Barranquitas_November_2017_mold_report.pdf

ALTOL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC.

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY FOR MOLD AIR MONITORING

JOBS CORPS BARRANQUITAS NOVEMBER 16, 2017

ALTOL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Prepared by: Margarita Irizarry Cardona MES. Air Monitoring Specialist (Lic. ASB-0912-0557-MS), Supervisor, LBP

Inspector, Asbestos Inspector

Indoor Air Monitoring

Job Corps

Barranquitas P.R

November 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Statement of Limitation……………………………………………………………….3

Executive Summary………………………….………………………………………..4

Table 1.0 Location and Description of Sample

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….5

Project Location and Background………………………………………………….5

Analysis Results………………………………………………………………………..6

Table 2.0 Total concentration of mold spores in air samples.

Table 2.1 Summary of swab samples result

Figure 1.0 Mold growth concentration graph

Characteristic of Mold Growth and Behavior.……………………………………….8

Conclusion and remediation recommendation.……………………………………….10

Appendix A: Equipment Specification…………………………………………………11

Appendix B: Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Test Results………………….13

Appendix C: Mold Inspection and Testing Photos…………………………………….14

JOBS CORPS BARRANQUITAS NOVEMBER 30, 2017

STATEMENT OF LIMITATION

The following mold assessment is based on findings of the physical inspection and testing. Findings are current and accurate for the date and time they were found, but do not reflect expected or predictable mold growth and infestation on and within the property. This report addresses only those areas physically inspected and sampled. The Inspector is not responsible or liable for the non-discovery of any water damage, water problems, mold contamination, or other conditions of the subject facility which may occur or may become evident after the inspection and testing time and date.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mold assessment and testing protocol has been performed by ALTOL ENVIROMENTAL personnel on November 8, 2017. The study was conducted on at the Jobs Corps facility, located in Barranquitas.

P.R. The results of the sampling event are presented herein.

Sampling protoccol for biological contaminants is based on bioaerosol sampling (Indoor Air) and swabs (direct determination of microorganism on surfaces). The purpose of these methods is the identification of culturable microorganism and assessments of possible proliferation and dissemination of bacteria or fungi from building reservoirs. Samples were collected as requested. At least seven points samples were selected in different areas on the Warehouse. Swab were collected at the surfaces of the boxes.

A list of the equipment used in the project is attached in Appendix B. Calibration sheets of pump rotameters are also included. The sampling pump was calibrated to 15 L/min on site before samples were collected. The sampling method used is the impactor sampling by Andersen one stage for viable mold growth. All samples were delivered to Environmental Microbiology Laboratory for analysis.

The Table 1.0 provides descriptions of each sample, locations and the sample volume.

Table 1.0 Location, description and time of sample collected

Sample Location Temperature

ºF

Relative

Humidity %

Sample Volume

*Spanish Class Room 75 78 -

*Re Sale at Retail Room 73 79 -

Chase Evaluator Office 73 70 75

Open Air 72 72 75

Health Service 74 73 75

Residence Room #318 76 70 75

Residence Room #112 75 70 75 Purshasing Office 77 75 75

Director Office 76 75 75 Cafeteria Food Storage 75 69 75

INTRODUCTION

During the passing of the Hurricane Maria some buildings were affected, this cause damage in structures bringing humidity, surfaces can support growth of microorganism and become a contamination source for the aerosol formation in the facility. The greatest aerosol source are personnel, ventilation systems and humidity occasioned by condensation, these may affect the microbiological growth. The facility had structural damage in the roof; physical evidence was portrayed by photos of each area of how they were found before the assessment (Appendix D) The microbiological air quality of Job Corps was evaluated using the impactor sampling by Andersen one stage for viable mold growth. This method consist on the number of microorganism involves drawing a measures volume of air over culture media in Petri dishes. The direct samples consist in rub and roll the wet swab over a one-inch square area of the clothes. Insert the swab back into the tube. The source of contamination can be, water damaged materials, high humidity indoor areas, damp organic material and porous wet surfaces, humidifiers, hot water systems, outdoor excavations, plants, animal excreta, animals and insects, food or food products.

PROJECT LOCATION AND BACKGROUND

A sampling event to assess microbiological presence was conducted by ALTOL ENVIROMENTAL personnel on November 8, 2017. The study was conducted at Job Corps in Barranquitas P.R. A mold assessment and testing were realized on requested by the engineer Luis Andino. The assessment was requested due concerns of moisture intrusion in consequence by the passing of the hurricane Maria.

The roof suffered damaged resulting of water intrusion in the most areas of the facility (see Appendix

D). Mold growth was noted during this inspection

ANALYTICAL RESULTS

The results of the sampling event are shown in Appendix IV. The Chain of Custody is also included (Refer to Appendix C). Samples collected were analyzed by Altol Chemical

Environmental Laboratory and mold spores identification were analyzed by CEI Lab., an AIHA-

LAP, LLC-EMLAP lab 103025 accredited laboratory. Air samples were taken to establish the concentration of colonies in ambient air. Under normal conditions, the concentration of mold inside should be approximately equivalent to or lower than the concentration of mold captured outside (open area). A summary of results shown on table 2.0. The Table 2.1 show the identification of mold present in the sampling points.

Table 2.0 Total concentration of mold in air sample

Sample ID Sample Description Mold concentration

Raw Count

Concentration

(spore/m3)

AT-17-8877 *Spanish Class Room 35

AT-17-8878 *Re Sale at Retail Room 10

AT-17-88879 Chase Evaluator Office 456 6,080

AT-17-8880 Open Air 130 1,733

AT-17-8881 Health Service 100 1,333

AT-17-8882 Residence Room #318 40 533

AT-17-8883 Residence Room #112 60 800

AT-17-8884 Purshasing Office 60 800

AT-17-8885 Director Office 40 533

AT-17-8886 Cafeteria Food Storage 100 1,333

*Note: The spanish classroom and Re Sale and Retail Room no had electric power during this inspection, for these samples the passive sampling was used.

Table 2.1Summary of swab samples mold identifiction

Sample ID Sample Description Mold identification Mold growth activity

3155-110817-MI-01 *Spanish Class Room Aspergillus/Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

Up to 25%

26-50%

3155-110817-MI-02 *Re Sale at Retail Room Aspergillus/Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

26-50%

Traces

3155-110817-MI-03 Chase Evaluator Office Aspergillus/Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

51-75%

26-50%

3155-110817-MI-04 Health Service Cladosporium

Aspergillus/ Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

51-75%

26-50%

Up to 25%

3155-110817-MI-05 Purshasing office drywall Cladosporium

Fungal mycelial fragments

>75

26-50%

3155-110817-MI-06 Director Office desk Cladosporium

Aspergillus/ Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

51-75%

51-75%

26-50%

3155-110817-MI-07 Cafeteria food storage refigerator

Cladosporium

Aspergillus/ Penicillium

Fungal mycelial fragments

Up to 25%

Up to 25%

Up to 25%

The Appendix B provides a Mold report prepared by Altol Chemical Laboratory. This report provides the sample collected at the subject facility. The method used for the laboratory was the

Sedimentation Method to determine Mold in samples. The sampling technique used for this assessment was the Impactor sampling by the Andersen one stage. For swabs method the laboratory identified the spores collected in one sq. in. per sample.

CHARACTERISTIC OF MOLD GROWTH AND BEHAVIOR

Mold spores have been shown to produce allergic reactions in people susceptible to them. Spores may affect the respiratory system, producing sinusitis, Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma) and/or

Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Topical reactions may include rashes, irritation, and dermatitis. Species associated with the production of mycotoxins are specifically noted bellow.

Although most species of mold require high moisture levels for active growth, the reduction of moisture level will not kill mold. Mold species will go dormant at low moisture levels. There are some species that can continue active growth and spore production even at low moisture levels, particularly certain species of Aspergillus. Following is a description of mold types captured at the subject facility.

6,080

1,733 1,333

800 800

1,333

Figure 1.0 Concentration of Mold in air samples m3

*Re Sale at Retail Room

Chase Evaluator Office

*Spanish Class Room

Open Air

Health Service

Residence Room #318

Residence Room #112

Purshasing Office

Director Office

Cafeteria Food Storage

Basidiospores are group of spore produce by over 1200 different types of fungi, including many mushrooms. They are common in cosmopolitan areas associated with gardens and forest. Indoor environment, Basidospore are typically found on wood or cellulitic material.

Cladosporium is common in indoor environments. This group molds is the most common worldwide. In outdoor environments, Cladosporium is associated with many types of soil, plant litter, and plant pathogens. In indoor environments, Cladosporium is typically found on moist windowsills, textiles, and wood.

Penicillinum and Aspergillus are included as one group due to to similarities in the appearance of their spore and growth patterns. They are often associated with house dust, but, may also be found growing on cellulitic materials, such as sheet rock, and wood. This group of molds is often the first to colonize an area and is marked by rapid spore production and colony growth.

Ascospore grows well under a variety of conditions and many are known to be plant pathogens.

Ascospores are microscopic spores which develop during the winter on dead, fallen leaves that were infected the previous season.

There is evidence of exposure to dampness/ mold and health effects. Recently a published document by the World Health Organization (a book titled, WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air

Quality: Dampness and Mold – September 2009), has stated:

1. The overall evidence shows that house dampness is consistently associated with a wide range of respiratory health effects, most notably asthma, wheeze, cough, respiratory infections and upper respiratory tract symptoms. However, there is insufficient evidence of a causal relationship with any of the health outcomes reviewed.

2. An association between the presence of “mold” and bacteria in damp indoor environments and hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been reported repeatedly.

3. A study by Fisk, Lei-Gomez and Mendell (2007) concluded that “building dampness and mould are associated with approximately 30-50% increases in a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes.

Conclusion and Remediation Recommendation

Having completed the visual assessment and sampling procedures, it can be concluded that presence of mold was found at the moment of the inspection. The mold growth in Chase Evaluator office was higher concentration than the outside sample (open area). All areas show mold growth and the remediation is essential before occupying the facility. The sample areas presented structural damages that cause constant roof leakage; that eventually result in mold growth.

Damp indoor environments have been associated with many serious health effects, including asthma, hypersensitivity, and sinusitis. Moisture incursion leading to dampness can result from water leaks and/or by condensation due to high humidity. Common sources of moisture in buildings include:

plumbing; roof and window leaks; flooding; condensation on cold surfaces; e.g, pipe sweating;

poorly maintained drain pans; and wet foundations due to landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building. Water vapor from unvented or poorly vented areas can also create conditions that promote microbial growth.

Management of moisture requires proper control of temperatures and ventilation to avoid high humidity, condensation on surfaces, and excess moisture in materials. ASHRAE recommends relativity humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent for optimum comfort. Higher humidity may result in microbial growth. A consistently implement good-house-keeping plan essencial to eliminate or reduce the microbial growth in the facility. Any absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, carpets, porous materials, chairs and drywalls must be discarded.

Appendix A

Equipment

Equipment and Materials

• High volume Pump with Rotameter and Case with Custom foam.

• One Stage Andersen

• Agar Plate for Mold and Yeast

• Swabs http://www.aemlinc.com/images/stories/products/megalite kit.jpg

Appendix B

Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Test Results

MOLD BULK REPORT

Nonviable Methodology

Prepared for

Altol Environmental Services

TEL: 866-481-1412

www.ceilabs.com

CLIENT PROJECT:

CEI LAB CODE:

TEST METHOD: CEI Method 120

RECEIVED DATE:

REPORT DATE:

Job Corps Barranquitas; ENJ-2175

I17-2342

11/15/17

11/14/17

All samples received in acceptable condition. Analytical results are not corrected for field and laboratory blanks.

Test results relate only to the items tested and cannot be extrapolated to anything larger than their original intent. This report may not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval by CEI Labs, Inc (CEI). CEI bears no responsibility for client sampling methods and makes no warranty representation regarding the accuracy of client supplied information in preparing and presenting analytical results. CEI maintains liability limited to the cost of analysis, except for CEI’s own willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Interpretation of the analytical results is the sole responsibility of the customer.

Tianbao Bai, Ph.D., CIH Laboratory Director

CEI Labs, 730 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, Phone: (866) 481-1412

LABORATORY REPORT

Fungal Characterization

CEI Lab Code: I17-2342 Date Received: 11-14-17 Date Analyzed: 11-14-17 Date Reported: 11-15-17 Sampling Method: Tape/Bulk/Swab

LAB ID SAMPLE LOCATION

CLIENT: Altol Environmental Services PO Box 359 Mecedita, P.R. 00715

PROJECT: Job Corps Barranquitas; ENJ-2175

IDENTIFICATIONCLIENT ID

MOLD GROWTH

RATING

Fungal mycelial fragments3 Aspergillus/Penicillium2

M74104 Spanish classroom chair3155-110817-

MI-01

Fungal mycelial fragments3 Aspergillus/Penicillium1

M74105 Ventas al detal chair3155-110817-

MI-02

Aspergillus/Penicillium4 Fungal mycelial fragments3

M74106 Chase Evaluator Office -chair

3155-110817-

MI-03

Cladosporium4 Aspergillus/Penicillium3

Fungal mycelial fragments2

M74107 Health Service - counter3155-110817-

MI-04

Cladosporium5 Fungal mycelial fragments3

M74108 Purchasing Office drywall3155-110817-

MI-05

Cladosporium4 Aspergillus/Penicillium4

Fungal mycelial fragments3

M74109 Director Office - desk3155-110817-

MI-06

Cladosporium2 Aspergillus/Penicillium2

Fungal mycelial fragments2

M74110 Cafeteria Food Storage refrigerator

3155-110817-

MI-07

Page 2 of 3CEI Labs, 730 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, Phone: (866) 481-1412

LABORATORY REPORT

Fungal Characterization

CEI Lab Code: I17-2342 Date Received: 11-14-17 Date Analyzed: 11-14-17 Date Reported: 11-15-17 Sampling Method: Tape/Bulk/Swab

LAB ID SAMPLE LOCATION

CLIENT: Altol Environmental Services PO Box 359 Mecedita, P.R. 00715

PROJECT: Job Corps Barranquitas; ENJ-2175

IDENTIFICATIONCLIENT ID

MOLD GROWTH

RATING

No fungal matter was detected; Debris present is not consistent with fungal matter.

Trace amount of fungal matter detected; A few random appearances of fungal matter indicated. Probably due to settling. Does not indicate active growth.

Up to 25% of the sample surface is covered with fungal matter; Probably indicates active growth at some point in time.

26%-50% of the sample surface is covered with fungal matter; Indicates active growth at some point in time.

51%-75% of the sample surface is covered with fungal matter; Indicates active growth at some point in time.

>75% of the sample surface is covered with fungal matter; Indicates active growth at some point in time.

ANALYST: APPROVED BY:

Tianbao Bai, Ph.D.

Laboratory Director

Vidya Natarajan

MOLD GROWTH RATING

0 -

1 -

2 -

3 -

4 -

5 -

* Periconia/Smuts includes Myxomycetes

Page 3 of 3CEI Labs, 730 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, Phone: (866) 481-1412

Appendix C

Mold Inspection and Testing Photos

Spanish Classroom showed structural damage on the roof

Spanish classroom

Water intrusion in

Resale at Retail classroom

Mold growth in Chase

Evaluator Office (door)

Chase Evaluator Office

Open Area (Andersen sampling)

Health Service

Mold growth in ceiling tiles

Health Service Area

Mold growth on door

Health Service Area

Mold growth on chairs

Residence Room 318

No visible mold

Residence Room 112

No visible Mold

Mold growth on drywall

Purchasing Office

Structural damage on roof

Purchasing Office

Structural damage

Director Office

Water Intrusion

Director Office

Mold growth on coolers

Cafeteria

Sampling Point

Cafeteria