ABSTRACT
The doctors also found asbestos in the author's lung, which contributed to breathing problems developed over the past few years. The importance of wearing a dust mask cannot be overemphasized, because of what can be encountered when testing an attic. Bat, bird, squirrel, and raccoon droppings can introduce not only ectoparasites, but also microorganisms that can cause diseases. Cats allowed to roam outdoors and then return home, often pick up a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is of particular danger to small children, people with damaged immune systems, people undergoing cancer treatment, and pregnant women. Cats are also a vector for Bartonella henselae , which causes cat scratch fever. Water testing includes testing for both organic and inorganic compounds. Total coliforms are a group of closely related, mostly harmless bacteria that live in soil and water as well as the gut of animals.
