Improved Health of Tribal Members through

ImprovedIndoor Air Quality

An ANTHC-DEHE Demonstration Grant Project for

Pedro Bay Village Council

Presented by Ben FossPedro Bay Environmental

For ANTHC-DEHE

ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENTFebruary 2012

So…What prompted this proposal?

Many of our residents suffer from asthma,

breathing difficulties, and allergy or

flu-like symptoms

While we are hesitant

to link these symptoms to

indoor air quality,

We do know that….

…inadequate ventilation, improper heating methods,

the buildup of toxic particulates, and carbon monoxide

can and do impair theimmune system.

Indoor Air Study in Tribal Villages

Since the number of studies pertaining to

tribal indoor air is limited,

we are hoping to provide some

exposure and documented study through our (small) project

Our examination…

Through this grant, we examined the air quality of

six diverse structures

in our village

We looked specifically at

heating methods,

humidity levels,

ventilation systems,

and temperature

control

Unfortunately…

our Q-Trak data—

collected with the IAQ

equipment— was found

to be invalid.

Therefore our results, report,and this presentation

are based primarily on

interviews, visual assessments,

and photographs.

We hope our research and resultswill benefit

other Native or rural villages with IAQ needs.

Challenges & Successes

Pedro Bay is a place

where everyone does more than one job.

Which means…

Challenges & Successes

Testing all homes in the

same time period in the

same manner proved to be our

biggest challenge.

Challenges & Successes

We had intended to test all

six structures at least twice between April and

November, but we were unable to carry out this plan.

Challenges & Successes

Hiring an experienced

and knowledgeable IAQ technician

could have provided

more consistent data and

more precise improvements for our residents.

Challenges & Successes

Still… we felt successful… One-on-one discussion,

personal visits and

ongoing dialogue helped us to build a

foundational base for Indoor Air Studies in Pedro Bay.

We chose six structures that

varied in age,

air-tightness, vulnerability

to mold, occupancy, and

construction type.

Survey Results

Pedro Bay Village is scattered

home sites of varying acreage

across a three-mile area.

Survey Results

Homes are NOT linked

by a common water, sewer, or

design plan…

so each home faces its own

particular air quality issues.

Survey Results

Each home in our study

was built entirely differently

from the others, making our

study both unique and

versatile enough to suit a

variety of home types

throughout Alaska.

Survey Results

HOME REPORTS

Photographs Summaries

Descriptions

Structure #1: Rabbit Point

Age: 30+ years

Composition & Size: Stick-built, 600 sq. ft.

Occupancy: 1 person, cat and dogs

Heat source(s): Oil supplemented by

wood

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:Occupant has coped with asthma for

many years but maintains relatively good health overall.

Home sustains considerable black mold buildup

(Suggested) Improvements include updated insulation and ventilation, new windows and casings

Structure #1: Rabbit Point

Age: 20+ years

Composition: Stick-built

Occupancy: 1 adult, 1 youth

Heat source(s): Fuel oil

Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay, Lower Unit

Smokehouse Bay Building Exterior

Windows and doors are in need of replacement: Smokehouse Bay

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:Home is part of a larger structureNo severe health issues at this timeMold growth is scrubbed/eradicated

regularly but continues to returnWindows and doors need replacing

Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay, Lower Unit

Structure #3: Rustic Cabin

Age: 35 years

Composition/Size: T-111, plywood/350 sq. ft.

Occupancy: 2 Adults

Heat source(s): Wood (used for everything)

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:

Home is not plumbed for water; residents haul water from lake or Council building

Home is not weatherized or winterized

Structure #3: Rustic Cabin

Relocation is recommendedRenovation/new construction

recommended/preferredFinancial and HUD constraints currently not permitting new construction

Structure #3: Rustic Cabin

Structure #4:Big Hill

Age: 20+ years overall construction

Composition: T-111, plywood/2000 sq. ft.

Occupancy: 2-3 Adults throughout the year

Heat source(s): Fuel oil, wood heat

Big Hill, a well-maintained structure

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:Home is in good condition, well-

maintainedSigns of stewardship for home and landWater heater and plumbing in good

conditionWindows in good condition Improvements include ventilation,

ongoing maintenance; no health concerns

Structure #4: Big Hill

Structure #5: Edna’s Bay

Age: 20+ years

Composition: T-111, plywood

Occupancy: Formerly 3 adults, now unoccupied

Heat source(s): Fuel oil and wood heat

Exterior, Edna’s BaySiding, some windows

recently replaced

Semi-enclosed windbreak; black mold around windows: Edna’s Bay

Conditions/Notes/ImprovementsHome is not occupied year-round Recent improvements include vinyl

siding, some vinyl windows, and interior trim

Home shows inefficient heat/air flowRegular presence of black mold Improvements include further

weatherization and ventilation

Structure #5: Edna’s Bay

Structure #6:PHOB (Village Council Building)

Age: 20+ yearsComposition: T-111, plywood, carpet, sheet rockOccupancy: Offices, laundry, shower facilities, clinicHeat source(s): Fuel oil

Exterior, PHOB/Village Council

Conditions/Notes/Improvements Interior and exterior in need of new paint

and weatherproofing improvements Air flow/heat flow generally inconsistent Recent updates are laundry room

electrical and periodic maintenance on plumbing

Further improvements include new carpets (old ones retain mold and moisture)

Structure #6:PHOB (Village Council Building)

Conclusions, Reflections & Realities

Our expected or anticipated

outcome from this project is the

improved health of our Tribal

members and Village

residents.

The goal of this agreement is to educate

our village residents in the understanding

that the air quality concerns in Pedro Bay

do not lie ONLY with the Village Council or

even the state, but with the residents

themselves, so that, ultimately, the

possession of good health lies

with those who live here.

Looking Forward:Suggestions for the Future

1. Perform further rounds of

testing, including testing homes that

are not occupied year-round and

homes that have undergone

renovation or repair.

Looking Forward: Suggestions

2. Attend trainings that are

geared toward rural indoor air

quality and cold climate indoor

air quality.

Looking Forward: Suggestions

3. Attend trainings (such as

this one) to learn more about

building options that improve

air quality.

Looking Forward:Suggestions

4. Meet and consult with

tribal home/indoor air quality

experts who can help tailor

this and future grants more

precisely to the needs of our

village.

Looking Forward: Suggestions

5. Investigate our current

improvements and find sources of

funding, where necessary,

to help residents improve their

homes/housing structures.

ESSENTIALLY…It all comes down to BUY-IN

Buy-in or commitment from the beginning creates stewardship

later on.

Training and/or research will help in the

short-term, but each resident must learn

the value of stewardship before anything

can truly change.