Indoor Air Quality Report Shawnee City Hall 222 N. Broadway, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801
INDOOR AIR QUALITY SAMPLING REPORT Project Locations: Shawnee City Hall 222 N. Broadway, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801 Prepared For: City of Shawnee/Human Resources Department Ms. Kelly Howard 16 W. 9 th. Street Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801 Prepared By: Wesley Anderson, CHMM, CIES, CMRS Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. 1401 Cornell Parkway Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-949-5558 Sampling Date: February 5&13, 2009 Report Date: March 10, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1 1.1 SCOPE OF WORK...1 1.2 SITE BACKGROUND...1 1.3 FINDINGS...2 1.3.1 Viable Fungi Results...2 1.3.2 Mycotoxin Sample Results...4 2.0 CONCLUSIONS...4 APPENDIX A Referances...5 APPENDIX B SITE MAP...5 APPENDIX C Biological Contaminants...5 APPENDIX D Laboratory Analytical Report...10 APPENDIX E - Disclaimer...11 APPENDIX F - Certifications...13
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Scope of Work Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. was retained by Ms. Kelly Howard, City of Shawnee/Human Resources Department, to conduct an Indoor Air Quality Investigation at Shawnee City Hall, 222 N. Broadway, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. (ESS) was contacted to determine if there is an air quality problem in the building due to mold, which can cause allergic reactions. On February 5 and 13, 2009, Wes Anderson, with ESS, collected ten indoor air samples to determine the air quality of the building as it relates to mold. All samples collected were submitted to EMSL Laboratories. Five samples that were collected utilizing an air pump with a PCR cassette were submitted for Trichothecene Mycotoxin analysis and five samples were collected utilizing an Anderson Sampler with an MEA Agar (Fungi) plate to determine if a viable (living) Stachybotrys fungus (mold) was present that is known to produce the Mycotoxin Trichothecene. 1.2 Site Background The Shawnee City Hall is a one story concrete block building with a basement located at 222 N. Broadway in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The building age is unknown, for this report. The Shawnee City Hall is occupied by the Town Clerk, administrative personnel, public works, and police department. The City Hall Basement is mainly utilized by the Shawnee Police Department. There was an historical pipe leak that occurred and impacted the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Office and an area outside the hallway within the basement near the building elevators. The reason for the inspection involves an employee who has filed a workers compensation claim alleging exposure to Trichothecene Mycotoxin produced by a Stachybotrys fungi (mold). Several additional Indoor Air Quality Investigations were conducted by others to determine the same. The investigation conducted by ESS was in five areas, chosen by the client and based on previous investigations. These areas were the CID Office, Uniform Division Supervisor Office, Police Records and Information Hallway, Hallway Outside Room 116A, and First Floor Foyer (See Attached Building Layout).
1.3 Findings On February 5 and 13, 2009 site walks were conducted of the areas of concern. Those present during sampling were Ron Baze, Attorney representing Kent Borcherding, Matt Love, Attorney representing The City of Shawnee, and Wesley Anderson, with Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. On February 5, 2009 Wesley Anderson, with ESS, conducted one air sampling utilizing an air pump to draw a volume of air through a PCR cassette in each area. Approximately 50 liters of air volume was run across the sample media of the PCR cassette in order to collect particulate matter that may contain the Mycotoxin Trichothecene. In conjunction an Anderson Sampler was utilized with an MEA Agar (Fungi) plate to determine if any other viable (living) fungi (mold) was present that has the potential to produce other Mycotoxins, one air sample per area was conducted. Samples were submitted to EMSL Laboratories to the attention of Dr. Zeljko for analysis and identification. Dr. Zeljko reported that 50 liters of air was not enough air volume to collect a sufficient sample of debris (particulate) in the PCR cassette. Dr. Zeljko requested that a minimum of 1,000 liters of air would be needed in order to collect a large enough sampling of particulate in the PCR cassette. On February 13, 2009, Wes Anderson, with ESS, resampled the five areas utilizing an air pump and PCR Cassette to submit for Mycotoxin Analysis. Per Dr. Zeljko s recommendation 1,000 liters of air volume was ran through the PCR Cassette. No additional samples were collected for viable mold based on findings. All samples collected were submitted to EMSL Laboratories. Sampling was conducted during normal business hours for all air sampling, approximately 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. All samples collected were submitted to EMSL Laboratories to the attention of Dr. Zeljko for analysis and identification. Below are the results and in Appendix B, Laboratory Analysis. 1.3.1 Viable Fungi Results On February 5, 2009 Wesley Anderson, with ESS, conducted air sampling utilizing an Anderson Sampler with an MEA Agar (Fungi) plate to determine if any other viable (living) fungi (mold) was present that has the potential to produce other Mycotoxins, one air sample per area was conducted. Anderson Sampling device was set at 28.3 liters per minute for 5 minutes per location. Below are the results and in Appendix B, Laboratory Analysis.
Results of testing did not indicate the presences of Stachybotrys fungi at the time of testing. Aspergillus and Penicillium genera of fungi can produce Mycotoxins. * Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been identified as toxic agents.
1.3.2 Mycotoxin Sample Results On February 13, 2009 Wesley Anderson, with ESS, conducted air sampling utilizing a calibrated air pump and a PCR Cassette to be submitted for Mycotoxin Analyisis Total Trichothecenes by ELISA. one air sample per area was conducted. The two Sampling devices utilized were set at 29 liters per minute and 25.5 liters per minute, run time approximately 35 minutes and 39 minutes. The total volume of air recorded per sample 1,000 liters. Below are the results and in Appendix B, Laboratory Analysis. Results of testing indicated Non Detect for Total Trichothecenes. * Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been identified as toxic agents. 2.0 Conclusions At the time of sampling results of laboratory analysis of indoor air did not indicate the presence of Stachybotrys fungi or the presences of the Mycotoxin Trichothecene on the particulate matter collected in the areas of concern. Fungal identification did reveal the presence of Aspergillus and Penicillium genera of fungi which can produce Mycotoxins. But, these fungi are not associated with producing the Mycotoxin Trichothecene. Fungi colony counts for viable mold were higher in the Uniform Division Supervisor Office. It is possible this is due to at the time of sampling mold growth was observed on vegetable matter disposed of in trash can in the proximity of sampler.
APPENDIX A REFERANCES
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Indoor Environments Division (IED) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, 1999 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1999 Guidelines for the Assessment of Bioaerosols in the Indoor Environment, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), 2006
APPENDIX B SITE MAP
APPENDIX C BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems. Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild reactions or no reactions at all may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problem, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air. TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD 1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 2. There is no practical way to eliminate all fungi and mold spores in indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 3. If mold is a problem in your building, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. 4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. 5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning. 6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, those are moldy, need to be replaced. 8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., window, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation. 9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting. 10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
APPENDIX D LABORATORY ANALYTICAL REPORT
EMSL Analytical, Inc. 107 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ 08108 Phone: (856) 858-4800 Fax: (856) 858-0648 Email: westmontmicro@emsl.com Attn: Project: Wesley Anderson Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc 1401 Cornell Parkway Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73108 City of Shawnee Fax: (405) 858-0185 Phone: (405) 949-5558 Customer ID: ENSS78 Customer PO: ESS 09-101 EMSL Order: 370901138 EMSL Proj: Received: 02/06/2009 9:25 AM Analysis Date: 02/11/2009 Report Date: 02/11/2009 Viable Fungi Identification and Enumeration (Genus Level ID from Plate and Strip Impactors (EMSL Method M005)) 01 Sample Description 370901138-0001 02 370901138-0002 03 370901138-0003 04 370901138-0004 Location Volume (L) Media Incubation Temp (C) Sensitivity (CFU/m³) Fungal Identification Colony Count CFU/m³ CID Office 141.5 MEA 25 7 Bipolaris sp. 1 7 Sterile(dark) sp. 1 7 Total 2 14 Uniform Div/Super Ofc. 141.5 MEA 25 7 Acremonium sp. 2 14 Alternaria sp. 1 7 Bipolaris sp. 9 63 Cladosporium sp. 2 14 Penicillium sp. 1 7 Sterile(dark) sp. 3 21 Yeast sp. 1 7 Total 19 133 Police Records/Hall 141.5 MEA 25 7 Aspergillus sp. 1 7 Cladosporium sp. 3 21 Curvularia sp. 1 7 Sterile(dark) sp. 2 14 Total 7 49 Hall/Outside Rm 116A 141.5 MEA 25 7 None Detected 05 370901138-0005 First Fl/Foyer 141.5 MEA 25 7 Cladosporium sp. 2 14 Curvularia sp. 1 7 Sterile(white) sp. 1 7 Total 4 28 No discernable blank was submitted with this group of samples. Dennis Kinney, Ph.D. Laboratory Manager or other approved signatory Positive hole correction factors have not been applied to the reported data. EMSL maintains liability limited to cost of analysis. This report relates only to the samples reported above and may not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval by EMSL. Interpretation of the data contained in this report is the responsibility of the client. EMSL bears no responsibility for sample collection activities or analytical method limitations. Interpretation and use of test results are the responsibility of the client. Samples received in good condition unless otherwise noted. The detection limit is equal to 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per agar plate. ACCREDITATIONS: AIHA EMLAP #100194. ViableFungi THIS IS THE LAST PAGE OF THE REPORT. Page 1
APPENDIX E DISCLAIMER
LIMITATIONS This report was prepared in accordance with generally accepted standards of environmental practice(s) at time of this writing. This investigation was conducted solely for purposes of evaluating mold contamination at the subject property. Evaluations of conditions at this site were made from a limited number of observation points and conditions cannot be warranted at non-observation points. The Environmental Inspector has personally inspected the property, both inside and out and has made visual inspection of the property, to the extent possible by readily available access. The inspection does not include the moving of furniture or fixtures, or any type of inspection that would require extraordinary effort to access. Interpretations and conclusions made in this report that pertain to the mold are based solely on results of independent laboratory analyses of the samples taken at the property. Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. has no control over such testing and analyses and, therefore, disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions arising therefrom. At present there are no strict numerical guidelines that are appropriate for assessing whether the contamination in an area is acceptable or not. Interpretations and conclusions derived from this report are based on a study from the University of Minnesota Mycological Aspects of Indoor Air Quality, Air and Waste Management Association Guidelines as well as information from the National Safety Council Environmental Health Center. Findings of this report are valid as of the date of the investigation. However, changes at this property, whether due to natural or man-made processes, may alter conditions. In addition, changes to applicable or appropriate standards may occur, whether resulting from legislation, new information, or other reasons. Accordingly, the findings of this report may be invalidated wholly or partially by changes outside Environmental Solutions Specialist s control. It is the intent of Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc. to investigate contamination at this site according to the current data available for the purpose of protecting the property value of this site as well as the health and well being of individuals occupying the building. Environmental Solutions Specialists, Inc.
APPENDIX F CERTIFICATIONS