INDOOR AIR QUALITY · Molds (fungi) are part of the natural environment. Outdoor molds play a vital...

C E R M

LIMITED MOLD/INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL 45 WHITEHOUSE DRIVE SW ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30314

Prepared for:

Mr. Victor Gaither Energy & Environmental Services Manager

Atlanta Public Schools 1631 LaFrance Street

Atlanta, GA 30307

Prepared by:

Corporate Environmental Risk Management, L.L.C. 2296 Henderson Mill Road, Suite 200

Atlanta, Georgia 30345

CERM Project No. 11-1232-049

October 21, 2013

Prepared By: Approved By:

Steven Donaldson Jimmy Thomas, III Project Manager Environmental Project Manager

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Client-Centered Solutions

Booker T. Washington – Limited IAQ Testing Project No. 11-1232-049 October 21, 2013

2296 Henderson Mill Road | Suite 200 | Atlanta, Georgia 30345 T: 678-999-0173 | F: 678-999-0186

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October 21, 2013 Via ELECTRONIC MAIL/ ([email protected]) Mr. Victor Gaither Energy & Environmental Services Manager Atlanta Public Schools 1631 LaFrance Street Atlanta, Georgia 30307 RE: Limited Mold/Indoor Air Quality Testing Booker T. Washington High School 45 Whitehouse Drive SW ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30314 CERM PROJECT #: 11-1232-049 Dear Mr. Gaither: Corporate Environmental Risk Management, L.L.C. (CERM) was retained by Atlanta Public Schools (APS) to conduct an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) study at Booker T. Washington High School, located at 45 Whitehouse Drive, in Atlanta, Georgia. The primary objective of the study was to assist APS with addressing potential IAQ issues that may impede the facility’s day-to-day operations and/or expose occupants to excessive levels of air borne pollutants. The study included sampling for airborne mold spores, along with collecting real-time readings of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as, other air quality parameters (i.e. carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity) to determine whether they were present in concentrations that may contribute to health concerns and/or physical symptoms in persons occupying the specified areas. This report presents the background information along with methodology and findings of the IAQ testing conducted by CERM in the study area. CERM performed sampling for analysis of airborne mold spores. Real-time reading instruments were used to measure VOCs, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels in the study area. At the request of the client, study area was determined to be Classroom T1235. The study area was inspected for visual signs of mold growth, moisture intrusion, noticeable odors and other obvious signs of potential air quality issues. No visible signs of mold growth or staining were observed in Classroom T1235. Also, no noticeable odors were detected in Classroom T1235. The HVAC system was in operation during performance of the testing.



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Introduction IAQ generally refers to the quality of air in non-industrial workplaces, such as office buildings, multifamily facilities, governmental institutions, libraries, malls, and schools. IAQ can be a problem when any of the following occur:

Inadequate fresh air ventilation for the building;

Painting or other remodeling is performed nearby or in the building;

Furnace malfunction;

Recent installation of flooring (i.e. carpet, tile, etc.) and furniture;

Outdoor pollutants enter the building through improper location of fresh air intakes; and

Water leaks or condensation result in mold or other microorganisms forming either inside the building or in the heating and ventilation system.

IAQ contaminants include chemicals, dusts, molds or fungi, bacteria, gases, and vapors. As part of this study, air samples for biological contaminants were obtained from specified locations. At the recommendation of the client, the study area was determined to be Classroom T1235. Mr. Steven Donaldson, Project Manager of CERM, performed the IAQ study to assess the current conditions of the facility on October 11, 2013. The IAQ testing was conducted in the study area described above. At the time of the inspection, weather conditions were approximately 70 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit, sunny and cool with clear skies. Mold Molds (fungi) are part of the natural environment. Outdoor molds play a vital part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors, however, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water, moisture, or food. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, (such as sheetrock, ceiling tiles, or other cellulose material) paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture, temperature, and food sources (i.e., organic matter) through implementation of appropriate environmental control procedures.



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Health Effects Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. This section provides a brief overview of the potential health effects related to mold exposure. Mold has been known to contribute to several adverse health effects. Mold can release toxins into the air that have serious health effects on those exposed. These toxins can damage a variety of organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the digestive tract, and the immune system. Millions of people have allergies, and mold is a common irritant. Mold is also a known trigger of asthma. Symptoms of exposure to mold can be as simple as a stuffy nose or watery eyes. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control, some types of mold are known carcinogens. Common symptoms of exposure to mold include the following:

Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath.

Sinus congestion, coughing and sneezing.

Eye, nose, throat and skin irritation.

Dizziness and nausea.

Not everyone has the same sensitivity to mold so it is possible for one person to experience discomfort while others living or working in the environment to have no symptoms whatsoever. Individuals at the greatest risk include:

Allergy and asthma sufferers.

People with respiratory impairment.

People with compromised immune systems.

Contact lens wearers.

Regulations and Guidelines

Currently, there are no federal standards or recommended standards, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards as issued and enforced by either the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause, requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is such a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the hazard. However, failure to implement these guidelines is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.

Methodology and Analytical Data

All samples were collected in accordance with industry-accepted practices and shipped, under chain of custody, to an accredited microbiological laboratory for analysis.



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Airborne Mold Spore Sampling

High volume air sampling pumps, adapted with “Air-O-Cell” spore trap cassettes, were placed in strategically selected locations within each study area to collect samples of airborne mold spores. The flow rate of the air sampling pumps was calibrated using a Dry Cal Lite primary calibration unit.

The results from analysis of airborne mold spores collected by this method are presented as the positively identified fungal (mold) species as follows:

Table 1- Airborne Mold Spore Results

Sample ID 19908483 19908323

Sample Location Classroom T1235 Outside Building

Fungal Species

Result Result

Raw Data Counts /m

3 Raw Data

Counts/m

3

Alternaria 0 0 2 54

Ascomycetes 0 0 15 405 Aspergillus/Penicillium 1 27 28 756

Basidiomycetes 3 81 85 2,295

Cladosporium 1 27 33 891

Myxomycete/Smut 0 0 5 135

Total Fungi 5 135 168 4,536

Airborne mold spore sampling detected three types (genera) of mold within the study area (Classroom T1235) that included: Aspergillus/Penicillium, Basidiomycete and Cladosporium. The concentrations of these molds obtained within the study area were compared to that of the outdoor ambient levels outside of the building. Airborne mold spore sampling detected six types (genera) of mold on the outside of Booker T. Washington High School that included: Alternaria, Ascomycetes, Aspergillus/Penicillium, Basidiomycetes, Cladosporium and Myxomycete/Smut. The total spore counts of all samples of the same genera detected outside of Booker T. Washington High School were higher than the total spore counts detected within the study area. All of the concentrations of mold spores detected within the study area are considered low. The spore counts of the three samples detected within the study area are not considered to be at concentrations that would pose a health concern. Conditions of the areas sampled and/or the condition of Classroom T1235 are subject to change from the time that this assessment was performed. Please note that hypersensitive (i.e. allergic, immunocompromised, etc) individuals may experience physical symptoms even at low mold spore counts. See the laboratory analysis results in Appendix A for a detailed listing of all the fungal species that were examined.



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Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

Health Effects Excessive exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes or buildings. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans. Regulations and Guidelines Currently no regulatory standards have been set for VOCs in non industrial settings.



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Methodology and Analytical Data A portable Minirae Photo-Ionization Detector (PID) was utilized to obtain real-time readings of VOC’s at selected locations within each study area. Each reading was documented and is included in the following table:

Table 2 - VOC Readings

Location VOC reading (ppm)

Classroom T1235 0.0 ppm = parts per million No VOC readings were detected within Classroom T1235. Carbon Monoxide/ Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware of its presence. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

The sources of CO include unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source. Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas which, when inhaled at high concentrations (a dangerous activity because of the associated asphyxiation risk), produces a sour taste in the mouth and a stinging sensation in the nose and throat. These effects result from the gas dissolving in the mucous membranes and saliva, forming a weak solution of carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide levels in the blood can increase, causing shortness of breath and sedation, resulting in carbon dioxide toxicity.

Health Effects

Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, CO poisoning can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, CO causes impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. CO can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving the source area.



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Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake.

At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Carbon Dioxide

At lower levels of exposure, CO2 causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. Vomiting, rapid breathing, and flushing can also occur with carbon dioxide poisoning. Severe cases of CO2 toxicity progress to confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

Regulations and Guidelines

No standards for CO have been agreed upon for indoor air. The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for CO in outdoor air are 9 ppm (40,000 micrograms per meter cubed) for 8 hours, and 35 ppm for 1 hour. (CO2) content in fresh air varies and is between 0.03% (300 ppm) to 0.06% (600 ppm), depending on location and in exhaled air approximately 4.5%. When inhaled in high concentrations (greater than 5% by volume), it is immediately dangerous to the life and health of plants, humans and other animals. The current threshold limit value (TLV) or maximum level that is considered safe for healthy adults for an 8-hour work day is 0.5% (5000 ppm). The maximum safe level for infants, children, the elderly and individuals with cardio-pulmonary health issues would be significantly less. Methodology and Analytical Data

A Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Monitor was utilized to obtain direct readings of CO, CO2, temperature and relative humidity at specified locations. These readings were documented and are included in the following table: Table 3 - CO, CO2, Temperature, and Relative Humidity Results

Sample ID

Location

CO (ppm)

CO2 (ppm)

Temp. (°F)

Relative Humidity

(%)

H1 Classroom T1235 0 610 74.0 40.0

ppm = parts per million The temperature reading in the sampling area was 74.0 °F. The relative humidity level was 40.0%. Mold spores have a greater tendency to proliferate at humidity levels of 70% and higher. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that relative humidity be maintained at levels lower than 60%, with optimum levels being 40 to 50%. The CO2 level was 610 parts per million (ppm), which is below the thresh-hold limit value (TLV) of 5000 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). No CO level was detected in the sampling area tested (Classroom T1235).



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Conclusion/ Recommendation Mold

Based on observations by CERM personnel during the site visit, it is concluded that, at the time of the sampling investigation, mold spore contamination is not at significant levels inside of Classroom T1235. Significant levels of spore contamination can cause health related complications for people who are hypersensitive to particular types of mold spores. Mold spores tend to proliferate in environments where moisture and a nutrition source are present. Nutrition sources are organic materials or materials containing organic matter such as drywall and ceiling tiles. It is possible that rain events will cause moisture intrusion around leaky windows or any other areas where the integrity of the “building envelope” is compromised. It is worth noting that moisture intrusion can result from other sources such as plumbing and HVAC leaks. Whatever the source, drying of the affected areas should be the first course of action. The moisture intrusion (leaks) should be addressed as expediently as possible. An immediate response (within 24 to 48 hours) including thorough clean up, drying, and/or removal of water damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. Classroom T1235 had a humidity level of 40.0%. It is recommended that relative humidity be maintained at levels below 60% to inhibit mold growth. Volatile Organic Compounds

No VOC readings were detected within the study area tested (Classroom T1235). CERM’s investigation of VOCs at the Site did not indicate that there were elevated levels in the study area tested. Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels. At the issuance of this report, CERM makes no recommendations as it pertains to VOCs at the subject Site. Carbon Monoxide No CO levels were detected in the sampling area (Classroom T1235) at the time the testing was conducted. Based on the information obtained from direct readings at the Site during the time the testing was conducted, CO is not a potential health hazard. Carbon Dioxide

The CO2 level in Classroom T1235 was 610 parts per million (ppm), which is below the thresh-hold limit value (TLV) of 5000 ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). At the issuance of this report, CERM makes no recommendations as it pertains to CO2 toxicity at the subject Site.

APPENDIX A LABORATORY ANALYTICAL RESULTS

Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC.

1310B16-001A

19908483 150.00

Spore Types

Analytical Environmental Services, Inc3785 Presidential Pkwy, Atlanta, GA, 30340

Tel.: (770) 457-8177 Fax: (770) 457-8188 E-Mail: [email protected]

Spore Trap Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy-MB 15019 Rev.3

Client:

Project Name:

Date Collected:

Date Analyzed:

Report Date:

Client Sample ID:

AES LabSampleID:

Sample Location: LOD Counts/m3:

Volume (L):

Count/m3

Room T 1235 27

Raw Count

11-1232-049

10/18/2013 8:45:17AM

10/17/2013 2:50:00PM

10/11/2013

% of Total

Background: Low

Agrocybe/Coprinus

Alternaria

Arthrinium

Ascomycetes

Aspergillus/Penicillium 27 1 20

Aureobasidium

Basidiomycetes 81 3 60

Bipolaris

Cercospora

Chaetomium

Cladosporium 27 1 20

Curvularia

Epicoccum

Fusarium

Ganoderma

Myxomycete/Smut

Nigrospora

Pithomyces

Rusts

Spegazzinia

Stachybotrys

Stemphilium

Torula

Ulocladium

Zygomycetes

No discernable field blank was submitted with this group of samples, unless otherwise noted.

Samples received in a good condition unless otherwise noted.

High Levels of background particulate can obscure spores and other particulates leading to underestimation.

It is certified by the signature below that the laboratory identified is accredited by The American Industrial Hygiene Association for

the analysis of Environmental Microbiology, Laboratory ID 100671. This report must not be reproduced except in full without the

approval of Analytical Environmental Services, Inc. These tests results apply only to the samples actually tested.

Microbiology Lab Manager:

James Wallace

Totals Fungi 135 5

Page 1 of 2

Fibers

Glass-Like Fibers

Hyphal Fragments

Insect Fragments

Pollen

100

Page 3 of 5

Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC.

1310B16-002A

19908323 150.00

Spore Types

Analytical Environmental Services, Inc3785 Presidential Pkwy, Atlanta, GA, 30340

Tel.: (770) 457-8177 Fax: (770) 457-8188 E-Mail: [email protected]

Spore Trap Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy-MB 15019 Rev.3

Client:

Project Name:

Date Collected:

Date Analyzed:

Report Date:

Client Sample ID:

AES LabSampleID:

Sample Location: LOD Counts/m3:

Volume (L):

Count/m3

Outside Bldg 27

Raw Count

11-1232-049

10/18/2013 8:45:17AM

10/17/2013 2:50:00PM

10/11/2013

% of Total

Background: Medium

Agrocybe/Coprinus

Alternaria 54 2 1

Arthrinium

Ascomycetes 405 15 9

Aspergillus/Penicillium 756 28 17

Aureobasidium

Basidiomycetes 2,295 85 51

Bipolaris

Cercospora

Chaetomium

Cladosporium 891 33 20

Curvularia

Epicoccum

Fusarium

Ganoderma

Myxomycete/Smut 135 5 3

Nigrospora

Pithomyces

Rusts

Spegazzinia

Stachybotrys

Stemphilium

Torula

Ulocladium

Zygomycetes

No discernable field blank was submitted with this group of samples, unless otherwise noted.

Samples received in a good condition unless otherwise noted.

High Levels of background particulate can obscure spores and other particulates leading to underestimation.

It is certified by the signature below that the laboratory identified is accredited by The American Industrial Hygiene Association for

the analysis of Environmental Microbiology, Laboratory ID 100671. This report must not be reproduced except in full without the

approval of Analytical Environmental Services, Inc. These tests results apply only to the samples actually tested.

Microbiology Lab Manager:

James Wallace

Totals Fungi 4,536 168

Page 2 of 2

Fibers

Glass-Like Fibers

Hyphal Fragments

Insect Fragments

Pollen

100

Page 4 of 5

INDOOR AIR QUALITY · Molds (fungi) are part of the natural environment. Outdoor molds play a vital...

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