Health & Public Safety Management

Transcription

1 . Health & Public Safety Management Indoor Air Quality Investigation White Hall Building Assessment Period March 24 9th, 2004 Phase II Prepared 5/5/2004 By Luigi Marcone Director of Health and Public Safety Mgt.

2 White Hall Page 2 Summary As part of a continued commitment to assessing air quality in White Hall, Western Connecticut State University s Health and Public Safety Management Team has responded to several indoor air quality complaints in White Hall, lower level. An initial investigation was conducted from 12/20/2003 to 2/24/2004. Subsequent air samples were collected in White Hall, lower level and other areas of the building. Analytical samples were collected twice daily, in the morning hours and in the afternoon. Additionally, samples collected on growth plates were incubated at two different temperatures, 25ºC (room temperature) and 37ºC (body temperature). These changes in the sampling strategy were utilized to assess if there is a measurable effect on building occupants versus the building proper. The purpose of this phase of the investigation is to determine levels of contaminants in the lower level of the building and how they compare to upper levels of the building. Scope of Investigation Select areas of the building were chosen to be sampled. The areas in question included: WH 038 -Faculty Lounge WH 030 -Faculty Offices WH 107A -Faculty Office WH 107E -Faculty Office WH 208 -Classroom WH 209 -Classroom Assessment and Monitoring The following sampling strategy was employed to determine the Indoor Air Quality at the time. Measure of Temperature/Relative Humidity (RH) to determine the efficacy of Air Transfer Systems and how they are affected by solar load and thermal load from persons and equipment. Measure of Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) to determine the basic quality of the air and the efficacy of the ventilation process in exchanging this natural human contaminant with fresh air during the course of the workday. Test for the presence of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide a by-product of combustion manifests itself by presenting such symptoms as fatigue and headaches. Sampling for temperature, RH, CO 2, and CO was conducted using a Q-Trac Plus IAQ monitor model 8554 monitor with data logging function over a 12 to 24 hour period. 2

3 White Hall Page 3 Tests for the identifying of airborne fungal species. Samples were collected using an Anderson Impactor onto agar growth plates. Plates are incubated; growth colonies are counted and identified. Tests for the identification of fungal species. Samples were collected using an approved lift tape technique and identified using direct optical microscopy. Tests for the identification of particulates on floor surfaces. Samples were collected using specialized vacuum samples, onto 37 mm MCE filters. This technique is intended to identify viable and non-viable biological structures on a known surface area. The test will indicate whether mold or other biological structures are being dispersed through secondary air movements. Results of Monitoring The following results were obtained from the Indoor Air Quality Investigation in White Hall. Temperature The temperature of all areas ranged from 56.0 F to 77.5 F with an average temperature of 72.4 F (Appendix A, Table 1). ASHRAE, The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers have established guidelines for conditions for human occupancy. ASHRAE recommends a winter range of 68 F to 74 F. The average outside ambient temperature was 57.9 F. Relative Humidity The relative humidity of all areas ranged from 12.6% to 26.6% with an average relative humidity of 15.6 % (Appendix A, Table 1) ASHRAE recommends a range of 30% to 60% relative humidity. The average outside ambient relative humidity was 24.25%. Carbon Dioxide The outside ambient carbon dioxide concentration averaged 415 ppm. The carbon dioxide concentration monitored during this investigation ranged from 412 ppm to 790 ppm with an average concentration of 555 ppm(appendix A, Table 1). In comparing the data obtained, the average concentrations fall within the 700 ppm differential established by ASHRE. Carbon Monoxide - Carbon monoxide concentration were negligible or not detected. All concentrations were well below the 2.0 ppm, Occupational Safety and Health Administration s (OSHA s) permissible exposure limit of 35 ppm (Appendix A, Table 1). 3

4 White Hall Page 4 Particulate Analysis Particulate samples were collected from various locations in White Hall. Samples were collected from floors using specialized vacuum samples and collected from known surface areas to assess concentrations. Samples are assessed through visual microscopic inspections (Appendix C, Table 1). The sampling did not find any mold or biological structures in the sampled areas. This indicates that the areas sampled have been cleaned and that the current floor cleaning process is successful at collecting items found on other surfaces. Microbiological Agents in the Air Fungi In order to better trend conditions in the building, duplicate measurements were taken in the morning hours and in the afternoon. This variation in the group s typical sampling strategy was conducted to assess if higher than normal concentrations of airborne fungi occurred in different times of the day. Additionally, samples were also incubated at different temperatures to assess if effects on occupants would differ from effects on the building environment. Comparative measurements were taken throughout the course of this investigation. The average outside ambient concentration of fungi in the morning sampling period was CFU s / m 3 and CFU s / m 3 in the afternoon sampling. In comparing the indoor concentrations to the ambient concentrations there were five instances of slightly elevated concentrations. Cladosporium was detected in all sample locations and outdoors. The five instances of elevated concentrations were also exclusively cladosporium species. are not known to be pathogenic. There was no measurable difference in genus or concentrations of fungi, when incubated at different temperatures. Bacteria Outdoor ambient concentrations of airborne viable bacteria ranged from an average of CFU s / m 3 in the afternoon to 2505 CFU s / m 3 in the morning hours. Indoor concentrations ranged from 14 CFU s / m 3 to 120 CFU s / m 3 ( Appendix D) throughout the course of the day. There were no elevated concentrations of bacteria in the indoor sample locations. There were low concentrations of environmental and human shed bacteria. were detected in all of the indoor sampling areas and did not appear to have significant variance in concentrations from the morning to afternoon sampling periods. Nor were there any statistically significant variances in concentrations or genus when incubated at different temperatures. are human shed bacteria and are caused by the normal shed of skin. It is found in areas of higher occupant density and/or inadequate ventilation. are generally regarded as being harmless bacteria. Normally, these materials are removed through ventilation systems or cleaning procedures such as mopping or vacuuming. Currently there are no established legal guidelines or standards for interpreting this data. However, a general rule of thumb is that the indoor concentrations of environmental bacteria, not human shed, should not exceed 200 CFU s / m 3 or be greater than a third above the total outdoor counts, whichever is higher. 4

5 Indoor Air Quality Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 5 Bacteria - (continued) Conclusion Results of these tests are a snapshot assessment of the conditions at the time of sampling. Change in conditions can affect the relative proportion of viable organisms. Key indoor air quality indicators are used to gauge ventilation conditions within the assessed areas and consisted of temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide sampling. All levels were consistent with recommended standards indicating that while ventilation is managed through a passive air exchange system, it provides adequate air transfers throughout the building. Indoor temperatures were suitable for the building during the season of the assessment. Relative humidity was found to be substantially lower than recommended by ASHRE potentially adding to the discomfort of certain individuals within the building. Higher than expected airborne concentrations of certain fungi and fungal spores were found throughout the assessed area., while not known to be pathogenic and are ubiquitous in nature, were found in all areas. There are no significant changes in the concentration or genus of fungal or bacterial components obtained through airborne sampling, when the samples were incubated at room temperature and at body temperature. This is an indication that fungal and bacterial components that are present within the building are a mixture of both environmental and human shed. Fungal components observed in the sampling are typically found to be within the outdoor environment and can very easily tracked into a building via foot traffic and air dispersion. As long as a cleaning/maintenance program is adhered to, biological contaminants are removed from the environment and the risk of growth is reduced. In comparing the airborne concentrations and genus of fungal and bacterial components obtained from the outdoor and the indoor building environments, it is observed that the outdoor concentrations are significantly higher than those obtained in the indoor locations. The main genus of fungi found in both the indoor and the outdoor samples during the assessment period was cladosporium. As previously mentioned, cladosporium is widely distributed in the air and ubiquitous in nature. It is often found indoors usually in lesser numbers or concentrations than the outdoors. while non-pathogenic may cause symptomatic responses from certain sensitive individuals. A regular cleaning schedule will reduce the quantities of biological contaminates, reducing the effect on building occupants. In reviewing the vacuum sample information obtained from the floor surfaces it is determined that there is no indication of fungal materials being dispersed and settling onto floor surfaces. This data indicates that the cleaning practices for the floor surfaces, at the locations sampled, is acceptable and is not allowing fungal components to remain on the floor. The review of the samples obtained from the air within wall cavities of several offices and rooms indicates that moderate concentrations of aspergillus along with stachybotris were detected in Room 107A. These findings are indicative of possible moisture incursion and may be evidence that fungal growth may be taking place below a series of windows. 5

6 Conclusions (continued) Indoor Air Quality Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 6 Based on the indoor air quality investigation conducted, Health & Public Safety Management makes the following conclusions: Indoor air quality indicators were normal. Temperatures for all sample locations were within ASHRE recommended guidelines. Relative Humidity for all sample locations was lower than recommended which could potentially cause static electricity and dry air, but not greatly contribute to the overall indoor air quality concerns. There have been isolated higher than normal airborne concentrations of certain bacteria and fungi. There have been isolated findings of microbial growth above ceilings and behind walls. There is no significant change in concentration or genus of fungal or bacterial components through airborne sampling when incubated at room and body temperatures. There is no significant difference in air quality between the lower level and the remainder of the building. Building maintenance continues to be an item requiring attention. Recommendations Recommendations from Phase I Assessment have been validated by Phase II Assessment and need continued attention. 1) Moisture infiltration needs to be resolved. Planting beds will be re-graded to allow for proper drainage away from foundation. Testing will be conducted to ensure that the grade change has been effective. 2) Areas containing visible and/or documented microbial contamination need to be abated. Areas with known surface contamination, (Appendix C, Table 1) of biological agents will be abated. The abatement process will consist of trained employees using sanitizing solutions and specialized HEPA vacuums to kill and collect any biological contaminants. Larger contamination areas may be abated by outside vendors. 3) Working with Facilities Maintenance and the academic departments in the building, the Health and Public Safety Management team will develop a strict cleaning schedule to ensure that faculty offices are cleaned regularly. Specifically, windowsills, tops of cabinets and shelves, flat surfaces and floors. This process will ensure that naturally occurring material walked or blown into the building are removed before they are allowed to propagate causing secondary contamination of the areas. The cleaning process will also prevent the dispersion of contaminants into the air causing airborne biocontaminants. 4) I strongly urge the formation of an Air Quality Building Committee. The committee members would be trained in identifying warning signs, and dealing with remedial action. The committee would be responsible for ensuring that certain measures are taken to prevent a future reoccurrence. Namely, identifying problem areas and identifying areas not receiving appropriate maintenance attention. Additionally, Health and Public Safety Management would implement a program of Continued Air Monitoring Maintenance. Under this plan, some level of air sampling would be conducted to ensure that the condition of the building does not regress. 6

7 Indoor Air Quality Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 7 5) Finally, Health and Public Safety Management in conjunction with Facilities Maintenance and Planning and Engineering need to establish strict dust control protocols. Construction dust and debris have added to the conditions currently found in the building. Validation of Data The analytical work conducted in this investigation has been validated by Apex Environmental Services, 584 Connecticut Avenue, South Windsor CT, Apex Environmental Services was contracted to assist with and validate the Health and Public Safety Management s findings. Apex s role in Phase II included review of protocol, sampling strategy, and assistance with interpretation of analytical findings. The Phase II Assessment was recommended, and on April 1 st, 2004, the data discussed in the report was collected. Apex Environmental collected limited side by side samples with the Health and Public Safety Management Team s samples. Apex used the same recognized sampling techniques, but utilized their equipment and laboratory. There were no significant difference in the samples collected by Western Connecticut State University and Apex. 7

8 Indoor Air Quality Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 8 Appendix A Results of Key Indicator Sampling Table 1 Sample Locator WH Lounge (Samples 1 thru 6) WH Office (Samples 7 thru 12) Dry Temperature ( F) Relative Humidity (%) Carbon Monoxide (ppm) Carbon Dioxide (ppm) WH - 107A - Office (Samples 13 thru 18) WH - 107E - Office (Samples 19 thru 22) WH (Samples 23 thru 26) WH - Ambient Outdoors (Samples 27 thru 30) WH Lounge (Samples 31 thru 34) WH Office (Samples 35 thru 38) WH - 107A - Office (Samples 39 thru 42) WH - 107E - Office (Samples 43 thru 46) WH - Outdoors (Samples 47 thru 50) WH - WH (Samples 51 & 52) Average

9 Indoor Air Quality Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 9 Appendix B Fungal Identification by Andersen Impactor Sample ID Location Fungal Identification Concentration PDA WH 038 Lounge PDA WH 038 Lounge in wall cavity PDA WH 030 Office PDA WH 038 Lounge PDA WH 038 Lounge Wall Cavity (AM) PDA WH 030 Office PDA WH 030 Office Wall Cavity (AM) Aspergillus species Non-sporulating fungus (White ) Alternaria species Aspergillus fumigatus Verticillium species Aspergillus versicolor Arthrographis species Aspergillus ustus Basidomycetes Non-sporulating fungus Aspergillus versicolor Basidomycetes Rhodotorula species Scopulariopsis species Alternaria species Epicoccum species Pithomyces species Basidomycetes Rhodotorula species Botrytis species Epicoccum species Rhodotorula species 21 CFU S/m 3 42 CFU s/m 3 70 CFU s/m 3 14 CFU S/m 3 21 CFU S/m 3 7 CFU S/m 3 18 CFU S/m 3 11 CFU S/m 3 4 CFU S/m 3 4 CFU S/m 3 7 CFU S/m 3 74 CFU S/m 3 4 CFU S/m 3 7 CFU S/m 3 14 CFU S/m CFU s/m 3 28 CFU S/m 3 42 CFU s/m 3 21 CFU s/m 3 9

10 White Hall Page 10 Sample ID Location Fungal Identification Concentration PDA WH 107A Office PDA WH 107E PDA WH PDA WH 030 Office Wall cavity (AM) PDA WH 107A Office PDA WH 107E Office PDA Outdoors (AM) PDA WH 038 Lounge (PM) Aspergillus fumigatus Basidomycetes Yeast Trichoderma species Aspergillus fumigatus Aspergillus niger Arthrographis species Botrytis species Pencillium species Aspergillus fumigatus Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Pencillium species Pithomyces species Botrytis species Alternaria species Aspergillus niger Yeast Zygomycete species Aspergillus niger Paecilomyces variotti Pencillium species 7 CFU S/m CFU S/m CFU s/m 3 14 CFU S/m 3 4 CFU S/m 3 21 CFU s/m 3 18 CFU s/m 3 4 CFU S/m 3 11 CFU s/m 3 11 CFU s/m 3 11 CFU s/m 3 18 CFU s/m CFU s/m CFU s/m CFU s/m 3 49 CFU s/m 3 63 CFU s/m 3 21 CFU s/m 3 10

11 White Hall Page 11 Sample ID Location Fungal Identification Concentration PDA WH 030 Office (PM) PDA WH PDA Outdoors (AM) PDA WH 038 Lounge (PM) PDA WH 107A Office (PM) PDA WH 107E Office (PM) PDA Outdoors (PM) Aphanocladium species Paccilomyces variotti Pencillium species Yeast Yeast Alternaria species Aspergillus niger Fusarium species Stemphylium species Aspergillus niger Arthrographis species Geptrichum species Phacoarcremonium species Epicoccum species 70 CFU s/m 3 92 CFU s/m 3 21 CFU s/m CFU s/m 3 25 CFU s/m 3 81 CFU s/m CFU s/m CFU s/m 3 70 CFU s/m CFU s/m CFU s/m

12 White Hall Page 12 Sample ID Location Fungal Identification Concentration PDA WH 109 (PM) PDA WH 030 Office (PM) PDA WH 107A - Office (PM) PDA WH 107E Office (PM) PDA Outdoors (PM) PDA WH 109 (PM) Aspergillus fumigatus Basidiomycetes Trichoderma species Aspergillus species Arthrographis species Aureobasidium species Yeast Aureobasidium species Botrytis species Aspergillus species Botrytis species Yeast 1 92 CFU s/m 3 18 CFU s/m 3 46 CFU s/m 3 32 CFU s/m 3 95 CFU s/m 3 11 CFU s/m CFU s/m 3 12

13 White Hall Page 13 Appendix C, Table 1 Microscopic Examination of Fungal Spores, Fungal Structures, Hyphae, & Other Particulates from Surface Samples Sample ID Location Fungal Identification A WH Lounge (Sealed Concrete) No Mold Detected B WH 030- Office (Concrete with coating) No Mold Detected - Fiber C WH - 107E Office (Tile) No Mold Detected - Fiber D WH - 107A Office (Tile) E WH -208 (Tile) No Mold Detected - Fiber No Mold Detected Appendix C, Table 2 Air-O-Cell Cassette Analysis of Fungal Spores & Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy Sample ID Location Fungal Identification Concentration Comments WH - 107A Aspergillus/Penicillium 183 CFU s/m 3 Rarely opportunistic in humans. May cause cornial infections. Office- Air Stachybotrys 91 CFU S/m 3 Sample Wall Pollen 91 CFU S/m 3 Cavity Fibrous Particulate 274 CFU S/m 3 Category Count Rare 1 to 10 Low 11 to 100 Medium 101 to 1000 High >

14 Appendix D Indoor Air Quality, Phase II-3/29/2004 White Hall Page 14 Bacterial Identification by Andersen Impactor Sample ID Location Bacterial Identification Concentration Comments WH 038- Lounge Air (AM) Staphylococcus species (not aureus) 28 CFU s/m 3 14 CFU S/m 3 21 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Released from skin. Microbacterium species WH 038- Office Psychorobacter immobilis 85 CFU s/m 3 21 CFU S/m 3 Released from skin WH 107A Office Psychorobacter immobilis 49 CFU s/m 3 21 CFU S/m 3 Released from skin WH 107E Office 78 CFU s/m 3 Released from skin. Rhodobacter sphacroides 35 CFU S/m WH 208 WH 038- Lounge WH 030- Office WH 107A- Office WH 107E Office WH CFU S/m 3 Released from skin. Gram Negative Rods, 28 CFU s/m 3 Unable to ID 14 CFU S/ m 3 Pacnibacillus/Arthrobacter species 18 CFU S/ m 3 14 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Psychorobacter immobilis 25 CFU S/ m 3 Microbacterium species 11 CFU S/ m 3 14 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Staphylococcus species 14 CFU S/ m 3 Gram Variable Rods, unable to ID 18 CFU S/ m 3 21 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. 21 CFU S/ m 3 Pacnibacillus/Arthrobacter species 11 CFU S/ m 3 53 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. 14 CFU S/ m 3 14

15 White Hall Page 15 Sample ID Location Bacterial Identification Concentration Comments Ambient Outdoors Bacillus species 423 CFU S/ m CFU S/ m 3 Brevibacillus 1056 CFU S/ m WH Lounge Pacnibacillus polymyxa Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID Arthrobacter oxydans 70 CFU S/ m CFU S/ m 3 56 CFU S/ m WH Office 35 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID 21 CFU S/ m 3 21 CFU S/ m WH 107E - Lounge Micrococcus lylac 49 CFU S/ m 3 Rothia/Micobacterium 49 CFU S/ m 3 42 CFU S/ m WH 107E - Lounge Ambient Outdoors WH 038- Lounge WH 030- Office 120 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Bacillus species 707 CFU S/ m 3 >1060 CFU S/ m 3 Micrococcus luteus >1060 CFU S/ m 3 Bacillus species 35 CFU S/ m 3 60 CFU S/ m 3 Gram positive cocci 53 CFU S/ m 3 Non-viable 60 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Rhodococcus fascians 35 CFU S/ m WH 107A- Office 21 CFU S/ m 3 Released from skin. Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID 21 CFU S/ m 3 18 CFU S/ m WH 107E- Office No Bacterial Growth Ambient Outdoors Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID 127 CFU S/ m 3 70 CFU S/ m 3 85 CFU S/ m Ambient Outdoors Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID Gram Positive Rods, unable to ID 106 CFU S/ m 3 32 CFU S/ m 3 71 CFU S/ m 3 LM/ts LM04 CT-MSWORD/CORRESPONDENCE/REPORTS/INDOOR AIR QUALITY PHASE II.doc 15