Sussex Environmental

Diagnoses Sick

Buildings and Homes

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor levels of air pollutants can be two to five times higher, and sometimes up to 100 times higher, than outdoor air pollutants. Additionally, indoor air pollution consistently ranks among the top 5 environmental risks to public health. Indoor air pollution can cause or worsen existing illnesses in people including asthma and other respiratory disease, mental function, sinus problems and skin irritation.
To combat this problem, Susan White created Sussex Environmental Health Consultants in 1998 to help homeowners and business owners identify the causes of pollution and recommend solutions to improve indoor air quality. She and her staff have over 25 years of experience consulting on issues ranging from industrial hygiene, environmental health and indoor environmental evaluations. Currently clients of Sussex Environmental include hospitals, universities, property managers, insurance agencies, homeowners, attorneys, government agencies and the poultry industry.

Pictured Above: Susan White

Sussex Environmental investigates the source of the pollution and makes an effective recommendation to correct the problems and restore working or living conditions to property occupants.

Located in Lewes, Del., Sussex Environmental will travel to service business and property owners nationwide. Services are tailored to meet every client’s specific needs while providing a timely and cost-effective result. Typical services include mold, bacteria and moisture investigation to identify biological contamination of building materials, carpeting, ceiling tiles or ventilation systems. Indoor air quality evaluations resolve “sick building syndrome” which can often have vague symptoms and an unknown source. Industrial hygiene consultation measures and evaluates employee exposure to contaminants, chemicals, dusts, or other substances to improve working conditions and productivity. Legal support is also available from the expert staff of Sussex Environmental who can bring their knowledge and testimony to bear in any legal environmental situation. Asbestos surveys are necessary to identify asbestos-containing materials for renovation and demolition projects. Sussex Environmental has over 22 years experience conducting asbestos surveys and is a licensed AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) building inspector.
Sussex Environmental investigates the source of the pollution and makes an effective recommendation to correct the problems and restore working or living conditions to property occupants. They do not sell or fix anything. They refer clients only to professionals who will provide excellent service at a reasonable cost and are held to the highest ethical standards. Sussex Environmental is widely known for its responsiveness, professionalism and personalized service.
A recent testimonial from satisfied client Pat Lee of Pylesville, Md., said, “I want to let you know after you confirmed everything was soot and explained the air circulation problem, my brother had the cap replaced on the chimney and there is no more soot. He put a cap on that has much more ventilation. The gentleman who installed the new cap said the old cap was the wrong size and was installed incorrectly. Thank you for coming all this way to help us out. I can’t wait to share the results with everyone who said it was mold and everyone who said there was nothing wrong with the cap on the chimney. Again, we thank you. You really know your stuff!”
In all her experience diagnosing problems for clients, White has learned how to patiently help home and business owners. She says, “We are not alarmists. We won’t overreact and worry a client without first evaluating a property and performing the necessary testing.” She has learned also that there are many companies out there who do not have the customers’ best interests in mind. She recommends anyone who thinks they may have a problem to always call an independent third party consultant like Sussex Environmental before making a decision. It may save a lot of money and you will be sure to receive a recommendation for a certified professional to fix the problem.
Recent client Liz Slyne said she had never heard of an industrial hygienist before she found mold in her home. She also had no idea there were so many ways to treat the problem or so many differing opinions. Thankfully one person whose opinion she sought mentioned White. Slyne called White and had her out to evaluate her home. Slyne said White pulled out her flashlight and found the source of the problem, she noted her observations, and even went into the crawlspace. Afterward she mailed her observations in a complete report including a scope of work and recommended contractors. Slyne said, “How can you move ahead without direction? That’s what Sue gives you. Her ‘scope of work’ report explained exactly what I should expect from the repair company.” Slyne also said, “Sue is very accessible. She gave me her cell phone number and would answer my calls even if she was with another client. And she is so respected that even the contractors would call her if they had a question.” In essence, Slyne said, “Everyone who has mold needs an industrial hygienist. They need to talk to Sue first.”
Sussex Environmental is a certified woman-owned, minority business in Maryland and Delaware. It is a licensed lead-risk assessor and asbestos inspector in Maryland and Delaware. The staff are professional members of the Indoor Air Quality Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers and the American Industrial Hygiene Association. For more information about the services available from Sussex Environmental Consultants call 302-947-1810 or visit them on the Web at www.sussexenvironmental.com.

Written By: Gretchen Parks