Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services Excellence and Innovation since 1990

Transcription

1 Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services Excellence and Innovation since 1990 May 25, 2011 Pacific Reference: FV1031 L01 (Revised) School District 36 (Surrey) th Avenue Surrey, BC, V3X 3A3 Attention: Tin Sham, Structural and Plumbing Manager Greg Forbes-King, Assistant Director, Plant Maintenance & Minor Renovations cc: Bernadine Babuik, Manager Health and Safety Reference: Supervision of Remediation at Peace Arch Elementary School, POD 300, Surrey, BC Revised Introduction In response to your request, Pacific Environmental Consulting and Occupational Hygiene Services (Pacific) has supervised partial fungal remediation above referenced site. This work was requested to ensure that a sufficient containment was established prior to the start of remediation and to ensure that there were no elevated levels of fungal spores in the classrooms prior to occupancy following partial completion of remediation of the crawlspace below POD 300. The investigations and sampling were conducted on May 22, Site Description and History The building of concern, POD 300, is a six classroom single storey complex with a crawlspace. There have been ongoing issues with water ingress into the crawlspace. Please refer to Pacific s previous reports dated January 28 to May 10, 2011 (FV926 L01 L05) for detailed inspection and sampling information, conducted monthly. Due to ongoing problems with fungal contamination, SD36 decided to proceed with fungal remediation in the crawlspace prior to the repair of the ongoing water ingress. It is our understanding that the remediation will be conducted over the course of several weekends. Quantum Murray LP. was retained by SD36 to conduct the remediation work. Visual Investigation Pre-contamination Inspection May 20, 2011 A pre-contamination inspection was conducted following construction of the work area enclosure and decontamination chamber including shower (Photo 1) prior to the start of remediation work. The enclosure had been adequately constructed and properly sealed including the bottom of the pipe chase between the washrooms which is open to the crawlspace. Three negative air units were present within the crawlspace (Photo 2) and ducted to the exterior through the vents. Smoke testing determined that negative pressure within the enclosure was sufficient. Spore-trap Sampling May 22, 2011 Following completion of the partial remediation work, a brief site visit was undertaken. As full remediation was not conducted in the crawlspace, a visual inspection was not conducted at the time of this site visit, which only included air sampling in the occupied areas of POD Main Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 1C3 Phone: (604) Fax: (604)

2 Sampling Methodology and Results Spore Trap Sampling Spore trap samples were collected using AllergencoD spore trap cassettes (manufactured by Environmental Monitoring Systems) connected to a Zefon Air-O-Cell Bio Pump Plus. Sampling was conducted for 5 minutes at a flow rate of 15 liters per minute, for a total sampling volume of 75 liters per sample. Samples were collected when the POD was unoccupied with the ventilation system off. Spore sampling cassettes were analyzed by Pacific s in-house laboratory using light microscopy at 600X magnification. Please refer to Table 1 for sample locations and numbers. Airborne fungal spores originate from many sources, most of which are located outdoors, such as decaying leaves or disturbed soil. Levels of fungal spores outdoors can reach levels well over 100,000 spores per cubic meter (spores/m 3 ) 1. In healthy indoor environments the levels of fungal spores indoors should be less than the level detected outdoors. In buildings with doors and windows that are opened regularly, such as schools and homes, the levels of fungal spores indoors are often similar to the levels detected outdoors. In buildings with filtered ventilation systems, such as large office buildings, the levels indoors are normally much lower than the levels outdoors. However, if fungi have colonized building materials there may be higher concentrations of spores identified indoors and they may be different than those found outdoors. There are no regulated exposure limits for fungal spore counts within Canada. A few different organizations have proposed guidelines for levels of fungal spores that may result in health effects or are considered acceptable in indoor environments 2. Where appropriate Pacific may use these values as a guide; however, the results of visual inspections, our experience, and the reasons that the samples were collected are also used when interpreting spore trap data. Generally, Pacific compares individual spore types to the concentrations identified in the outside sample. If specific spore types are significantly greater than the concentration identified outdoors, it indicates that there may be an indoor source of fungal contamination. The interpretation of spore trap data in this manner is recommended by WorkSafeBC 3. Total airborne fungal spore counts inside ranged from 763 spores/m 3 to 2,000 spores/m 3, compared to counts which ranged from 3,096 spores/m 3 to 3,477 recorded outdoors (Table 1). Samples collected indoors had concentrations of fungal spores similar to, but less than that detected outside. Table 1: Fungal Spores in Air Sampling Results (1 of 3) FV1031-S1 FV1031-S3 FV1031-S4 FV1031-S2 Outside Outside Outside Organism (Fungi) Type Room 301 Ambient (spores/m 3 ) 1 (spores/m 3 ) 1 Enclosure Ambient (spores/m 3 ) 1 (spores/m 3 ) 1 Ascospores Aspergillus/Penicillium-like Basidiospores 2,762 1, ,429 Chaetomium 48 Cladosporium Hyphal Fragments Oidium TOTAL 3,477 1,381 1,048 3,191 Notes: 1. spores/m 3 refers to the concentration all fungal structures counted by the lab. 2. If no value is reported, the concentration for that spore type was less than the detection limit of analysis. 1 Pacific Environmental, Unpublished Data 2 Please refer to Appendix A for detailed information on the guidelines available. 3 WorkSafeBC Guidelines Part4 G4.79 Moulds and indoor air quality. 2

3 Table 1: Fungal Spores in Air Sampling Results (2 of 3) Organism (Fungi) Type FV1031-S5 Room 302 (spores/m 3 ) 1 FV1031-S6 Room 303 (spores/m 3 ) 1 FV1031-S7 Room 304 (spores/m 3 ) 1 FV1031-S8 Room 305 (spores/m 3 ) 1 Ascospores Aspergillus/Penicillium-like Basidiospores 1, , Chaetomium Cladosporium Hyphal Fragments 48 Oidium 48 TOTAL 1,572 1,048 2, Notes: 1. spores/m 3 refers to the concentration all fungal structures counted by the lab. 2. If no value is reported, the concentration for that spore type was less than the detection limit of analysis. Table 1: Fungal Spores in Air Sampling Results (3 of 3) Organism (Fungi) Type FV1031-S5 Room 306 (spores/m 3 ) 1 FV1031-S6 Outside Ambient (spores/m 3 ) 1 Ascospores 619 Aspergillus/Penicillium-like 48 Basidiospores 1,048 2,143 Chaetomium Cladosporium Hyphal Fragments Oidium TOTAL 1,143 3,096 Notes: 1. spores/m 3 refers to the concentration all fungal structures counted by the lab. 2. If no value is reported, the concentration for that spore type was less than the detection limit of analysis. Conclusions Prior to the start of remediation work, the work area enclosure had been properly constructed and the area was under sufficient negative pressure. Following the completion of this phase of remediation work, the spore trap samples collected in the occupied areas of POD 300 did not identify any elevated concentrations of fungal spores when compared to the outdoor samples collected. Based on the sampling conducted, the remediation of fungal contamination within the crawlspace was not impacting the occupied space at the time of sampling. 3

4 Limitations This report has been prepared in accordance with established Industrial Hygiene and Mycological practices. It is intended for the exclusive use of School District 36 (Surrey) to assist them in complying with the current accepted industry guidelines for the assessment and remediation of fungi in indoor environments. The use of this document for any other purposes is at the sole risk of the user. Statement of Qualifications Pacific Environmental Consulting and Occupational Hygiene Services has been providing consulting services in the environmental and industrial hygiene fields, since Our industrial hygiene expertise ensures that all projects are performed in accordance with the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health & Safety Regulations. Our personnel include the following: Industrial Hygienists (CIH, ROH) Professional Engineers (PEng) Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) Occupational Health and Safety Technicians. Our company also carries Comprehensive General Liability and Environmental Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance. Yours truly, Pacific Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services Ana Nic Lochlainn, B. Sc. Environmental Technologist Field Investigation and Report Jennifer Blair, MSc, CIH, RPBio Manager, Industrial Hygiene Report Review Ref: FV1031 L01 4

5 Appendix A: Photographs: Photo 1 Date: May 20, 2011 Location: Outside Work Area Enclosure Description: Decontamination chamber with shower. Photo 2 Date: May 20, 2011 Location: Inside the Crawlspace Description: Negative air unit present within the crawlspace. 5

6 Appendix A: Additional Information Fungi Background Fungi are plant-like but lack chlorophyll. Each fungal colony is a mass of interwoven mycelium, made up of millions of tiny branching filaments, known as hyphae. The group includes many familiar types such as the mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, bracket fungi, morels, truffles and yeasts. Those most commonly found growing in indoor environments are often called moulds (i.e.: Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus). Most fungi gain their energy by breaking down dead organic material, including both plant and animal matter and, thus, perform many important functions in nature. Fungi are also economically important as they are used to produce beer, wine and cheese. They are also medically important as many important drugs, including penicillin and cyclosporine (used to treat organ rejection) are derived from fungi. Fungi grow very quickly almost anywhere, including inside buildings. One of the reasons fungi are so successful is their ability to produce and disperse huge numbers of microscopic spores, which can be transported vast distances. By their sheer numbers, fungi can quickly take advantage of any new food supplies that become available, as all they need to colonize a material is water and a source of carbon, which is present in many building materials. The air we breathe can contain tens of thousands of spores per cubic meter, while soil holds vast numbers. Many of the spores produced by fungi remain viable for years, therefore, there will always be fungal spores present in the air that we breathe, both outdoors and indoors and it is almost impossible to completely exclude fungi from any environment (including the cheese we seal in plastic and put in the refrigerator). Fungi and Human Health There are several ways in which fungi can affect the health of building occupants. The primary route of exposure to fungi is the inhalation of the fungal spores, hyphal fragments and portions of other fungal structures. This exposure may result in allergic reactions, increased asthma, upper respiratory tract irritation and even fungal infections in some people. The exact mechanism that results in the health effects is still being researched, but there are likely many contributing factors. These include the mycotoxins produced by the fungi, antigens on the surface of the fungi as well as the presence of B-glucans in the cell walls. The health effects experienced by people vary significantly. Some people are unaffected by high levels yet others are affected by low levels of fungal spores. As the exposure duration and concentration of fungal spores increases, so do symptoms. The most common symptom is allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis. Allergy-related problems become particularly apparent, when the concentration of airborne spores is relatively high and the majority consists of only 1 or 2 species. The following are some of the fungal genera which grow indoors and are implicated in causing respiratory problems: Alternaria Epicoccum Phoma Aspergillus Fusarium Pithomyces Chaetomium Mucor Stachybotrys Cladosporium Penicillium Trichoderma 6

7 Some fungi can be quite pathogenic (cause systemic illness in people), including Histoplasma, Cryptococcus, Sporothrix, Blastomyces and Candida. At least three species of Aspergillus (A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus) can be included in this group, however, most others (there are between 100 and 200 species of Aspergillus) are relatively benign. People with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for fungal infections. Repeated inhalation and sensitization to a wide variety of organic material, including fungi, can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a lung disease, in a small percentage of exposed people. Additional health effects caused by fungi may include aggravation of pre-existing asthma, sinusitis, histoplasmosis and rhinitis. Other substances produced by fungi, besides spores, can also cause health problems. These include mycotoxins (substances produced by fungi which may interfere with the growth of other fungi or bacteria) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC s responsible for the musty odor characteristic of fungi). Note however, that health effects associated with mycotoxins are typically associated with only very high exposures that are likely only to occur during the consumption of fungal contaminated food or during high risk activities, such as fungal remediation. Guidelines and Regulations Although there are no standards in Canada for acceptable levels of fungal spores in air, there are several guidelines and standards that exist worldwide. These standards have been summarized below. Note that only those standards that apply to non-viable spore trap sampling reported in fungal structures per cubic meter have been summarized. Organization Texas Department of Health Guidelines American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/National Allergy Bureau (Outdoor Environments) Published Standard (spores/m 3 ) 22 2,000 > 1 6,499 6,500 12,999 Description or additional information This value refers only to Stachybotrys chartarum spores used to indicate in an area has been adequately remediated Total spores The area has been adequate remediated, provided 1/3 of the spores are Cladosporium spores, 1/3 are Aspergillus/Penicilliumlike spores and 1/3 are others spores Only individuals extremely sensitive will experience symptoms. Many individuals with sensitivities will experience symptoms Most individuals with any sensitivity will experience 13,000 49,999 symptoms Almost all individuals with any sensitivity at all will > 50,000 experience symptoms. Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms. mcg Occupational < 5,000 Normal Background for Residential Buildings 2 Health & Safety < 2,500 Normal Background - filtered HVAC systems 2 Consulting >10,000 Probable Contamination 1. Symptoms allergy suffers who are allergic to pollens or molds may experience symptoms of hay fever or asthma 2. types and relative proportions of fungal spores similar to outdoors 7

8 References American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), National Allergy Bureau Scale for Mold Spores and Tree, Weed and Grass Pollen. National Allergy Bureau. Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: Health Effects and Investigation Methods. Health Canada Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: A Guide to Recognition and Management. Health Canada IICRC S520: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Second Edition: August Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry. Canadian Construction Association Standard Construction Document CCA New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments. November Post-remediation Verification and Clearance Testing for Mold and Bacteria: Risk-Based Levels of Cleanliness Assurance. R Brandys and G. Brandys. Occupational and Environmental Health Consulting Services Inc Recognition, Evaluation and Control of Indoor Mold. B. Prezant, D. Weeks and J. Miller (eds). American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Report of Microbial Growth Task Force, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Press Texas Department of Public Health Clearance Guidelines for Mold Remediation Projects. WorkSafeBC. Guidelines Part 4 Indoor Air Quality (G4.79 Moulds and indoor air quality). Occupational Health & Safety Regulation. Worldwide Exposure Standards for Mold and Bacteria: Historical and Current Perspectives. 7 th Edition. R Brandys and G. Brandys. Occupational and Environmental Health Consulting Services Inc

9 Appendix B: Laboratory Reports Please find included the following reports: Pacific Environmental Spore Trap Results 9

10

11

12