Business Spotlight: Northeast Laboratory Services

By Craig Bailey

Did you know radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America? Erin Bouttenot, Head of Indoor Air Quality at Northeast Laboratory Services (NEL) explained, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground into cracks and drains in our homes. In fact, 1 in 3 homes in Maine have a higher level of radon than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended limit. You cannot see, taste, or smell radon, but it can easily be tested for in your air or water.

In addition, Bouttenot reinforced there is often confusion around commonly used terms like “black mold” and “toxic mold”, neither of which refer to a particular species of mold. Mold can come in many colors and grow in different ways, just like plants. Some fungi grows dark or black in color and may or may not produce toxins. The effects from mold exposure can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals have an immediate or delayed response from being in a moldy environment, while others have no symptoms at all. The extent of mold sensitivities can also vary, whereas one person may be sensitive to most, or even all molds, another may only be sensitive to a particular type. The range of responses can present as irritation, allergies, asthma or infections.

Another important reality, shared by Zachary Smith, NEL’s Chemistry/Microbiology Laboratory Technical Director, is that water quality can change quickly and without warning. In most cases naturally occurring compounds known to have adverse health risks are tasteless, colorless and odorless. Just because the water looks and tastes fine does not mean it is safe to drink. To identify health risks, a full water test should be performed at least every three to five years on existing wells and a basic safety test should be performed during interim years. Only a laboratory test-preferably by a State of Maine Certified Laboratory-can tell you if the water is truly potable.

As a small locally-owned laboratory, NEL’s mission is to deliver accurate analytical data and superior culture media products to promote healthy home and business environments.

When asked, what sets NEL apart in the industry, Bouttenot shared that they are an accredited, full-service laboratory that is proudly veteran-owned and operated in the State of Maine. Their locations in Westbrook and Winslow provide diverse environmental and microbiological testing as well as mass-production of laboratory media products. Their clients range from private homeowners to large, nationally recognized companies.

As an example of the high-quality service NEL provides, Bouttenot mentioned that every day we receive calls or emails from homeowners worried about various environmental health risks. “We educate the public on guidelines and regulations from governing bodies within and outside the state of Maine. NEL provides a full scope of analyses for personalized testing in specific areas of concern. Our easy-to-use sample collection kits identify otherwise undetectable health hazards. Available sample collection kits include: environmental chemistry, water microbiology, radon in water, radon in air, and surface mold analyses.”

Northeast Laboratory’s analytical reports are tailored towards helping homeowners understand their data versus just having the numbers. For example, the analytical report for their Basic Safety water test provides a side-by-side comparison of results to the EPA limits with a green, yellow or red notation. “This aids our customers in determining steps to move forward. We also provide multiple supplemental materials on sampling and remediation,” stated Bouttenot.

NEL’s friendly, knowledgeable technicians and support team are available to help with any questions, support and laboratory needs. The company tests seven days a week and provide rapid turnaround with immediate reports via fax or email, as well as U.S. postal mail.

Bouttenot emphasized, “It is our ambition to exceed our customer’s expectations while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and professional work environment. Whether you are at the beginning, middle, or end of your testing process, Northeast Laboratory can provide you with the answers you need,” stated Bouttenot.”

Do not hesitate to contact Northeast Laboratory with any questions related to ensuring a healthy home or business environment. NEL knows that every situation is different and values the time spent with customers to ensure each has the tools and information needed to determine steps forward. Even if Northeast Laboratory doesn’t provide a specific service themselves, they are happy to connect you with someone who does.

To learn more visit www.nelabservices.com or call (866) 591-7120. <

Business Spotlight: Kind & Co.

By Craig Bailey

Ben Ferri, Kind & Co’s founder, defines his company as “A lifestyle brand for the cannabis enthusiast.”

To achieve this mission, Kind & Co. offers cannabis products, cultivated locally in their state-of-the-art facility. They also provide some of the best concentrates in the greater-Portland area, related merchandise such as Maine-blown glass, clothing hand printed in Portland and edibles prepared by chef, Meghan Newport who earned a degree in baking from The Culinary Institute of America.

Upon entering Kind & Co., you’ll feel the homey, down-to-earth and welcoming environment.

When asked, what made him interested in launching the business, Ferri responded “the love of the plant. My passion for horticulture started when I began growing cannabis, at nineteen, for personal use. The passion grew on when I started working in a greenhouse, growing produce hydroponically. It was furthered more while working at Oxbow Brewing Company, managing their fruit orchard of sour cherries, raspberries and strawberries.” He continued, “I’ve been a caregiver for over 7 years, just after the medical cannabis laws changed in Maine. During this timeframe, I also achieved a degree in finance at USM.  Starting the business just made sense.”

Opening in November of 2018, Ferri acknowledged the local market is becoming saturated with medical cannabis providers. Ferri mentioned, “There are several factors about Kind & Co that contributes to our providing the highest quality cannabis products in the community. This includes using beneficial insects to control pests, instead of spraying harmful chemicals. We are big on quality and have complete oversight of the entire process from start to finish. Further, consistency is huge, as we want our customers to be happy with everything from a gram to an ounce of product.”

Ferri stated, “My background in horticulture has helped implement a highly efficient cultivation operation, allowing the flexibility to then do things which, while less efficient (such as hand trimming our flowers), result in a much higher quality product.”

Ferri reinforced, “We don’t rush the process. Once product is harvested, we don’t put it on the shelf for another 4-6 weeks after the appropriate drying and curing time. Doing so ensures the moisture content of the flower evens out, resulting in a better, more consistent burn.”

A factor contributing to Ferri’s complete control of the enterprise is that he is self-funded and has no outside investors pushing for ever higher efficiencies which can result in lower product quality.

Owner, Ben Ferri

When asked, why the hype around the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, Ferri began, “I’ve seen it work on multiple levels, with folks of all ages. Even my mother and grandmother, both non-consumers, are using a topical for muscle soreness with great success.” Ferri continues, “Cannabis-based products are known to minimize epileptic seizures and relieve migraine headaches, among many other things. The alternative includes prescription drugs, many of which have harmful side effects. Just listen to the TV ads for such products. They speak more of the harmful aspects than the benefits provided. Cannabis just doesn’t have the same negative side effects of many of the traditional western medicines.”

One of Ferri’s customers, who has rheumatoid arthritis, stated their cannabis-based topical cream was, hands down, the most effective topical she had ever tried.

Ferri stressed, “We are not just trying to get everyone that walks through the door high, or to push the highest possible dosages. We listen to what our customers are saying and looking for. Then, based on their needs and experience, we start them on the appropriate dosage and work from there to find what is most effective for them.”

To reinforce the above, Ferri stated, “We don’t pressure people into buying anything. As a matter of fact, if a consumer wants to come in just to get educated on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, we’d be happy to spend the time necessary to do so. Our goal is to ensure the consumer is comfortable and well educated.”

Ferri continued, “We see all walks of life coming into our store. And, we welcome those who are presently opposed to the use of cannabis, so we might have the conversation on how it may benefit them, or someone they love.  We want to break the stigma and stereotypes in our industry.”

Kind & Co. is located in Windham, on the corner of 302 and Heathwood Drive. You can learn more by visiting their website at www.kindand.co, or calling (207) 572-1086.