Disinfection & Biohazard

Botanical Solutions for Effective Mold and Water Remediation

Kelly MacMillan-Versluis

When it comes to the chemical part of the job, disaster remediation and restoration projects can be reliably evaluated by considering the “Clean, Kill, Coat” approach.  For restoration professionals, applying the right product technologies, like botanical cleaners and disinfectants, can add further value to your services. Severe weather events are on the rise. Look no […]

Hidden Hazards: The Critical Role of Ventilation in Property Damage Recovery

Justin Sachs

When disaster strikes—a wildfire, hurricane, deep freeze, or catastrophic plumbing failure—restoration professionals are among the first to step into the chaos. Amid toppled drywall, blown insulation, smoke-laden furniture, and muck left behind, their job is to make damaged properties safe and livable again. Yet, one of the most critical safety measures for crews and building […]

Beyond Fire and Flood: Specialized Restoration Services are the Future of the Industry

Thomas Licker CEICR, CBRM

Twenty years ago, the emergency restoration industry was largely defined by water and fire damage. But today, in an increasingly complex world, the demand for specialized services such as biohazard remediation and hazardous materials mitigation has transformed these once “niche” offerings into strategic imperatives. These services are no longer optional add-ons—they are vital tools for […]

Upholding Hygiene Standards Across Diverse Controlled Environments

Patty Olinger

One could argue that all the spaces we work, play, and live in are “controlled” environments. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and healthy indoor spaces, especially considering that we spend over 90% of our time indoors. This article will provide a high-level overview of what we consider traditional […]

Case Study: ATI’s Cleanup of the Historic Tustin Hangar Fire

On November 7, 2023, a fire erupted at the historic former Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Hangar in Tustin, CA. Built in the 1940s, this massive structure was one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, spanning over 1,000 feet in length, 300 feet in width and standing over 17 stories high. The fire […]

Millions Are at Risk From Mold — Here Is Why the Industry Must Change Now

Skip Jankoski

The Mold Industry Is Lagging Behind Science The mold remediation industry is lagging behind science. For years, it has failed to adapt to noteworthy scientific evidence highlighting the serious health risks associated with water-damaged buildings and the mold and other microbial contamination they can harbor. Additionally, the industry tends to overlook abundant evidence indicating that […]

First Onsite Launches Life Sciences Division to Protect Critical Environments

First Onsite Property Restoration, one of North America’s largest disaster recovery and restoration providers, has announced the launch of its Life Sciences Division and the appointment of Kellie Matzinger as Life Sciences Operations Director, North America. The new division reflects a broader shift in how restoration services are delivered — moving from reactive cleanup to […]

Identifying and Caring for Rugs in Restoration Projects: Why Specialty Partnerships Matter

Beau Burdett

In the world of property restoration, few items in a home carry the emotional weight and historical value of a fine area rug. When water, fire, or smoke damage occurs, these pieces can either be lost forever or saved with care. Restoration professionals are increasingly encountering handmade, antique, and specialty rugs in the homes they […]

What Are the Best Biocides I Can Use to Kill Mold on Mold Remediation Jobs?

Rachel Adams

Using chemicals to “kill” mold should not be the goal of the remediation contractor.  Non-viable mold spores contain the same toxigenic and/or allergenic properties as their viable counterparts. The majority of mold is non-viable to begin with. This can be easily demonstrated when comparing a culture plate to a spore trap in which only the […]

Developing the Necessary Skill Sets for Trauma Scene Work

Scott Vogel

Working in the field of trauma and crime scene cleanup can demand a highly specialized and rigorous combination of technical knowledge, emotional fortitude, unwavering legal compliance, and sound professional judgment. It is not a task for the unprepared or faint of heart; rather, it requires a disciplined, methodical approach rooted in science, public health, and […]