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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINDOOR AIR QUALITY LETTER Jim Doyle Governor DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH 1 WEST WilSON STREET POBOX 2659 MADISON WI 53701-2659 Helene Nelson Secretary State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services 608-266-1251 FAX: 608-267-2832 www.dhfs.state.wi.us November 2, 2005 Jason & Kristi Mugerauer 257 18th Avenue OSHKOSH WI. 54806 RE: Indoor Air Quality Complaint Dear Jason and Kristi: On Tuesday, October 25, 2005 I conducted an inspection, in response to a mold complaint of your home. During the inspection I did not find mold of a significant concern but I did find some other issues that may be contributing to the problems you are experiencing. Some of those are related to the heating, ventilation and cooling (HV AC) system and other could be lifestyle. Based on my inspection findings to include the elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels I would recommend that you contact someone regarding your HV AC unit. The elevated CO2 levels indicate that you are not getting enough air exchanges in your house. Although you have a newer forced air furnace you might not have enough make up air in your home to provide the appropriate number of daily air exchanges. In addition your supply air ducts could be blocked could be from the debris inside of the ducts especially at the bottom. Also the build up of soot on the inside of the ducts can create some problems. If the soot becomes dislodged, especially during renovation activities, it can trigger an asthma attack. I would recommend that you contact your local weatherization agency ADVOCAP. They can evaluate whether or not your furnace is sized properly for your house and if you are getting adequate air exchanges. In addition the renovation in your home could also be an asthma trigger. Anytime large amounts of dust are generated in the home during the construction process your children could be exposed. It is important that after any work you do in the house you should clean up with a HEP A-vacuum if possible. Based on our conversations it seems that one of your children's asthma attacks was a direct result of renovation activity within your home. You can rent a HEP A-vacuum from the local health department in Oshkosh. Regarding the Hunter Ionizer/HEP A Filters that you have in your bedroom I reviewed the literature from the US. EPA web site htm://www.eva.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#faq3 regarding like machines. Although the EP A does not discourage its use they do not necessarily encourage it. If the ionizer generates ozone then the machine should not be used since ozone is a lung irritant. They did indicate that it might be effective against small particles such as cigarette smoke I would not encourage you to use it as an excuse to stop smoking in your home. The HEP A filter on the Hunter is more effective for reducing particulates in the air then the ionizer. Wisconsin.gov November 2, 2005 Page 2 - 257 ISth Avenue Oshkosh I would caution having your dog in your bed. Animal dander (hair and skin flakes) can also be an asthma trigger. When your young son sleeps in the bed with you he could be exposed to the dander which in turn could trigger an attack. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major public health issue. Not only does ETS contribute to an increased risk oflung cancer it is also a powerful asthma trigger. This is an important consideration since your children have been diagnosed as asthmatics. You will want to take precautions to ensure that your children are not exposed to ETS. I recommend that you stop smoking as soon as possible for the health you and your children. Even smoking outside is a problem since your clothes can be impregnated with many of the particulates and allergens that can cause asthma attacks. There are many programs that can help you reduce or quit smoking by the American Lung Association. I have enclosed some of the material for your use. If you decide to continue to smoke then you should take it outside. In addition, you should wear some sort of covering that you will remove before you come back inside. Particulates from smoking can become attached to your clothes. These particulates can become airborne and respiratory hazards to your asthmatic children when they go to hug you after you come back indoors. Also you should not smoke in your vehicles. Any particulates form smoking could also trigger an asthmatic reaction. It is important to note that some exposures to either smoking or other allergens might not trigger an asthmatic reaction until hours later. I have attached my inspection summary to include information on carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, asthma, reduce smoking, and lead based paint. If you have any questions regarding my report please call me at (60S) 266-7897 or email at Chambmh@dhfs.state.wi.us. Sincerely Mark H. Chamberlain Environmental Health Specialist Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health Ene: Smoking Cessation Materials American Lung Association F:msoffiicelMarks FilesIIAQ/Cases/2005/ 25718. Ave Oshkosh INSPECTION RESULTS 257 18th Ave Oshkosh WI REMARKS s and on exterior sill. cleaners. Windows covered with plastic on dog sometimes jumps in bed. No sign of basement Room used by father for smoking room. Large (foot diameter) bowl in center of table full of cigarette ashes and butts. Door to porch is not air tight and there is visible sign of smoke and tar stains entering into living space above the door way. There is a space on lower section of door as well. No sign of mold other then small amount around windows. Smoking stains noted on wall above door way to back porch. All floors upstairs are carpeted. Some stains from unknown liquids. There are 7 older windows with paint similar to those in dining room with lead. When looking through floor grate of air supply vent there is suspect asbestos material where metal duct meets wood floor. Inside of ducts appear to be very sooty. Bottom of ducts have a lot of debris. No mold noted where inspected. be adequate insulation. Could not get all the way into the extent of insulation and soffet venting. tside to basement appears to be slightly en the elevation outside. Homeowners state that water ou door when rains hard. No mold noted. Asbestos wrap on some return and supply duct lines. All total less then 100 ft. 2. Gas fired passive vented hot water heater. Exhaust duct is almost horizontal with a 10-15 foot run to chinmey. Some minor mold on lower wall by floor. More then likely die to water lever from exterior grading. Foundation is field stone with mortar between cracks. Mortar is efflorescing and coming out from years of water penetration. Washer and dryer also in basement. Water comes into basement from back door that is artial below ound level. does channel water back towards spouts are crimped at ends where come out. 2" Floorplay and bedrooms REFERENCE GUIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES Temperature (n & Humidity (RH) Temperature and relative humidity are typically indicators of occupant comfort levels. Obviously the higher the temperature the increased need for cooling. Relative humidity (RH) can either add to or detract from comfort. If RH is high (greater then 60%) along with the temperature, conditions occur that can cause mold growth. If the RH is too low, then the atmosphere can become too dry, which leads to complaints of eye, nose, and throat irritations. RH should be measured at different points in a living space. Although it might be only 45% RH in the center of the room, giving the occupant the impression that all is well, the RH could be much higher in the corners or window areas where the conditions would be favorable for mold growth. 30% 8.5 F - 75.5 F 74.0.5 F -80.0 F 40% .0 F - 75.0 F 73.5 F - 80.0 F 50% 8.0 F - 74.5 F 73.0 F - 79.0 F Recommendations apply for persons clothed in typical summer and winter clothing, at light, mainly sedentary activity. Source: Adopted from ASHRAE Standard 55-1992, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occu anc Carbon Monoxide (CO) What is carbon monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete fuel combustion of fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, oil, coal, or wood. How can I be exposed to carbon monoxide? People can be exposed to dangerous levels of CO when charcoal, gas, oil, or wood are burned in poorly ventilated areas. Breathing automobile exhaust in a closed area can also result in CO poisoning. Gas-fueled furnaces and water heaters can produce dangerous CO levels if they are malfunctioning. Common situations for CO poisoning include: using gasoline powered generators indoors, idling automobiles in enclosed garages, using propane heaters indoors, and allowing children to ride inside enclosed truck beds. Smoke from tobacco products and wood fires also contain carbon monoxide. About 50% of all CO poisonings occur in the home. Other common settings include cars, cabins and tents. About 40% of CO poisonings occur in cars and 10% at worksites. Work exposure is more likely were fuel- powered engines are used in enclosed areas. What are the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide? Exposure to low levels of this odorless gas can produce a throbbing headache, dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, shortness of breath, and chest pain in people with heart disease. Higher exposures result in severe headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness. Occasionally, these symptoms can be mistaken for symptoms of the flu. Exposure to very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death. In addition to the toxic effects of CO, this gas is very flammable and high concentrations may be explosive. High CO levels, generally over 35 parts per million (ppm), indicate a problem complaints Outdoor air standard set b EPA Beginning of general discomfort. Complaints ranging from drowsiness to poor air. imum exposure allowed by OSHA in the workplace ove an ei ht hour period. Mild headache, fati ue, nausea and dizziness. tensify. Life threat after 3 hours. izziness, nausea and convulsions. Unconscious within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours. Headache dizziness and nausea. Death within 1 hour. iness and nausea. Death within 1 ss and nausea. Death within 2 Death How can I avoid carbon monoxide exposure? . Have your furnace, gas stove, and fireplace checked annually by a qualified professional to make sure they work properly and have adequate ventilation. . All homes should be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. The detectors are available at most hardware and building supply stores. These detectors function like smoke detectors and can alert you to the presence of high CO levels. Carbon monoxide detectors are not perfect, and are not a substitute for proper maintenance of appliances. Prevention is the key to avoiding CO poisoning. . Make sure your automobile's exhaust system works properly. . Never ride inside a camper or trailer that is being towed by another vehicle. . Never allow an engine to run in an enclosed space, such as a garage. This includes cars, snowmobiles, motorcycles, space heaters and gasoline powered mowers, trimmers, chain saws or generators. . Never use a gas oven to heat your home. . Never use a charcoal grill indoor in an enclosed area. What should I do if I suspect a problem? If your CO detector alarms or if experience any of the above symptoms stated earlier, get fresh air immediately. Call your local fire department and move everyone outdoors into fresh air. Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected and declared safe. If you are experience headaches, nausea, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing, call 911. Do not drive while you are experiencing these symptoms. For more information . Contact the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental Health, PO Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701-2659, (608) 266-5817; or . Visit the department's website, www.dhfs.state.wi.us/ehiindex.htm Carbon Dioxide (CO2) CO2 is a colorless, odorless, nonpoisonous gas which results from fuel combustion and human activity indoors. Elevated levels of CO2 indicate ineffective ventilation indoors. Carbon dioxide is an indicator of how much fresh air is being brought into a building. The levels of CO2 are used to determine if the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HV AC) system are operating within guidelines. High CO2 levels, generally over 1000 ppm, indicate a potential problem with air circulation and fresh air in a room or building. In general, high CO2 levels indicate the need to examine the HVAC system. Results are reported in parts per million or ppm. 250- kground depending on rural versus urban. Typical levels found in ccupied spaces with good air exchange and minimal complaints picallevels found in occupied spaces with good air exchange and minimal com laints. PPM CO2 350- >5,000 ing of general discomfort. Complaints ranging from drowsiness to poor air. Complaints of headache, sleepiness, stagnant, stale, stuffy air. concentration. loss of attention. Possible increase heart rate, f nausea. Heavy. levels exceeding this can cause permanent brain damaged, coma and even death. 800 - 2,0 2,000 - 5, lead lead exposure in young children can cause reduced IQ and attention span, impaired growth, reading and learning disabilities, hearing loss, and a range of other health and behavioral effects. Most exposures occur in homes or daycares where lead-based paint has deteriorated because of deferred maintenance or where lead hazards have been created through painting or renovation done without using lead-safe work practices. Prevention of lead poisoning can be accomplished by eliminating lead-based paint hazards before children are exposed. Wisconsin's goal is to eliminate this disease by working to make Wisconsin's housing lead-safe, and by improving the detection and treatment of lead poisoning in children. Source: lead-based paint and varnish Exposure to lead-based paint (lBP) is the major source of lead poisoning for children. When lead paint is intact, it is unlikely to cause exposure. The risk of exposure increases as the paint breaks down into smaller particles. The smaller the particles, the more easily they are dispersed, become accessible to children, and are absorbed by the body. If lead paint is allowed to deteriorate due to normal wear (moisture damage, temperature changes, friction, or impact), or when paint is deliberately disturbed by renovation activity, house dust and soil become contaminated. The resulting lead dust and chips can enter a child's body through normal hand-to-mouth activity. Routes of Exposure: . lead dust created by deteriorating lead-based paint (lBP) or renovation activities can stick to fingers, toys, soil, food, and other accessible surfaces. Young children are then likely to ingest the lead dust through normal hand-to-mouth activity. This is the most common route of exposure for children. . lBP is a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking. lBP that appears to be undisturbed can be a problem if it is on surfaces that rub together (friction surfaces) or surfaces that children chew, such as windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings and banisters, porches, fences, and/or furniture. . Surfaces that have been covered with new paint or another covering can expose layers of lBP if they are consistently rubbed, or when they become cracked or chipped. . lead in varnish is typically found on floors, door and window casing, trim and even old baby cribs. . lBP that is intact, undisturbed, and inaccessible to young children may not pose a lead hazard and should be left alone. Asbestos What is asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber. Asbestos fibers are long, thin, and very strong, yet flexible enough to be woven together. Until the 1970's, asbestos was commonly added to a variety of building materials to strengthen them, provide heat insulation and make them fire resistant. Although most products today do not contain asbestos, some older materials in your home may, including pipe and sprayed-on insulation, floor tiles, and roofing and siding materials. What can I do to prevent asbestos exposure? The following steps can help minimize asbestos exposure during vel}' minor home renovations (such as removing the ductwork): Wear gloves, eye protection and a HEPA respirator (not just a dust mask). Tape off rooms with plastic sheeting to prevent contaminating other areas of the home; keep the asbestos damp to prevent spreading dust. Keep windows open for good ventilation and wipe up all dust and debris using wet cleaning methods (wet-wiping and wet-mopping). A HEPA vacuum can be used for clean up of minor dust or debris. Do not use a home/shop vacuum. If renovations involve more extensive removal or exposure to asbestos containing insulation, it's best to hire a professional, state-certified, asbestos removal contractor. What are the health risks associated with asbestos exposure? Asbestos fibers must be inhaled to cause disease. Disturbing asbestos insulation or dust containing asbestos will result in exposure unless precautions are taken. When insulation containing asbestos is disturbed, lightweight asbestos fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled. In general, the more you are exposed to asbestos, the greater your risk of developing related diseases. Exposure may not have immediate health consequences, however. In many cases, individuals do not develop related diseases for years or even decades after exposure. Those at highest risk for exposure and disease are long-term asbestos processing plant employees or workers regularly installing or handling products containing asbestos without proper protection. Those at lower risk include people who occasionally disturb attic insulation during activity in the attic or minor "handyman" jobs. The lowest risk would be for people who live in a home where the asbestos insulation is isolated and they have had no direct contact with the materials. Some asbestos-exposed workers, family members, and those living in the neighborhoods of asbestos plants have developed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissue surrounding the lungs, stomach, and heart. Mesothelioma has also been found in individuals who were exposed to asbestos only once decades earlier. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Exposure to a lot of asbestos over a long time (like in an occupational setting) can cause permanent lung damage known as asbestosis. Asbestosis causes shortness of breath and increases the risk of serious lung infections. Smoking also increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure. For more information For health related questions, contact your local public health agency or the Wisconsin Division of Public Health at (608) 266-1120. For a list of state-certified contractors, consultants and labs, call the Division's Asbestos and lead Section at (608) 261-6876.