Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services · allowing passive ventilation for the...

1336 Main Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 1C3 • Phone: (604) 980-3577 • Fax: (604) 980-2188

www.pacificenvironmentalbc.com

January 13, 2012 Pacific Reference: FV1062 L02 Rev1

School District 36 (Surrey) District Facilities Centre 6700 144

th Street

Surrey, BC V3W 5R5 Attention: Mr. Lance Nordling, Director, Physical Plant & Transportation Services cc: Tin Sham, Manager, Structural/Plumbing Bernadine Babuik, H&S Consultant Reference: Monthly Inspection of Crawlspaces in Pods 200, 300, 400 and Fungal Air Sampling

at Peace Arch Elementary School – Updated Introduction In response to your request, Pacific Environmental Consulting and Occupational Hygiene Services (PEC) has conducted fungal sampling and inspections at the above referenced site. This work was requested as a part of routine crawlspace inspections to access the effectiveness of the remediation work conducted during the summer of 2011. The site investigation and sampling were conducted on December 7

th and 8

th, 2011.

PEC also conducted fungal sampling and inspections of the classrooms. This work was requested as a part of routine air sampling for fungal spore levels in selected areas of the school. The site investigation and sampling were conducted on December 7

th, 2011.

In January, following remediation over the 2011 Christmas break, a follow-up inspection was conducted of the crawlspace below POD 300 on January 6, 2012. Please refer to the January 6, 2012 visual inspection for additional information on the remediation work that was undertaken in the POD 300 crawlspace. Site History and Description The school buildings inspected and tested were POD 200, POD 300 and POD 400. They are all single storey classroom complexes with crawlspaces. Over the summer of 2011, the crawlspaces were remediated for fungal contamination and asbestos containing vermiculite (where present). Work was also done to address all water and moisture ingress issues. Mechanical ventilation was also installed within the crawlspace of POD 300 post fungal abatement work activities; however, the grilles allowing passive ventilation for the crawlspace were not sealed. Inspections of the crawlspaces were conducted late October and early November, 2011, and with the exception of a small area of fungal growth and some moisture on framing directly on the concrete floor, the POD 300 crawlspace was found to be dry and free of fungal growth. Refer to our reports dated November 4 and 16, 2011 for additional information. Fungal air samples were collected in November and our findings were detailed in a report dated November 16, 2011.

Environmental Consulting &

Occupational Hygiene Services Excellence and Innovation since 1990

School District 36 (Surrey) Fungal Sampling & Crawlspace Inspections Peace Arch Elementary School, White Rock, BC Report ID: FV1062 L02 Rev1

2 January 2012

Investigation and Sampling Methodology Visual Investigation In December, a brief visual investigation was conducted in areas where spore trap sampling was done. A thorough visual inspection was conducted of the crawlspaces for signs of water ingress, moisture and fungal growth. In January 2012, an inspection was conducted in the crawlspace below POD300 to inspect areas of past fungal growth for new fungal growth and moisture. All observations were documented on site with photographs and written notes. Where required, a GE Protimeter Mini BLD2000 or Delmhorst BD-2100 (Towaco, NJ) moisture meter was used to supplement our visual observations. 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. 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.

Tape (Surface) Sampling Tape samples were collected in POD 300 and 400’s crawlspaces using clear cellophane tape and labelled glass microscope slides. These samples were examined by PEC’s in-house laboratory by an MSc Biologist experienced in fungal analysis. Please refer to Table 2 for sample locations and numbers. Investigation and Sampling Results Visual Investigation – December 7 and 8, 2011 General areas in PODs 200, 300, 400 Generally most areas of the school were in relatively good condition and there was nothing of concern identified. A few occupants in both PODs 300 and 400 were still concerned that odours are typically detected in the morning, but once the doors and windows are open and the ventilation system is operating, the odour dissipates. Some staff reported that odours are most noticeable on Monday mornings. There was a variety of activities ongoing in the classrooms and offices sampled, ranging from high student activity to areas with very little activity and few occupants. POD 200 crawlspace The visual inspection of the crawlspace beneath POD 200 – accessed from the Gymnasium Storage Room found standing water in the Northeast portion of the crawlspace (Photos 1 and 2). The source of the water may be hydrostatic and/or from the foundation walls. No visible fungal growth was observed in this section of the crawlspace but the base plates near the standing water appeared to be stained. We were not able to get close enough to the base plates in question due to the water. Please see attached floor plan for areas impacted by the standing water. The crawlspace accessed from the Janitor’s Closet across from the Main office was observed to be dry and free of standing water. No suspect fungal growth was observed in this section of the POD 200 crawlspace.


3 January 2012

POD 300 crawlspace Visual investigation identified fungal growth on wood floor joists, wood subfloor and the wood rim joists above the concrete perimeter walls (Photos 3 to 6). Additionally, damp spots that were previously noted on the concrete floor in the Pacific report, FV1062.SD36-PeaceArchES-Nov2011CrwlspcInspLtrRev, dated November 4, 2011, were still present during this inspection. We did not identify standing water or signs of water ingress within the crawlspace, though in some areas, the wood rim joists on the perimeter had slightly elevated moisture readings. Please see attached floor plan for areas of elevated moisture readings. Additionally, the mechanical ventilation was not continuously running during the inspection. POD 400 crawlspace The visual inspection of the crawlspace beneath POD 400 identified water damage and fungal growth on a few wood floor joists underneath Classroom 401 and Classroom 402 (Photos 7 and 9). The source of moisture may be the sinks and radiators within the two Classrooms. Moisture reading of the wood floor joists and subfloors indicated the area was dry at the time of inspection. Additionally, vermiculite was noted on the concrete floor below the water damage location (Photo 8). It appeared that as the subfloor became water damaged, the space between wood subfloor strips increased and vermiculite insulation was able to leak out of the space. Inspections of the two Classrooms’ sinks did not identify fungal growth. Other areas of POD 400 crawlspace appeared to be in good condition and were free of standing water. Please refer to floor plan in Appendix B for details on the location of the fungal growth. Visual Investigation – January 6, 2012 Following the identification of fungal growth in the crawlspaces in early December, remediation was undertaken over the Christmas break to remove the contamination. During this remediation, PEC supervised the remediation and conducted a clearance inspection, which included air sampling in the occupied areas. Please refer to our report dated January 5, 2012 (Reference FV1062 L03 – January) for additional information. The grilles allowing natural ventilation in the crawlspace were also sealed at this time and the ventilation system was set to operate continuously (day and night). Approximately two weeks after the completion of this remediation, a visual inspection was conducted in the crawlspace below POD 300 on January 6, 2012. During this site inspection, personnel on site included School 36 District Personnel (Bernadine Babuik and Lance Nordling) as well as the mechanical contractor, Richard Corra with Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. No fungal-like or musty odours were identified when entering the crawlspace. All of the vents had been sealed and the ventilation system was reported to have been running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since before Christmas. It is our understanding from the mechanical contractor, that the system is designated to supply 600 cubic feet of air per minute as well as exhaust the same amount. The inspection started along the west side of the crawlspace and was concentrated in the northwest corner. There was no visible fungal contamination in this area; however, there was some moisture visible on the concrete floor and there was some moisture detected in the wood framing at the top of the concrete foundation wall at the rim joist. Other areas of the crawlspace were inspected, particularly those areas that had previously been marked with pink flagging tape. Where inspected, there was no significantly visible fungal contamination. In some areas there was some minor fungal contamination (stained wood), but there did not appear to be any new growth since the remediation was undertaken over Christmas break and there did not appear to be any surface staining (Photos 10 and 11).


4 January 2012

Spore Trap Sampling 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 96 spores/m

3 to 1,429 spores/m

3, compared to

a range of 4,381 spores/m3 to 7,192 spores/m

3 recorded outdoors (Table 1). The total spore levels of

the samples collected indoors were all significantly lower than the levels found outside.

1 Pacific Environmental, Unpublished Data

2 Please refer to Appendix B for detailed information on the guidelines available.

3 WorkSafeBC Guidelines Part4 – G4.79 Moulds and indoor air quality.


5 January 2012

Table 1: Fungal Spores in Air – Sampling Results (1 of 4)

Organism (Fungi) Type FV1062-S1 Room 407

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S2 Room 406

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S3 Room 405

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S4 Room 404

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S5 Room 403

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S6 Room 402

(spores/m3)1

Alternaria

Ascospores 48 48 95 48

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like 3812 48 95 48

Basidiospores 48 143 95 333 190 95

Bipolaris/Drechslera/ Exserohilum

48

Botrytis

Cladosporium 48 48 48

Hyphal Fragments 48 95 143 143 238

Pithomyces

Scropulariopsis

Smuts/Myxomycetes/ Periconia

48 95

Unidentified spore 48 95

TOTAL 477 383 333 667 523 477

Notes: 1. spores/m

3 refers to the concentration all fungal structures counted by the lab

2. Spore clusters were reported that were not consistent for the rest of the trace, likely resulting in an overestimate of the true airborne concentration. 3. If no value is reported, the concentration for that spore type was less than the detection limit of analysis.


6 January 2012



(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S8 Outside Ambient

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S9 Room 301

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S10 Room 302

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S11 Room 303

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S12 Room 304

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S13 Room 305

(spores/m3)1

Alternaria 48 48

Ascospores 5712 143 190 48 95 48

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like 95 524 48 238 333 95

Basidiospores 3,667 333 333 48 286 95


Botrytis 48

Cladosporium 48 95 95 48 48

Hyphal Fragments 48 48 95 95 143 95

Pithomyces 48

Scopulariopsis 48


48

Unidentified spore 95 48 48 48

TOTAL 96 4,381 1,287 809 524 1,001 477

Notes: 1. spores/m




7 January 2012



(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S15 Room 307

(spores/m3)1


(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S17 Pod 300 Hallway

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S18 Main Office (spores/m

3)1

FV1062-S19 Principal’s Office

(spores/m3)1

Alternaria

Ascospores 48 1,095 48 48

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like 95 1,000 95 95 333

Basidiospores 286 95 3,857 143 810 762


Botrytis

Cladosporium 48 48 48

Hyphal Fragments 95 48 143 48

Pithomyces

Scropulariopsis


48

Unidentified Spores 48

TOTAL 524 191 6,000 429 1,048 1,191

Notes: 1. spores/m




8 January 2012



(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S21 Library

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S22 Room 206

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S23 Room 204

(spores/m3)1

FV1062-S24 Staff Room (spores/m

3)1

FV1062-S25 Gym

(spores/m3)1


(spores/m3)1

Alternaria

Ascospores 48 95 95 95 1,286

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like 810 476 286 95 476 143 1,000

Basidiospores 571 190 48 238 476 190 4,810


Botrytis 48

Cladosporium 48 95 48 48 48

Hyphal Fragments 95 95 48

Pithomyces 48

Scopulariopsis


48

Unidentified Spores 48

TOTAL 1,429 904 572 428 1,143 477 7,192

Notes: 1. spores/m



School District 36 (Surrey) Fungal Sampling Peace Arch Elementary School, White Rock, BC Report ID: FV1062 L02 Rev1

9 January 2012

Tape (Surface) Sampling Tape samples allow for the identification of a fungus if the correct structures are present. This sampling is often used to ensure that staining observed on a material is the result of fungal contamination. Tape sampling is considered to be qualitative not quantitative, but the analyst is able to comment on the relative amount of fungus present and the structures observed may indicate growth or loose spores. This analysis is intended to identify significant fungal growth and is not sensitive to low levels of loose or settled fungal structures.

Suspected fungal growth observed on the wood floor joists, wood subfloor and wood rim joists was sampled to confirm the presence and to identify the type of fungus. A total of eight tape lift samples were collected between POD 300 and POD 400, and five of eight samples (T1, T3-T6) were confirmed to have active fungal growth. The sample collected from POD 400 identified a species different than the ones found in POD 300, and the structures present did not indicate active growth. Please refer to Table 2 for details.

Table 2: Tape (Surface) – Sampling Results

Sample ID Material Sampled Sampling Location

Fungi Identified (Relative Amount)

1

FV1062-T1 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood floor joist

POD 300 South west corner of crawlspace.

Penicillium (Many)

Exochalara (Few)

FV1062-T2 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood panel on concrete

wall

POD 300 South wall near north west corner of the crawlspace.

None

FV1062-T3 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood floor joist

POD 300 North side of the crawlspace in mid-section.

Penicillium (Many)

Unidentified fungus (Many)

FV1062-T4 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood subfloor POD 300 East side of the crawlspace

in mid-section. Aspergillus (Massive)

FV1062-T5 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood floor joist

POD 300 South east side of the crawlspace.

Chaetomium (Few)

FV1062-T6 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood subfloor POD 300 South side of crawlspace in

mid-section.

Myxomycetes (Many)

Exochalara (Few)

Verticillium (Few)

FV1062-T7 (Dec 7, 11)

Wood floor joist

POD 300 South side of crawlspace in mid-section.

None

FV1062-T8 (Dec 8, 11)

Wood floor joist

POD 400 West side near West perimeter wall, under Classroom 401.

Ophiostoma-like (many)

1. Refers to the relative quantity observed on the tape sample by the analyst. Quantity rating should only be used qualitatively. Trace<Few<Many<Massive


10 January 2012

Conclusions and Summary of Work Conducted December 7

and 8, 2011

Spore trap sampling results did not identify any elevated levels of fungal spores. Brief visual inspection of areas around the school where spore trap sampling was conducted did not identify any areas of concern. POD 200 Within the crawlspace below POD 200 there was standing water below the gym. This water was not present during our inspection last month. The presence of the water limited our inspection, but there was no significant fungal growth observed. POD 300 Our visual inspection and sampling identified the presence of moisture and fungal growth in the crawlspace below POD 300. This was unexpected, as the crawlspace appeared mostly dry and free of fungal growth during our previous inspection. POD 400 There was some water damage and fungal growth identified on the floor joists in selected areas. The area was found to be dry at the time of our investigation and the fungal growth was sampled and no active structures were identified. It is not known when this fungal growth occurred, but it does not appear that there is any ongoing water ingress. The fungal staining on the floor joists below Classrooms 401 and 402 should be remediated and the area monitored for water ingress. December 19 to 23, 2011 Over the Christmas holidays, the fungal contamination within Crawlspaces 300 and 400 was remediated by Quantum Murray (Quantum). PEC supervised this remediation and conducted clearance sampling to confirm that it was complete. Please refer to our report dated January 5, 2012 (FV1062 – L03 January) for additional information. The vents allowing passive ventilation to the crawlspace were sealed based on recommendations from the mechanical contractor regarding the operation of the ventilation system. In addition, the ventilation system was set to operate at 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. January 6, 2012 An inspection was conducted in the crawlspace below POD 300 with the mechanical contractor and SD36 personnel to assess the functioning of the ventilation system, the moisture levels in the crawlspace and the presence of fungal contamination. Based on this inspection, there did not appear to be any growth of fungal contamination since the remediation over the Christmas holidays. There was some moisture in the concrete floor and on the rim joists above the concrete exterior wall, but the source of this moisture was not clear.


11 January 2012

The ventilation system was operating continuously; however, it was designed to operate based on the relative humidity and for the ventilation system to automatically turn on at a relative humidity of 50%. Based on our understanding of the ventilation system as it supplies and returns air at the same rate, it should not pressurize the crawlspace and the air movement may result in a slight negative pressure, particularly in the area of the return. Based on this inspection it is not clear what caused the moisture and thus the mould growth that was identified in early December, but there did not appear to be re-growth in the two weeks since remediation. This may be a result of the changes to the ventilation system, or it may be a result of the time period and remediation efforts. Recommendations We recommend that the POD 300 crawlspace continue to be monitored. This should include the following:

Monthly visual inspections for the presence of moisture and fungal growth, these inspections should involve the use of a thermal imaging camera, or other means to further assess the source(s) of any future water ingress;

Recording the relative humidity (data logging) that is measured by the ventilation system;


12 January 2012

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 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 1990. 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 Juliana Chu, BSc, DipT. (OH&S) Mavis Yeh, BES OH&S Technologist Project Manager, Fraser Valley Office Field Investigation and Report Field Investigation and Report Jennifer Blair, MSc, CIH, RPBio Manager, Industrial Hygiene Report Review Ref: FV1062 L02 Rev1– January 2012


13 January 2012

Appendix A: Photographs:

Photo 1 Date: Dec. 8, 2011 Location: POD 200 North East Section Under Gymnasium

Description: Note the standing water and water damaged base plates.

Photo 2 Date: Dec. 8, 2011 Location: POD 200 North East Section Under Gymnasium

Description: Note standing water and water damaged base plates.


14 January 2012

Photo 3 Date: Dec. 7, 2011

Location: POD 300 Below Corridor Outside Girl’s Washroom

Description: Note the fungal growth on sub-floor and floor framing

Photo 4 Date: Dec. 7, 2011 Location: POD 300 West End of East Perimeter Wall

Description: Note the fungal growth on the framing


15 January 2012

Photo 5 Date: Dec. 7, 2011 Location: POD 300 West End, Along East Perimeter

Description: Note the fungal growth on the sub-floor

Photo 6 Date: Dec. 7, 2011 Location: POD 300 Below Corridor Outside Girl’s Washroom

Description: Note the Fungal Growth on the Framing


16 January 2012

Photo 7 Date: Dec. 8, 2011 Location: POD 400 Under Classroom 401 & 402

Description: Water damaged subfloor with space between strips – source of vermiculite leak.

Photo 8 Date: Dec. 8, 2011 Location: POD 400 Under Classroom 401 & 402

Description: Vermiculite insulation leaked from the ceiling now on concrete floor.

.


17 January 2012

Photo 9 Date: Dec. 8, 2011 Location: POD 400 Under Classroom 401

Description: Note the fungal growth on wood floor joist near electrical conduit.

Photo 10 Date: Jan. 6, 2012 Location: POD 300

Description: Note, no visible fungal staining


18 January 2012

Photo 11 Date: Jan. 6, 2012 Location: POD 300

Description: Note fungal staining in wood, but surface appeared clean.


19 January 2012

Appendix B: Floor Plans POD 200


20 January 2012

POD 300


21 January 2012

POD 400


22 January 2012

Appendix C: 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


23 January 2012

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 Published Standard

(spores/m3)

Description or additional information

Texas Department of Health Guidelines

≤ 22 This value refers only to Stachybotrys chartarum spores used to indicate in an area has been adequately remediated

≤ 2,000

Total spores – The area has been adequate remediated, provided 1/3 of the spores are Cladosporium spores, 1/3 are Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores and 1/3 are others spores

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/National

Allergy Bureau (Outdoor

Environments)

> 1 – 6,499 Only individuals extremely sensitive will experience symptoms.

6,500 – 12,999 Many individuals with sensitivities will experience symptoms

13,000 – 49,999 Most individuals with any sensitivity will experience symptoms

> 50,000 Almost all individuals with any sensitivity at all will experience symptoms. Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms.

mcg Occupational Health & Safety

Consulting

< 5,000 Normal Background for Residential Buildings2

< 2,500 Normal Background - filtered HVAC systems2

>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


24 January 2012

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). 1999.

Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: Health Effects and Investigation Methods. Health Canada. 2004.

Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: A Guide to Recognition and Management. Health Canada. 1995.

IICRC S520: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Second Edition: August 2008.

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2001.

Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry. Canadian Construction Association. 2004. Standard Construction Document CCA 82 – 2004.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments. November 2008.

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. 2006

Recognition, Evaluation and Control of Indoor Mold. B. Prezant, D. Weeks and J. Miller (eds). American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). 2008.

Report of Microbial Growth Task Force, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Press. 2001.

Texas Department of Public Health. 1991. 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. 7th

Edition. R Brandys and G. Brandys. Occupational and Environmental Health Consulting Services Inc. 2007.


25 January 2012

Appendix D: Laboratory Reports Please find included the following reports:

Pacific Environmental – Spore Trap Results

Pacific Environmental – Tape Sample Results

Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services · allowing passive ventilation for the...

Documents

Transcript of Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services · allowing passive ventilation for the...