen faucet) Not a risk if exposed to it.

    Category 2: Significantly contaminated. “Grey Water” (Example: A leaking washing machine) Can contain potentially high levels of bacteria, viruses & mold.

    Category3: Grossly contaminated water. “Black Water”. (Example: flood water, sewer backup) This category of water contains pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed.

    It is highly recommended that after a severe storm, professionals come in to remove and sanitize any “Category 3” water, wearing appropriate PPE. The flooding may appear harmless; however, this type of water intrusion can be very harmful if not handled properly.