February 18, 2013 Sent Via

Transcription

1 Mand February 18, 2013 Sent Via Ms. Cameron Tipton St. Tammany Parish School Board 321 N. Theard Street Covington, LA RE: Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Naphthalene Air Quality Testing Mandeville Junior High School 400 Building Wing Leaaf #: Dear Ms. Tipton: The following report summarizes the findings of air quality testing completed by Leaaf Environmental, LLC (Leaaf) at Mandeville Junior High located at 639 Carondelet Street, Mandeville, LA Refer to Appendix A for an illustration of the location of the property. The air sampling was conducted to determine the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Naphthalene in the eastern or 400 wing of the school. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Air Sampling On January 22, 2013, Jim Blazek of Leaaf collected twelve (12) PCR air samples for the detection of Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum. The air sampling was performed in accordance with the sampling procedures detailed in Appendix B Attachment 1. Refer to Appendix B Attachment 2 for field data identifying the sample locations. The samples were sent to a third party laboratory that specializes in air quality testing where DNA was extracted and amplified in a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This process allowed detection of minute amounts of substances based on the presence of their DNA. Samples were collected from within the classrooms that had the highest probability of having bats present in the walls, in two ceiling areas and one outside sample. Neither Cryptococcus neoformans nor Histoplasma capsulatum were detected in the air samples. Refer to Appendix B Attachment 3 for a copy of the laboratory report. Naphthalene Sampling On January 22, 2013, Jim Blazek of Leaaf collected nineteen (19) air quality samples for the detection of aromatic hydrocarbons via NIOSH Method 1501for Naphthalene inside and outside of the east wing of Mandeville Jr. High School. The samples were collected to determine if the mothballs that were placed above the ceiling had created an airborne issue as it relates to exposure to Naphthalene. Naphthalene was chosen as it was the primary ingredient of the mothballs with a concentration of 99.95%. The sampling was performed in accordance with the sampling procedures detailed in Appendix C Attachment 1. Refer to Appendix C Attachment 2 for field data identifying the sample locations. Samples were sent for third party analysis at a laboratory that specializes in Aromatic Hydrocarbon analysis of air samples. The sample analysis indicates that air quality in the tested areas was below detection limits for aromatic hydrocarbons. Samples results indicated that levels were all below the analytical detection limit of 0.31 mg/m 3 or ppm. This level was well below the 8-hour Time Weighted Average of 10 ppm as allowed by OSHA. Note: Naphthalene s odor threshold is ppm; therefore, although occupants could smell the mothballs, the occupants were not being exposed to unsafe levels of Naphthalene. Summary of Findings The sampling and analysis indicated that the presence of the bats has not created an airborne exposure issue typically associated with the presence of bat guano (I.e. Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum). Also the installation of the mothballs has also not created an airborne exposure issue to Naphthalene. Leaaf environmental, llc 812 Rupp St., Gretna, LA (504) (Fax) Page 1

2 If there are any questions or additional information is needed, please contact me at (504) Sincerely, Leaaf Environmental, LLC Jim Blazek Jr. Sr. Environmental Professional Attachment (support documents) Leaaf environmental, llc 812 Rupp St., Gretna, LA (504) (Fax) Page 2

3 Appendices Appendix A Property Location Map Appendix B Air Sampling (Crypto/Histo) Support Documentation Attachment 1 - Attachment 2 - Attachment 3 - Sampling & Analysis Method Field Documentation Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Appendix C Air Sampling (Naphthalene) Support Documentation Attachment 1 - Attachment 2 - Attachment 3 - Sampling & Analysis Method Field Documentation Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Appendix D Sources of Information Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

4 Appendix A: Property Location Map Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

5 Wing Source: Property: Drawing Name: Leaaf Environmental, llc Google Earth Photo Date 29 Nov 2011 Enhanced by Leaaf on 18 February 2013 Mandeville Jr. High School 639 Carondelet Street Mandeville La., Property Location Map Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

6 Appendix B Air Sampling Support Crypto/Hysto Support Documentation Attachment 1 - Attachment 2 - Attachment 3 - Sampling, Analysis and Data Interpretation Method Field Documentation Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

7 Attachment 1 - Sampling, Analysis and Data Interpretation Method Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

8 General Procedures: Cryptococcus Neoformans and Histoplasma Capsulatum There are no current regulation developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) for Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma Capsulatum inspections. There are no threshold limits for either; therefore, Leaaf has utilized the following methodology for identifying if these fungi are present within an area of concern when using air quality sampling: Leaaf s environmental professional inspected the area(s) of concern and determined if any of the following were present (1) visible source(s) of suspect bat guano, (2) visible signs of animal presence and/or (3) suspect odors. The indoor samples are collected to determine the airborne level of constituents of concern within the area tested. Collected samples were forwarded to a third party laboratory for analysis. Once the laboratory data was returned to Leaaf, the lab report was reviewed and a report is developed. Equipment: Leaaf collected air quality samples using one or more of the following vacuum type sampling pumps: Buck Libra Plus Air Sampling Pump Zefon International Rotary Vane Sampling Pump Model ZHV00 (HV-XXX) The pumps are set to pull 5 liters per minute (LPM) of air. The pumps are calibrated with a secondary flow indicator to ensure that the pump is pulling the correct number of LPM. If the calibration check identifies a discrepancy from the desired LPM, the pump is adjusted until the flow indicator reads the desired LPM. Sampling Media: The air samples are collected using a 37mm Air Sampling Cassette of 0.45um polycarbonate filter. These cassettes have an expiration date; therefore, the date is checked on each cassette prior to use. Any expired cassettes are discarded. Sample media is provided by the laboratory. Sampling Time: Sampling time may vary based on the site conditions; however, Leaaf typically utilizes a 200 minute sampling time period. The time period is noted on the field documentation. Field Documentation: Leaaf utilizes an Air Monitoring Data Sheet (developed by Leaaf) to document project specific information pertaining to the collection of the air samples. This information includes, but is not limited to, sample number, sample location, times and flow. Leaaf will typically develop an approximate site field drawing or will use an aerial photograph of the site to illustrate the locations where the samples were collected. Any developed drawing is meant to assist in providing an illustrated guide and is not to be considered a legal survey or actual drawing of the property. Upon completion of the sampling effort, Leaaf s environmental professional completes an environmental chain-of-custody to be used to track the handling of the samples from Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

9 the field to the laboratory. The samples and the chain-of-custody are placed into a sealable plastic baggy. The bagged samples are then placed into a shipping container (typically a FedEx package) for delivery to the laboratory. Laboratory Analysis: The samples are sent to a laboratory that specializes in the analysis of air quality samples for the constituents of concern. The sample media within the cassettes are removed and DNA is extracted and placed in material for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a DNA amplification process, and read against a standard curve. PCR is a relatively new method and while it does have a low detection limit (100 organisms per swab or 130 organisms per meter 3 ) it does not provide data on the amount of an organism present in the sample because of the method itself. Even a very small amount of DNA recovered may grow exponentially making quantification difficult; therefore, PCR results are presented as Presence or Absent. Refer to the laboratory report for additional information. Interpretation of Data: To develop the opinion and conclusions presented in Leaaf s report, the environmental professional evaluates all of the data (visual, olfactory and lab) collected during the course of the Survey. The evaluation of both visual and olfactory evidence is straight forward: Is it there or not. The laboratory data is analyzed to determine if there is a biological agent present, which may affect the environment or its occupants. Currently no widely accepted protocols or regulations exist concerning this type of air sampling or its interpretations; therefore, all data is interpreted based on its context including the specifics of the agent in question. Limitation of the Sampling and Analysis Method: The investigation performed by LEAAF was a snap shot of the airborne dispersion of the constituents of Concern at the sample locations. The air sampling method utilized by this survey can only collect spores that are airborne at the time of the sample collection; therefore, sampling efforts at a different time or location may result in different results. This survey was intended to determine if the listed constituents of concern were present within the areas being tested. This survey was not intended to determine the cause between constituent of concerni and any medical conditions. If occupants are experiencing health related complaints then an environmental health physician should be consulted. This report was developed and incorporates information that was obtainable within a reasonable time, cost and direction by the Client and/or Clients representative. Leaaf makes no warranties as to the conclusions or opinions made by others based on the information presented in this report. This report is provided to the Client only, and is intended to assist the Client in making an informed decision about the property. Leaaf s opinions are based on the site conditions at the time of the survey and the results reported by the laboratory. As individuals may be affected by on-site or off-site environmental and conditions at the time of the survey, there is the possibility that changing conditions could drastically affect the results. Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

10 Attachment 2 - Field Documentation Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

11 AIR MONITORING DATA SHEET Date: 22 JAN 2013 Leaaf File #: STS-025 Project Location: Mandeville Junior High Constituent of Concern: Histo/Crypto Air Sample Number Area Room Pump Number Start Stop Total Flow Time Flow Time Time Average Flow -H/C-001 Interior Exterior Classroom 411 LP min L -H/C-002 Interior Exterior Classroom 413 -H/C-003 Interior Exterior Classroom415 -H/C-004 Interior Exterior Classroom 417 -H/C-005 Interior Exterior Classroom 419 -H/C-006 Interior Exterior Hall CR LP LP HV-014 HV-013 HV min min min min min 5 -H/C-007 Interior Exterior Hall CR HV min 5 -H/C-008 Interior Exterior Classroom 413 Ceiling HV min 5 -H/C-009 Interior Exterior Classroom 417 Ceiling HV min 5 -H/C-010 Interior Exterior Classroom 409 HV min 5 -H/C-011 Interior Exterior Classroom 416 / Kitchen HV min 5 -H/C-012 Interior Exterior Outside Classroom 413 HV min 5 Total Volume 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L 1000 L Environmental Professional: Jim Blazek, Jr. Leaaf environmental llc Page 1 of 1 (504)

12 0 - _. ~ 8 &.. ca i &: '" ~ ~ ~ t! ~.~ () o -

13 Attachment 3 - Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

14 EMSL Analytical, Inc. 200 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ Phone/Fax: (800) / Client: Leaaf Environmental, LLC EMSL Order ID: Rupp Street Date Received: 1/24/2013 Gretna, LA Date Analyzed: 1/28/2013 Attn: Jim Blazek Date Reported: 1/29/2013 Project: Mandeville JH Date Amended: Real-Time PCR Analysis for Cryptococcus neoformans Based on published method (Bialek, R. 2002, 9: , CDLI), EMSL Test Code: M143, Revision No. 1, 02/02/2010 Lab Sample Number Client Sample ID Location Amount Received Amount Sampled Present/Absent H/C-001 CR411 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-002 CR413 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-003 CR415 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-004 CR417 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-005 CR419 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-006 CR HALL Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-007 CR HALL Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-008 CR413 CEILING Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-009 CR417 CEILING Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-010 CR409 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-011 KITCHEN / CR416 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-012 RM 413 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent EMSL maintains liability limited to cost of analysis. Interpretation of the data contained in this report is the responsibility of the client. This report relates only to the samples reported above and may not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval by EMSL. The above test report relates only to the items tested. EMSL bears no responsibility for sample collection activities or analytical method limitations. Quanyi "Charlie" Li, Ph.D. Director, DNA Analysis Laboratory Page 1 of 1

15 EMSL Analytical, Inc. 200 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ Phone/Fax: (800) / Lab Sample Number Client: Leaaf Environmental, LLC EMSL Order ID: Rupp Street Date Received: 1/24/2013 Gretna, LA Date Analyzed: 1/28/2013 Attn. Jim Blazek Date Reported: 1/29/2013 Project: Mandeville JH Date Amended: Nested PCR Analysis for Histoplasma capsulatum Based on NIOSH method (MCP, 13: , 1999), EMSL Test Code: M208, Revision No. 1, 03/02/2010 Client Sample ID Location Amount Received Amount Sampled Present/Absent H/C-001 CR411 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-002 CR413 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-003 CR415 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-004 CR417 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-005 CR419 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-006 CR HALL Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-007 CR HALL Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-008 CR413 CEILING Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-009 CR417 CEILING Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-010 CR409 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-011 KITCHEN / CR416 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent H/C-012 RM 413 Air 1000L Air 1000L Absent EMSL maintains liability limited to cost of analysis. Interpretation of the data contained in this report is the responsibility of the client. This report relates only to the samples reported above and may not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval by EMSL. The above test report relates only to the items tested. EMSL bears no responsibility for sample collection activities or analytical method limitations. Quanyi "Charlie" Li, Ph.D. Director, DNA Analysis Laboratory Page 1 of 1

16

17

18 Appendix C Air Sampling Naphthalene Support Documentation Attachment 1 - Attachment 2 - Attachment 3 - Sampling, Analysis and Data Interpretation Method Field Documentation Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Leaaf environmental, llc Appendices (504) (Fax)

19 Attachment 1 Sampling, Analysis and Data Interpretation Method Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

20 General Procedures: Leaaf collected samples and analyzed in accordance with NIOSH Method The results were then compared to OSHAs Naphthalene exposure limits. Leaaf collected air samples in classrooms and various locations or areas within and outside of the structure. Collected samples were forwarded to a third party laboratory for analysis. Once the laboratory data was returned to Leaaf, the lab report was reviewed and a report is developed. Equipment: Leaaf collected air quality samples using one or more of the following low volume vacuum type sampling pumps: Buck Libra Air Sampling Pump Gillian GilAir5 Sampling Pump The pumps are set to pull liters per minute (LPM) of air. The pumps are calibrated with a secondary flow indicator to ensure that the pump is pulling the correct number of LPM. If the calibration check identifies a discrepancy from the desired LPM, the pump is adjusted until the flow indicator reads the desired LPM. Sampling Media The air samples are collected using a sorbent tube with charcoal filter. SKC Anasorb CSC (coconut shell charcoal) sorbent sample tubes, Catalog # , were used. Sampling Time: Sampling time may vary based on the site conditions; however, Leaaf typically utilizes a 120-minute sampling period. The time period is noted on the field documentation. Field Documentation: Leaaf utilizes an Air Monitoring Data Sheet (developed by Leaaf) to document project specific information pertaining to the collection of the air samples. This information includes, but is not limited to, sample number, sample location, times and flow. Leaaf will typically develop an approximate site field drawing or will use an aerial photograph of the site to illustrate the locations where the samples were collected. Any developed drawing is meant to assist in providing an illustrated guide and is not to be considered a legal survey or actual drawing of the property. Upon completion of the sampling effort, Leaaf s environmental professional completes an environmental chain-of-custody to be used to track the handling of the samples from the field to the laboratory. The samples and the chain-of-custody are placed into a sealable plastic baggy. The bagged samples are then placed into a shipping container (typically a FedEx package) for delivery to the laboratory. Laboratory Analysis: The samples are sent to a laboratory that specializes in the analysis of aromatic hydrocarbons. The sample tubes are injected with a known amount of desorption efficiency DE stock solution (5 to 25 μl) directly onto front the sorbent section of the charcoal tube with a microliter syringe. The tubes are allowed to air equilibrate for several minutes, and then the ends of the tube are capped and allowed to stand Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

21 overnight. The sample media is then injected into a gas chromatograph and the reaction time is recorded. Interpretation of Data: To develop the opinion and conclusions presented in Leaaf s report, the environmental professional compared the analytical results to the OSHA permissible exposure standard for Naphthalene. This value has been established at the time of the survey at 10 ppm. Limitation of the Sampling and Analysis Method: The investigation performed by LEAAF was a snap shot of the airborne dispersion naphthalene at the sample locations. The air sampling method utilized by this survey can determine contamination that is airborne at the time of the sample collection; therefore, sampling efforts at a different time or location may have different results. This survey was intended to determine if naphthalene was present within the areas being tested. This survey was not intended to determine the cause of any medical conditions. If occupants are experiencing health related complaints then an environmental health physician should be consulted. This report was developed and incorporates information that was obtainable within a reasonable time, cost and direction by the Client and/or Clients representative. Leaaf makes no warranties as to the conclusions or opinions made by others based on the information presented in this report. This report is provided to the Client only, and is intended to assist the Client in making an informed decision about the property. Leaaf s opinions are based on the site conditions at the time of the survey and the results reported by the laboratory. As fungi are affected by environmental and site conditions at the time of the survey, there is the possibility that changing conditions could drastically affect the spore count and resulting presence or non-presence. This report should not be altered or copied without LEAAF s written permission. Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

22 Attachment 2 Field Documentation Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

23 AIR MONITORING DATA SHEET Date: 22 JAN 2013 Leaaf File #: STS-025 Project Location: Mandeville Junior High Constituent of Concern: Naphthalene NIOSH 1501 Air Sample Number Area Room Pump Number Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom 416 / Kitchen Interior Exterior Classroom 409 LV Interior Exterior Classroom 407 LV Interior Exterior Classroom 405 LV Interior Exterior Classroom 403 LV Interior Exterior Classroom 401 LV Interior Exterior Classroom 402 PP Interior Exterior Classroom 404 PP-02 Start Stop Total Flow Time Flow Time Time Average Flow Total Volume min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L Environmental Professional: Jim Blazek, Jr. SKC Anasorb CSC Lot 2000 Leaaf environmental llc Page 1 of 2 (504)

24 AIR MONITORING DATA SHEET Date: 22 JAN 2013 Leaaf File #: STS-025 Project Location: Mandeville Junior High Constituent of Concern: Naphthalene NIOSH 1501 Air Sample Number Area Room Pump Number Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Classroom Interior Exterior Hall CR Interior Exterior Hall CR Interior Exterior Outside Door near Classroom Start Stop Total Flow Time Flow Time Time Average Flow Total Volume min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L min 24 L Environmental Professional: Jim Blazek, Jr. Leaaf environmental llc Page 2 of 2 (504)

25 ts...-_~----jj. a ~ "" 0 - Q o() ~.

26 Attachment 3 Laboratory Report and Chain of Custody Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34 Appendix D Sources of Information Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments

35 Sources of Information 1. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Histoplasmosis Protecting Workers at Risk, December T.M. Reid and M.P. Schafer Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences and Physical Sciences and Engineering, National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health, Direct detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in soil suspensions by two-stage PCR National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Method 1501: Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Evaluation Full Issue 3,15 March Leaaf environmental, llc (504) (Fax) Attachments