Author Archives: joachim-w

Salt Efflorescence and Render Damage in Basements – Technical Considerations

Leave a reply

Salt Efflorescence in Basement Room

An Expert Report by Building Surveyors Is Advisable

The occurrence of salt efflorescence and render detachment in basement areas constitutes a clear indicator of moisture ingress into the building envelope. Beyond the impairment of appearance, these phenomena represent long-term risks to the integrity and load-bearing capacity of the structural fabric. A detailed investigation and report prepared by a certified building surveyor provides the required diagnostic certainty and enables the design of effective, targeted remediation strategies. A clear differentiation from microbial contamination (mold growth) is also essential. Furthermore, occupational health and safety requirements must be integrated into all intervention measures.
Continue reading →

A Healthy Kids’ Room – Free from Mold, Toxins, and Electrosmog

Leave a reply
Healthy Kid's Room - Free from Mold, Toxins, and Electrosmog

Free from Mold, Toxins, and Electrosmog

Why Good Sleep Is So Important for Children

Sleep is a cornerstone of healthy development for children. It supports physical growth, strengthens the immune system, and helps the brain process and store new information. Kids who sleep well are better able to concentrate, learn, and manage emotions. In contrast, poor or insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and stress-factors that can impact behavior and performance in school.
Continue reading →

When Old Mineral Wool Releases Hazardous Fibers

Leave a reply
Hazardous Fibers

Laboratory Analytics for AMF

Artificial mineral fibers (AMF) are considered the small relatives of asbestos

In certain dimensions, these fibers are also respirable and can cause cancer depending on their retention time in the body. For this reason, the production of hazardous fibers has been banned in Germany since June 2000. During demolition, renovation, and maintenance work, workers inevitably encounter AMF, and property owners also face this contaminant when acquiring older properties. The German Hazardous Substances Ordinance provides the legal framework for handling these fibers in paragraphs 10 and 11, while the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 521 list the state of technology, occupational medicine, and hygiene practices. In the private sector, legal threshold values are still lacking.
Continue reading →

Why older linoleum flooring can smell

Leave a reply
older linoleum flooring can smell

Older linoleum flooring can smell

An employee complained about a noticeable odor in the office

A small office space in the attic was fitted with linoleum flooring that was over ten years old. Shortly after spending time in the room, a new employee complained of headaches and a scratchy throat. For this reason, we wanted to examine the characteristics of the flooring more closely: Linoleum is often used as an alternative to synthetic flooring. Its components are natural materials like linseed oil, cork or wood flour, limestone powder, and resins. Newly installed linoleum can develop a characteristic odor due to the outgassing of residual substances. These volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, release in low concentrations over several weeks and are essentially vented off after that. However, as the flooring ages, additional odors can develop.
Continue reading →