Curran Environmental Services Inc. handles a wide range of abatement work for residential and commercial clients in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Lake Counties. In addition to testing for, removing, and safely disposing of asbestos, lead, and mold, the family-owned and operated company offers soft demolition services that include removing materials like stucco, wood siding, interior gypsum wall board, and plaster.
Owner Mike Curran says much of Curran Environmental Services’ success can be attributed to its customer-oriented business practices. “We understand that many of our clients are fearful of the effects that asbestos, lead and mold will have on their family’s health, so we take the time to make them feel comfortable throughout the process. We’re always on time, we’re nice and courteous, and we do what we say we’re going to do."
Curran Environmental Services writes customized reports for its clients so they have all the information they need to decide their next steps. “We pride ourselves on our quick and accurate estimating—our goal is to get to them within 24 hours,” says Mr. Curran. “By being proactive with our estimates and consultations, we’re able to put our customers’ minds at ease.”
“We utilize our decades of experience and deep understanding of the abatement process to help our clients solve their hazardous waste problems. Our top priority is to provide them with high-quality work that leaves them completely satisfied and willing to recommend us to others.”
You may be tempted to go the DIY route, but professionals say you should never attempt to remove asbestos yourself.
It can cost thousands of dollars to hire an asbestos removal service, so why not do it yourself rather than spend all that money on a professional? According to Michael Curran, owner of Curran Environmental Services Inc. in Petaluma, this mentality is a recipe for disaster. “Asbestos can cause cancer and other health problems, so it needs to be removed properly by a registered abatement contractor,” he affirms.
And that’s not just the opinion of one professional—according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three major health problems associated with exposure to asbestos: lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. So, if your home was built in the 1980s or earlier (when most contractors used asbestos-containing materials), it’s important to be smart about how you go about dealing with it.
That can be difficult, though, because as the EPA states, “Generally, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled.” The EPA suggests treating all materials as if they contain asbestos and leaving them undisturbed if possible. If the material has been damaged or you need to remove it (if you’re planning a remodeling project, for example), you should have your home inspected by a licensed asbestos professional. Then, you can decide whether to leave the material in place and undisturbed (which is recommended in most cases) or if you should encapsulate or remove it.
Here are some general tips for preventing and controlling household mold:
- When water leaks or spills occur indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold usually won’t grow.
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
- If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter—a small, inexpensive ($10 to $50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
- If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls, or pipes, quickly dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
Reducing humidity
- Vent moisture producing appliances (dryers, stoves, kerosene heaters) to the outside when possible. Combustion appliances produce water vapor and will increase humidity unless vented to the outside.
- Run the bathroom fan or open a window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking or running the dishwasher.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is critical for any business, but it’s even more important for asbestos removal companies that have earned Diamond Certified. For Curran Environmental Services Inc., keeping clients happy is all about delivering on its promises. “We understand that our clients are contacting us in stressful situations, so we really focus on making them feel as comfortable as possible,” says owner Michael Curran. “We’re on time, we do what we say we’re going to do and we work hard to make sure every job is done correctly.”
Curran Environmental Services has been providing abatement services for residential and commercial clients in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Lake Counties since 2000. The family-owned and operated company tests for, removes, and safely disposes of asbestos, lead, and mold, and it’s also qualified to perform soft demolition work like removing stucco, wood siding, plaster, and interior gypsum wall board.
Unlike less experienced asbestos removal companies that take a “one size fits all” approach to each job, Curran Environmental Services takes the time to connect with its customers and ensure they feel safe. “Our workers are nice and courteous, which our clients really appreciate,” says Mr. Curran. “They take care of every aspect of the job, including cleaning up after the work is complete.”
Ultimately, Mr. Curran sees Curran Environmental Services’ customer-oriented, education-based approach to remediation work as its most important attribute. “A lot of people are scared of asbestos, so it’s our job to take care of everything and explain our work so they know what to expect,” he says. “We’re always happy to talk to our clients about what we found and go over their options so they can get back to their normal lives.”
