AAR Incorporated

Products And Services

• Asbestos Abatement

  ASBESTOS ~ WHAT IS IT? Asbestos is a generic term for a group of minerals known for their strength, flame and heat resistance, and seemingly indestructible qualities. Once considered a “miracle mineral,” asbestos was used for many years in building construction. It can be found in many forms and places. Asbestos was used in boiler and pipe insulation, plasters, joint compound, texture, floor tile, roofing, mastics, electrical insulation, and as a fireproofing material on structural members in buildings. It has also been sprayed on ceilings and walls as acoustic insulation. Because of its indestructible qualities, asbestos is harmful to the human body. The body cannot digest, break down, or change asbestos; it can only attempt to encapsulate it with scar tissue. Several types of asbestos were banned by the EPA in the mid-70’s due to concern over the health effects (especially cancer) associated with exposure to such materials. It is important to remember that asbestos generally has been found to be hazardous to humans only when it is inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos occurs naturally as a fiber; individual fibers are so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Most asbestos is not hazardous in its original, undisturbed state; only when it is disturbed does it release asbestos fibers. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not occur soon after exposure. Those who are sick today because of asbestos may have been exposed 20 to 40 years ago. Controlling exposures now will prevent disease and suffering decades later. What Can Be Done? Asbestos abatement refers to the process of removing or minimizing the health hazards of asbestos in a building through a number of prescribed actions including removal, enclosure, encapsulation or an operations and maintenance plan. AAR Incorporated has safely abated asbestos in structures since 1987. We are accredited and licensed to perform abatement, transportation, and disposal of asbestos in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. We can assist you in safely resolving your concerns.

• International

  AAR Inc. has a full compliment of HAZWOPPER trained personnel and emergency response resources at its disposal. AAR is able to work in an international environment to provide state of the art response actions, while in compliance with local regulations. 20 years of Experience. Response Capabilities • Emergency Containment • Cleanup & Site Remediation • Transportation & Disposal • HAZWOPPER Certification Personal Protective Equipment • Confined Space Entry Equipment • Personal Protective Equipment (Levels A, B, C & D) • Ventilation Blowers Spill Control & Containment • Chemical Transfer Pumps • Drums • Skimmers • Sorbent Pads, Rolls, Pillows • Spill Kits (20, 55, & 85 gal.) Cleanup Equipment • Heavy Duty Equipment • HEPA Vacuum & Air Cleaners • Steam & Pressure Washers • Treatment & Sorption Chemicals • Washdown Pumps

• Demolition

• Lead Removal

  LEAD BASED PAINT ~ WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly. Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are: - deteriorating lead-based paint, - lead contaminated dust, and - lead contaminated residential soil. • Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because: o Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them. o Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. o Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. • If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: o Damage to the brain and nervous system o Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity) o Slowed growth o Hearing problems o Headaches • Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from: o Difficulties during pregnancy o Other reproductive problems (in both men and women) o High blood pressure o Digestive problems o Nerve disorders o Memory and concentration problems o Muscle and joint pain Did you know the following facts about lead? FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. What Can Be Done? Lead abatement refers to the process of removing or minimizing the health hazards of lead based paint in or outside a building through a number of prescribed actions including removal, enclosure, encapsulation or an operations and maintenance plan. AAR Incorporated has safely abated lead in structures for years. We are accredited and licensed to perform abatement, transportation, and disposal of lead in Texas and Louisiana. We can assist you in safely resolving your concerns.

• Mold

  MOLD ~ WHY IS MOLD A CONCERN? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. We can not discuss all the potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department. What Can Be Done? It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

• Infection Control

  Health care associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions. CDC estimated that in hospitals alone, HAIs account for an estimated 2 million infections, 90,000 deaths, and $4.5 billion in excess health care costs annually. Since 2002, 47 states have enacted legislation mandating hospitals and health care organizations to publicly disclose HAI rates. Several legislative efforts are underway in several other states. As a result healthcare facilities have taken significant steps to put in place infectious control measures to stem the course and reduce HAIs. Environmental disturbances caused by construction and/or renovation and repair activities (e.g., disruption of the above-ceiling area, running cables, and structural repairs) in and near healthcare facilities markedly increase the airborne Aspergillus spp. Spore counts in the indoor air of such facilities, thereby increasing the risk for health-care-associated aspergillosis among high-risk patients. Other concerns during construction should include dust control, moisture incursion, indoor air quality, noise levels and vibrations. What Can Be Done? Proactive strategies can help prevent environmentally mediated airborne infections in health-care facilities during demolition, construction, and renovation. AAR Incorporated can assist in completing the following key recommendations made by the CDC:  Infection-control impact of ventilation system and water system performance;  Establishment of a multidisciplinary team to conduct infection-control risk assessment;  Use of dust-control procedures and barriers during construction, repair, renovation, or demolition  Environmental infection-control measures for special care areas with patients at high risk;  Use of airborne particle sampling to monitor effectiveness of air filtration and dust-control measures.