Environmental Services nc. Environmental Scientists and Engineers 4754 RESEARCH DRVE SAN ANTONO, TEXAS 78240 Office (210) 69(Hi286/ FAX (210) 696-8761 May 3, 2007 Mr. Henry A. Alvarez SAHA 818 S. Flores Street San Antonio, Texas 78204 RE: Report of Limited ndoor Air Quality nvestigation of 506 Precious, San Antonio, Texas, 78237 STC Project 27224R5 Mr. Alvarez: n accordance with STC's Proposal 27100 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, 2007. PROJECT NFORMATON STC was asked to assess the 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, 2007. Mr. Scheiding is a Texas Licensed Mold Consultant (MAC0174). The following comments document the results of the limited assessment completed on April 18, 2007. This residence is a single story structure situated on a concrete slab on grade foundation (See Photo 1). The indoor air quality assessment for mold consisted of a visual inspection of the HVAC system and ducts and a visual inspection of the areas where water line are present inside the walls. The HVAC unit was turned on cool for this inspection in order to assess the 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. n 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.
RESULTS OF THE NDOOR AR QUALTY NVESTGATON Visual nspection and nterviews Upon arrival, STC inspected the HVAC system and ducts and found them to be clean (See Photo 2, 3 and 4). No staining was noted in the water heater closet (See Photo 5). Based on the above inspection, the following air samples were collected. A- Breathing environment ftom HVAC outlet closest to HVAC A-2 Breathing environment by HVAC return vent A-3 Breathing environment in Master bedroom A-4 Breathing environment in Bedroom at rear A- Outside 1 A-2 Outside 2 n addition to the above sampling, relative humidity, temperature and dew point information was also collected ftom inside and outside the facility. The following table depicts the information collectedon April 18,2007. LOCATON TEMP RELATVE HUMDTY RANGE (H/LOW) DEW PONT nside 68.5 F 37.6% 41.4 F 33.9% to 38.3% Outside 66.8 F 42.3% 43.2 F 40.7% to 43.8% The steady state indoor relative humidity was 37.6%. This level is within the desired indoor comfort zone for relative humidity. t was below the outside level of 42.3%. The six (6) air samples collected on April 18, 2007 were submitted to EMSL Analytical, nc. in Houston, Texas for analysis for mold and fungi levels and identification. EMSL is a Texas licensed mold laboratory (LABO05). Air Sample Results Six (6) air samples were collected for this investigation. The following tables depict the results ofthe air sampling. STC Project 27224 2
TABLE AR SAMPLNG RESULTS FOR MOLD AND POLLEN SPORES Sample D and Location Particle D Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A- - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment by HVAC Alternaria ND N/A 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 PithomyceslUlocladium 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 N/A Total Mold None Detected Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A nsect Fragments 44 N/A STC Project 27224 3
Sample D and Location Particle D Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-2 - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment by HVAC Alternaria 88 Less than outside return vent 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 44 Less than outside Total Mold 88 Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A nsect 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 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 nsect Fragments ND N/A STC Project 27224 4
Sample D and Location Particle D Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-4 - Breathing Agrocybe/Coprinus ND N/A environment in Back 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 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 None Detected Less than outside Total Pollen ND N/A Hyphal Fragment ND N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A A- - Outside nsect Fragments ND N/A 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 Chaetomium 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 N/A Total Mold 792 N/A Total Pollen 484 N/A Hyphal Fragment 88 N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A nsect Fragments 44 N/A STC Project 27224 5
Sample D and Location Particle ill Concentration Particles/Cubic Meter Adjusted for Outside A-2 - Outside 2 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 Chaetornium 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 264 N/A Fibrous Particulate ND N/A nsect 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 ftom outside as well as outside air entering with normal door opening during entry and departure events. t 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. n 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. t 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. t may be as high as 80% if the HVAC unit is not running. 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 for this investigation. STC Project 27224 6
Environmental Services, nc. Air Sample Results Discussion (Specific) The air samples collected outside (A-l and A-2) produced levels of 792 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 produced levels that ranged from none detected to 88 counts/m3. The species identified in the breathing environment included Alternaria and Unidentifiable spores. These levels are well below both outside samples. Based on types of species and levels, there is no evidence of a mold condition present on the day of the investigation. 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. t should be noted that NO Stachybotrys was identified in the breathing environment. Based on levels and type of species, the breathing environment is considered acceptable for mold. Copies of the analytical laboratory reports are attached. CONCLUSONS Based on the above investigation, the following conclusions are supported: The indoor relative humidity is considered to be within the desired comfort range for indoor relative humidity. The breathing environment in the residence is considered very acceptable for mold. There is no evidence that a mold condition that is regulated by the State exists. RECOMMENDATONS 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 27224 7
f you have any questions concerning the above information, please do not hesitate to contact our office..at(210) 696-6286. David O. Scooding, President -Principal Engineer Texas Mold Assessment Consultant MAC0174 Attachments: Laboratory Report Photographs STC Project 27224 8
EMSL Analytical, nc. 2501 Central Parkway, Suite C-17, Houston, TX77092 Phone: (713) 686-3635 Fax: 7136863645 Email: houstonlab@emslcom Attn: Project: Fax: Customer D: Dave Scheiding Customer PO: STC EMSL Order: '150701955 4754 Research Drive EMSL Proj: San Antonio, TX 78240 04/20/2007 9:00 AM 27224 506 Precious (210) 696-8761 Phone: (210) 696-6286 Received: Analysis Date: Report Date: STCE50 264-07 04/20/2007 04/21/2007 Air.O.Cell(TM) Cassette Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy (EMSLMethod M001) Lab Sample Number: 150701955-0001 150701955-0002 150701955-0003 150701955-0004 Client Sample D: A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 Volume: 75 75 75 75 SamDle Location: HVAC Outlet HVAC Return Master Bedroom Bedroom ODDosite SDore Tv Des CounUm3 CounUm3 CounUm3 CounUm3 CounUm3 AgrocybelCoprinus - Alternaria - 44 - - Ascospores - - - - Aspergillus/Penicillium - - - - Basidiospores - - - - Bipolaris. - - - Chaetomium - -. - - Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Fusarium Ganoderma Myxomycete - Paecilomyces. Rust Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys Torula Ulocladium - Unidentifiable Spores 44 Zvgomvcetes - - - - Total Fungi None Detected 88 None Detected None Detected Fibrous Particulate - - - - Hyphal Fragment - nsect Fragment 44 Pollen - - - - AnalyticalSensitivity 44 44 44 44 Skin Fragments (1-4) 1 1 1 1 Backaround (1-51 1 1 1 1 No discernable field blank was submitted with this group of samples Samples received in good condition unless otherwise noted. High Levels of backgroundparticulatecan obscurespores and otherparticulatesleadingto underestimation. Background levels of 5 indicate an ove~oading of 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 lemer mag. This report relates only to the samples reportedand may not be reproduced. except in full, without written approvalby EMSL. Results ha", notbeen adjustedforfieldorlaboratoryblankunless otherwisenoted. AHAEMLAP Accreditation #102575 Mary Sacilowski, Laboratory Manager or other approved signatory SP-Ver2 THS S THE LAST PAGE OF THE REPORT. Page1
ROBOLOGY - CHAN OF C Mold & Fungi by Air-O-Cell Cassette (Select turn around time) _ Mole:& Fungi by Agar Plate (Count & identification) _ Mold & Fungi by Agar Plate (Count Only) _ 9ac:erial Count & Gram Stain Bacterial Count & dentification (Tnree most prominent types) _ Mold & Fungi - Direct :xamination (Select rum-around time) Submit cellophane tape sample or ~ufk _ Meld & Fungi - Direc: :xamination- Follow up examination necessary by culture if _ Mold & Fungi - Culture (D & Count) _Mold & Fungi - Culture (Count Only) Wi.ee & Bulk Samples _ Bacterial Count & Gram Stain _ Bactenal Count & dentific..ation (Three most prominent types) SAMPLE D LOCA TON VOLUME COMMENTS ROJd.. ~ i 4/~o/O ị tj:oo cuy\
EMSL Analytical, nc. 2501 Central Parkway, Suite C-17, Houston, TX 77092 Phone: (713) 686-3635 Fax: 7136863645 Email: houstonlab@emsl.com Attn: Project: Fax: 27224 Outside Samples for 458,506,467,448, + 126 (210)696-8761 Phone: (210)696-6286 Customer 10: Customer PO: EMSL Order: EMSL proj: Received: Analysis Date: Report Date: STCE50 264-07 150701950 Dave Scheiding STC 4754 Research Drive San Antonio, TX 78240 04/20/20079:00AM 04/20/2007 04/21/2007 Air-O-Cell(TM)Cassette Analysis of Fungal Spores & Other Airborne Particulates by Optical Microscopy (EMSL Method M001) Lab Sample Number: 150701950-0001 150701950-0002 Client Sample D: A-1 A-2 Volume: 75 75 Sample Location: Outside 1 Outside2 Spore Tvpes Count/m3 Count/m3 Count/m3 Count/m3 Count/m3 AgrocybelCoprinus - - Alternaria 176 88 Ascospores - - Aspergillus/Penicillium - - Basidiospores - Bipolaris - 44 Chaetomium - - Cladosporium 352 88 Curvularia - - Epicoccum - - Fusarium - - Ganoderma - - Myxomycete - - Paecilomyces - - Rust - - Scopulariopsis - - - Stachybotrys - Torula - - Ulocladium - - UnidentifiableSpores 264 88 ZygomyCetes - - Total Fungi 792 308 Fibrous Particulate - - HyphalFragment 88 - nsect Fragment 44 - Pollen 484 308 Analytical Sensitivity 44 44 Skin Fragments (1-4) 1 1 Background (1-5) 2 1 No discernable field blank was submitted with this group of samples Samples recei'vedin good condition unless otherwise noted. High Levelsof backgroundparticulate can obscure spores and other particulates leading to underestimation. Background levelsof 5 indicate an ove~oadingof backgroundparticulates, prohibiting accuratedetection and quantification. The detection limit is equal to one fungal spore, slructure, 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 appro""l by EMSL. Results hal.enot been adjustedfor field or laboratoryblank unless otherwise noted. AHAEMLAP Accreditation #102575 Mary Sacilowski, Laboratory Manager or other approved signatory SP-Ver2 THS S THE LAST PAGE OF THE REPORT. Page1
_. _.._" - - - r=.m~l Analytical, nc. 107 Haddon Ave. Westmont NJ 08108 (856) 858-4800 ROSOLOGY - CHAN OF C Date Collected: _Mold & Fungi by Air-O-Cell Cassette (Select rum around time) Mold & Fungi by Agar Plate (Count & identiiication) Mold & Fungi ~y Agar Plate (Count Only) _ Bacterial Count & Gram Stain _Mold & Fungi - Djre~ E:xamination (Select turn-around time) Suomit cello~hane ta;:>esample or bulk _ Mold & Fungi - Direct :xamir.ation- Follow up examination by culture if necessary _ Mold &"Fungi - Culture (D & Count) Mold & Fungi- Culture (Count Only) Bacterial Count & Gram Stain _ Bacterial Count & dentiiic.cltion (T-nree most prominent types) SAMPLE D LOCATON VOLUME i i " ~ L 4/~O/O7
Project 27224RS -506 Precious, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO 1: View of the front of the residence. PHOTO 2: View of typical HVAC outlet. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRVE SAN ANTONO. TEXAS 78240 Office (210) 696-6286/ FAX (210) 696-8761
Project 27224R5-506 Precious, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO 3: Additional view of an HVAC outlet. --- - -- ------- - \ \ PHOTO 4: Additional view of an HVAC outlet. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRVE SAN ANTONO. TEXAS 78240 Office (210) 696-6286/ FAX (210) 696-8761
Project 27224R5-506 Precious, San Antonio, Texas PHOTO5: Viewof the inside of the water heater closet. STC 4754 RESEARCH DRVE SAN ANTONO. TEXAS 78240 Office (210) 696-6286/ FAX (210) 696-8761