MSES consultants, inc. 609 West Main Street P.O. Drawer 190 Clarksburg, WV 26302-0190 304.624.9700 304.622.0981 304.842.3325 http://www.msesinc.com Office September 13, 2012 Project Number: 12-437 Mr. Joe Ammons Maintenance Director Harrison County Schools 408 E.B. Saunders Way Clarksburg, West Virginia 26301 Report of Airborne Fungal Sampling Lumberport Middle School, Johnson Elementary School, and Wilsonburg Elementary School Harrison County Schools Dear Mr. Ammons: Per the request of the Harrison County Board of Education, MSES Consultants, Inc. (MSES) performed airborne fungal sampling at the Lumberport Middle School, Johnson Elementary School, and Wilsonburg Elementary School in response to previously occurring water issues and/or reports of allergy like systems by building occupants. Fungal sampling was performed by MSES on August 29, 2012. The following sections of this report provide specific information concerning the fungal sampling performed by MSES. Fungal Air Sampling In order to assess the presence of airborne fungi, MSES performed air sampling in selected areas of each school. The air samples were collected using a high volume air sampling pump fitted with an Anderson single stage impactor and the appropriate agar plates for fungi. The samples were collected at a flow rate of 28.3 liters per minute for a period of 3 minutes resulting in a sample volume of 75 liters. Upon completion of the air sampling, the samples were submitted under chain of custody to Pure Earth
Mr. Joe Ammons 2 September 13, 2012 Environmental Laboratory for quantification and identification of fungi. Airborne fungal samples were collected in the following areas of each school. Lumberport Middle School One (1) air sample was collected in each of the following areas: gymnasium, Room 108, Room 210, Room 208, and Room 309. One (1) sample was also collected outside the building to establish ambient fungal concentrations. Johnson Elementary School One (1) air sample was collected in each of the following areas: cafeteria, Room 511, Room 403, Room 101, and Room K-17. One (1) sample was also collected outside the building to establish ambient fungal concentrations. Wilsonburg Elementary School One (1) air sample was collected in each of the following areas: Room 8, Room 5, Room 2, Library, and Room 11. One (1) sample was also collected outside the building to establish ambient fungal concentrations. Analysis Results Lumberport Middle School The following table provides a summary of the analytical results for the airborne fungal samples collected by MSES at Lumberport Middle School on August 29, 2012. Sample Location Fungal Species Identified Concentration (CFU/m3) Gymnasium Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum nigrum, (LMS-1-8-29) Penicillium, Non-sporulating fungi, Sporothrix 353 Room 108 (LMS-2-8-29) Cladosporium, Penicillium,Curvularia, Fusarium, Yeast 271 Room 210 Cladosporium, Curvularia, Penicillium, Non-sporulating (LMS-3-8-29) fungi, Sporothrix 400 Room 208 (LMS-4-8-29) Cladosporium, Non-sporulating fungi, Sporothrix, Yeast 247 Room 309 Cladosporium, Penicillium, Sporothrix, Yeast, Nonsporulating fungi (LMS-5-8-29) 330 Outside Cladosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Epicoccum (LMS-6-8-29) nigrum 4264
Mr. Joe Ammons 3 September 13, 2012 Indoor concentrations of airborne fungi were found to be below the outdoor concentration in all areas sampled. While some fungal species which were not seen on the outdoor sample were identified indoors at minimal concentrations, the majority of the spores were found to be present outdoors. The attached analytical report provides specific information concerning the analysis of the air samples collected by MSES. The following paragraphs provide a brief description of the fungal species identified on the air samples. Cladosporium Cladosporium is a common to outdoor environments and may be present in high concentrations in water damaged buildings. It is considered to be allergenic and can lead to sinusitis and pulmonary infections. Cladosporium is not expected to cause significant health issues in normally healthy individuals. Penicillium Penicillium is one of the most common genera of fungi. It is typically found outdoors and can grow indoors if suitable conditions are present. It is considered to be allergenic with certain species capable of producing toxins. Generally, it is not considered to be a significant health issue at low concentrations. Alternaria Alternaria spores are one of the most common and potent indoor and outdoor airborne allergens. It is considered to be allergenic and is commonly found in soil and plants. Additionally, Alternaria sensitization has been determined to be one of the most important factors in the onset of childhood asthma. Epiccocum Nigrum Epicoccum Nigrum is a sooty mold that is especially prevalent in cool and moist weather conditions. Epicoccum mold is common in soil and food. It is the usual cause of leaf spots on plants.
Mr. Joe Ammons 4 September 13, 2012 People often develop allergies to molds of this species. Epicoccum is not considered to be a significant health issue for normally healthy individuals. Sporothix Sporothix is a fungi which is typically found in plants and soil. It unknown whether this fungi is an allergen. Some species can result in cutaneous infections, ocular mycosis, and sporotrichosis in immune compromised patients. Yeast Yeast is a common fungi typically found in plants and soils. Some species of yeast are considered to be an opportunistic pathogen in immune compromised individuals. It is also associated with food spoilage. Fusarium Fusarium is a fungi typically found in soil and plants. It is considered to be allergenic and is often found in humidifiers and wet cellulose-based building materials. It an opportunistic pathogen and may result in sinusitis, cutaneous infections, and keratitis in individuals with open wounds or weakened immune systems. Curvularia Curvularia is a fungus typically found in plants and soils. It can be grow on paper and wood products under the right environmental conditions. It is considered to be a Type I (hay fever and asthma) and is a relatively common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis. It is also considered to be an opportunistic pathogen and may result in pneumonia and other health concerns in immuned compromised individuals. In summary, most of the fungal species identified are common to the outdoor environment and are considered to be allergens. While these species may result in hay fever, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible individuals, they are not considered to be significant health concerns to
Mr. Joe Ammons 5 September 13, 2012 normally healthy individuals. Those species identified as opportunistic pathogens may result in health concerns to immune compromised individuals. Analysis Results Johnson Elementary School The following table provides a summary of the analytical results for the airborne fungal samples collected by MSES at Johnson Elementary School on August 29, 2012. Sample Location Fungal Species Identified Concentration (CFU/m3) Cafeteria Acremonium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus sydowii, (JES-1-8-29) Penicillium, Aspergillus ustus 342 Room 511 Cladosporium, Penicillium,Sporothrix, Aspergillus (JES-2-8-29) versicolor, Yeast 353 Room 403 Cladosporium, Penicillium, Yeast, Sporothrix, (JES-3-8-29) Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus versicolor 294 Room 101 Cladosporium, Penicillium, Acremoniaum, Pithomyces, (JES-4-8-29) Scopulariopsis 259 Room K-17 Cladosporium, Alternaria, Sporothrix, Yeast, (JES-5-8-29) Pithomyces 342 Outside Cladosporium, Yeast, Fusarium, Epicoccum nigrum, (JES-6-8-29) Trichoderma 3734 Indoor concentrations of airborne fungi were found to be below the outdoor concentration in all areas sampled. While some fungal species which were not seen on the outdoor sample were identified indoors at minimal concentrations, the majority of the spores identified indoors were found to be present outdoors. The attached analytical report provides specific information concerning the analysis of the air samples collected by MSES. The following paragraphs provide a brief description of the fungal species identified on the air samples. Cladosporium Cladosporium is a common to outdoor environments and may be present in high concentrations in water damaged buildings. It is considered to be allergenic and can lead to sinusitis and pulmonary infections. Cladosporium is not expected to cause significant health issues in normally healthy individuals.
Mr. Joe Ammons 6 September 13, 2012 Penicillium Penicillium is one of the most common genera of fungi. It is typically found outdoors and can grow indoors if suitable conditions are present. It is considered to be allergenic with certain species capable of producing toxins. Generally, it is not considered to be a significant health issue at low concentrations. Alternaria Alternaria spores are one of the most common and potent indoor and outdoor airborne allergens. It is considered to be allergenic and is commonly found in soil and plants. Additionally, Alternaria sensitization has been determined to be one of the most important factors in the onset of childhood asthma. Epiccocum Nigrum Epicoccum Nigrum is a sooty mold that is especially prevalent in cool and moist weather conditions. Epicoccum mold is common in soil and food. It is the usual cause of leaf spots on plants. People often develop allergies to molds of this species. Epicoccum is not considered to be a significant health issue for normally healthy individuals. Sporothix Sporothix is a fungi which is typically found in plants and soil. It unknown whether this fungi is an allergen. Some species can result in cutaneous infections, ocular mycosis, and sporotrichosis in immune compromised patients. Yeast Yeast is a common fungi typically found in plants and soils. Some species of yeast are considered to be an opportunistic pathogen in immune compromised individuals. It is also associated with food spoilage. Fusarium Fusarium is a fungi typically found in soil and plants. It is considered to be allergenic and is often found in humidifiers and wet cellulose-based building materials. It an opportunistic pathogen and may result
Mr. Joe Ammons 7 September 13, 2012 in sinusitis, cutaneous infections, and keratitis in individuals with open wounds or weakened immune systems. Acremonium Acremonium, also known as Cephalosporium, is a widespread fungus, usually found in soil and dead plants. It requires very wet conditions for growth. The color of Acremonium ranges from white and grey to pink and orange. Initially they are moist but become powdery or velvety in texture with age. Some species of Acremonium are human and animal pathogens. It has been reported to be the cause of mycetoma. It has also been implicated in cases of arthritis, pneumonia, peritonitis, endocarditis, keratitis, meningitis, and osteomyelitis. Acremonium is also allergenic, causing Type I and Type III allergies such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma. Aspergillus sydowii Aspergillus sydowii is a fungus which is particularly common in temperate and colder areas. It is often found in buildings with problems involving humidity and ventilation. Aspergillus sydowii has been isolated from plant materials and from soil. It has been identified as a cause of Onychomycosis, dermatophyte nail infections, and keratomycosis. Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus ustus is a fungi which rarely infects humans. It commonly found in soil and is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen in immune comprised individuals. Exposure to this fungi can result in aspergillosis in immune compromised individuals. Aspergillus versicolor Aspergillus versicolor is a cosmopolitan fungus which is particularly common in temperate and colder areas. It is often found in buildings with problems involving humidity and ventilation. Aspergillus versicolor is primarily isolated from plant materials and from soil. Aspergillus
Mr. Joe Ammons 8 September 13, 2012 versicolor rarely causes deep infections in humans. It is an occasional agent of Onychomycosis which is dermatophyte nail infections or to any fungal nail infection caused by any fungus. Pithomyces Pithyomyces is a fungi which is typically found in soil, leaf litter, and tree bark. It can be found indoors growing on paper products and requires a high moisture level for spore germination. It is not considered to be allergenic but may be an opportunistic pathogen in immune compromised individuals. Scopulariopsis Scopulariopsis is a fungi typically found in soil. It can be found indoors growing on dairy products, fruit, grain, meat, paper and wood. It is considered to be a Type III Allergen (hypersensitivity) as well as an opportunistic pathogen in immune compromised individuals or individuals with open wounds. Trichoderma Trichoderma is a fungi typically found in decaying wood, dead leaves, and soil. It can be found growing indoors on paper, textiles, and wet wood. It is considered to be a Type I and Type III allergen and has occasionally been associated with diseases in immune compromised individuals. In summary, most of the fungal species identified are common to the outdoor environment and are considered to be allergens. While these species may result in hay fever, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible individuals, they are not considered to be significant health concerns to normally healthy individuals. Those species identified as opportunistic pathogens may result in health concerns to immune compromised individuals. Three (3) species of Aspergillus were identified within the building including the cafeteria, Room 403, and Room 511 at low concentrations. Analysis Results Wilsonburg Elementary School The following table provides a summary of the analytical results for the airborne fungal samples collected by MSES at Wilsonburg Elementary School on August 29, 2012.
Mr. Joe Ammons 9 September 13, 2012 Sample Location Fungal Species Identified Concentration (CFU/m3) Room 8 (WES-1-8-29) Cladosporium, Penicillium, Arthrographis like 424 Room 5 Cladosporium, Penicillium,Epococcum nigrum, (WES-2-8-29) Arthrographis like, Non-sporulating fungi 306 Room 2 Cladosporium, Penicillium, Arthrographis like, Nonsporulating fungi (WES-3-8-29) 259 Library Cladosporium, Penicillium, Arthrographis like, Nonsporulating fungi (WES-4-8-29) 294 Room 11 Cladosporium, Penicillium, Curvularia, Arthrographis (WES-5-8-29) like, Non-sporulating fungi 259 Outside Cladosporium, Penicillium, Acremonium, Curvularia, (WES-6-8-29) Pithomyces, Trichoderma 824 Indoor concentrations of airborne fungi were found to be below the outdoor concentration in all areas sampled. While some fungal species which were not seen on the outdoor sample were identified indoors at minimal concentrations, the majority of the spores identified indoors were found to be present outdoors. The attached analytical report provides specific information concerning the analysis of the air samples collected by MSES. The following paragraphs provide a brief description of the fungal species identified on the air samples. Cladosporium Cladosporium is a common to outdoor environments and may be present in high concentrations in water damaged buildings. It is considered to be allergenic and can lead to sinusitis and pulmonary infections. Cladosporium is not expected to cause significant health issues in normally healthy individuals. Penicillium Penicillium is one of the most common genera of fungi. It is typically found outdoors and can grow indoors if suitable conditions are present. It is considered to be allergenic with certain species capable of producing toxins. Generally, it is not considered to be a significant health issue at low concentrations.
Mr. Joe Ammons 10 September 13, 2012 Epiccocum Nigrum Epicoccum Nigrum is a sooty mold that is especially prevalent in cool and moist weather conditions. Epicoccum mold is common in soil and food. It is the usual cause of leaf spots on plants. People often develop allergies to molds of this species. Epicoccum is not considered to be a significant health issue for normally healthy individuals. Curvularia Curvularia is a fungus typically found in plants and soils. It can be grow on paper and wood products under the right environmental conditions. It is considered to be a Type I (hay fever and asthma) and is a relatively common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis. It is also considered to be an opportunistic pathogen and may result in pneumonia and other health concerns in immuned compromised individuals. Trichoderma Trichoderma is a fungi typically found in decaying wood, dead leaves, and soil. It can be found growing indoors on paper, textiles, and wet wood. It is considered to be a Type I and Type III allergen and has occasionally been associated with diseases in immune compromised individuals. Pithomyces Pithyomyces is a fungi which is typically found in soil, leaf litter, and tree bark. It can be found indoors growing on paper products and requires a high moisture level for spore germination. It is not considered to be allergenic but may be an opportunistic pathogen in immune compromised individuals. Acremonium Acremonium, also known as Cephalosporium, is a widespread fungus, usually found in soil and dead plants. It requires very wet conditions for growth. The color of Acremonium ranges from white and grey to pink and orange. Initially they are moist but become powdery or velvety in texture with age. Some species of Acremonium are human and animal pathogens. It has been reported to be the cause of
Mr. Joe Ammons 11 September 13, 2012 mycetoma. It has also been implicated in cases of arthritis, pneumonia, peritonitis, endocarditis, keratitis, meningitis, and osteomyelitis. Acremonium is also allergenic, causing Type I and Type III allergies such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma. In summary, most of the fungal species identified are common to the outdoor environment and are considered to be allergens. While these species may result in hay fever, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible individuals, they are not considered to be significant health concerns to normally healthy individuals. Those species identified as opportunistic pathogens may result in health concerns to immune compromised individuals. Conclusions When performing fungal assessments within a building, it is important to understand that airborne fungal spores are very common to indoor environments. Fungal spores originating outdoors easily migrate indoors through open windows, open doors, HVAC air intakes, and even on clothing. The abundance of fungal spores in the outdoor environment makes it very difficult if not impossible to prevent these spores from entering a building. Therefore, the fact that airborne fungal spores were identified within the school does not indicate that the building is unsafe for students or staff. Health issues relating to fungi occur when growth occurs. When spores come in contact with water impacted materials, fungal growth can occur. Fungal growth often results in the release of additional spores which can spread fungal growth to other areas. Prompt response to identified fungal growth can prevent the release of fungal spores and the potential for fungal growth in other areas as a result of these spores becoming airborne. For purposes of this report, conclusions reached by MSES based on the results of the airborne fungi sampling will be discussed for each school individually.
Mr. Joe Ammons 12 September 13, 2012 Lumberport Middle School Indoor fungal concentrations identified by the air sampling performed at Lumberport Middle School were significantly less than ambient fungal concentrations. Therefore, a fungal amplification situation does not appear to be present within the school. In addition, most of the fungal species identified within the building were also identified outside the building which would indicate that the source of fungi within the building is the outdoor environment. For those species which were identified indoors but not outdoors, concentrations were found to be low and potential health effects relating to the specific species are considered to be allergenic in nature. Based on the results of the airborne fungal sampling performed by MSES at the Lumberport Middle School, MSES does not believe that any additional sampling or remediation actions are necessary at this time. Building occupants should report any conditions or indications of potential fungal growth to the Harrison County Schools Maintenance Department. Johnson Elementary School Indoor fungal concentrations identified by the air sampling performed at Johnson Elementary School were significantly less than ambient fungal concentrations. Therefore, a fungal amplification situation does not appear to be present within the school. In addition, most of the fungal species identified within the building were also identified outside the building which would indicate that the source of the fungi within the building is the outdoor environment. However, multiple species of Aspergillus were identified within the cafeteria, Room 511, and Room 403. While the concentrations of Aspergillus in these areas were found to be low, the Aspergillus appears to have originated within the building. While the presence of Aspergillus in Room 511, Room 403, and the Cafeteria warrants additional action, it does not present an immediate health risk to building occupants with no pre-existing respiratory conditions or immune deficiencies. Based upon the information gathered during this fungal assessment at Johnson Elementary School, MSES would make the following recommendations:
Mr. Joe Ammons 13 September 13, 2012 A thorough inspection for potential fungal growth should be performed in Room 511, Room 403, and the Cafeteria. Upon completion of the inspection for potential mold growth, MSES would recommend that Room 511, Room 403, and the Cafeteria should be cleaned using a 10% bleach/90% water solution. All impermeable surfaces including walls and furniture should be wiped down. This cleaning can be done on a Friday afternoon to allow the resulting bleach odor to dissipate prior to faculty and students returning to school. Upon completion of the cleaning activities, MSES would recommend that additional air sampling be performed in each of these areas to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning. Wilsonburg Elementary School Indoor fungal concentrations identified by the air sampling performed at Wilsonburg Elementary School were significantly less than ambient fungal concentrations. Therefore, a fungal amplification situation does not appear to be present within the school. In addition, most of the fungal species identified within the building were also identified outside the building which would indicate that the source of fungi within the building is the outdoor environment. For those species which were identified indoors but not outdoors, concentrations were found to be low and potential health effects relating to the specific species are considered to be allergenic in nature. Based on the results of the airborne fungal sampling performed by MSES at the Wilsonburg Elementary School, MSES does not believe that any additional sampling or remediation actions are necessary at this time. Building occupants should report any conditions or indications of potential fungal growth to the Harrison County Schools Maintenance Department. Summary The conclusions and recommendations presented in this report are based upon the information gathered during performance of the fungal assessment and the conditions present within the schools during the site visits performed by MSES.
Mr. Joe Ammons 14 September 13, 2012 Should you have any questions concerning the information provided in this report or need any additional information, please contact me or John Keeling at (304) 624-9700. Respectfully submitted, Allen R. Cutlip, C.I.H., C.S.P. Safety/Industrial Hygiene Coordinator