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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter (air quality complaint) - 11/21/2005 Jim Doyle Governor DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH 1 WEST WILSON STREET POBOX 2659 MADISON WI 53701-2659 Heiene Neison Secretary State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services 60B-266-12S1 FAX: 608-267-2832 WVN/.dhfs.state.wi.us November 21,2005 Ann and Ronnie Palm 1016 Kansas Street OSHKOSH, WI 54902-6241 RE: Indoor Air Quality Complaint Dear Mr. and Mrs. Palm: On Friday, November 4, 2005 I conducted an inspection, in response to a mold complaint in your home. During the course of my inspection I found found water leaks and other conditions that could be contributing to the mold growth and possible health symptoms you are experiencing. In the second floor bedroom I found a couple of areas where it appears that water had been leaking for some time ITom the roof. There was evidence of long term water leaks noted on the drywall and the underside of the roof decking around the sewer duct and chimney. The built in dresser also had signs of mold infestation. The insulation between the 2nd story ceiling and the roof deck was matted down to less then 2" in many areas due to chronic moisture. The exposed gravel crawlspace under the living room addition is also contributing to the mold growth in the home. The carpet remnants under the crawlspace area all saturated with moisture and are very musty smelling. Due to the unique problems of your home especially in the crawlspace and the insulation in the attic, I would recommend that you contact a Building Performance Specialist with the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. They can be reached at 1-800-762-7077. They could possible assist you in identifying corrective measures for both areas and inform you of possible funding options. Also I would suggest you contact Susan Kiplinger with the City of Oshkosh Development. She could possibly help you with regarding funding options. If you have any questions regarding my report please call me at (608) 266-7897 or email at Chambmh@dhfs.state.wi.us. Sincerely Mark H. Chamberlain Environmental Health Specialist Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health CC: City of Oshkosh Health Department F:msoffiiceiMarks Files/IAQ/Cases/2005/ Oshkosh 1016 Kansas Wisconsin.gov INSPECTION RESULTS 1016 Kansas, Oshkosh WI Room Kitchen REMARKS 217 Tiles falling off wall above counter behind sink. Some black noted on back side of tiles indicating possible mold growth and chromic water problem. Remove tiles, waterproof wall then re- install tiles with new wate roof rout. Wall mounted soap holder falling off. Black on back side of tiles indicating possible mold growth and chromic water problem. Window over tub/shower. Recommend remodeling shower area to enclose window, install one piece shower surround, and exhaust fan. On north wall. Water staining on sheetrock around chimney and sewer vent pipe. Condition and stains on underside of wood roof deck, and the deteriorated Kimsul insulation between sheet rock walls/ceiling and roof deck indicated that leak has been a chronic problem more then likely existing at least 5 years. Replace rotted sheetrock and moldy wood built in cabinets. Roof should be examined to see if it needs to be r laced. Sample #1 lab results. Chronic water leaks in roof noted where roof vent located. In addition the insulation between the ceiling and the roof deck was matted down to less then 2" in many areas due to chronic moisture. Roof should be examined to see if it needs to be r laced. Replace mold wood walls and ceilin . Cracked foundation at comer of wall closest to driveway. Undemeath stairwell wood has some dry rot with possible mold growth. This has been a chronic problem as evident of age of cracks in wall and water damaged to wood. Dry rotted Kimsul insulation a ainst header' oist along west wall. Rotting water saturated carpets remnants on gravel floor. Mold noted on header joist on south outer perimeter wall. Significant must mold smell throughout crawlspace. Old construction debris also noted on floor of crawlspace. All material in crawlspace should be removed. Floor of crawlspace should be sealed with either concrete or plastic. Space should be heated. Sample #2 & #3 ITom crawls ace is As . Ius mold. Landscaping tends to channel water towards foundation around house. At SE comer of house where concrete slab screened in porch meets crawlspace there is a gulley that collects water and directs it to crawlspace. At NW comer of house the blacktop driveway directs water back towards cracked basement foundation. Front steps of house sinking and slanting back towards foundation. Downspouts not far enough away ftom foundation. Gutters clogged with leaves. Landscaping should be built u to direct water awa from foundation of house. Bathroom Upstairs Bedroom Upstairs Storage area Basement Crawlspace Exterior PHOTOGRAPHS &m!œ Below are photos ofthe conditions observed during the inspection ofthe property. The photos have only been altered in order to fit on this page. The content of the photos has not been changed. PICTURE #1 2nd Story bedroom: Inside of built in dressers. Note black mold along sides and white mold along back of dressers. PICTURE #2 2nd Story bedroom: Ceiling by chimney. Note staining ftom chronic water leak. PICTURE #3 2nd Story bedroom closet: Ceiling sewer pipe exhaust stack. Note staining ftom chronic water leak. PICTURE #4 2nd Story attic space: Space above bedroom ceiling and roof deck. Note Kimsul brand insulation that is matted down due to chronic water exposure. PICTURE #5 2nd Story storage room: Insulation between the ceiling and the roof deck. Insulation is matted down due to chronic dampness. PICTURE #6 Crawlspace: Outside header joist SW comer of foundation. Note mold growing on wood beams. PICTURE #7 Crawlspace: Outside header joist on south foundation. Note mold growing on wood beams. PICTURE #8 Crawlspace: Carpet pad remnants on gravel floor of crawl space. Pads are wet to the touch. Note water staining on SE comer of foundation below screened in porch on concrete slab on grade. PICTURE #9 Exterior: NE comer of house where crawlspace addition and concrete slab screened in porch meet. Note depression in soil where two areas come together. REFERENCE GUIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES Temperature (T) & 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. Carbon Monoxide (CO) What is carbon monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete fuel combustion offuels, 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 PPM CO 35 200 Symptoms depending on rural versus urban. Typical lev upied spaces with good air exchange and mini com laints Outdoor air standard set b EPA nning of general discomfort. Complaints ranging fro drowsiness to poor air. urn exposure allowed by OSHA in the workplace over an ei ht hour eriod. .0-9.0 400 800 1600 ache, dizziness and nausea. Death within 25-30 min 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/eh/index.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 HV AC system. Results 'are reported in parts per million or ppm. PPM CO2 350- 800 nding on rural versus urban. Typical levels found in . . and minimal complaints icallevels found in occupied spaces with good air exchange and minimal com laints. 250- 350 >5,000 Beginning of general discomfort. Complaints ranging from drowsiness poor air. Complaints of headache, sleepiness, stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration. Loss of attention. Possible increase heart rate, feeling nausea. Levels exceeding this can cause permanent brain damaged coma and even death. ,00 MOLDS Molds and fungi exist all around us in the environmental. Molds and fungus are important part of the life cycle. Molds and fungi break down rotting and decaying material and return the nutrients to the soil. When molds and fungi are in high numbers in occupied areas do we see problems occurring. All molds are considered irritants and allergens. They produce symptoms of watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and tiredness. Initially a walk through evaluation is made to attempt to identify potential sources of excess fungal or mold growth. Fungi need a source of moisture, a source of organic matter, and proper temperature. Because fungi grow well at room temperature, control is achieved through adequate air filtration and control of moisture. Areas having poor air filtration, and a source of moisture, are likely to be sources for fungi growth. Bulk and wipe samples are taken from the suspect material. Once cultured, molds are identified by species and number and are reported as colonies forming units in a given area. Aspergillus versicolor Soil, food products, biodeteriogen on damp building materials. It is associated with cellulose-based materials and wall cavity surfaces suffering from alternating wet/dry cycles. It is also very common in building dust, surfaces, air, and carpet and behind vinyl wall coverings. Produces sterigmatocystin, a potent toxin that is known to cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It is reported to be a kidney and liver carcinogen. This species is only occasionally pathogenic Penicillium A wide number of organisms are placed in this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. It may cause lung irritation in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be allergenic (skin). It is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Common cause of asthma related hypersensitivity. Sporobolomyces species Soil, plant material. Normal flora of man. Requires very wet conditions. Fungal References: 1. Bioaerosals: Assessment and Control, Macher Janet, Burge Harriet 1999 ACGIH 2. Microbes in the Indoor Environment: C. 1998. PathCon Laboratories Norcross GA. 30092 3. httv://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/funf!Us/f!:lossarv.html 4. http://www.doctorfungus.org