Incomplete Drying - More Dangerous Than You Think! Indoor air quality (IAQ) can be a significant, if often unrecognized, factor in flood restoration. Water-borne contaminants and residue can permeate rugs, furniture and structural elements, creating foul odors and even toxicity in the air if not properly treated. This holds true for both residential and commercial properties. In a recent report, the Environmental Protection Agency said this on the topic: "Biological contaminants, an important dimension of indoor air quality, can be the principal indoor air problem in some buildings. They can spread infectious diseases, can cause or aggravate allergic response, and can even (in extreme cases) result in death..." A subject of contention within the facilities management field for years, the question as to whether internal structural elements require drying before a building can be characterized as "restored" has been raised once again in a recent New York Times article. The center of controversy focuses on increasingly common occurrences of infant deaths due to "bleeding lung syndrome." Originally thought to be cases of "SIDS," (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), new epidemiological studies are linking scores of infant deaths to the presence of "black mold found in water-damaged homes." In case after case, a clear correlation between infant death and water-damaged property has been shown -- a clear signal that flood abatement may be only partly effective and can leave property managers, owners and insurers alike exposed to extreme liability.

"Puritan is just as quick at 2 a.m. in the morning on a weekend as they are on a weekday. Their teams are knowledgeable and organized. Restorative drying saves us money because it cuts down on overall repair costs after a flood." --The Dolben Company's Senior Property Manager Sheila Stoddard talks about the support role Puritan plays in maintaining large residential facilities under her stewardship.