Biologically Derived Airborne Contaminants: Bioaerosols and TLVs. KENNETH F. MARTINEZ, MSEE, CIH NIOSH Chair, ACGIH Bioaerosols Committee

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1 Biologically Derived Airborne Contaminants: Bioaerosols and TLVs KENNETH F. MARTINEZ, MSEE, CIH NIOSH Chair, ACGIH Bioaerosols Committee

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3 Where Indoor Environments Agriculture? Biotechnology Health Care

4 Microbiological Concerns Infections Immunologic Reactions Toxic Effects

5 Classification of Occupant Complaints Sick Building Syndrome Building-Related Disease Occupant Discomfort

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7 Why Not Scientifically Supportable? Total Culturable or Countable Bioaerosols Not a single entity Human responses cover wide range No single sampling method exists No exposure/response relationships exist

8 Why Not Scientifically Supportable? Specific Culturable or Countable Bioaerosols - other than infectious Data are derived from indicators rather than actual effector agents Concentrations vary widely Low statistical power in cause-effect relationship studies

9 Why Not Scientifically Supportable? Infectious Culturable or Countable Bioaerosols Dose-response data limited to a few agents Air sampling limited to research Administrative and engineering controls remain the primary defenses

10 Why Not Scientifically Supportable? Assayable biological contaminants Some dose-response relationship data available Experimental studies Epidemiologic surveys Assay methods improving May be appropriate in the future

11 Remediation: Where are we? Information gaps Multitude of evolving guidance documents and certification programs Limited scope No single professional group has accepted responsibility Bring together (at a symposium) Government organization representatives Microbial field subject matter experts Academic researchers Practitioners To develop a best practices document

12 Modify by type of building or occupancy Small or large residence Small or large commercial building School Hospital Nursing Home

13 Remediation Primary Concerns Remove microbiological reservoirs Protect adjacent environment Protect remediation workers

14 Relatively simple projects

15 to complex remediation

16 Visible Fungal Growth Minimum Moderate Extensive Adjacent Environment ACGIH Bioaerosols Committee Source Containment Material removal with minimum dispersal of dust and spores Local Containment Enclosure and negative pressurization Full containment Critical barriers and negative pressurization Personnel trained to handle hazardous materials

17 Remediation Guidelines Health Canada, 1995 Control of Moisture Problems Affecting Biological Indoor Air Quality, 1996, ISIAQ Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control,1999, ACGIH Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, 2000, New York City Department of Health Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, 2001, EPA S520 Mold Remediation Standard, 2003, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace: Safety and Health Information Bulletins, 2003, OSHA

18 PPE Guidelines Bioaerosols - ACGIH Visible Fungal Growth Recommendations to Prevent Suggested Minimum PPE Minimal Source containment N-95 respirator; gloves Moderate Local containment N-95 respirator; eye protection; full-body covering Extensive Full containment As above

19 ACGIH Orlando Symposium days devoted to best practices approach to assessment, control, and remediation of biological contamination Bioaerosol leaders of applied science and practice Various organizations/agencies that promulgate guidance Directed towards the needs of practitioners that provide on-site assistance services Additional day for Committee review/discussion Reviewed existing protocols and guidance documents Reviewed presentations Heard additional presentations Began development of next step

20 Symposium Goals Fill information gaps Obtain diverse input Facilitate open forum and exchange of ideas Allow presented ideas/concepts to be fully evaluated A fusion of principles and best practices for use by professionals in the field

21 Remediation Project IH Physician Engineer (A) Lawyer Technician Lawyer

22 The Future? Emerging industries of concern Bio-solids applications Metal working fluids Emerging infectious diseases SARS Avian influenza Bioterrorism response Anthrax