treasury department - barbados underground...treasury department 1st floor treasury building bridge...

of 63 REA Envirohealth International Project EHI-PF8501 Accountant General – Treasury Building

Treasury Department 1

st Floor Treasury Building Bridge St., Bridgetown

Indoor Air Quality Assessment Report 1.0 Introduction

REA Envirohealth International was commissioned to execute a visual inspection and

empirical environmental assessments at The Treasury Building, located at Bridge Street,

Bridgetown, Barbados.

This was required in order to determine the status of the indoor air quality within the offices

located on the Ground, First, Fourth and Fifth Floors.

In order to fulfil these mandates, site visits were made on Friday 12th, Monday 15th and

Wednesday 17th January 2018.

This report outlines the methodologies, findings and conclusions of this project, along with our

recommendations.

2.0 Methodologies

The investigation was executed via:

i. a “walkthrough inspection” of the floors of the building with emphasis on the Ground,

First, Fourth and Fifth floors;

ii. an internal inspection of the air handling units situated on the Ground, First, Fourth and

Fifth floors;

iii. the taking of photographic images as deemed necessary;

iv. electronic “spot measurements” of basic physical environmental parameters, these

being: temperature (T/°C), relative humidity (RH/%) and dew point (Dew Pt./°C), using

a calibrated AQ Expert environmental monitor;


v. “spot measurements” of basic chemical parameters, specifically - carbon monoxide

(CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). These

were executed by electronic detection at parts per million (ppm) levels using a

calibrated AQ Expert environmental monitor;

vi. “spot measurements” for formaldehyde (CH2O) and total Volatile Organic Compounds

(TVOCs) recorded with an AQ Expert environmental monitor, at parts per billion (ppb)

levels;

vii. “spot measurements” for particulate matter (PM) in two size ranges, these being ≥ 0.5

microns (0.5 µm) and ≥ 2.5 microns (2.5 µm) using a calibrated Dylos DC1700 air

quality monitor;

viii. sampling for airborne mould (fungal) spores and other particulate matter, using Air-O-

Cell® spore trap cassettes fitted onto a SKC QuickTake30® sampling pump operating

at a flow rate of 15 litres per minute (15 L/min). The Air-O-Cell® cassettes were

exposed for 10 minutes in each location to collect a total volume of 150 litres of air for

both indoor and outdoor reference samples, as detailed in Table 1. The exposed

cassettes were sealed, labelled and forwarded to Northeast Laboratory Services*

(NEL) in the USA, for analysis by optical microscopy;

*Northeast Laboratory Services is accredited under the American Industrial

Hygiene Association - Laboratory Accreditation Program (AIHA-LAP), the National

Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) and the American

Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

ix. air sampling for the presence of bacteria and fungi using a SKC Biostage® viable

sampler and a selection of sterile agar plates. The Biostage® sampler was fitted onto a

SKC QuickTake30® sampling pump calibrated for a flow rate of 28.3 litres per minute

(28.3 L/min), to allow a total volume of 283.0 L of air to impact media plates over a

period of 10 minutes. The sampling location details are presented in Table 2. The

exposed plates were sealed, labelled and forwarded to a qualified microbiologist for

viable culturing and assessment by morphology using optical microscopy. The types

of media plates used were Malt Extract Agar, DG-18, Blood agar, and MacConkey


agar, and these were incubated to permit the concurrent growth of viable bacteria and

fungi;

x. air sampling of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) using a SKC AirChek® 5000

Pump and thermal desorption tubes as presented in Table 3. For each location, a

thermal desorption tube was fitted to an AirChek® 5000 Pump and left to sample at a

flow rate of 100 millilitres per minute (100 mL/min) for a period of ninety minutes (90

minutes) according to the sampling instructions issued by CASSEN Testing

Laboratories**. The Thermal Desorption Tubes were forwarded to CASSEN Testing

Laboratories, #51 International Boulevard Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for “Open

Characterization” assessment by Thermal Desorption/ Gas Chromatography/ Mass

Spectroscopy (TD/GC/MS); and

** CASSEN Testing Laboratories is an American Industrial Hygiene Association

(AIHA) accredited laboratory and has participated in many proficiency schemes

such as the Industrial Hygiene Proficiency Analytical Testing (IHPAT)

Program, and the Workplace Analytical Scheme Proficiency (WASP) Program

which is administered by Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) of the United

Kingdom.

xi. air sampling for a select number of gases by Colorimetric detection using a Gastec

GV-110 pump and appropriate detector tubes. Gastec detector tubes were used to

determine the presence of the following gases: Ammonia (NH3), Chlorine (Cl),

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and Total Mercaptans.


Table 1: Details of Monitoring Locations for Air-O-Cell® Spore/ Particulate Trap Cassettes samples collected on 12th January 2018

Cassette

Serial No. Location

Time

Commenced

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

2542 3581 BRA Public entrance 11:25 am

2542 3567 Balcony 4th Floor 3:44 pm

2542 3551 BRA Public entrance 4:36 pm

GROUND FLOOR

2542 3550 Vault area 11:48 am

2542 3573 Cashier Area 12:07 pm

2542 3585 BRA Customer Service Area 12:28 pm

2542 3562 BRA Customer Waiting Area 12:39 pm

FIRST FLOOR

2542 3564 Foyer (waiting area) 12:50 pm

2542 3537 Internal Audit 1:05 pm

2542 3574 Accounts near Air handling unit 1:13 pm

2542 3578 Accounts Payroll 1:18 pm

FOURTH FLOOR

2542 3575 Supervising Appraiser 2:59 pm

2542 3563 Assistant Appraiser 3:02 pm

2542 3582 Valuations Service Area (front) 3:18 pm

2542 3577 Project Area Evaluation 3:16 pm

FIFTH FLOOR

2542 3553 IT - BRA 4:04 pm

2542 3555 IT - Treasury 4:11 pm

2542 3597 IT Training room 4:21 pm

2542 3531 Director’s Office 4:27 pm


Table 2: Details of Sampling Locations for Viable Assessment of Airborne Fungi and

Bacteria via Agar Plates, conducted on 15th January 2018

Sample Location Time

Commenced

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

TB-OD-GL BRA Public entrance 11:25 am

TB-OD-BL Balcony 4th Floor 12:22 pm

GROUND FLOOR

TB-G-V Vault area 1:44 pm

TB-G-CAS Cashier Area 1:46 pm

FIRST FLOOR

TB-1-CA Foyer (waiting area) 12:48 pm

TB-1-AP Accounts Payroll 1:00 pm

FOURTH FLOOR

TB-4-VF Valuations Service Area (front) 11:35 am

TB-4-VB In front of Mr. Roach’s office 11:39 am

FIFTH FLOOR

TB-5-BI IT - BRA 4:04 pm

TB-5-TI Near to the AHU in IT - Treasury 4:11 pm

N.B. Malt Extract Agar, DG-18, Blood Agar and MacConkey plates were all used at each

location


Table 3: Details of Location for Thermal Tube samples collected on 12th January 2018

Tube

Serial No. Location

Time

Commenced

Mi023957 Field Blank -

Mi038245 First Floor 10:20 am

Mi034877 Fifth Floor 10:35 am

Mi023911 Fourth Floor 12:19 pm

Mi023950 Ground Floor 1:34 pm


3.0 Observations, Findings and Results

3.1 Visual Inspection & Observations

i. There were some ceiling tiles on the Ground Floor that had water stains and

mould-like growth (Photo 1).

ii. Some ceiling tiles were missing on the Ground Floor, as construction in the area

was still on-going (Photo 2).

iii. The exhaust fan in the ladies’ sanitary conveniences on the Ground Floor had a

heavy build-up of dust (Photo 3).

iv. The Vault had several boxes and paper as well as old furnishings and pieces of

wiring (Photo 4).

v. The filter on one split unit on the Ground Floor had a heavy accumulation of dust

(Photo 5).

vi. Some chairs on the First Floor had mould like growth (Photo 6).

vii. The First Floor had some tiles missing and others had water stains (Photo 7).

viii. There was a lot of water condensation on the vents on the Fourth Floor (Photo 8).

ix. The Supervising Appraiser’s office has a dry wall partition which is adjacent to the

printing room.

x. There are no return vents in the Supervising Appraiser’s office.

xi. Some of the return vents had dust build-up (Photo 9).

xii. The room housing the air handling unit on the Fifth Floor had no door (Photo 10).

xiii. On the fifth floor some ceiling tiles were missing while others had water damage.

(Photo 11).


Photo 1: Water Stain and Mould like Growth Photo 2: Missing Ceiling Tiles Ground Floor

Photo 3: Exhaust Fan with Dust Build up Photo 4: Old boxes and paper in Vault


Photo 5: Split-unit Filter with Dust Accumulation

Photo 6: Chairs on First Floor with Mould like Growth


Photo 7: Tiles with Water Stains First Floor Photo 8: Water Condensation on Vents

Photo 9: Return Vents with Dust Build-Up


Photo 10: Missing Door to AHU on Fifth Floor

Photo 11: Missing Ceiling Tiles and Water Stained Tiles on Fifth Floor


3.2 Employee Feedback

i. Some employees on the Fourth Floor complained of itchy throat and runny

nose.

ii. One person in the temporary Customer Service on the Fourth Floor complained

of itchy skin.

iii. Some employees on the Fifth Floor complained of a strange smell emanating

from near the air handling unit. One employee on the Fifth Floor complained of

having experienced sore throat, chest tightness and itchy eyes.

iv. Ground Floor staff complained of runny eyes and nose and sore throat.

v. The First Floor was not completely occupied therefore not many members of

staff were available. Nonetheless, available members of staff on the First floor

along with those relocated to the Fifth Floor provided feedback concerning their

symptoms. Some of the symptoms reported included a metallic taste on the

tongue; a pungent odour in the Pensions section which resulted in some

persons experiencing dizziness, nausea and a general feeling of malaise.

3.3 Air Conditioning/Ventilation System Inspection

3.3.1 Ground Floor – Carrier™ unit

i. The Ground floor is serviced by a Carrier™ unit which is housed in a plant

room located in close proximity to “Public Entrance” to the Cashier’s

department of the Treasury Building (Photo 12).


Photo 12: Location of Ground Floor air conditioning unit

ii. Electrostatic filters were installed and were found to be clean. The

insulation at the base of the unit was also found to be damp to touch

(Photo 13).

iii. The evaporator coils had a slight build-up up of dirt. The condensate run-

off was also noted to be discoloured (Photo 14).

iv. The fibreglass duct board was exposed and was noted to be discoloured in

some areas (Photo 15).

v. The blower wheel was noted to have a slight build-up of dust (Photo 16).

vi. The plant room was found to be unkempt where a number of miscellaneous

items were observed. The room was also noted to be infested with

mosquitoes (Photo 17 & 18).


Photo 13: Insulation at the bottom of the unit Photo 14: Discoloured condensate was damp to touch at the base of the evaporator

Photo 15: Return vent made of fibreglass duct board Photo 16: Blower wheel had a slight Duct board was noted to be discoloured build-up of dust


Photos 17 & 18: Stored items in the Ground Floor plant room

3.3.2 First Floor –Trane™ unit (Western side)

i. This floor was served by three units. Two of the units were located behind the “back

wall” at the northern at end of the floor in close proximity to the back exit (Photo 19).

ii. “Fresh air” was supplied to the two units via a duct which was attached to an open

window on the western side of the building. The “fresh air” intake was covered with

metal wire mesh (Photos 20 & 21).

iii. The smaller Trane™ unit located on the western side was reported to service the

western perimeter of the floor (Photo 22). This unit when opened was noted to have

an odour similar to that of the Ladies’ sanitary conveniences having a combination of

an air freshener and uric scent. According to management, the Ladies’ sanitary

conveniences area has an extraction system which vents to the parapet roof on the

eastern side of the building. It could not be determined whether the extraction system

was working at the time of the inspection.


iv. Electrostatic filters were installed and these along with the blower wheel, evaporator

and insulation were found to be free of any accumulated dust (Photo 23).

v. The internal view of the unit also revealed that some portions of the inner cabinet

insulation had become detached exposing the fibreglass insulation with some

fragments at the base of the unit (Photos 24 & 25).

Photo 19: Northern end of office showing the “back wall” which conceals two air handling

units

Back wall


Photos 20 & 21: Location of “Fresh air” intake vent for the two air handling units located at the

northern end of the First Floor

Photo 22: Smaller unit located on the western side Photo 23: Blower wheel of the small of the First Floor unit located on western side of the First Floor

Ducted "Fresh air" Intake

Mesh wire covering "Fresh air" vent


Photo 24: Exposed fibreglass insulation Photo 25: Fragments of fibreglass

insulation observed at the base of the unit

3.3.3 First Floor-Carrier™ Unit (Eastern side)

i. The larger Carrier™ unit which was situated adjacent to the Trane™ unit was found to

have a few anomalous conditions. A section of the inner cabinet fibreglass insulation

was exposed and discoloured (Photo 26).

ii. Other portions of the inner cabinet insulation were intact and clean in appearance.

The blower wheel (Photo 27) and evaporator coil were also clean in appearance.

iii. A gap was observed between electrostatic filters, and insulation at the base of the unit

showing signs of deterioration (Photo 28).

iv. A number of miscellaneous items were observed behind the units (Photos 29A& 29B).


Photo 26: Discoloured inner cabinet fibreglass insulation Photo 27: View of inner cabinet

and blower wheel

Photo 28: Gap observed between electrostatic filters and insulation at the base of the unit showing signs of deterioration


Photos 29A & 29B: Miscellaneous items observed behind the air handling units located on

the First Floor

3.3.4 First Floor-Unit Close to the Pensions Section

i. A third unit was inspected on the First Floor. This unit was located close to the

Pensions section (Photo 30).

ii. Fragments of fibreglass insulation were observed on the evaporator coil (Photo 31).

iii. The components of the inner cabinet were clean in appearance such as the insulation

that was intact, the blower wheel and evaporator coil. (Photo 32)

v. A gap was observed between the electrostatic filters, and the insulation at the base of

the unit was missing (Photo 33).

iv. A number of miscellaneous items were observed in the plant room such as a table and

empty drink bottles (Photo 34). A vent was also observed in the plant room which

communicates with the front portion of the office. This appeared to be part of the

return air pathway to the air handling unit.

v. It should be noted that there was reportedly a spill of a product used to treat the floor in

close proximity to this unit which reportedly resulted in a pungent odour. According to

management, the odour lingered mainly in the front section of the office.


Photo 30: View of the plant room where the air handler unit is located which services the front

section of the First floor

Photo 31: Fragments of fibreglass insulation observed Photo 32: View of the blower wheel on the evaporator coil and inner cabinet insulation


Photo 33: Missing Insulation and gap between filters Photo 34: View of the Plant Room

3.3.5 Fourth Floor- Unit (Eastern Perimeter)

i. A Trane™ air handling unit was located in a plant room on the eastern perimeter of the

floor.

ii. The unit was noted to have a number of filters missing from the filter bed (Photo 35).

iii. The insulation at the base of the unit showed signs of deterioration (Photo 36). In

addition, an unlabelled bottle containing a substance was observed at the base of the

air handling unit.

iv. The evaporator was clean in appearance (Photo 37).

v. The blower wheel had noticeable dust settled on the blower wheel (Photo 38).

vi. The fibreglass insulation was slightly damaged on a panel of the air handling unit

(Photo 39).

vii. The ceiling in the plant room was observed to have a number of missing ceiling tiles

and/or the tiles were not properly seated which could allow air to communicate

between the ceiling plenum and the plant room (Photo 40).

Empty drink bottle

Return air vent

Gap between filters

Missing insulation at the base of the unit


viii. “Fresh air” was supplied to this plant room via a window on the eastern perimeter

which was kept ajar (Photo 41).

ix. “Return air” was supplied to the plant room via two transfer vents located in the office

(Photo 42). These vents were noted to have accumulated dust.

x. Miscellaneous items were stored in the plant room (Photo 43).

Photo 35: View of filter bed with missing filters Photo 36: Insulation at the base of unit

showing signs of deterioration. An unlabelled bottle with a substance located at the base of the unit

Photo 37: View of the evaporator coil which had Photo 38: Blower wheel with noticeable dust clean appearance accumulated on blades


Photo 39: Slightly damaged insulation on a panel of the air handler unit on the Fourth Floor

Photo 40: View of ceiling in the air handling plant room where some ceiling tiles were missing

and/or not properly seated


Photo 41: “Fresh air” intake vent via a window Photo 42: View of the transfer return vent on the eastern perimeter of the building located on the outside of the building

Photo 43: Miscellaneous items observed in the plant room on the Fourth Floor


3.3.6 Fifth Floor- Unit (Western Perimeter)

i. A Carrier™ air handling unit which services the Fifth Floor was inspected. This unit

was located at the northern end of the floor on the western perimeter.

ii. A number of filters were missing from the filter bed (Photo 44).

iii. The inner cabinet insulation was slightly detached from the top (Photo 45).

iv. The ceiling tiles in the plant room were noted to be discoloured (Photo 46).

v. The plant room was cluttered with a range of items as shown in (Photos 47 - 50).

Photo 44: Filter bed with missing filters Photo 45: Portion of the inner cabinet insulation that was detached

Photo 46: Discoloured ceiling tiles observed in the plant room located on the Fifth Floor


Photos 47 & 48: View of miscellaneous items stored in the plant room located on the Fifth Floor

Photos 49 & 50: View of miscellaneous items stored in the plant room located on the Fifth

Floor


3.4 Spore Trap Analysis (Non-Viable)

3.4.1 Airborne Mould Spores and Fragments

i. The total airborne mould spores and fragments for the various indoor locations ranged

from 80 Ct/m3 – 9,400 Ct/m3.

ii. Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores were the dominant spore types identified in some of

the indoor samples. These spores were most dominant in the samples collected from

the BRA Customer Service area and Cashier area on the Ground Floor; the Customer

Waiting Area on the First Floor; the Assistant Appraiser’s office on the Fourth Floor;

and the I.T Director’s Office on the Fifth Floor.

iii. Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores were not detected in any of the outdoor samples.

iv. The majority of the spores that were detected indoors were also present in the outdoor

samples.

v. The results are summarized in Table 4. Details of the mould detected are given in

APPENDIX II (Table A2) and the actual report is presented in APPENDIX I.


Table 4: Summary of Non-viable Assessment of Airborne Mould Spores and Fragments for Samples collected on 12th January 2018

Location/Lab ID# Types of Mould/Fragments Detected

Total Count of Fungal colonies

(Ct/m3)

Outdoor reference

BRA Public Entrance (Morning Session)

Ascospores Basidiospores Cladosporium*

Curvularia Myxomycetes/Smuts

Nigrospora Unknown Spores

1,300

Balcony 4th Floor

Ascospores* Basidiospores Cladosporium

Myxomycetes/Smuts Unknown spores

400

BRA Public Entrance (Evening Session)

Ascospores Basidiospores* Cladosporium

Curvularia Mycelial Fragments Myxomycetes/Smuts

Unknown Spores

960

*Most dominant spores detected


Table 4 Cont’d: Summary of Non-viable Assessment of Airborne Mould Spores and Fragments for Samples collected on 12th January 2018



(Ct/m3)

Ground Floor

Vault Entrance Basidiospores

Unknown Spores 190

BRA Customer Service Area

Aspergillus/Penicillium* Myxomycetes/Smuts

Unknown Spores 9,400

BRA Customer Waiting Area

Ascospores Basidiospores

Unknown Spores 190

Cashier Area

Aspergillus/Penicillium* Basidiospores Chaetomium

Unknown spores

960

First Floor

Internal Audit Aspergillus/Penicillium

Unknown Spores 130

Customer Waiting Area

Aspergillus/Penicillium* Basidiospores

Unknown Spores 3,500

Accounts Payroll Aspergillus/Penicillium

Unknown Spores 80

Area next to AHU Aspergillus/Penicillium

Unknown Spores 130

Fourth Floor

Supervising Appraiser

Curvularia Pithomyces

Unknown Spores 130

Valuations Service Area (front)

Basidiospores Unknown Spores 110

Assistant Appraiser

Aspergillus/Penicillium* Curvularia Fusarium

Unknown Spores

400

Project Area Evaluation

Basidiospores Curvularia

Unknown Spores 210



Table 4 Cont’d: Summary of Non-viable Assessment of Airborne Mould Spores and Fragments for Samples collected on 12th January 2018



(Ct/m3)

Fifth Floor

IT Director’s Office (Treasury)

Aspergillus/Penicillium* 160

IT Training Room Ascospores

Aspergillus/Penicillium Basidiospores

370

IT- BRA (Open Office)

Aspergillus/Penicillium Unknown Spores 320

IT-Treasury Basidiospores Cladosporium 130


3.4.2 Airborne Particulates

i. The main airborne particulates identified by light microscopy at the indoor

locations were “Black Opaque Particles”, “Miscellaneous Fibres” and “Skin Cell

Fragments”.

ii. The concentrations of the particulates for the various locations were well within

the recommended ranges as shown in Table 5.

iii. Other typical particulates that were screened for that were not detected include

Fiberglass fibers, Insect parts, and Pollen.

iv. The results are summarised in Table 5. Guidelines in parenthesis in Table 5

have been adapted from the Air-O-Cell Method Interpretation Guide from

Environmental Analysis Associates (APPENDIX III) and the actual laboratory

report is presented in APPENDIX I.


Table 5: Summary of Microscopic Examination of particulates for samples collected on 12th January 2018

LOCATION

Type of particulate Matter (Cts/m3)

*Black Opaque Particles

(500 – 5,000)

Miscellaneous Fibres

(100 – 1,000)

Skin cell fragments

(1,000 – 10, 000)

OUTSIDE REFERENCE

BRA Public entrance 1,500 - -

Balcony 4th Floor 670 - -

BRA Public entrance 800 6,000 -

Ground Floor

Vault area 690 53 1,500

Cashier Area 430 110 5,300

BRA Customer Service Area 190 80 1,200

BRA Customer Waiting Area 240 27 130

First Floor

Customer Waiting Area 160 - 930

Internal Audit 210 53 1,100

Accounts Payroll 53 - 80

Area next to AHU 80 - 210


Table 5 Cont’d: Summary of Microscopic Examination of particulates for samples collected on 12th January 2018

LOCATION

Type of particulate Matter (Cts/m3)

*Black Opaque Particles

(500 – 5,000)

Miscellaneous Fibres

(100 – 1,000)

Skin cell fragments

(1,000 – 10, 000)

Fourth Floor

Supervising Appraiser 240 190 4,700

Assistant Appraiser 210 - 1,200

Valuations Service Area (front) 930 130 5,300

Project Area Evaluation 270 80 6,000

Fifth Floor

IT Director’s Office - - 130

IT Training Room 110 - 80

IT- BRA 210 80 4,700

IT-Treasury 320 - 1,600

N.B:

- Values in parenthesis are based on levels that are considered to be “Low” as per Environmental Analysis Associates Guidelines (Appendix III).

- Black opaque particles: This category includes combustion emissions (primarily diesel), paint and binders from degrading sound liners in HVAC systems, biogenic debris (biological origin; i.e. insect droppings, decayed biological debris, etc) and rust from HVAC drip pans, rubber tyre particles, and copier and printer toner.


3.5 Viable Air Analysis (Bacteria and Fungi)

3.5.1 Bacteria

i. Three types of bacteria were detected indoors and they were also present in the three

outdoor samples. The types of bacteria detected were Bacillus subtilis,

Staphylococcus species (coagulase negative) and Micrococcus sp.

ii. The concentrations of bacteria indoors fell within a similar range as the outdoor

concentrations. However, while Bacillus subtilis was the most dominant bacterium in

the outdoor samples. Staphylococcus (Coagulase negative) bacteria were more

prevalent indoors. Staphylococcus (Coagulase negative) is a bacterium that forms

part of the human flora. Therefore this bacterium would normally be present in

occupied spaces.

iii. The results are summarised in Table 6. Details of the various organisms found are

given in APPENDIX II (Table A2) and the actual laboratory report is presented in

APPENDIX IV.


Table 6: Summary of Viable Assessment of Bacteria for Samples collected on

15th January 2018

Location Types of Bacteria

detected

Total Concentration of

Bacterial Colony Forming

Units per Cubic Meter of air

(cfu/m3)

Outdoor Reference

BRA Public entrance Bacillus subtilis

Staphylococcus sp. Micrococcus sp.

93

Fourth Floor Balcony

Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus sp.

Micrococcus sp. 50

Streptomyces 2

Ground Floor

Vault area

Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus sp.

Micrococcus sp. 18

Cashiers Staphylococcus sp.

Micrococcus sp. 43

First Floor

Customer Waiting Area Bacillus subtilis


22

Accounts Payroll Bacillus subtilis


43


Table 6 Cont’d: Summary of Viable Assessment of Bacteria for Samples collected on

15th January 2018

Location Types of Bacteria

Detected

Total Concentration of

Bacterial Colony Forming

Units per Cubic Meter of Air

(cfu/m3)

Fourth Floor

Valuations Front Bacillus subtilis


86

Valuations back Bacillus subtilis


18

Fifth Floor

IT- Treasury Bacillus subtilis


115

IT- BRA Bacillus subtilis


61

3.5.2 Fungi

i. Seven genera of fungi were detected in the indoor samples and six of these were also

present in the outdoor samples. The types of fungi detected were Acremonium,

Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Penicillium and Neurospora.

ii. Cladosporium and Penicillium species were the most dominant spores detected in this

assessment. Both types of fungi are known to thrive well under moist conditions.

iii. The results are summarized in Table 7. Details of the mould detected are given in

APPENDIX II (Table A2) and the actual report is presented in APPENDIX IV.


Table 7: Summary of Viable Assessment of Fungi for Samples collected on 15th January 2018

Location Types of Fungi Detected

Total Concentration of Fungal Colony Forming

Units per Cubic Meter of Air (cfu/m3)

Outdoor Reference

BRA Public Entrance

Acremonium sp. Aspergillus niger Aspergillus flavus

Cladosporium cladosporiodes Penicillium sp.* Gliocladium sp.

Penicillium chrysogenum

119

Balcony Fourth Floor


Aspergillus nidulans Cladosporium

cladosporiodes* Penicillium sp. Gliocladium sp. Fusarium sp.


117

Ground Floor

Vault area

Acremonium sp. Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus terreus Cladosporium cladosporiodes

Gliocladium sp Fusarium sp.

Penicillium sp.* Penicillium chrysogenum

Neurospora sp.

>38

Cashiers


Cladosporium cladosporiodes* Gliocladium sp.


71


Table 7 Cont’d: Summary of Viable Assessment of Fungi for Samples collected on 15th January 2018


Total Concentration of Fungal Colony Forming

Units per Cubic Meter of Air (cfu/m3)

First Floor

Customer Waiting Area


Cladosporium cladosporiodes Penicillium sp.* Gliocladium sp.


47

Accounts Payroll

Acremonium sp. Cladosporium cladosporiodes

Penicillium sp. Gliocladium sp. Fusarium sp.

Penicillium chrysogenum Neurospora crassa

>66

Fourth Floor

Valuations

(Front section)

Acremonium sp. Aspergillus nidulans Aspergillus terreus

Cladosporium cladosporiodes* Penicillium sp. Gliocladium sp. Fusarium sp.


>107

Valuations

(Back)


Cladosporium cladosporiodes* Penicillium sp. Fusarium sp.

Penicillium chrysogenum Neurospora sp.

>78



Table 7 Cont’d: Summary of Viable Assessment of Fungi for Samples collected on 15th January 2018


Total Concentration of Fungal Colony Forming Units per Cubic

Meter of Air (cfu/m3)

Fifth Floor

IT- Treasury


Aspergillus nidulans Penicillium sp.* Gliocladium sp. Fusarium sp.


>78

IT- BRA

Acremonium sp. Aspergillus sp.

Aspergillus flavus Cladosporium cladosporiodes

Penicillium sp.* Gliocladium sp. Fusarium sp.


92


3.6 Air Quality Assessment of Physical & Gaseous Parameters

The results of the spot assessments conducted on Friday 12th and Monday 15th January 2018,

outdoors as well as various locations indoors, are summarised below in Tables 8 - 11. Values

in excess of the recommended guidelines are highlighted in red and are further discussed in

Section 4.

3.6.1 Physical Parameters

a. The temperature measurements ranged from: 23.2 – 26.2 °C for the Ground floor; 22.8

– 24.4 °C for the First Floor; 23.3 – 26.2 °C for the Fourth Floor; and 22.4 – 25.9 °C for

Fifth floor. It should be noted that at the time of the assessment the First floor was

partially occupied.


b. Relative humidity measurements ranged from: 68.8 – 80.5% for the Ground Floor; 68.1

– 78.4% for the First Floor, 57.4 – 73.7% for the Fourth Floor; and 62.7 – 71.1% for the

Fifth Floor.

c. Dew point temperature recorded on the days of monitoring ranged from: 17.1 – 21.4

°C for the Ground Floor; 17.8 – 18.8 °C for the First Floor; 15.8 – 19.1 °C for the

Fourth Floor; and 16. 4 – 18.6 °C for the Fifth floor.

3.6.2 Gaseous Parameters

These parameters were collected on non-consecutive days. The ranges given are inclusive of

the measurements collected on both days.

The carbon dioxide measurements recorded were between: 408 and 533 parts per million

(ppm) for the Ground Floor; 487 and 579 ppm for the First Floor; 428 and 588 ppm for the

Fourth Floor; and 584 – 769 ppm for the Fifth Floor.

a. The carbon monoxide levels ranged from 0 – 0.8 ppm for both the Ground and first

floor and ranged from 0 – 1.5 ppm, and 0 – 0.4 ppm for the fourth and fifth floors

respectively.

b. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was recorded at levels ranging from: 0 – 0.1ppm on all the

floors assessed.

c. The sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels ranged from: 0 – 2 ppm for the Ground Floor; 0.3 – 2

ppm for the First Floor; 0.2 – 1.9 ppm for the Fourth Floor and 0.2 – 1.7 ppm for the

Fifth floor.

d. Formaldehyde (CH2O) was detected indoors at levels ranging from: 0 – 57 parts per

billion (ppb) for the Ground Floor; 0 – 29 ppb for the First Floor; 0 – 94 ppb for the

Fourth Floor and 0 – 97 ppb for the Fifth Floor.

e. The levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) ranged from: 246 – 1183 ppb

for the Ground Floor; 290 – 852 ppb for the First Floor; 171 – 569 ppb for the Fourth

Floor; and 185 – 443 ppb for the Fifth Floor.


Table 8: Summary of Results of Air Screening conducted on 12th January 2018

Location PARAMETERS

Time Temperature

(°C) Relative Humidity

(%) Dew Point

(°C)

Ground Floor

Vault Area 11:48 am 24.2 73.3 19.0

Cashier Area 12:07 pm 23.2 68.8 17.1

BRA- Customer Service 12:28 pm 23.2 69.9 17.3

BRA- Customer Waiting area 12:39 pm 25.3 75.4 20.5

First Floor

Foyer (Waiting Area) 12:50 pm 22.8 78.4 18.8

Internal Audit 1:05 pm 24.4 71.0 18.8

Accounts (near AHU) 1:13 pm 23.0 74.6 18.2

Accounts Payroll 1:18 pm 23.3 75.5 18.7

Fourth Floor

Supervising Appraiser 2:59 pm 26.2 57.4 17.1

Assistant Appraiser 3:08 pm 24.5 66.5 17.7

Valuations (Customer Area) 3.18 pm 24.1 68.6 18.0

Project Valuations 3:25 pm 24.0 73.7 19.1

Fifth Floor

IT- BRA 4:04 pm 25.9 62.7 18.2

IT-Treasury 4:11 pm 23.5 71.0 17.9

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

BRA Public Entrance 11:25 am 28.3 70.5

22.4

Fourth Floor Balcony 3:44 pm 26.5 72.7 21.4

BRA Public entrance 4:36 pm 27.6 73.2 22.2


Table 9: Summary of Results of Air Screening for Thermal Comfort Parameters conducted on 15th January 2018

Location

PARAMETERS

Time Temperature

(°C)

Relative Humidity

(%)

Dew Point (°C)

Ground Floor

Vault Area 1:42 pm 24.8 80.5 21.2

Cashier Area 2:03pm 23.4 74.8 18.7

BRA- Customer Service 2:10pm 25.7 75.8 21.1

BRA- Customer Waiting

area 2:20pm 26.2 75.5

21.4

First Floor

Foyer (waiting area) 12:55 pm

23.2 72.3 17.9

Internal audit 1:03 pm 24.3 68.1 18.0

Accounts near AHU 1:12 pm 23.9 70.8 18.3

Accounts Payroll 1:16 pm 23.5 71.1 17.8

Fourth Floor

Supervising Appraiser 12:03 pm

23.3 62.9 15.8

Assistant Appraiser 12:16 pm

23.4 69.7 17.6

Valuations customer area 12:10 pm

23.4 67.9 17.3

Project Area Valuations 12:22 pm

23.9 69.7 18.0

Fifth Floor

IT- BRA 11:30 am

24.2 71.1 18.6

IT-Treasury 11:16 am

23.5 70.9 18.0

IT- Training room 11:20 am

22.4 68.9 16.4

Director’s Office 11:11 am

23.5 67.2 17.0

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

BRA Public Entrance 11:25

am 26.8 67.0

20.2

N.B. ppm = parts per million ppb = parts per billion


Table 10: Results of Air Screening for Gaseous contaminants conducted on 12th

January 2018

Location

Parameters

Time CO2

(ppm) CO

(ppm) NO2

(ppm) SO2

(ppm) FMH (ppb)

TVOCs (ppb)

Ground Floor

Vault area 11:48 am 490 0 0 0 0 463

Cashiers 12:07 pm 533 0 0 0.5 0 246

BRA customer service

12:28 pm 488 0 0 0.9 0 442

BRA- Waiting area 12:39 pm 503 0 0.1 1.6 0 1183

First Floor

Foyer (waiting area)

12:50 pm 487 0 0.1 1.5 0 735

Internal Audit 1:05 pm 486 0 0 0.6 0 852

Accounts near AHU

1:13 pm 475 0 0 0.6 0 644

Accounts Payroll 1:16 pm 465 0 0 0.3 0 742

Fourth Floor

Supervising appraiser

2:59 pm 588 0 0.1 1.2 0 202

Assistant appraiser 3:08 pm 526 0 0 0.8 0 357

Valuations service area

3:18 pm 516 0 0.1 0.2 0 322

Project Evaluation area

3:25 pm 488 0 0 1.1 0 569

Fifth Floor

IT- BRA 4:04 pm 769 0 0 1.2 41 381

IT- Treasury 4:11 pm 638 0 0 0.2 41 284

Training room 4:21 pm 584 0 0 1.7 0 365

Director’s office 4:27 pm 624 0 0.1 2 0 192

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

BRA- Public entrance

11:25 am 430 0 0 0 74 1439

Fourth floor 3:44 pm 441 0 0 0.4 5 1141

BRA-Public entrance

4:36 pm 450 0.2 0 0 107 1074

Notes: ppm is parts per million; ppb is parts per billion


Table 11: Summary of Results of Air Screening for Gaseous Contaminants conducted on 15th January 2018

Location Parameters

Time CO2

(ppm) CO

(ppm) NO2

(ppm) SO2

(ppm) FMH (ppb)

TVOCs (ppb)

Ground Floor

Vault area 1:42 pm

425 0.8 0 0.9 57 1006

Cashiers 2:03 pm

497 0.8 0.1 2 0 427

BRA customer service

2:10 pm

421 0.3 0 1.0 0 779

BRA- Waiting area

2:20 pm

408 0 0 1.6 0 802

First Floor

Foyer (waiting area)

12:55 pm

573 0.8 0 0.9 29 366

Internal Audit 1:03 pm

557 0.2 0.1 2.0 0 325

Accounts near AHU

1:12 pm

561 0.4 0.1 2.0 0 334

Accounts Payroll 1:16 pm

579 0.4 0 0.7 0 290

Fourth Floor

Supervising appraiser

11:40 am

505 1.5 0 0.2 194 208

Assistant appraiser

11:55 am

467 0 0 0.2 0 225

Valuations service area

11:43 am

510 0 0.1 1.9 0 171

Project Evaluation area

12:00 pm

428 0 0 1.1 0 252

Fifth Floor

IT- BRA 11:30

am 615 0 0 0.5 0 443

IT- Treasury 11:16

am 634 0 0.1 1.0 0 309

Training room 11:20

am 616 0.4 0.1 0.7 97 202

Director’s office 11:11

am 609 0 0 1.0 20 185

Outdoor Reference

BRA- Public entrance

11:25 am

430 0 0 0 74 1439

Fourth floor 3:44 pm 441 0 0 0.4 5 1141

BRA-Public entrance

4:36 pm 450 0.2 0 0 107 1074

Notes: ppm is parts per million; ppb is parts per billion


3.7 Open Characterisation of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)

i. Open characterization of VOCs was undertaken in one location on each of the floors in

question (Ground, 1st, 4th and 5th).

ii. The concentration of TVOCs recovered from the samples ranged between 60 and 390

µg/m3 as summarized in Table 12.

iii. A full listing of the top 35 compounds for each sample is presented in the laboratory

report in APPENDIX V.

iv. With regards to the sample collected from the Ground Floor at the entrance to the

Vault, the compounds detected were largely related to emissions or off-gassing of

solvents found in paints and various coatings on furniture and building materials;

degradation products from old paper and other cellulose-based products; as well as

emissions from the metabolites of microbial organisms which may be attached to items

in the room such as furniture and paper. The microbial VOCs identified were 2-

Heptanone, 2-methyl, 2- Propanol and 2-Hexanone. These compounds were found in

low concentrations.

v. The sample collected from the First Floor also had a wide range of compounds that

are associated with floor polishes and scented products. These compounds most

likely originated from cleaning and personal care products. Also present were

compounds classified as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that are very odourous and could

have been the likely cause of the odour that was similar to vinegar. Vinegar is often

used to clean and/or to neutralize some organic odours. VFAs are typically found in

products such as flooring materials, polishes, waxes and some cosmetics. The uric

odour detected in the back section of the office was likely from the ladies’ sanitary

conveniences which could be a combination of sewer odours, cleaning products and

air fresheners. Microbial VOCs were also identified in trace quantities in the sample

collected from this location indicating that there was active microbial growth albeit in

low concentrations.

vi. The TVOC profiles for the Fourth and Fifth Floors were similar. The majority of the

products are associated with personal care and cleaning products.


vii. Aldehydes a class of VOCs were prevalent in the samples collected on the four floors

possibly derived from the “Malodour Destroyer”/ “Air Freshener” product with the

product name “Eternity”. Aldehydes could also originate from other sources such as

vehicle emissions, adhesive products, pressed wood products and degradation of solid

biological wastes.

viii. The overall TVOC matrix for Fourth and Fifth Floors were lower in concentration than

those of the Ground and First Floor.

Table 12: Summary of Results of Open Characterization of Total Volatile Organic

Compounds (TVOCs)

Sample Location/ Sample ID#

Total Concentration (µg/m3)

Top three Compounds per location

Ground Floor

Vault

(Mi023950)

390 µg/m3

1. Tetrahydrofuran

2. 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl

acetate

3. 2-Butanone (Methyl

Ethyl Ketone)

First Floor

Customer Area/Pensions

(Mi038245) 270 µg/m3

1. decamethyl-

Cyclopentasiloxane

2. Ethanol

3. 2-Butoxyethanol

Fourth Floor

Valuations

(Mi023911) 60 µg/m3

1. decamethyl-

Cyclopentasiloxane

2. Benzoic acid

3. Ethanol

Fifth Floor

I.T. Treasury

(Mi034877) 160 µg/m3

1. decamethyl-

Cyclopentasiloxane

2. Ethanol

3. Benzoic acid


3.8 Air sampling for Cl, H2S, NH3 and Total Mercaptans Air screening was conducted for the presence of inorganic gaseous contaminants that could

be present in cleaning products such as chlorine and ammonia, or that could have originated

from escaped sewer gases such as hydrogen sulphide and other odourous sulphur containing

compounds such as total mercaptans. However, none of these gases were present at or

above the detection limit of the instruments used.

3.9 Air Quality monitoring of Particulate Matter

i. Measurements of particulate matter at or above the small threshold of 0.5 microns

(µm), and large particulate threshold of 2.5 microns (µm) and above are presented in

Table 13.

ii. The measurements for small particles are used in conjunction with guideline ranges

which gauge how clean the air is (Table 14). However, the data does not indicate

which concentration is healthy or unhealthy.

iii. On the days of monitoring, the small particles (≥0.5 µm) ranged from 682 – 3209 for

the Ground Floor; 350 – 1046 for the First Floor, 553 – 2177 for the Fourth Floor and

416 - 2023 for the Fifth Floor.

iv. Based on the guidelines seen in Table 14, these results indicate that the dust levels

for the indoor locations varied between “fair” to “poor”.


Table 13: Air Quality Monitoring of Particulate Matter on 12th & 15th January 2018

Locations Particles)

≥0.5 microns ≥2.5 microns

12th January

2018 15th January

2018 12th January

2018 15th January

2018

Ground Floor

Vault area 758 1588 133 199

Cashier area 682 2271 91 329

BRA Customer Service Area 710 3209 140 483

BRA Customer Waiting area 1106 3157 189 423

First Floor

Foyer (waiting area) 350 745 45 94

Internal Audit 367 689 45 75

Accounts near AHU 577 1046 91 140

Accounts payroll 455 917 59 98

Fourth Floor

Supervising Appraiser 553 1533 31 161

Assistant Appraiser 959 2089 108 304

Valuations service area 955 2086 105 301

Project Area Evaluation 1071 2177 171 336

Fifth Floor

IT- BRA 669 2023 66 259

IT- Treasury 784 1908 83 276

Training room 745 1925 155 238

Director’s office 416 1589 17 168

OUTDOOR REFERENCE

BRA Public Entrance 1718 3215 224 378

Table 14: Air Quality Chart 0.5 microns – Small Count Reading

Measurement Range Status

3,000 + VERY POOR

1.050 - 3000 POOR

300 - 1,050 FAIR

150 - 300 GOOD

75 - 150 VERY GOOD

0 - 75 EXCELLENT


3.10 Safety Data Sheet Review

i. Information concerning the cleaning products used in the building has been

summarized in Table 15. The information presented highlights the active ingredients

and hazardous decomposition products which could remain in the environment during

application of the products and/or following cleaning activity. Several methods were

used to screen for the presence of a range of gaseous contaminants consistent with

those found in the products utilized as outlined in Table 15. Regarding the

decomposition products from the various cleaning products, they consisted of carbon

oxides, aldehydes, sulphur compounds, acrylates and amines.

ii. It should be noted that cleaning of the office, sanitary conveniences and treatment of

the floors would have taken place prior to the assessment. However, some

decomposition products could have lingered considering that some sections of the

building were found to be odourous. In many instances the building occupants would

have reported that some of the odours were characteristic of cleaning products.

iii. It is unlikely that oxides of carbon such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide would

have remained in the environment. These compounds are known to be odourless and

when measured in this assessment were present at concentrations that fell within an

acceptable range.

iv. Odourous compounds tend to linger in the environment longer based on their adhesion

to surfaces and/or slow off-gassing from various sources such as building materials

and furnishings. Inadequate ventilation could also be a contributing factor.

v. Two of the products’ active ingredients consisted of glycol ethers (Eternity™- Air

Freshener and Brite Eyes™ - Floor polish) and these compounds were detected in the

TVOC scan. The decomposition products for these two chemicals were carbon oxides

and aldehydes. Several aldehyde compounds were detected on the four floors.

vi. Hydrochloric acid was listed as the active ingredient in two products (Hombre™ and

Wrangler™). Testing for chlorine gas was undertaken but it was not detected.

vii. Regarding sulphur compounds, these compounds were not reported in the laboratory

test results. In addition, neither hydrogen sulphide nor total mercaptans were

detected by direct reading instruments.

viii. Acrylates, a class of VOCs were not reported.

ix. Air screening was not undertaken for amines.


Table 15: Summary of Information contained in the Safety Data Sheets provided by the Manufacturer/Distributor

Product Name Chemical Name (Active Ingredient)

Purpose of Product (Listed as “Chemical Family” in Safety Data Sheet)

Hazardous Decomposition Product (HDP)

ETERNITY Air Freshener & Malodor Destroyer Concentrate Liquid

Polyethylene Mono (Nonylphenyl)Ether Glycols

Odor Control Agent

Carbon Oxides (e.g Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide)

Aldehydes

HOMBRE High Acid Emulsion Bowl Cleaner

Hydrochloric Acid Bowl Cleaner None Listed

WRANGLER Disinfectant Bowl & Porcelain Cleaner

Hydrochloric Acid Disinfectant Cleaner

None Listed

Sha-zyme Grease Attacking/Anti-slip Deodorizing Bio-Cleaner

None Listed Enzyme Cleaner Carbon Oxides (e.g Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide)

Sulphur compounds

BRITE EYES Wet Look Premium Grade Floor Finish

Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

Water Based Floor Dressing

Carbon oxides (e.g Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide)

Acrylates

Bare Bones No-Rinse No-Scrub Liquefying Stripper

2-Amino Ethanol 2-Butoxyethanol

Blended Alkaline Detergent

Carbon Oxides (e.g Carbon monoxide and Carbon dioxide)

Amines


4.0 Discussion

Notwithstanding any requirements of the Safety and Health at Work Act 2005 (SHaW Act)

no legally binding Exposure Limits, Environmental Standards or Regulations have to

date been enacted by the Government of Barbados in respect of allowable workplace

exposures for physical and/or chemical parameters. Thus in the absence of specific local

statutory requirements and local guidelines, ‘international standards’ will be referenced for

the purposes of this investigation. It should therefore be noted that the standards and

guidelines cited in this document are not enforceable in Barbados. Thus monitoring was

not undertaken for purposes of verifying compliance with the guidelines cited, but rather to

identify and measure background levels of the selected contaminants if present; and to

determine whether potentially toxic or “unhealthy” levels existed in the workplace

environment. To this end, area monitoring and not personal monitoring was undertaken.

Personal monitoring is used primarily in industrial settings for compliance with published

standards/guidelines.

Published standards/guidelines referenced below were established primarily for industrial

settings where persons are exposed to known contaminants. These guidelines are not

directly applicable to non-industrial settings in every instance but are referenced as a

benchmark only since they are based on health factors that can affect people regardless

of their activities or geographical location. Health Canada (1995) makes reference to

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 1989 which recommends that for non-industrial settings 1/10th of

the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) threshold limit

value (TLV) should be used as a guide where comfort limits do not exist.

The measurements in this assessment reflect conditions at the time of testing. The data

recorded can therefore serve as baseline measurements if supplemented with further

testing.

4.1 Thermal Comfort Parameters: Temperature and Relative Humidity and Dew point

Most of the indoor temperature measurements recorded at the various locations fell within

the range suggested by ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 “Thermal Environmental Conditions

for Human Occupancy” which recommends that under summer conditions where the

relative humidity is 60%, temperatures should be maintained within the range of 20.0 °C

(68 °F) to 24.4 °C (76 °F). Slight deviations from the upper temperature limit were


observed in several areas specifically the Vault Room 24.8 °C, BRA (Customer Service)

25.7 °C and BRA Customer Waiting Area 26.2 °C.

Apart from providing an acceptable thermal environment for humans to work in,

temperature once controlled within the recommended range may also reduce the risk of

evaporation/emission of any volatile substances present in the office.

As it relates to the relative humidity levels, ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 recommends that

during the summer months the relative humidity should be maintained between 30 % and

60 % in order to reduce thermal discomfort, microbial growth, condensation and water

damage in high humidity. Relative humidity levels exceeded the upper recommended limit

of 60% 29 out of 30 times which represents measurements for all of the floors tested. This

finding indicates that the air conditioning/ventilation was not capable of dehumidifying the

air adequately and/or that untreated/unconditioned air was impacting the building.

Dew point temperatures were deemed satisfactory since they did not closely approach

indoor ambient temperatures at any time during the assessment. Dew point is the

temperature at which dew (water droplets) forms. When the dew point is equal to the

ambient temperature occupants may be unable to adequately thermo-regulate their bodies

through sweating. In addition, when dew forms on surfaces, the water droplets may

provide a source of moisture that could support the growth of mould.

4.2 Carbon Dioxide (Ventilation)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is often used as an indicator of the efficacy of ventilation within a

building environment, relative to indoor occupancy and metabolic activity. According to

American Society for Heating Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Standard 62.1-2010 “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”, it is recommended that

the differential between the indoor and outdoor levels does not exceed 700 ppm.

Additionally, the United States-Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) and the US

National Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) state that:

“Carbon dioxide levels over 1,000 ppm indicate inadequate ventilation and

complaints such as headaches, fatigue, and eye and throat irritation will be more

widespread. 1,000 ppm should be used as an upper limit for indoor levels.”


In all of the areas that were monitored within the Treasury Building, the levels of carbon

dioxide did not approach 1,000 ppm indicating that ventilation rates fell within the

recommended range.

4.3 Gaseous Contaminants

Air screening for potentially toxic gaseous contaminants on the 12th and 15th of January

2018 revealed the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2)

formaldehyde (CH2O) and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs). Other gases

screened for, but NOT detected indoors, include nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide,

chlorine, ammonia and total mercaptans.

a. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common by-product of combustion processes.

Common sources include vehicular exhaust and burning of fossil fuels. The

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) has

established a threshold limit value (TLV) based on an 8-hour time-weighted

average (TWA) of 25 ppm for CO. Other jurisdictions have established less

stringent guidelines such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA) in the USA. OSHA recommends an 8-hr permissible exposure limit (PEL)

of 35 ppm. CO was only detected in trace amounts on the 15th of January and

ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 ppm. These measurements were significantly less than the

recommended guideline offered by ACGIH and therefore not a cause for concern.

The values obtained outdoors indicate that substantial quantities of this gas were

NOT accumulating in the immediate environs of the building.

b. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is a gas that is generated by combustion processes and

may be found in sources such as vehicle emissions and burning of fossil fuels.

The ACGIH recommends a threshold limit value (TLV) based on an 8-hour time-

weighted average of 0.25 ppm. However, OSHA recommends an 8-hr TWA of 2

ppm and a short-term exposure limit (STEL) 5 ppm. Sulphur dioxide ranged

between 0 and 2.0 ppm. The standards cited cannot be directly applied since

monitoring was not conducted over an 8-hr period. However, if the measurements

recorded were to persist in the environment for 8 hours then the ACGIH

recommendation would have been exceeded. Symptoms associated with Sulphur


dioxide exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing,

shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and vomiting.

c. Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is a common

sensitizing agent that can cause a burning sensation of the eyes, nose and throat

and has been linked to breathing problems especially in children with asthma

Health Canada (1995). Indoor sources of formaldehyde may include the presence

of unsealed plywood, some foam insulations, fabrics, carpets, glues, furnishings,

paint, photocopy emissions and carbonless copy paper. Exposure limits

recommended by OSHA and ACGIH are 750 ppb and 300 ppb respectively.

However, Health Canada recommends a short-term (one hour) exposure limit of

100 parts per billion (ppb) to protect against irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Formaldehyde was recorded between 0 and 97 ppb and therefore is not a cause

for concern.

o Health Canada's recommended short-term exposure limit is 1/10th of

the lowest level at which symptoms have been observed, in order to

protect more sensitive individuals. Studies have shown that a

concentration of 1000 ppb can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and

throat.

d. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that easily become

vapours or gases. VOCs include all chemicals containing carbon (C) and

hydrogen (H) and are therefore referred to as hydrocarbons. VOCs are ubiquitous

in the indoor and outdoor environment. In office environments common sources

include emissions from copying and printing machines, off-gassing of building

materials, cleaning materials, personal care products. VOCs from the outdoors

may also become entrained in the “fresh air” or “outside air” intake of mechanically

ventilated buildings. Emissions from combustion sources such as vehicular

exhaust and smoke are common outdoor sources of VOCs. The term total volatile

organic compounds (TVOCs) refer to the concentration of a mixture of volatile

organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in the atmosphere at a particular

time.


Altogether electronic monitoring indoors revealed the presence of trace quantities

of TVOCs ranging between 171 and 1,183 ppb.

Open characterization of VOCs by active monitoring revealed the presence of a

number of VOCs in notable quantities. The range of TVOC concentrations

reported for this method was 60 - 390 µg/m3 as shown in Section 3.7, Table 12.

A qualitative look at the TVOC profiles for the respective floors revealed that the

majority of the compounds were associated with several possible sources including

vehicle emissions; solvents used in paints and adhesives; off-gassing of building

materials; degrading materials especially in the Vault area; cleaning products and

floor finishes to a larger extent on the First Floor. Other possible contributions to

the odourous conditions on the First Floor also appear to be the combination of

sewer odours, cleaning products and air fresheners emanating from the sanitary

conveniences on the floor especially since a similar odour was detected in the air

handling unit. Although concentrations of TVOCs on the Fourth and Fifth Floors

were lower than those of the Ground and First Floor, the range of compounds

detected were similar albeit in varying concentrations. TVOCs may linger in

environments that are poorly ventilated. It should be noted that Carbon dioxide

concentrations were relatively low which coincided with below normal occupancy

on the Ground and First Floors in particular. Therefore, since typical conditions did

not exist at the time of the assessment in some areas, the carbon dioxide levels

are suspect for these locations. Microbial VOCs also made a contribution to the

environment being odourous particularly on the Ground Floor. This corresponds to

the presence of mouldy furniture and deteriorating materials that were present at

this location.

Although regulated indoor air quality guidelines do not currently exist for total

volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) levels for non-industrial settings, some

exposure limits have been recommended. According to The European

Collaborative Action (ECA) Report 11: 'Guidelines for Ventilation Requirements in

Buildings (CEC 1992)', the following are stated:


a. Comfort range: < 200 µg/m3

b. Multi-factorial exposure range: 200 – 3,000 µg/m3

c. Discomfort range: (3,000 – 25,000 µg/m3), and the

d. Toxic range (> 25,000 µg/m3).

Based on the above guidelines the concentrations reported for the Fourth and Fifth

Floors fell within the Comfort range of <200 µg/m3. However, the measurements for

the Ground and First Floor fell within the multi-factorial range of 200 – 3,000 µg/m3.

Exposures in the ‘Multi-factorial range may result in persons experiencing discomfort

due to their level of tolerance, and how the individual VOCs interact with each other.

Nevertheless, Health Canada (1995) states that hypersensitive individuals can have

severe reactions to a variety of VOCs at very low concentrations. Furthermore, it is

stated that these reactions can occur following exposure to a single sensitizing dose or

sequence of doses, after which time a much lower dose can provoke symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of low TVOC exposure highlighted by Health Canada (1995)

include fatigue, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, joint pains, peripheral

numbness or tingling, euphoria, tightness in the chest, unsteadiness, blurred vision,

and skin and eye irritation.

4.4 Air Analysis of Bio-aerosols (Bacteria and Fungi/Mould)

Bio-aerosols such as bacteria and fungi (mould) naturally exist in association with plant

matter and soil in the outdoors but may infiltrate buildings via natural ventilation and/or

may be tracked into buildings on the shoes and clothing of building occupants.

Some of the bacterial species detected specifically Micrococcus and Staphylococcus

(coagulase negative) are classified as commensal micro-organisms that form part of

the normal flora of humans and are therefore very prevalent in occupied spaces. On

the other hand, Bacillus subtilis species are spore-forming bacteria that are commonly

found outdoors but may exist indoors. None of the bacteria detected are classified as

faecal indicator bacteria or pathogenic bacteria.

Some fungi/moulds are well adapted to the indoor environment and may colonize

certain building materials particularly those materials with cellulose content which is a


natural food source for fungi. Although some fungi such as Aspergillus can thrive well

under harsh conditions, most fungi require moist conditions, warm temperatures and a

suitable food source. While there was a wide range of fungi at the various locations,

only a few types were deemed to be elevated. Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores in

particular were noted to be dominant in the Customer Waiting Area and Cashier

section on the Ground Floor; the Assistant Appraiser’s office on the Fourth Floor and

the Director’s office (IT –Treasury Department). The results also showed that

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores were not present in any of the three outdoor

samples. This finding is indicative of the existence of conditions that are conducive to

proliferation of mould in the areas highlighted. Aspergillus species usually emit a

characteristic musty odour as a result of their metabolic activity.

Moulds are usually harmless to the general population of healthy individuals who are

capable of fending off the allergens produced by moulds. Moulds are especially

problematic when found in large concentrations indoors. Some of the moulds detected

in this study are known to be allergenic therefore persons that are susceptible to the

allergens produced are likely to be affected. Microbial VOCs were only detected on

the Ground and First floors in trace concentrations. However, their presence indicate

that there was active growth of microbes.

4.5 Particulates

Particulates typically found indoors were detected in the samples and the

concentrations were also within the typical range for indoor environments. Skin cell

fragments, black opaque particles and miscellaneous fibres were identified in the

samples. Biologic and man-made fibres that are known irritants were absent, that is,

no measureable quantities of pollen, insect parts or fiberglass fibers were detected in

any of the samples.

Further assessment of dust levels was undertaken using a particle counter. This

assessment revealed that the concentration of dust was “fair” to “Poor” which indicates

that there was a notable quantity of airborne dust. This finding suggests that there

was inadequate air filtration at the air handling units as well as inadequate

housekeeping.


Indoor airborne particulate levels are expected to vary widely throughout the day,

dependent on both internal activities and outdoor influences. The highest dust levels

were observed on the 15th of January Ground Floor BRA Customer Service Area and

BRA Customer Waiting Area; for the First Floor it was the Accounts section in close

proximity to the air handling unit and it was all areas of the Fourth and Fifth floors

which falls within the range designated as “POOR”.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) comprises a complex mixture of organic and inorganic

substances. The main sources include aerosols, smoke, fumes, dust, ash and pollen.

In offices, photocopiers and printers are also potential sources. Particulate matter is

characterized according to size mainly because of the different health effects

associated with the particles of different diameters. Fine PM is particulate matter that

is 2.5 microns (µm) in diameter and less. It is also known as respirable particles

because it can penetrate the respiratory system further than larger particles which

have a diameter of 2.5 - 10 microns. The effects of particulate matter may include

aggravating pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart and lung disease as well as

causing bronchitis and lung cancer in adults and respiratory diseases in children.

The qualitative ratings (Excellent to Very poor) in Table 13 were provided by the

manufacturers of the Dylos 1700 DC and are based on their experiences in residential

and office environments. The quantitative values correlate with ISO 14644.1

Cleanroom standards. Furthermore, a Dylos rating of FAIR or better falls within the

EPA GOOD (green) Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particulate matter PM 2.5.


5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

This section gives an overview of the conclusions drawn from the findings and our

recommendations.

1. The two main locations of concern which had odour complaints were the Vault area on the

Ground Floor and the First Floor of the building. Open characterization of total volatile

organic compounds (TVOCs) for the Vault area revealed the presence of compounds that

are largely associated with the emissions originating from the breakdown of paints,

coatings and other materials. Microbial VOCs were also present caused by emissions

from the metabolites produced by microbes from the degradation of materials contained in

the Vault. Some of the items include old paper, boxes, furniture and other cellulose

containing materials.

Recommendations:

Ground Floor - Vault

I. Remove all unnecessary items from the Vault. Any items with mould-like growth

should be discarded immediately. Care should be taken when removing these

items. They should be properly sealed to prevent cross-contamination.

II. All filing cabinets should be inspected for mould-like contamination on the items

contained therein as well as on the inner surfaces of the cabinets. If found to be

contaminated, the contents should be cleaned and/or discarded if necessary. The

filing cabinets should be cleaned with a suitable biocide.

III. The entire room should be industrially cleaned and allowed to ventilate until all

odours dissipate. Ensure that when this exercise is being undertaken that only

personnel associated with remedial activity is present. The Vault and other

surrounding areas should not be otherwise occupied.

First Floor

2. Regarding the odours detected on the First Floor, the compounds detected by open

characterization of TVOCs indicate that there were compounds that are associated with

floor polishes and scented products. These compounds most likely originated from the


products used to strip and/or polish the floor as well as from cleaning and personal care

products. Also present were compounds classified as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that are

very odourous and could have been the likely cause of the odour that was similar to

vinegar. None of the safety data sheets provided listed vinegar (acetic acid) as a

decomposition product. Since acetic acid was present it is possible that the product might

have been used to neutralize the odours. The uric odour detected in the back section of

the office was likely from the ladies’ sanitary conveniences which could be a combination

of sewer odours, cleaning products and air fresheners. The odour detected in the

bathroom was also detected in one of the air handling units on this floor. Therefore, it

appears that there is some communication between the sanitary conveniences and the air

conditioning system. It appears that the combination of compounds possibly from sewer

gases, cleaning products and air fresheners could have caused the complaints reported by

some members of staff.

Recommendations:

I. Further investigation is required to verify that the extraction system is working in

the sanitary conveniences located at the northern end of the First Floor. If the

system is not functioning properly then the pressure gradient in this location

relative to the offices may change causing odours to escape. Air from this location

will follow any path of least resistance.

II. Concerning the southern end of the First Floor it appears that the floor finishes

used could have been too potent causing VOCs to off-gas for some time after the

treatment was completed. It is plausible that vinegar odour originated from its use

to help neutralize the odour. Vinegar contains Acetic acid which is VOC, and if

used this may have contributed to the overall TVOC load. This area of the office

will need to be ventilated until the odours dissipate.

III. Conduct cleaning outside of typical office hours and ensure that enough time is

allowed to for linger odours to dissipate before the building is occupied again.

IV. In addition, the plant rooms associated with the three air handling units on this floor

were found to be unkempt and used for storing miscellaneous items. The plant

rooms should be properly cleaned and storage of items should cease.

V. This floor should remain unoccupied until corrective action has been taken.


Relative Humidity

3. Measurement of atmospheric conditions revealed that relative humidity was poorly

regulated which may be a function of the maintenance and condition of the air conditioning

systems. High moisture levels may contribute to the degradation of building materials and

provide a suitable environment for mould to grow. Moisture-loving moulds were detected

in the assessment.

Recommendations:

I. The relative humidity should be properly regulated which require a thorough review

of the air conditioning/ventilation system by a qualified engineer.

II. Ensure that the units are properly insulated and that the evaporator coils are clear

of any debris. Ensure that sufficient return air is reaching the unit.

III. The respective systems should also be properly balanced.

Gaseous Contaminants

4. Some gaseous contaminants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and

formaldehyde were detected but these were found to be at concentrations that fell within

an acceptable range. Some of these compounds could have originated from vehicular

exhaust.

Recommendations:

I. Given the location of the building, air filtration should be augmented with the

installation of carbon filters or pleated disposable filters with a MERV rating of no

less than 9.

II. In addition, portable air purifiers should be deployed to various sections of the floor.

To facilitate this recommendation management should enlist the services of a

reputable supplier.

Microbial Contamination

5. Microbial contamination was evident where Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores were the

dominant spore types identified in some of the indoor samples. These spores were most


prevalent in the samples collected from BRA Customer Service area and Cashier area on

the Ground Floor; on the First Floor in the Customer Waiting Area; on the Fourth Floor in

the Assistant Appraiser’s office; and on the Fifth Floor in the I.T Director’s Office.

Recommendations:

I. The areas mentioned above could be amplification sites for mould proliferation.

These areas especially should be misted with a suitable biocide.

II. Any building materials or furniture found to have mould-like growth should be

cleaned and/or discarded.

III. Proper regulation of the relative humidity in the building and upkeep of the plant

rooms would also help to keep microbial contamination at a minimum.

IV. Ensure that all ceiling tiles showing signs of water incursion and/or mould-like

growth are replaced.

Particulates (Dust)

6. Particulates (Dust) were found to be elevated especially in the Vault and Cashier sections

on the Ground Floor; the Accounts section close to the air handling units on the First Floor

and the Fourth and Fifth Floors. Elevated particulate levels could have been caused by the

absence of filters in some air handling units and the presence of gaps between the filters.

These conditions will allow air to by-pass the filtering stage of the system thus causing

untreated air to be conveyed through the air distribution system.

Recommendation:

I. Greater air filtration is required for the entire building.

II. All deteriorating materials should be replaced and filters should be properly

installed in the filter bed.

III. In addition, the plant rooms should be cleaned.

IV. The practice of using the plant room for storage especially of spent items should

cease and should be properly supervised.

V. Replace all missing ceiling tiles.

VI. The supply and return vents/grilles should be thoroughly cleaned.

VII. Ensure that all plant rooms are properly enclosed.

VIII. The inner cabinet insulation of the respective air handling units should be repaired

or replaced.


6.0 References

1. American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

– ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2004: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human

Occupancy.

2. American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

– ANSI/ASHRAE 62, 1-2010: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

3. Health Canada (1995) “Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide”

www.hc-sc.gc.ca

4. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 1987. Guidance for

Indoor Air Quality Investigations. Cincinnati: NIOSH

5. The European Collaborative Action (ECA) Report 11: 'Guidelines for Ventilation

Requirements in Buildings (CEC 1992).

6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) / National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH): Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and

Facility Managers 1991.

Respectfully submitted REA ENVIROHEALTH INTERNATIONAL

Electronic copy Lisa P Barrow BSc MSC (Occ Hyg) 28th February, 2018 Occupational Hygienist Date Electronic copy Sherry-Ann M. Allsopp BSc MPhil MSc 28th February, 2018 Occupational Safety and Hygiene Assistant Date Electronic copy Daderhie I. Best RPh MPH 28th February, 2018 Technical Assistant Date

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

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