STC Environmental Services Inc. Environmental Scientists and Engineers

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1 Environmental Services Inc. Environmental Scientists and Engineers 4754 RESEARCH DRIVE SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Office (210) 69tHi286/ FAX (210) May 3, 2007 Mr. Henry A. Alvarez III SAHA 818 S. Flores Street San Antonio, Texas RE: Report of Limited Indoor Air Quality Investigation of 126 Villa Grande, San Antonio, Texas STC Project 27224R2 Mr. Alvarez: In accordance with STC's Proposal dated April 13, 2007, we have conducted a limited mold indoor air quality investigation at the above reference location. This air sampling consisted ofbioaerosols air sampling of selected areas. The sampling was completed on April 18, PROJECT INFORMATION STC was asked to assess the indoor air quality present in this residence as a result of concerns expressed by the homeowner. The indoor air quality assessment was completed by Mr. David O. Scheiding P.E. of STC Environmental Services on April 18, Mr. Scheiding is a Texas Licensed Mold Consultant (MACOI74). The following comments document the results of the limited assessment completed on April 18, This residence is a single story structure situated on a slab on grade foundation (See Photo 1). The residence has a single HVAC unit. The indoor air quality assessment for mold consisted of a visual inspection of the HVAC system and ducts and a visual inspection of areas where water lines are located in the walls. The HVAC system was turned on cool for this investigation in order to assess this system. The results of this assessment depict the indoor air quality on the day of the assessment. Previous levels or future conditions may vary from the conditions on April 18,2007 as a result of water leaks or other conditions that may result in water intrusion. In addition, the assessment requested was for a second opinion on the current conditions. STC understands that previous assessments have been completed by others and their findings may differ from the results obtained by STC on this day. STC understands that some cleaning or corrective efforts have been completed on some of the residences prior to STC's assessment. These types of activities can cause variances between assessments, since each assessment measures conditions on the day of the assessment only.

2 Environmental Services, Ine. 'RESULTS OF THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY INVESTIGATION Visual Inspection and Interviews Upon arrival, STC visually inspected the HVAC system and outlet ducts for any staining or mold buildup. No staining or mold buildup was noted (See Photos 2, 3, 4 and 5). Based on the above inspection, the following air samples were collected. A-I Breathing environment by HVAC outlet closest to HVAC unit A-2 Breathing environment by HVAC return A-3 Breathing environment in Master bedroom A-4 Breathing environment in back bedroom A-I Outside -1 A-2 Outside -2 In addition to the above sampling, relative humidity, temperature and dew point information was also collected from inside and outside the facility. The following table depicts the information collected on April 18, LOCATION I TEMP I RELATIVE HUMIDITY I DEW POINT RANGE (HI/Lon Inside I 76.7 F I 42.0% I 52.0 F 38.2% to 42.8% Outside 74.3 F 45.0% I 51.8 F 44.1% to 47.4% The steady state indoor relative humidity was 42.0%. This level is within the desired indoor comfort zone for relative humidity. It was below the outside level of 45.0%. The six (6) air samples collected on April 18, 2007 were submitted to EMSL Analytical, Inc. in Houston, Texas for analysis for mold and fungi levels and identification. EMSL is a Texas licensed mold laboratory (LAB 0105). Air Sample Results Six (6) air samples were collected for this investigation. The following tables depict the results of the air sampling. STC Project

3 TABLE I AIR SAMPLING RESULTS FOR MOLD AND POLLEN SPORES Sample ID and Location Particle ID Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-I - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment by HVAC Alternaria 88 Less than outside outlet Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris ND N/A Chaetomium ND N/A Cladosporium ND N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Peronospora ND N/A Pithomyces/Ulocladium ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Scopulariopsis ND N/A Smut ND N/A Tetraploa ND N/A Spegazzinia ND N/A Unidentifiable spores ND Less than outside Total Mold 88 Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment 44 Less than outside Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments ND N/A STC Project

4 Sample ID and Location Particle ill Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-2 - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment by HVAC Alternaria 88 Less than outside return Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris ND N/A Chaetomium ND N/A Cladosporium ND N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Ganoderma ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Pithomyces ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Unidentifiable spores ND N/A Total Mold 88 Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments ND N/A A-3 - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment in Master Alternaria ND N/A bedroom Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris ND N/A Cercospora ND N/A Chaetomium ND N/A Cladosporium ND N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Ganoderma ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Oidium ND N/A Pithomyces ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Unidentifiable spores 44 Less than outside Total Mold 44 Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments ND N/A STC Project

5 Sample ID and Location Particle ill Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-4 - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment from Alternaria ND N/A bedroom at rear Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris ND N/A Chaetornium ND N/A Cladosporium ND N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Ganoderma ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Pithomyces ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Unidentifiable spores ND N/A Total Mold None Detected Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments ND N/A A-I - Outside Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A Alternaria 176 N/A Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris ND N/A Cercospora ND N/A Chaetornium ND N/A Cladosporium 352 N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Ganoderma ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Oidium ND N/A Pithomyces ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Unidentifiable spores 264 NA Total Mold 792 N/A Total Pollen 484 N/A Hyphal Fragment 88 N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments 44 N/A STC Project

6 Sample ID and Location Particle ID Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-2 - Outside Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A Alternaria 88 N/A Arthrospores ND N/A Ascospores ND N/A Aspergillus/Penicillium ND N/A Arthrinium ND N/A Basidiospores ND N/A Bipolaris 44 N/A Cercospora ND N/A Chaetomium ND N/A Cladosporium 88 N/A Curvularia ND N/A Epicoccum ND N/A Fusarium ND N/A Ganoderma ND N/A Nigrospora ND N/A Myxomycete ND N/A Oidium ND N/A Pithomyces ND N/A Stachybotrys ND N/A Unidentifiable spores 88 N/A Total Mold 308 N/A Total Pollen 308 N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A Insect Fragments ND N/A Air Sample Discussion (General) The results of air sampling should always include a comparison to outside levels at the time of indoor sampling. This is required since make-up air for the HVAC unit comes from outside as well as outside air entering with normal door opening during entry and departure events. It also should be noted that there are NO specified levels of mold/fungi that are considered harmful to humans. Each individual has a different tolerance level for molds/fungi species. In addition, different geographical locations also have a wide variance of air quality levels. Therefore what is considered normal outside in one (1) geographical area may never occur in other geographical areas. It is generally accepted that "normal" outside levels are 1,200 or 12,000 counts/m3 depending on Laboratory Protocol, with the majority of the particles made up of the common species of Aspergillus/Penicillium and Cladosporium. Based on this outside "normal" level, the inside level that is accepted as "normal" is 300 or 3,000 counts/m3. Essentially acceptable indoor air quality is normally considered to be 50% of the outside level when the HVAC unit is running. If the unit is not running, acceptable levels may be up to 80% of the outside. This is why a comparison is always required to establish acceptable indoor levels. With the HVAC system running then the indoor air quality should be less than 2,000 or 20,000 counts/m3. The HVAC system was operating during this investigation. However, it was turned on upon arrival. STC Project

7 Air Sample Results Discussion (Specific) The air samples collected outside (A-I and A-2) produced levels of792 and 308 counts/m3. The species identified included Alternaria, Bipolaris, Cladosporium and Unidentifiable spores. This level is below the level normally accepted as "normal" for outside. The four (4) air samples collected from the breathing environment (A-I, A-2, A-3 and A-4) produced levels that ranged from "None Detected" to 88 counts/m3. The species identified included Alternaria and Unidentifiable spores. These levels are well below both outside samples. The species identified in the breathing environment included Alternaria and Unidentifiable spores. The above species are found normally in both the outdoor and indoor environments. There currently are NO established levels that these species are considered harmful to humans. Each individual respond to mold spores based on their individual immune systems. It should be noted that NO Stachybotrys was identified in the breathing environment. Based on levels and type of species, the breathing environment in this residence is considered acceptable for mold. Copies of the analytical laboratory reports are attached. CONCLUSIONS Based on the above investigation, the following conclusions are supported: There is no evidence to support that a mold condition is present inside this residence or that the HVAC unit is mold impacted. The breathing environment in this residence is considered very acceptable for mold. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the above results, the following recommendations are provided. No further environmental investigative actions are recommended nor considered warranted at the current time unless water intrusion conditions change. STC Project

8 If you have any questions concerning the above information, please do not hesitate to contact our office al(210) avid o. Scheidin~P.E. President - Principal Engineer Texas Mold Assessment Consultant MAC0174 Attachments: Laboratory Report Photographs STC Project

9 Attn: Project: Fax: I EMSL Analytical, Inc. 2501Central Parkway, Suite C-17, Houston, TX Phone: (713) Fax: houstonlab(ii)emsl.com Dave Scheiding STCE50 Customer PO: STC EMSL Order: Research Drive EMSL proj: San Anto~io, TX Received: 04/20/20079:00 AM Villa Grande (210) Phone: (210) Customer 10: Analysis Date: Report Date: 04/20/ /21/2007 Air.O.Cell(TM) Cassette Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy (EMSL Method M001) Lab Sample Number: Client Sample ID: A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 Volume: SamDle Location: HVAC Outlet HVAC Return Master Bedroom Bedroom ODDOsite Snore TvDes Countlm3 Countlm3 Countlm3 Countlm3 Countlm3 AgrocybelCoprinus - - Alternaria Ascospores Aspergillus/Penicillium Basidiospores Bipolaris Chaetomium Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Fusarium Ganoderma Myxomycete Paecilomyces Rust Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys Torula Ulocladium - Unidentifiable Spores 44 ZygomyCetes Total Fungi None Detected Fibrous Particulate - Hyphal Fragment 44 Insect Fragment Pollen Analytical Sens itivity Skin Fragments (1-4) Backaround (1-5) No discemable field blank was submitted with this group of samples Samples receiwd in good condition unless otherwise noted. High Levels of background particulate can obscure spores and other particulates leading to underestimation. Background levels of 5 indicatean ove~oadingof background particulates, prohibiting accurate detection and quantification. The detection limit is equal to one fungal spore. structure. pollen, fiber particle or insect fragment. Present= Spores found during additional scan at lower mag. ThiS report relates only to the samples reported and may not be reproduced. except in full, without written approvalby EMSL. Results ha\8 not been adjustedforfield or laboratoryblank unless otherwise noled. AIHA EMLAP Accreditation # Mary Sacilowski, Laboratory Manager or other approved signatory SP-Ver2 THIS IS THE LAST PAGE OF THE REPORT. Page1

10 MICROBIOLOGY - CHAIN OF CU. I Date Sent: i Bill To: I Mold & F:mgi by Air-O-Cell Cassette (Select tum around time) _MOld& Fungi by Agar Plate (Coun. & identification) _Mold _ & Fungi by Agar Plate (Count Only) Bacterial Count & Gram Stain _ Mold & Fungi - Direct ::xamination (Select turn-around time) Sucmit cellophane tape sample or bulk _ Mold & Fungi - Direc: ::xamir.ation- Followup examination by culture if necessary _ Mold & Fungi -Culture (ID & Count) _Mold _ & Fungi - Culture (Count Only) BaCterialCount &Gram Stain Bacterial Count & IdentiiiCc:1tion[Three - most prominent types) Wipe & Bulk Samples TURN AROUND _Same Day SAMPLE 10 LOCA TION VOLUME I RaJd. Lf I:x.c/07 I j I Cf: 00 (M/Y\

11 EMSL Analytical, Inc Central Parkway, Suite C-17, Houston, TX77092 Phone: (713) Fax: houstonlabliijemsl.com Attn: Project: Fax: Dave Scheiding STC 4754 Research Drive San Antonio, TX OutsideSamplesfor458,506,467,448,t7:'J (210) Phone: (210) 696-6~ Customer ID: Customer PO: EMSL Order: EMSL Proj: Received: Analysis Date: Report Date: STCE /20/2007 9:00 AM 04/20/ /21/2007 Air-O-Cell(TM)Cassette Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy (EMSLMethod M001) Lab Sample Number: Client Sample ID: A-1 A-2 Volume: SamDle Location: Outside 1 Outside 2 5Dore Tv Des Count/m3 Count/m3 Count/m3 Count/m3 AgrocybelCoprinus - - Count/m3 Alternaria Ascospores - - Aspergillus/Penicillium Basidiospores - Bipolaris - 44 Chaetomium - - Cladosporium Curvularia - - Epicoccum - Fusarium Ganoderma Myxomycete - - Paecilomyces Rust Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys - - Torula Ulocladium - - Unidentifiable Spores Zygomycetes - - Total Fungi Fibrous Particulate - Hyphal Fragment 88 - Insect Fragment 44 - Pollen Analytical Sensitivity Skin Fragments (1-4) 1 1 Background (1-5) 2 1 No discernable field blank was submitted with this group of samples Samples received in good condition unless otherwisenoted. High levels of background particulate can obscure spores and other particulates leading to underestimation. Backgroundlevelsof 5 indicate an overloadingof backgroundparticulates, prohibitingaccurate detectionand Quantification. The detectionlimit is equatto one fungal spore,structure,pollen, fiber particle or insect fragment. Present=Sporesfound during additional scan at lower mag.thisreportrelates onlyto the samples reportedand may not be reproduced, exceplin full, without written approv.31by EMSL Resultsha... not been adjusted for field orlaboratoryblank unless otherwise noted. AIHAEMLAPAccreditation # Mary Sacilowski, Laboratory Manager or other approved signatory SP-Ver2 THIS IS THE LAST PAGE OF THE REPORT. Page 1

12 t::.m~l AnalytIcal, l:1c. '07 Haddon Ave. (:::':>0) C:>0-40UU ''--''''-J'f'-.J\ -, J\...J ROSIOLOGY - CHAINOF C.! Con:act:!Company: i i. _ Mold & i=uncibv Aii-D-Cell Cassette I- (Select rum-ard'unetime) _ Mole&i=ungiby A;ar Plate (Count & identification) 1_ Mold & :=ungi:,y Agar Plate (Count Only) _ 3a=--~rialCoun:& Gram Stain _ Mole & i=ungi- Diree. :xamination (Selec: rum-arounc time) Suomit ceuo;:3haneta~e saf11;:3leor bulk _Mold & i=ungi - ;:)jrec: :xamir.ationi=ollowup ex:amir.ation by culture if necessary j _Mold & i=ungi - Cult'.Jre (ID & Count) Mold & i=u:1gi- Culture (Count Only) Sa::+~rialCount &.Gram Stain _Bactenal Count &.Identific.ation(T-nree most prominent types) SAMPLE ID LOCA TION VOLUME L i i j RaJd. - 4/~/07

13 Project 27224R2-126 Villa Grande, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO 1: View of the front of the residence. J,,, I,, /.' PHOTO 2: View of the inside of the water heater closet and return air vent. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRIVE SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS Office (210) I FAX (210)

14 Project 27224R2-126 Villa Grande, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO 3: Viewor the HVAC unit. PHOTO 4: View or typical HVAC outlet. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRIVE SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS Office (210) / FAX (210) 6~61

15 Project 27224R2-126 Villa Grande, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO5: Additional view of typical HVAC outlet. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRIVE SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS Office (210) / FAX (210)