Top Q A DIVISION OF TOP QUALITY INSPECTIONS INC. Fungal Assessment Smith Recreation Community Centre 1019 Hwy 2A, Smith, Alberta 2012 P. O. B o x 8 3 0 2 4, E d m o n t o n, A B T 5 T 6 S 1 P h o n e : ( 7 8 0 ) 2 4 3-0121 e m a i l : s a l e s @ t o p q u a l i t y i n s p e c t i o n s. c o m
Top Page 1 of 16 Smith Recreation Community Centre 1019 Hwy 2A Smith, Alberta
Top Page 2 of 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE INTRODUCTION 3 METHODOLOGY 3 LEGISLATIONS AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS 4 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 4 RESULTS 5 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5 WARRANTY 6 WORKS CITED 8 Appendix I Appendix II Lab Results Photographic Library
Top Page 3 of 16 December 7, 2012 File #M-1505 1.0 INTRODUCTION Top Q was retained by the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 to undertake a fungal assessment of the Hockey Arena at the Smith Recreation Centre. The purpose of the assessment was to visually determine potential causes of existing water damage that had led to the growth of mould in the area. Top Q personnel conducted the assessment on November 30 th, 2012. Health Parameters While exposure to high concentration of airborne contaminants may be deemed a health hazard, such levels are rarely found in non-industrial locations. Unless there is a specific source of air contamination, stale air does not necessarily contain harmful substances; however, it may affect the comfort of the occupants. Non-specific health complaints are indicative of unsatisfactory conditions, which may stem from the q of the ventilation air. Fungal Fungal contamination is a concern because of various associated health and comfort implications. Fungi are common contaminants in the indoor environment; however, it is the amplification of fungi and the distribution of fungal spores in higher than normal concentrations that may be of concern. High humidity, reduced ventilation, tighter buildings, and HVAC systems that have water or condensate present allow for the growth and distribution of various fungal species. All fungal propagules have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Fungal agents produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend, in part, on the types of fungal contaminants present, the extent of an individual s exposure, the ages of the individuals, and their existing sensitivities or allergies. People s reaction to fungal exposure is quite varied, and although anyone can be affected, some people may be more susceptible and at greater risk, including; infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with respiratory condition or allergies and asthma and persons with weakened immune systems. 2.0 METHODOLOGY A visual assessment of the Arena was conducted to identify evidence of water damage and microbial amplification sites. When conducting an investigation for microbial contaminants the investigator has to determine if sampling is required. If so, the type of samples that are collected must to be taken into consideration with the type of building that is being assessed. Top
Top Page 4 of 16 Q personnel are trained in thorough investigation techniques using many types of technology, common sense and sampling equipment. 3.0 LEGISLATION AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS Currently there are no regulated limits for airborne fungi or limits pertaining to fungi exposure. It should be noted that the results should be considered within the framework of the background levels of the local outdoor environment, as this has the greatest influence on conditions of the indoor environment. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code (July, 2009) Part 4 requires an employer to identify, assess and control hazards at the work site. For demolition projects, Part 30 of the Code requires that prior to demolition work, an employer must ensure that all chemical and biological substances that may be hazardous to the health and safety of demolition workers be removed from the structure or part of the structure being demolished. The Canadian Construction Association has published Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry, Standard Construction Document 82-2004. This document provides national guidelines for the assessment and remediation of fungi in indoor environments. It is stated that building materials supporting microbiological growth must be remediated as rapidly as possible in order to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Repair of the defects that led to the water accumulation should be conducted in conjunction with or prior to the remediation. Best Practices, Mould at the Work Site July 2009, released by The Government of Alberta Employment and Immigration produced this document to give a general overview of the standard regulations in the industry throughout Canada and the United States and to give some guidelines to general procedures for mould sampling and mould abatement. These guidelines are followed currently by Top Q on all work sites. 4.0 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS The ventilation systems were operational during the time of the assessment. The vent stack in the furnace room showed evidence of water leakage. The arena area was filled with dirt for horse riding. No concrete substrate was present underneath. The dirt was in direct contact with the arena boards. Water damage and mould growth was noted on the arena boards. Water damage and evidence of mould growth was noted throughout the hallway, the skate sharpening room, the furnace room, change rooms and the zamboni room. Evidence of mould growth and water damage was also noted on the boards of the arena. The metal walls of the arena were covered in ice. The exterior of the arena was not insulated.
Top Page 5 of 16 The wood benches in the viewing area and in the locker rooms showed evidence of mould growth. Two tape lift samples of visible mould growth were collected. 5.0 RESULTS For location specific results, please see Appendix I For general results, please see below: Table 1: Tape Lift Sample Results Sample # Location Genus Spore Concentration (1-4) 34 Table Arena Change Room Cladosporium 4 35 OSB Walls Alternaria 4 Arena Change Room Nigrosporia 3 The presence and spore concentration of the genuses identified in the tape lift samples confirms that a significant contamination source does exist within the arena. 6.0 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS From the results of the assessment Top Q presents the following comments and recommendations: Tape lift samples collected of visible mould growth in the arena confirmed the presence of Cladosporium, Alternaria and Nigrosporia. While these particular genus are not toxic, they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive or immunocompromised individuals. Water staining and mould growth was noted throughout the arena area, the main hallway, the sharpening room, change rooms, the furnace room and the zamboni room. The water damage in the arena appears to be resulting from the following: Condensation on the exterior arena walls resulting from interior/exterior temperature differentials; Condensation on the exterior walls melting and allowing water to flow to the dirt on the arena floor; Leaks in the roof and chimney stacks; Water from regular use of the change rooms, melting ice, roof leaks, etc. has over the years caused saturation of some of the building materials thus providing favorable conditions for mould growth.
Top Page 6 of 16 Based on the observations noted during the assessment, we recommend the following: A qualified HVAC specialist be consulted to ensure ventilation is adequate; A roofing specialist should be hired to identify and repair all potential pathways for water entry and to seal areas around the vent stack. A certified remediation contractor should undertake the following recommendations following level III procedures as stated in the Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry, Standard Construction Document 82-2004: The hallway leading to, and all change rooms should be completely disengaged; The Zamboni room should be completely disengaged; The walls of the furnace room should be removed to a height of 2 feet, with the exception of the south wall which should be completely removed; The walls of the skate sharpening room should be removed to a height of 2 feet; All wood benches and tables should be disposed of; The water damaged/mould covered areas of wall separating the viewing area from the arena should be removed; All mats should be disposed of; The dirt in the arena should be pulled back from the boards, any water damaged or mould covered wood should be replaced and a vapor barrier should be installed to prevent moisture from coming in contact with the wood in the future. Once all the structure of enclosed areas is exposed then the remaining building materials should be assessed for fungal contamination and cleaned/removed as needed. If microbial contamination continues beyond areas sited then the scope of work should be expanded and the removal should continue via exploratory investigation two feet past the last visible sign of mould growth to ensure all fungal contamination has been removed. Prior to the removal of the containment post remediation verification air sampling should be performed to ensure all microbial contamination has been removed from the containment area as well as the remainder of the residence. Please see a photographic library of all findings within Appendix II. 7.0 WARRANTY Top Q warrants to the company, organization, or individual to whom this report is addressed that the assessment described in this report has been conducted with a reasonable level of care and skill in accordance with standards currently prevailing in the health, safety, and environmental consulting profession.
Top Page 7 of 16 The warranty stated above is subject to the following: (a) the investigation described in this report has been limited to the scope of work and budget described in our contract, (b) the testing for, and analysis of, compounds and materials at the site have been limited to those compounds and materials set out in our contract; other compounds or materials not tested for could be present at this site, (c) the monitoring events described in this report has been made in the context of existing government regulations generally promulgated at the date of this report. The monitoring events did not account for any government regulations not in effect or not generally promulgated at the date of this report, (d) the collection of samples at this site was consistent with the scope of work described in our contract. As conditions between samples may vary, the potential remains for the presence of unknown additional contaminants. The results of conducted testing presented in this investigation described in this report have been limited to the conditions at the time of collection. Should any new information become available, or site work be done, Top Q should be notified so that we can determine if modifications should be made to this report, and (e) where indicated or implied in this report, or where mandated by the condition of the site and its attendant structures, the conclusions of this report are based on visual observation of the site. The conclusions of this report do not apply to any areas of the site not available for inspection of testing. This report is intended for the exclusive use of the company, organization or individual to which it is addressed. It may not be used or relied upon in any manner whatsoever, or for any purpose whatsoever, by any other party. Top Q makes no representation of fact or opinion of any nature whatsoever to any person or entity other than the company, organization or individual to whom this report is addressed. This warranty stated above may not be assigned. Respectfully Submitted, Top Q A division of Top Q Inspections Inc. December 7, 2012
Top Page 8 of 16 8.0 WORKS CITED Alberta Employment and Immigration. Best Practices: Mould at the Work Site. 2009 Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health and Safety. 2009 Alberta Infrastructure, Indoor Air Q Guidelines (Revised). 2006 http://www.infrastructure.alberta.ca/content/doctype486/production/iaqguideline.pdf ASTM D-6245, Using Carbon Dioxide Concentrations to Evaluate IAQ and Ventilation. 1998 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). http://www.ashrae.org/ Health Canada. Federal-Provincial Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health. Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: A Guide to Recognition and Management. 1995 Health Canada: Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: A Guide to Recognition and Management. 1996 Health Canada, Indoor Air Q in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide. 1995 Health Canada, Office Air: A Workers Guide to Air Q in Offices, Schools, and Hospitals. 1995 Health Canada, (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/in/index-eng.php). Indoor Air Q Association (IAQA). Proceedings of the IAQA 10 th Annual Meeting & Exposition. 2007. International Society of Indoor Air Q and Climate (ISIAQ): Control of Moisture Problems Affecting Biological Indoor Air Q. 1996 World Health Organization: Guidelines for Indoor Air Q, Dampness and Mould. 2009
Top Page 9 of 16 Appendix I Fungal Tape Lift Results
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Top Page 11 of 16 Appendix II Photographic Library
Top Page 12 of 16 Photo #1: Showing evidence of water damage around the vent stack in the furnace room. Photo #2: Showing evidence of water damage and mould growth to the wall separating the arena from the viewing area
Top Page 13 of 16 Photo #3: Showing mould growth on the wood benches in the viewing area Photo #4: Showing the main hallway to the arena change rooms. Significant water damage and mould growth was noted in this area.
Top Page 14 of 16 Photo #5: Showing visible water damage and mould growth on the OSB wall within the viewing area. Photo #6: Showing the dirt on the arena floor coming in contact with the arena boards. This is a favourable condition to promote mould growth and water damage
Top Page 15 of 16 Photo # 7: Showing water damage to the base of the sharpening room wall.
Top Page 16 of 16 Photo # 8: Showing water damage/mould at the base of the change rooms, washrooms and ceilings.