INDOOR AIR QUALITY

INVESTIGATION FOR MOLDS

PROJECT LOCATION:

ROGERS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 219 S. MISSOURI

CLAREMORE, OK 74017

PREPARED FOR:

ROGERS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ROGERS COUNTY COURTHOUSE

219 S. MISSOURI CLAREMORE, OK 74017

PREPARED BY:

DEAN SWAIN, PRESIDENT

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD CONTROL, INC 6539 E. 31ST STREET, SUITE 33

TULSA, OK 74145 918-747-1330

SEPTEMBER 17, 2008

INDOOR AIR QUALITY INVESTIGATION FOR MOLDS 1. Introduction: What is mold? Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, wet building materials (carpet, walls, insulation), and other organic materials. Molds are needed for breaking down dead material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from brown to black. When molds are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, unvented combustion appliances, and leaking windows and doors. Should you be concerned about mold in your building? Yes, if the visible contamination is extensive or when airborne mold spores are present in large numbers. Under these circumstances mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people. These reactions can be immediate or delayed. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to the mold. Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Mold can even also cause structural damage to your facility. When wood or drywall goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak through deterioration. Are some molds more hazardous than others? Allergic persons vary in their sensitivity to mold both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, which the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. Allergic and toxic effects can remain even in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritative molds.

2. Site Sampling: Environmental Hazard Control, Inc (EHCI) has completed the full indoor air quality investigation for molds of the Rogers County Courthouse located at 219 S. Missouri in the city of Claremore, state of Oklahoma. Because of building occupants complaints of airborne molds have been expressed on the property and the indoor air quality screening conducted in August 12, 2009 was inconclusive, EHCI was requested to conduct a full indoor air quality investigation of Judge Steidley court reporter office area, the 1st floor court clerks office area, and 1st floor court treasurer office areas to determine whether viable and non-viable fungal spores may be problematic. All sampling was conducted by Dean Swain, an accredited mold investigator.

Visible or Instrument Detected Moisture Problem Areas

A visual investigation as well as instrument aided testing occurred in Judge Condren’s office suite area, Judge Steidley’s office suite area, the 2nd floor hallway as well as west stairwell, 1st floor court clerk office suite area, and 1st floor court treasurer office suite area. Humidity levels and temperature were tested throughout the subject property as well as moisture readings taken of variance building components such as carpeted areas, sheetrock walls, and ceiling tiles.

The ambient temperature coming out of register vents resulted in levels around 66-68 degrees. The humidity levels ranged from 40-45%. The dew point is associated with relative humidity. A high relative humidity indicates that the dew point is closer to the current air temperature. Relative humidity of 100% indicates that the dew point is equal to the current temperature (and the air is maximally saturated with water). When the dew point stays constant and temperature increases, relative humidity will decrease. Ideal humidity levels for prevention of mold growth in buildings are 30-60%. The following areas resulted in levels of moisture in the area of high concern:

Wallpaper and sheetrock around window of Judge Steidley’s court reporter office (Beth Beavers office)

Wallpaper and sheetrock around east windows of court clerks office suite Wallpaper and sheetrock around east windows of court treasurer office suite Plaster walls under windows of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor west stairwell

In addition, multiple areas of visibly water stained ceiling tiles were noted in west stairwell, Judge Steidley’s court reporter office, basement OSU Extension offices, 1st floor court clerk offices, and 1st floor court treasures office. See Appendix ‘B’ for site photographs of water damaged materials. Causes of Water Intrusion The first apparent cause of water intrusion is leaking seals around windows, possible occasional leaking plumbing pipes found in exterior chases, and possible exterior roof drain problems found from the second floor down on at least the east and west sides of the building. Communication with onsite workers and maintenance staff have verified that during rainfall (typically heavy rain) water can be seen pouring in around window seals. One window well in court clerk office has towels at bottom of window to curb water flow down walls when it rains. Another source of water intrusion has been told us occurs whenever heavy rains occur in the downtown Claremore area and storm water drains back up and resultant waters flood the basement area from the west exterior emergency egress door. The has caused building materials such as carpet and sheetrock walls to become water damaged and can also lead to higher levels of humidity all helping to influence or spur mold growth. Vapor drive is a major causing agent throughout the subject site. Vapor drive is a process by which water vapor molecules (or water in its gas form) try to evenly spread themselves. If one side of a room is full of water vapor molecules, the molecules will move to the other side until the room is evenly populated. In a room, this phenomenon is easily understood. It’s a little more complicated in the real world. Consider the separation of the air outside of a building from the

air inside. If the air on the outside is fully populated with molecules of water vapor and the air on the inside is sparsely populated, it is easy to understand that the water vapor wants to even itself out between the two air volumes. How intensely the water vapor molecules try to move through the wall is called vapor drive. Vapor drive is greatly influenced by temperatures. Hot water vapor is more active and will tend to drive across to cooler air vigorously. For example, consider a building on a bright summer day in 100 degree heat with 80 to 90 percent humidity. Inside the building it is 70 degrees with 50 percent relative humidity. Water vapor molecules on the outside will try their hardest to get to the inside and even things. If the temperature differences are more drastic, the amount of pressure or drive is increased. If the interior temperature is minus twenty, as it might be for an ice cream freezer, the vapor drive will be enormous. In order to keep water vapor molecules from penetrating, we need to put a barrier between them. If the barrier is made of a single piece of glass or a single piece of metal, the division will be nearly obsolete. In Rogers County Courthouse circumstances, this building has vinyl wallpaper on the interior and the wallpaper served as that vapor barrier and trapped the moisture behind it causing mold to grow. The thick latex paint on the west stairwell walls is serving as another vapor barrier and trapping moisture causing water bubbles in the paint along this surface. It is amazing how fast water vapor can get through the brick, glass, metal or even wood – especially if the substrate has any cracks in it. Air-O-Cell Sampling August 12, 2009: The first air samples on August 12, 2009 were collected first from Judge Condren’s private office, then her court reporters office, and then OSU Extension Services offices in basement all where employees have complained about respiratory and odor problems while the last sample was collected from outside the building as a control sample. September 8, 2009: The second set of air samples on September 8, 2009 were collected first from Judge Steidley’s court reporter office (Beth Beavers), then 2nd floor hallway, then 1st floor court clerks office, and then 1st floor court treasurer’s offices where previous visual inspections indicated water damaged building materials and presence of excessive levels of moisture. The last sample was collected from outside the building as a control sample. In general, the levels and types of airborne spores found should be qualitatively similar indoors (in non-problematic areas) and quantitatively lower than what is found in outdoor air. In naturally ventilated, non-problem buildings, the relative abundance of different fungi in indoor air tends to follow the pattern found in outdoor air, although the numbers are usually smaller. In other words, differences in the levels or types of fungi found in air samples may indicate that moisture sources and resultant fungal growth may be problematic. All air samples were collected by Dean Swain using a Hi-volume air pump and Air-O-Cell sampling media. The Air-O-Cell cassettes were then sent under chain-of-custody form to Quantem Laboratories and then analyzed for a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect parts (hyphal fragments), skin cells fragments, fibers, and inorganic particulates. Surface Tape Lift Sampling

August 12, 2009: On August 12, 2009 Dean Swain collected three transparent tape lift samples of potentially contaminated or problematic surface areas. One from Judge Condren’s office bathroom, Judge Steidley’s court reporter office beneath wallpaper, and from OSU Extension office vent cover in hallway. The tape samples were placed on glass microscope slides, sealed in plastic slide holders supplied by the laboratory and delivered under chain of custody protocol to Quantem Laboratories located at 2033 Heritage Park Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 for direct microscopic analysis to identify the type and relative quantity of fungal spores at the genus level. September 8, 2009: On September 8, 2009 Dean Swain collected two additional transparent tape lift samples of potentially contaminated or problematic surface areas. The first from beneath wall paper in 1st floor court clerk’s office along east wall, and the second from court clerk sheetrock ceiling above window well. The tape samples were placed on glass microscope slides, sealed in plastic slide holders supplied by the laboratory and delivered under chain of custody protocol to Quantem Laboratories located at 2033 Heritage Park Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 for direct microscopic analysis to identify the type and relative quantity of fungal spores at the genus level. Swap Sample Dean Swain collected a single swab sample of potentially contaminated or problematic wet sheetrock from beneath wallpaper in 1st floor court reporter window well. The swab sample was placed and sealed in its plastic holder supplied by the laboratory and delivered under chain of custody protocol to Quantem Laboratories located at 2033 Heritage Park Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 for direct microscopic analysis to identify the type and relative quantity of fungal spores at the genus level. 3. Laboratory Results: Air-O-Cell Sampling The Air-O-Cell samples were analyzed by a Quantitative, NonCulturable Method MM001. The indoor complaint area sample resulted in levels that are elevated for typical indoor areas as compared to the outside control sample. In addition, the total types and number of fungi were not comparable to outdoor levels. Please, remember there are no federal or state laws dictating what is an actual acceptable level of airborne concentrations of mold spores. In general, the levels and types of airborne spores found should be similar indoors (in non-problematic areas) as compared to outdoor levels on a percentage basis. The following chart shows all areas sampled and how they compared to outdoor levels. The highlighted boxes are where a different type of fungi was found as compared to the outdoor sample.

Table 1.0

Sample Description Sample Number

Total Results*

Percentage of Outdoor Results

Different type(s) or elevated percentage of

mold compared to outdoor

August 12, 2009 Sampling

Judge Condren’s office 14714892 87 c/m3 <1% Outside None Judge Condren’s court reporter office

14714813 0 c/m3 0% Outside None

OSU Extension office 13644168 20132 c/m3 120% Higher Aspergillus/Penicillium Group

Outside building 1364416 16619 c/m3 N/A N/A

September 8, 2009 Sampling

Judge Steidley’s court reporter office (Beth Beavers office)

14714844 40 c/m3 <1% Outside None

2nd floor Hallway 14714842 227 c/m3 3% Outside None Court Clerk office 14714835 1000 c/m3 15% Outside Aspergillus/Penicillium Group

Chaetomium Memnoniella Stachybotrys

Court treasurer office 14714816 121 c/m3 2% Outside Stachybotrys Outside building 14714749 6948 c/m3 N/A N/A *Total results for Table 1.0 are reflected of laboratory analysis ‘Total Results” minus Debris, Fibers, and Skin Cells. Surface Tape Lift and Swap Sampling The tape life samples were analyzed by a Qualitative, NonCulturable method, MM002. The tape lift samples resulted in multiple types of moulds such as Aspergillus/Penicillium Group, Alternaria, Claudosporium, Epicoccum, Periconia/Myxomycetes/Smuts, and Stachybotrys. The amounts of these moulds exceeded a Few amount for the sampled areas. The presence of few or trace amounts of fungal spores in bulk/surface sampling should be considered background. Amounts greater than this may suggest fungal colonization, growth, and/or accumulation at or near the sampled location. The swab sample was analyzed by a Qualitative NonCulturable method, MM005. The swab sample resulted in both Aspergillus sp. and Stachybotrys. The following table shows all areas sampled and spore density or concentration of areas sampled. Table 1.1

Results Room/Area Description Sample Number Spore Density or

Concentration Predominant Genus

Surface Tape Samples

August 12, 2009

Judge Condren bathroom ceiling

RL-0101 Few Pollen

Judge Steidley’s office window well beneath

wallpaper

RL-0201 Abundant

Few

Abundant

Aspergillus/Penicillium Group

Hyphal fragments

Periconia/Myxomycetes/Smuts

OSU Extension vent cover RL-0301 Abundant

Few

Moderate

Cladosporium

Epicoccum

Penicillium

September 8, 2009

Court clerk wall beneath wallpaper

R-1 Abundant

Abundant

Aspergillus sp.

Stachybotrys

Court clerk ceiling in window well

R-2 Abundant Alternaria

Court clerk wall beneath wallpaper, Swab sample

R-3 Present

Present

Aspergillus sp.

Stachybotrys *Few=10 or fewer fungal structures detected over area analyzed. **Moderate=fungal structure concentration between few and abundant.

***Abundant=fungal structures detected in 75% or more of the area analyzed or more than 500 fungal structures present

****Present means fungal structures of this type were detected. Mold Descriptions and Medical Significance Alternaria is one of the most common types of molds but can be associated with areas that have experienced water damage. Alternaria is commonly a human allergen and it may cause respiratory problems in humans. It has also been associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Aspergillus/Penicillium Group is a species of fungus commonly found in household dust and wet carpets and are a known human allergen. High levels of Aspergillus and Penicillium are usually an indicator of high levels of moisture and are known to produce mycotoxins. This may affect human health in three different ways: a) as an allergen for sensitized individuals, b) by

causing opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and c) toxic effects resulting from mycotoxins. Chaetomium is found is soil, air, and plant debris but may also be found on building materials with high levels of moisture. Chaetomium can produce mycotoxins and may affect human health in three different ways: a) as an allergen for sensitized individuals, b) implicated in mycotic infections of the mails, skin, abdominal cavity, and brain with the most serious cases in immunocompromised individuals, and c) toxic effects resulting from mycotoxins. Claudosporium is a very common outdoor mold but may be found on indoor surfaces where moisture accumulates. This mold serves as an allergen in sensitized individuals and has been associated with superficial, sinus, and pulmonary infections. Epicoccum are widely distributed and commonly isolated from air, soil, and foodstuff. Sometimes it is associated with animals and textiles. Epicoccum may be allergenic but there are no documented cases of infection. Memnoniella is an indoor mold very similar to Stachybotrys. The only obvious difference between the two moulds is that Memnoniella produces spores in chains while Stachybotrys produces its spores in a mass. Memnoniella was previously named Stachybotrys echinata. Memnoniella has a world-wide distribution and is mainly isolated from soil. Similar to Stachybotrys, it is isolated from cellulose containing materials such as paper, wallpaper, textiles and dead plant material. Sometimes both Memnoniella and Stachybotrys occur on the same water damaged building material. Memnoniella produces toxic metabolites similar to those of Stachybotrys. Periconia/Myxomycetes/Smuts are common outdoor molds associated with soils, decaying plants, and leaves. These may be allergenic but there are no documented cases of infection. Stachybotrys is a cellulose degrading fungus commonly found in soil and on materials rich in cellulose such as hay, straw, cereal grains, plant debris, wood pulp, paper, and cotton. It produces a mass of wet spores sticking together giving the appearance of black pin-heads. In indoor environment Stachybotrys thrives on wet cellulose containing material such as drywall and wallpaper. It is thus common in buildings with mechanical or structural defects that result to moisture damage or dampness. The health effects attributed to Stachybotrys are controversial. It is generally agreed that Stachybotrys can potentially cause allergic reactions from inhaled spores and also poses the threat of mycotoxin poisoning. However, there is still a lot of debate as to whether this mould is the sole cause of various illnesses as reported in the literature. One of the recent disputed claims is the idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage that resulted in deaths of infants in Cleveland, Ohio, USA in 1993-1994. The publicity of this incidence and that of mold related legal cases where Stachybotrys was mentioned has fuelled the public fear for this mould. The mould has been given various names publicly such as “deadly toxic mould” and “deadly black mould”. Pollen is a result of flowering plants and is a know allergen causing hay fever.

4. Recommendations:

It is important to note that any amount of mold whether airborne or surface coated is capable of causing allergic distress whether it is viable (alive) or non-viable (dead). Mold spores can prompt allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe in some individuals. Asthma attacks can also result from exposure to mold. The EPA recommends that a certified and trained mold contractor be used for any amount of mold above a 3’ x 3’ area or 9 square foot area. Because mold can be a serious health concern for those with respiratory problems we recommend the following corrective actions based on the New York City Department of Health Guidelines (2000) and the EPA Guidelines in, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”:

Major moisture damage has occurred to building components due to leaking windows, water pipes and/or drains, vapor drive, and water infiltration due to excessive rains and flooding into basement. Repair conditions causing moisture problems and maintain humidity levels below 60% to discourage mold growth. Ideal levels of humidity to discourage mold growth are between 30-60%. Install humidistat on heat and air systems if necessary. Replace or properly seal all windows and control excessive moisture due to flooding incidents from heavy rains leaking pipes or drains, and overflow of toilets or sinks.

1. Correct vapor drive by installing a vapor barrier to building envelope if possible.

2. Remove any interior wallpaper to prevent moisture building up and resultant mold growth.

3. Have all window seals checked and re-sealed.

4. Respond to any water intrusion to basement within 24 hours with water extraction vacuums, thoroughly dry carpeted and other wet building materials (i.e. sheetrock), have carpets steam cleaned, and apply a mold inhibitor.

5. Respond to any leaking plumbing within 24 hours and dry and clean wet building materials as necessary.

As a result of excessive water damage there was visible mold detected that was greater

than 9 square feet with associated airborne mold as a result. This mold was detected beneath the wallpaper in the Judge Steidley’s court reporter office, the 1st floor court clerk office, and the 1st floor court treasurer’s office. Mold remediation is necessary in these window well and wall areas as well as possible other window well or exterior wall areas throughout the building. These areas should be treated as Level IV: Extensive Contamination and follow remediation requirements as listed in Appendix C.

Mold Prevention or Interim Fixes

Have the ventilation duct work and register vents in OSU extension offices cleaned of debris and the small amounts of mold.

Interim fix of the use of area HEPA filter equipped air purifiers to scrub air of airborne molds in cubicle office areas of 1st floor court clerks and 1st floor court treasurer offices.

Have all carpeted areas in building dried (if wet), steam cleaned, and apply a mold inhibitor product.

Incorporate prompt drying, cleaning and replacement of any water damaged materials (such as ceiling tiles) when noticed.

5. Notes: It is the opinion of the inspector, Dean Swain, that the content of this report accurately represents the conditions found at the time this inspection was conducted based on laboratory analysis provided by Quantem Laboratories for the analysis of microbiology samples.

APPENDIX A

LABORATORY RESULTS

APPENDIX B

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Court clerks east window wall area.

Above ceiling tiles in court clerks east window wall area.

Court treasure east window wall area.

Court treasure east window wall area.

West stairwell window wall area.

APPENDIX C

REMEDIATION PROCEDURES

MOLD REMEDIATION PROCEDURES

It is important to note that any amount of mold is capable of causing allergic distress whether it is alive or dead. Mold spores can prompt allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe in some individuals. Asthma attacks can also result from exposure to mold. The EPA recommends that a mold contractor be used for any amount of mold above a 3’ x 3’ area. Because mold can be a serious health concern for those with respiratory problems we recommend the following corrective actions based on the New York City Department of Health Guidelines (2000) and the EPA Guidelines in, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”: Level I: Small Isolated Areas (10 sq. ft or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls

a. Remediation can be conducted by regular building maintenance staff. Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

b. Respiratory protection (e.g., N95 disposable respirator), in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

c. The work area should be unoccupied. Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary but is recommended in the presence of infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

d. Containment of the work area is not necessary. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

e. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed plastic bag. There are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials.

f. The work area and areas used by remedial workers for egress should be cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop and a detergent solution.

g. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels.

a. Remediation can be conducted by regular building maintenance staff. Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

b. Respiratory protection (e.g., N95 disposable respirator), in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

c. The work area should be unoccupied. Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary but is recommended in the presence of infants (less than 12 months old), persons having undergone recent surgery, immune suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

d. The work area should be covered with a plastic sheet(s) and sealed with tape before remediation, to contain dust/debris.

e. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

f. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed plastic bags. There are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials.

g. The work area and areas used by remedial workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed (a vacuum equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter) and cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop and a detergent solution.

h. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels.

The following procedures at a minimum are recommended:

a. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection, (e.g., N95 disposable respirator), in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

b. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be covered with a plastic sheet(s) and taped before remediation, to contain dust/debris.

c. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting.

d. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. Further vacating of people from spaces near the work area is recommended in the presence of infants (less than 12 months old), persons having undergone recent surgery, immune suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

e. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

f. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed plastic bags. There are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials.

g. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop and a detergent solution.

h. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

If abatement procedures are expected to generate a lot of dust (e.g., abrasive cleaning of contaminated surfaces, demolition of plaster walls) or the visible concentration of the fungi is heavy (blanket coverage as opposed to patchy), then it is recommended that the remediation procedures for Level IV are followed.

Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area)

The following procedures are recommended:

a. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials equipped with:

i. Full-face respirators with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cartridges

ii. Disposable protective clothing covering both head and shoes

iii. Gloves

b. Containment of the affected area:

i. Complete isolation of work area from occupied spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and any other openings)

ii. The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization

iii. Airlocks and decontamination room

c. Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary but is recommended in the presence of infants (less than 12 months old), persons having undergone recent surgery, immune suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

d. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed plastic bags. The outside of the bags should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. There are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials.

e. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop with a detergent solution (i.e. Fiberlock IAQ 2500) and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers.

f. Air monitoring should be conducted prior to occupancy to determine if the area is fit to reoccupy.