NYC's Department of HPD Proposes Rules to Implement Indoor Allergen Hazards Legislation

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (NYCHPD) is holding a public hearing on November 2, 2018, to accept comments on a proposed rule to implement legislation regarding indoor allergen hazards.  To find out how to comment on the proposed rule visit NYC's rule website at https://rules.cityofnewyork.us/content/proposed-rules-regarding-indoor-allergen-hazards.  The proposed rules implement Local Law 55 of 2018, enacted by the City Council.  The legislation establishes an owner's responsibility to investigate for and remediate indoor allergen hazards like mold, cockroaches, mice, and rats in multiple dwellings.  The rules provide for work practices to be used by owners in performing the work to remediate these conditions.  The Local Law goes into effect on January 2019.

Green algae in condensate pan

The new rules include several definitions that are interesting:

• Indoor allergen hazard - means any indoor infestation of cockroaches, mice, or rats or conditions conducive to such infestation or an indoor mold hazard.
• Indoor mold hazard - means any condition of mold growth on an indoor surface, building structure or ventilation system, including mold that is within wall cavities, that is likely to cause harm to a person or that has been cited as a violation by NYCHPD.
• Pest -means any unwanted member of the Class Insecta, including, but not limited to houseflies, lice, bees, cockroaches, moths, silverfish, beetles, bedbugs, ants, termites, hornets, mosquitoes, and wasps and members of the Order Rodentia, including but not limited to mice, Norway rats, and any other unwanted plant, animal or fungal life that is a pest because it is destructive, annoying or a nuisance.
• Underlying defect means a condition that causes an indoor mold hazard, such as a water leak or water infiltration from plumbing or defective masonry pointing or other moisture condition or causes an infestation of pests, including holes or entryway paths for pests.

Mold on a sheetrock wall

These rules require the owner of the building to make an annual inspection for indoor allergen hazards in apartments and common areas of the building.  It also requires the owner to inspect if the occupant informs them that there is a condition in the apartment that is likely to cause an indoor allergen hazard or the occupant requests an inspection or NYCHPD issues a violation requiring the correction of an indoor allergen hazard in an apartment.  The owner is required to fix an indoor allergen hazard in an apartment using safe work practices specified in these rules.  The owner must provide new tenants with a pamphlet developed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Prior to new tenant occupancy, the owner is required to fix all visible mold and pest infestations in the apartment, as well as underlying defects using the safe work practices.  The assessments or work regarding indoor mold hazards must be performed in compliance with Article 32 of New York State Labor Law (Mold Licensing and Minimum Work Practices).  It seems to us if this rule goes into effect tenants have another weapon they can use to make sure their apartments are healthy living environments.

Related Articles:

New York City Asthma-Free Housing Act by Jack Springston, CIH, CSP, FAIHA

NYS Department of Labor Publishes Two New Mold Fact Sheets

Asthma Control Study Indicates a Home Visit Strategy is Successful.

New York State Mold Licensing & Minimum Standards Law Is Signed By Governor Cuomo

NYS Mold Law Changes, Licensing Requirement Goes Into Effect January 1, 2016.

Mold Legislation Threatens Restoration/Remediation Industries

Zadroga Act Needs An Extension

Its interesting that two things that you wouldn't normally put together have been discussed in the newspapers recently.  In the sports sections of the newspapers, extensions have been announced for Sandy Alderson, the General Manager of the New York Mets and Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, has announced they are negotiating an extension for Brian Cashman, their General Manager.  At roughly the same time Newsday and other media outlets reported on 4 recent deaths of 9/11 responders dying of cancer and leukemia.  These first responders are just a few of the many thousands who are covered under James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act which is set to expire in 2016.  Their deaths have led to calls for an extension of the Zadroga Act.  Which is necessary to help deal with the 9/11-linked illnesses being suffered by workers who worked on Ground Zero pile and were exposed to toxic dust and fumes from the smoldering rubble.

These firefighters are the latest to die since the September 11, 2001 attacks.  As reported by Newsday, the current count is 92 members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association have died and 875 have been diagnosed with 9/11-linked illnesses.  Of those diagnosed, 80 member's illnesses are at critical stage and 177 are in remission.  Another 280 members are in the early stages of their illnesses and 25 are awaiting confirmation that their illness is World Trade Center related.

September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: View of the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. (Image: US National Park Service ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Zadroga Act has allowed the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and others to study the effects of the toxic dust they were exposed to.  A recent blog post by NIOSH, "WTC Rescue/Recovery and Obstructive Airway Disease" discusses some of the information gathered from reviewing the medical records of the first responders such as:

• The increased incidence of respiratory disease such as obstructive airway diseases (OAD), such as asthma and chronic bronchitis have been associated with intensity of exposure as measured by arrival time at the WTC site.
• New onset OAD continues to be observed many years after exposure, contrary to conventional wisdom that irritant-induced asthma should be triggered within a relatively short time after exposure.

The above information is only touching the surface especially considering some of the other diseases we should be expecting, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, can take 30 years or more to develop.  Some of these diseases if caught early enough can be survivable, but only with an excellent monitoring program.  In addition, it is our hope that this information will assist us in preventing first responders from being exposed to these toxic situations in any future terrorist act or environmental disaster.  The enforcement of the wearing of protective equipment including the use of proper respiratory protection would prevent the need for future Zadroga Acts.

The need to extend the Zadroga Act past 2016 is self-evident from the toxins these responders were exposed.  We hope Congress recognizes this and passes legislation and funding needed to extend the Act.

Related articles

• WTC Rescue/Recovery and Obstructive Airway Disease
• 50 Cancers To Be Covered Under the 9-11 Zadroga Health Claim Fund
• RT: Three 9/11 first responders died of cancer on the same day
• More than 1,100 have cancer after 9/11
• Toxic Dusts - Demolition Implications
• Problems With 9/11 Health Bill

Settlement Agreement Regarding Mold in NYC Public Housing

A December 16, 2013, New York Times article titled "Facing Suit, New York City Agrees to Remove Mold in Public Housing More Quickly: Hurricane Sandy" discusses the settlement agreement between the New York City Housing Authority and people living in housing projects and coping with asthma.  These residents have long complained that maintenance workers failed to identify the leaks and other sources of moisture that cause mold to grow, these problems have only become worse since Hurricane Sandy.  The settlement will require the authority not only to remove the mold but also to fix leaks, insulate pipes and address other sources of moisture.  The agency will be required, in most cases, to fix the problem within seven to 15 days following a work order.  In addition, it requires housing officials to recognize asthma as a disability and to make accommodations for tenants with the condition. For example, the authority could be expected to relocate a person with asthma and his or her family to another apartment, or to use low-toxicity fungicides or to allow extra air-conditioning units in apartments.



Water intrusion that is not cleaned up within 48 hours could lead to mold growth.

 

As many of us know in the Remediation industry, you must repair the source of the moisture or mold will return.  In addition, there has been plenty written that mold is only part of the problem when it comes to illnesses like asthma.  Problems caused by the water intrusion is more of a problem for asthma sufferers, even if their is no mold growth.  Fixing water intrusions and removing water damaged materials, quickly (within 48 hours) would help asthma sufferers more than removing and cleaning the mold after it has grown.  However, this agreement gives the Housing Authority too long (7-15 days) to handle the water intrusion, in that time period if the area remains moist/wet it will give mold the opportunity to grow.  Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for more information on mold, moisture, and your home.

Related articles

• Facing Suit, New York City Agrees to Remove Mold in Public Housing More Quickly
• Tenants Hail New Mold Guidelines For NYCHA
• NYCHA Mold Removal Settlement Has Wide Scope Thanks to High Asthma Rate
• Mold, mice and zip codes: Inside the asthma epidemic
• New York City Housing Authority Agrees to Address Mold, Contributor to Asthma Epidemic

Strong Link Between Mold & Asthma in Children.

Image via WikipediaThe current issue of Indoor Environment Connection's front page article is "Strong Link Between Mold and Asthma in Children" written by Tom Scarlett.  The article discusses a new study that appeared in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, this study indicates that children living in homes with high levels of mold had more than twice the risk of developing asthma than did children in mold-free homes.  The article does a really good job of putting together results from several studies to point out the risk of children developing asthma from mold exposures.  Discussed in the article is the metric, "Environmental Relative Moldiness Index" (ERMI) that was used in the study to determine the exposure level of the occupants.  It will be interesting how we can use ERMI to help us quantitatively describe the mold burden in future studies and testing.

Related articles

• Mold Exposure Has Greater Impact on Infants (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• Will Rogers Institute Creating Asthma Awareness (thefoodallergymom.wordpress.com)
• Mold Exposure in Infancy Raises Asthma Risk (webmd.com)
• Household Mold During Infancy May Trigger Asthma (nlm.nih.gov)
• Well Blog: Asthma More Likely Among Children of Overweight Mothers (well.blogs.nytimes.com)
• What Causes Asthma Attacks? (healthadel.com)

Future Environment Designs Sponsors Health Effects of Mold Exposure Video

Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on the Health Effects of Mold Exposure.  This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the health effects of mold exposure.

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• Mold Exposure Has Greater Impact on Infants (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• EPA Issues Press Release On Reducing Asthma Attacks During Summer (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• What kinds of health problems can mold cause? (zocdoc.com)

Mold Exposure Has Greater Impact on Infants

Image by yori kato via FlickrA new study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has shown that mold exposure has much greater impact in infants during their formative years. The article on this study was published online at the Environmental News Network. For certain individuals, the inhalation of mold can be extremely hazardous for the lungs, respiratory system, and overall well-being.  Some people are more susceptible than others to the symptoms caused by airborne mold, but it is generally accepted that mold exposure is unhealthy for all.  The new study found that infants living in moldy homes are much more likely to develop asthma by age 7.
"Early life exposure to mold seems to play a critical role in childhood asthma development," says Tina Reponen, PhD, lead study author and University of Cincinnati (UC) professor of environmental health.  "Genetic factors are also important to consider in asthma risk, since infants whose parents have an allergy or asthma are at the greatest risk of developing asthma."
Mold growth is linked to environments with elevated levels of moisture.   For example, basements are a common spot for mold because of underground moisture, periodic flooding from storms, and lack of air flow.   Mold will start growing on surfaces like drywall, concrete, plywood, and other building materials.   Microscopic spores can then be released into the air and find their way into the lungs. Once in the body, the spores can cause fungal infections, allergic reactions, irritation of the eye, nose, and throat, etc.   Long-term effects include serious respiratory infections like asthma or bronchitis.
The recent study, conducted by researchers from UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, utilized seven years of comprehensive data for 176 children.   The data was used to evaluate the effects of mold exposure from early life.   The analysis took into account the likelihood of developing allergies based on family medical history.
The children in the study came from a much larger study in the Cincinnati area. The 176 children selected come from homes which contained mold.   Mold was measured in the their homes using an EPA method known as environmental relative moldiness index (ERMI).   In this method, mold exposure levels are measured using a DNA-based analysis tool which combines the analysis of 36 different mold types into a single index.  Link to published article: http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206%2811%2900313-9/abstract

Related articles

• Mold Exposure in Infancy Raises Asthma Risk (webmd.com)
• Household Mold During Infancy May Trigger Asthma (nlm.nih.gov)
• EPA Issues Press Release On Reducing Asthma Attacks During Summer (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• Antibiotic Use May Be Linked to Kids' Asthma Risk (webmd.com)

EPA Issues Press Release On Reducing Asthma Attacks During Summer

Image via WikipediaThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that hot weather can cause ozone levels to rise, making the air unhealthy to breathe, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory ailments.  Throughout the hot summer months, it’s important to pay close attention to the air quality. Like the weather, air quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour, and can have a serious affect on people’s health.

The Air Quality Index uses a color-coded system to display whether the five major air pollutants exceed air quality standards for the day.  When the Air Quality Index reports unhealthy levels, people, particularly asthmatics and others with respiratory ailments, should limit strenuous outdoor activities.

During the summer when ozone levels rise, the number of people with asthma related symptoms admitted to hospitals and emergency rooms increases.   Asthma rates – especially among children – have increased dramatically.  Asthma affects 25 million people in the United States, including seven million children.  That’s 8 percent of the population.  One out of every 10 school-aged children is affected. In addition to talking with health care providers, these steps can help prevent an asthma episode:

• Play it safe. Ground-level ozone and particle pollution can make an asthma episode even worse. Look for the Air Quality Index (AQI) during the local weather report or go to EPA’s website http://www.airnow.gov
• Don’t smoke in the home.  Take it outside.  One of the most common asthma triggers in the home is second- hand smoke.  Take the EPA ‘smoke-free home’ pledge: http://www.epa.gov/smokefree
• Break the mold.  Mold is another asthma trigger.  The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture.  Wash and dry hard surfaces to prevent and remove mold.  Remove, and if possible replace, moldy ceiling tiles and carpet.  For more see EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html

For information on EPA’s regional asthma program and other asthma triggers please see: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/awm

To hear an audio podcast about asthma: http://www.epa.gov/region2/mediacenter/podcast.html

Related articles

• OSHA Updates Indoor Air Quality Guide (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• OSHA New Heat Illness Web Page (futureenv.blogspot.com)
• The Link Between Air Pollution and Asthma (everydayhealth.com)
• The Asthma Epidemic (sjeddington.wordpress.com)
• Hot, Muggy Weather Hits New York; Air Quality Alert Issued (newyork.cbslocal.com)
• What weather conditions bring out asthma symptoms? (zocdoc.com)

 

Asthma Control Study Indicates a Home Visit Strategy is Successful.

Image via WikipediaIn a study published in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology (Volume 23, Number 2, 2010) called “Home Is Where the Triggers Are: Increasing Asthma Control by Improving the Home Environment” by James Krieger, MD, MPH discusses effectiveness of a home visit strategy. A home visit strategy should include an environmental component that addresses multiple triggers. Visitors assess home environmental conditions, tailor education on how to eliminate triggers to the client’s sensitization status and exposures found in the home, provide trigger reduction resources (eg, vacuums, cleaning supplies, bedding encasements and referral to smoking cessation), help with cockroach and rodent integrated pest management, make minor repairs and provide social support. An important part of the strategy is that visitors build trusting relationships with clients, thus enhancing their effectiveness in motivating behavior changes. These home visits reduce exposure to triggers, decrease symptoms and urgent health-care use, and increase quality of life. Home visit program cost per client ranges from $200 to $1500 based on the type of home visitor and the intensity of the intervention. However, a cost-effectiveness analysis concluded that these home visits have a return on investment of 5.3 – 14.0 and a cost of $12 - $57 per symptom-free day gained. It is important to note that the annual cost of inhaled fluticasone (220ug) is approximately $1567. The study discusses the Seattle-King County Healthy Homes program as an example of a successful program.


The study also talks about the strong evidence that links exposure to allergens commonly found in homes such as those derived from dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, molds, and pet dander, to sensitization and subsequent asthma incidence and morbidity. Exposure to indoor allergens is widespread, with >92% of homes containing sufficient concentrations of at least one allergen in dust to cause symptoms in sensitized individuals and 46% with exposure to three or more. In addition to allergens, other indoor asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, nitrogen oxides from combustion devices, irritants from volatile organic compounds, and fungi.

Related articles

• Allergic Asthma (findmeacure.com)
• Doubts over mild asthma treatment (bbc.co.uk)
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• Fall and winter asthma triggers (respiratorytherapycave.blogspot.com)

Space Deodorants May Cause Reduced Lung Function

A study done by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has determined that the volatile organic compound 1, 4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB) may cause a modest reduction in lung function. 1,4 DCB is a white solid compound with a distinctive aroma and is typically found in space deodorants such as many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs, and other deodorizing products. According to Stephanie London, M.D., the lead investigator for the NIEHS study, "even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs" and "the best way to protect yourself, especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds." Isn't it interesting how people looking for better smelling air (better air quality?) end up making their air worse (harmful?) by choosing products that try to simulate nature but don't quite smell right. There are plenty of books and information out there on creating natural deodorants for the home, but probably the best will be to open a window and let the fresh air in (assuming you don't live in a city with air quality problems).