IAQ Radio

Hal Levin - IAQ Pioneer - Memorial Show Part 1

This week we honor and memorialize Hal Levin an IAQ Pioneer by remastering the first of a 2 part show that was done on April 30, 2010. A nice obituary for Hal can be found at https://www.ashrae.org/news/esociety/in-memory-of-hal-levin
Hal Levin was a Research Architect with Building Ecology Research Group, Santa Cruz, California. Mr. Levin conducted research and consulted on building’s impacts on occupant health and comfort as well as on the larger environment. Since 1978 his work focused on the integration of knowledge about indoor and outdoor air pollution as well as other risk factors into the design, construction, and operation of residential, educational, and commercial buildings and communities.
Hal contributed to the design of many award-winning buildings including the design of ventilation, building materials’ selection, energy conservation, and total environmental quality. He also contributed to the scientific and professional advancements in the fields of life-cycle analysis and risk assessment as indicators of the sustainability of building designs and practices. He coined the term “building ecology” in the late 1970s (first published an article by that title in 1981), focusing on the dynamic and interdependent relationships between buildings, their occupants, and the larger environment. Hal was a leader in numerous professional and scientific societies and received awards from several including ASHRAE's Environmental Health Award in 2008. He was also the Executive Director of ISIAQ, the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, and President of the Indoor Air Institute. 
Hal was an avid baseball player and pitched competitively in an over-25 hardball league in San Jose, California. He received the Most Valuable Player Award at the Los Angeles Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp.

Thomas Licker, CEICR, CBRM - Sr. VP First Onsite & Board President ABRA - Responding to Fentanyl, Crime, Trauma & Other Biorecovery Situations

Tom Licker is Senior Vice President, Regulatory Business Practice at First Onsite. He specializes in environmental, biorecovery and infection control services. Tom is also Board President for American Bio recovery Association (ABRA) in Washington, DC. Tom has over 25 years of professional experience that includes managing the investigation and remediation of industrial, commercial and residential properties. He has been involved with the risk mitigation of biohazardous and hazardous materials in relation to the food, transportation, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He has been responsible for overseeing the clean-up of sites under the CDC, FDA, USDA, RCRA, CERCLA, DOD, and DOE guidelines. Mr. Licker has worked for the United States EPA Site Assessment and Technical Assistance Team as an over-sight consultant for CERCLA and RCRA Corrective Actions. His company was selected as one of the contractors for the response to the Ebola Crisis by the state of New Jersey.
Mr. Licker is also an active member of the New Jersey Food Processors association, New Jersey Food Council, the International Association for Food Protection, International Facility Management Association and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control. In 2011, Mr. Licker earned certification as a Certified Environmental Infection Control Remediator (CEICR) from the American Council for Accredited Certification and in 2016 he earned the ABRA Certified Bio Recovery Master (CBRM) designation. Tom’s degree is from Slippery Rock University in Environmental Sciences.

John Lapotaire - New Mold Assessment Standard, Hurricane Recovery, Spray Foam & More

This week we welcome John Lapotaire of IAQ Solutions in Orlando Florida for a show on a New Mold Assessment Standard, Hurricane Recovery, Spray Foam & More. It’s always great to get a field report from John Lapotaire who is regularly in the field and also very involved with associations developing industry standards. This week we discuss the new IICRC Mold Assessment Standard, the revised IICRC mold remediation standard, hurricane recovery in Florida, Spray foam issues, and how revised building codes that continue to tighten homes and buildings can lead to IAQ issues. LEARN MORE at IAQ Radio+
John P. Lapotaire, CIEC is a Building Envelope & Indoor Environment Consultant providing IAQ consultation for commercial and residential properties. He is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor, a Council-certified Environmental Thermography Consultant, CETC. Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant CIEC. John’s professional experience has led to appointments and elected positions to several international industry association committees and boards.

Robert Higgins - Concrete Moisture Inspection: The Fundamentals

This week we welcome Bob Higgins to wrap up our Moisture Mob series with a final show on Concrete Moisture Inspection: The Fundamentals. After a series of shows that got into the weeds about concrete we feel it would be good to put together a final show that goes over how to take all the information we have aired and use it in the field.
Robert Higgins has been involved with moisture-related issues in concrete and waterproofing since 1976 and has been developing products for such use since 1980. He was a product development chemist for SINAK. Bob is equally involved in product and process development, having developed most of the products manufactured and marketed by his former company SINAK Corporation, as well as owning or co- owning patents for moisture testing. He has expertise in moisture-related concrete issues, having been involved with waterproofing, technical committees, professional groups, lecturing, teaching; and construction defect litigation.
Bob lives and works in Osmond Beach, FL. He has given lectures internationally and throughout the US on concrete and coatings related topics. He also continues to work on various committees and provides expert witness services on topics related to construction, concrete and coatings.
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Connie Araps, PhD & Kishor Khankari, PhD - Advances in Reactive Indoor Air Cleaning Technologies

This week we welcome Dr. Connie Araps and Dr. Kishor Khankari to discuss their recent presentation at the ASHRAE Winter Conference called Advances in Reactive Air Cleaning Technologies.
Dr. Connie Araps has an extensive background in chemistry, semiconductor technology and advanced engineering for manufacturing. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Rutgers University and received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Princeton University, where she published research on bio-medicinal chemistry. As a research scientist and technology executive in the pharmaceutical industry and at IBM for over 20 years, she authored 16 US patents and numerous publications in the areas of biochemistry, material science and photochemistry.
Dr. Araps is currently the president of Prometheus Strategies, which provides chemistry consulting services to companies in the field of advanced air and surface cleaning technologies. Dr. Araps presented a seminar entitled an “Overview of Reactive Indoor Air Cleaning Technologies at the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Conference. She has overseen chemical, microbiological and toxicology studies conducted at licensed laboratories and major research centers to better understand photohydrolytic oxidation technology and assess its efficacy and safety. In collaboration with Dr. David Crosley, a leading physical chemist who has published widely in the area of atmospheric hydroxyl radical chemistry, Dr Araps co-authored a definitive analytical chemical study that validated photohydrolytic oxidation technology’s mode of action and was published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (2017). Dr. Araps is a consultant to The Pyure Company and the Chair of Pyure’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Kishor Khankari is the president and founder of AnSight LLC. He is a specialist in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Kishor has several years of experience in providing consulting services that have resulted in optimized solutions to a wide variety of engineering problems. A noted expert in his field, he has a Ph.D. in CFD from the University of Minnesota and has regularly published in several technical journals.
Dr. Khankari is an ASHRAE Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer. He has received the ASHRAE Distinguished and Exceptional Service Awards and is past President of ASHRAE Detroit Chapter. He is also currently serving on the ASHRAE Board of Directors.
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Scott Walden - COO of Vetcor - Unique Perspective on the Current State of the Restoration Industry

This week we welcome Scott Walden COO of Vetcor for his unique perspective on the current state of the restoration industry. We will focus on an article he wrote recently called “The Squeeze” about, well let’s let him tell you.
Scott Walden is the Chief Operating Officer for Team VetCor, LLC and VetCor, LLC; a veteran manned and managed insurance services franchise company specializing in emergency services for property damage. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Black Hills State University (cum laude), and an MBA from the Florida Technical University. Prior to joining VetCor, he served as the Director of Training and Customer Support for M.I.C. Industries, Inc. In this role he developed and managed the company’s training program, designed to provide high-level instruction in the operation and maintenance of the company’s machinery and software to domestic and international customers. In addition, he handled oversight of all aspects of the company’s customer support operation. Scott is currently an IICRC Master Water Restorer, and a Florida licensed Mold Remediator and Mold Assessor.
Scott Walden served in the United States Army from October 1983 until his retirement as a Sergeant Major in November 2006. He served throughout the United States and overseas in every leadership position from Team Leader to Brigade Operations Sergeant Major. LEARN MORE at IAQ Radio+

Pete Consigli - Cliff Zlotnik - Jon Isaacson & FOP’s - The Andy Äsk Building Science Symposium aka Winter Break Highlights

This week we welcome Pete Consigli, Cliff Zlotnik, Jon Isaacson and FOP’s (friends of Pete’s) from Naples, Florida to give us highlights from the Andy Ask Building Science Symposium (AABSS) and the Hurricane Response Lessons Learned Workshop.
The always entertaining Restoration Industry Watchdog, DYOJO’s Jon Isaacson and the Z-man will lead a roundtable discussion with FOP’s about the highlights from the AABSS and the Hurricane Response Lessons Learned Workshop. We always learn something new with Pete, Cliff, Jon and the FOP’s

Rich Crim, PE & Ken Garza, CIH, MS - Reactive to Proactive IEQ GHP’s Unique Process Encourages a Paradigm Shift

This week we welcome Rich Crim, VP Dir of Project Operations and Ken Garza, CIH VP Industrial Hygiene to discuss the GHP story and their emphasis on Proactive vs Reactive IEQ. After many years working with large companies, hotel chains and others GHP is laser focused on changing their client's paradigm and focusing on IEQ issues proactively. This week we learn more about their unique approach.
Rich Crim, PE, LEED AP BD+C has more than 16 years of mechanical engineering experience—with the last 11 years as a licensed professional engineer. As GHP’s Director of Project Operations, Rich ensures all projects are executed to GHP’s standards of being on time, under budget, and top quality. He also manages project forecasting and oversees that the right people with the right skillsets are assigned to the right projects. Pairing the right people to the right projects sets GHP up to deliver above clients’ expectations.
Rich’s project experience is comprehensive of every aspect of mechanical and plumbing systems, from design to forensic investigation and everything in between. This expertise and investigative mindset have been assets during his favorite part of working at GHP—solving problems. Whatever the issue, Rich loves identifying root causes and resolutions. In his own words, “I love that moment when a problem is solved, and you sit back for a moment, take a breath, and then say to yourself, ‘Ok, what’s next?’”
Rich has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mississippi.
Kenneth Garza, CIH, MS is GHP Vice President, Director of Texas Operations. With client experience in a variety of industries including healthcare, insurance, hospitality, education, legal, commercial, and residential properties, Ken can just about do it all. Possessing more than 17 years of experience and recognized as a Certified Industrial Hygienist by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, Ken assesses environmental needs, provides sound solutions, and supports the implementation of those solutions. His work has taken him around the globe, including Dubai, Chile, Guyana, and the Caribbean islands.
Ken manages various environmental projects nationally and internationally, dealing with moisture intrusion, mold, asbestos, chemical exposure, and other hazards in the built environment. When managing or assessing what a built environment needs, Ken’s goal is to ensure everyone who touches a project walks away with the knowledge that it was worthwhile and successful. Ken’s Master of Science is in the Environmental Science and Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio and his Bachelor of Science is in Biology, Minor in Chemistry is from St. Mary’s University.
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Ralph Moon, PhD | Mickey Lee | Robert Blochinger - The Moisture Mob - Flooring Panel Grand Finale - Part 2

This week we welcome Robert Blochinger, Mickey Lee and Dr. Ralph Moon for the Moisture Mob – Flooring Panel Grand Finale. 
The Moisture Mob series has been quite the learning experience. Today we wrap up the flooring panel and dive into how moisture affects various types of flooring. Bob Blochinger will discuss his take on how concrete chemistry affects flooring and Dr. Ralph Moon will go over his recent research on how different types of flooring are affected by moisture issues. Mickey Lee will weigh in on his lessons learned from over 30 years in the industry.
Bob Blochinger was raised in New York City, working in the family construction business. He moved to Florida for college, majoring in business management and worked seasonally in the hospitality industry. Bob began his career in the flooring industry in 1970, offering carpet cleaning and installations while specializing in water and fire damage restoration work. In the early 1980’s he expanded into the retail department store sector providing installation of floor covering sales. During the 1990’s his company started to service the architectural and interior design trade with high-end floor covering product sales and installations for residential, commercial and industrial applications. In 1990, Bob attended Southern Tech GA, specializing in technical training for carpet manufacturing and inspection. This started his career in forensic review of floor covering products that have a negative impact on performance, appearance and/or use. He is a multi-discipline flooring consultant. Bob also works as an expert witness, inspector and investigator for law firms, condominium associations and flooring manufacturers. He consults for flooring projects on bid package formatting and review, installation supervision and maintenance procedures. Bob’s oversight consultation assignments often require moisture testing of concrete for public works projects and private corporations tracking major installations from the retail store to the manufacturing facility.
Ralph Moon, PhD is a Building Scientist with more than 42 years of consulting experience in the areas of duration of loss studies, material testing, risk assessment, project management, industrial hygiene, and indoor air quality assessment. Dr. Moon has published over 60 peer reviewed and 40 technical articles and papers and is a frequent expert witness on insurance-related claims and projects. Dr. Moon has a unique background that combines extensive field experience, seminar development and presentations, research, and legal services in IAQ, building science and disaster restoration.
Mickey Lee is currently a private consultant providing consulting, training, research and writing services in the fields of property damage restoration, psychrometrics, drying science, mold remediation and structural drying after water intrusions. Mr. Lee retired from the Munters Corp (US) in 2011 after serving in various roles for over 20 years. At various points Mr. Lee was Vice-President – Global Technology & Sustainability for Munters AB – MCS and Global and National Technical & Training Manager for Munters Corp (US). He was responsible for training program development, curriculum writing and course facilitation in addition to managing projects for structural drying and restoration of commercial buildings of every type. He also has extensive experience in application of air treatment technology in restorative drying projects, corrosion-control methods, mold mitigation and humidity control in commercial and industrial facilities while working with Munters Corporation – Moisture Control Services Division.
Recognizing his vast experience in water damage restoration the IICRC asked him to lead the development of their Commercial Drying Specialist certification. This program completed its’ full roll-out in 2009 and continues to be a popular offering. Mr. Lee continues to serve as committee chair for the Commercial Drying Specialist Certification program and also serves on the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration revision committee.
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Robert Higgins - William Thornton - Roland Vierra - The Moisture Mob - Concrete Panel Grand Finale - Part 1

This week we welcome Robert Higgins, William Thornton and Roland Vierra the Moisture Mob – Concrete Panel Grand Finale for a discussion of concrete and moisture related issues. This is the last of our series of shows on concrete and moisture. Next week we do our wrap up show on other types of flooring and moisture related problems. Our thanks to Pete Consigli "The Restoration Industry Global Watchdog" for his help pulling these shows together.
Robert Higgins has been involved with moisture-related issues in concrete and waterproofing since 1976 and has been developing products for such use since 1980. He was a product development chemist for SINAK. Bob is equally involved in product and process development, having developed most of the products manufactured and marketed by his former company SINAK Corporation, as well as owning or co- owning patents for moisture testing. He has expertise in moisture-related concrete issues, having been involved with waterproofing, technical committees, professional groups, lecturing, teaching; and construction defect litigation. Bob lives and works in Osmond Beach, FL. He has given lectures internationally and throughout the US on concrete and coatings related topics. He also continues to work on various committees and provides expert witness services on topics related to construction, concrete and coatings.
William Thornton is North American Technical Director for Tarkett Sports and a leading floor covering industry expert. William has 4 decades of experience in all aspects of the industry from: retail sales, installation, cleaning, manufacturing, specifying, consumer complaint handling, technical training and standards writing.
Roland Vierra is the President and CEO of FLOORING FORENSICS, INC. Flooring Forensics is an independent consulting firm specializing in the science and forensic evaluation of floor covering performance failures. Flooring Forensics, Inc. is also foremost in concrete moisture testing. Flooring Forensics, Inc., supports legal, insurance, design, construction, manufacturing and installation professionals through proficient advisory and consultant services specific to the performance and behavior of all floor covering and floor coating systems. Mr. Vierra has been a third-party claims consultant for more than 35 years. During that time, he has advised numerous clients on product and installation selection, evaluated performance and installation failures and been designated as an expert in many construction defect litigation actions.
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