James Craner, MD, MPH, FACOEM, FACP, JC@EpIAQ.com
President, Verdi Technology Associates, LLC, Verdi, NV; Private Practice, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Reno / Las Vegas, NV; Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas

A software-based (stand-alone and web-based) technology for the customized collection of complex occupant health symptom data among a cohort of occupants of any workplace or residential building is described. Unique design features and analysis methods in the software are employed to minimize sources of bias, confounding, and effect modification. The data are analyzed in comparison to a control population using multivariate statistical methods to identify and quantify the building-relatedness, determinants and distribution of occupants’ illness. The results of a case study is presented to highlight the power and utility of this new methodology, and its implications for diagnosing, treating, and preventing a significant amount of indoor air quality-related health complaints. Potential research and field applications of this technology in both problem and non-problem buildings are discussed.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

EPA Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (Beta Version) Available for Testing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is developing a new, completely voluntary, and fully customizable tool to help school districts conduct self-assessments of their school facilities for potential environmental health and safety hazards. The heart of the tool is a powerful database file that will let school districts customize the tool to manage all aspects of a facility assessment program. The tool comes pre- loaded with a checklist that integrates all of EPA's voluntary and regulatory programs for schools, and is designed so that states and school districts can incorporate their own policies and programs, producing a customized checklist and reference guidebook. To learn more about the draft Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool and download the Beta Version for testing, visit: http://www.epa.gov/schools. Contract: Bill Jones, US EPA Region 9 Children's Health, Schools and Air Quality (Marine Sector) 213-244-1817

AGENCY REPORTS ON CURRENT IAQ ACTIVITIES

American Lung Association of California

-- Bonnie Holmes-Gen (bhgen@alac.org) http://www.californialung.org/

Check their web site (above).

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

-- Elinor Blake, eblake@igc.org http://www.baaqmd.gov/

-- Saffet Tanrikulu, STanrikulu@baaqmd.gov

Check their web site (above).

California Air Resources Board / Indoor Air Quality & Personal Exposure Assessment Program http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/indoor.htm

-- Peggy Jenkins (mjenkins@arb.ca.gov)

New Staff

The Indoor Program at ARB has welcomed several new, part-time staff members over the summer. Jim Behrmann, who serves as the ARB staff liaison to the Scientific Review Panel, and Dane Westerdahl, health advisor in the Research Division, have both been assigned to the Program. Each still has some other responsibilities, but will spend about 60-70% of their time on indoor air quality projects. Whitney Webber, a member of the Indoor Exposure Assessment Section at ARB, has taken a one-year leave of absence to complete her graduate work at the University of Washington. While she is gone, the section was able to use her position to hire two of its very capable Ph.D. students on half-time, one-year limited term appointments. Michael Robert and Chris Jakober, both students at UC Davis, have already contributed notably to the AB 1173 report and other section projects when working as student assistants for the section. We’ll benefit greatly from their additional hours and focus. Mike is currently assisting with management of the new home study, and Chris is spending most of his time on ozone generator projects. We warmly welcome all of our new staff!

Contact: Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

Report to the Legislature on Indoor Air Pollution in California

The final report to the Legislature was approved by the Governor’s Office over the summer and delivered to the Legislature. It is available on the web at http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ab1173/ab1173.htm. Previously, the Assembly Select Committee on Air and Water Quality met on June 9 to consider the findings and recommendations of ARB’s Report to the Legislature on Indoor Air Pollution in California. Mike Scheible, Deputy Executive Officer, presented a brief summary of our key findings and options for mitigation to Chairperson Fran Pavley and Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, who initiated the hearing. Invited representatives from USEPA and the American Lung Association presented their view of the report’s conclusions and suggested measures, and several representatives from industry commented as well. The Committee expressed concern regarding the substantial impacts of indoor pollution identified in the report (for California, over 2000 excess cancers per year due to all quantifiable indoor sources, and a cost of $45 billion annually), and indicated action needs to be taken to reduce indoor exposures and risk. After the hearing, Assemblywoman Lieber was quoted as stating she intends to introduce legislation in the future to provide authority to address indoor air quality. Contact: Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

“Air Purifiers” that Generate Ozone Indoors

Back in January 2005, staff presented information on portable “air purifiers” that purposely generate ozone indoors to the Board. They highlighted a U.S.EPA study that found some brands of these “ozone generators” can produce indoor ozone levels greater than three times the State ambient air quality standard of 90 ppb, one-hour average. The marketing for these devices has increased markedly in the last year, and is often targeted at vulnerable groups such as those with asthma and other respiratory disease. Staff concluded that agencies need clear regulatory authority to deal with this problem, and listed several brands and models of ozone generators currently on the market. The Board asked staff to seek action from the Attorney General’s Office, and to return with options for actions to address this public health problem at a future Board meeting. The staff presentation and Board press release are both available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/healthup/healthup.htm.

As a result of the Board’s concern, a new web page has been developed proving links to general information on air purifiers and air cleaners as well as a list of air purifiers that purposefully generate ozone: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm.. ARB’s Fact Sheet on Residential Air Cleaning Devices, http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/guidelines.htm, has also been updated. Contact: Susan Lum.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) TASK FORCE

Staff from the Indoor Exposure Assessment Section attended several EPP Task Force meetings throughout the summer. The Task Force, chaired by CIWMB, has identified “quick win” projects to be completed in 2005. The first project is to develop an on-line EPP Best Practices Manual that will be available to guide purchasing officials in their purchases. A draft guide on copier paper and other preliminary materials were reviewed. There are a number of categories related to IAQ planned for the EPP Manual, such as cleaning products, paints, inks, and office equipment. Contacts: Dorothy Shimer, dshimer@arb.ca.gov, and Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

U.S. EPA Pilot IAQ Program For Energy-Star Package

We met with Sam Rashkin, director of U.S. EPA’s Energy Star Program, who visited CA to discuss a possible pilot program for EPA’s new Indoor Air Quality Package. The Package is an additional set of specifications builders can meet, once a home design meets the energy conservation-related provisions under the Energy Star program, to qualify for an “Energy Star - Indoor Air Package” label. Homes built using U.S. EPA’s indoor air specifications would have reduced indoor emissions, improved exhaust ventilation for combustion appliances, and other features to assure healthful indoor air quality as the homes are tightened for energy conservation. USEPA is interested in a possible pilot effort in California; pilot results would be used to fine-tune the specifications prior to taking the program nationwide. More information on the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star Program and Indoor Air Package is available at http://www.energystar.gov/homes.

Contact: Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

California Green Building Guidelines For Residences

Staff reviewed and commented on draft voluntary guidelines developed by the IWMB for “green” construction of new homes in California. The guidelines were focused on measures related to recyclability and conservation of resources, but also included a variety of measures related to indoor air quality, most notably measures to assure use of materials that emit little or no formaldehyde. The IWMB’s guidelines have subsequently been dropped (reasons unclear), but Alameda County may release a similar set of voluntary green construction guidelines in October. Contact: Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Study in new Homes

A CEC-ARB study of ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) for new single family homes in California has just begun. The primary goals of the study are to determine whether new homes are ventilated adequately by the occupants’ use of windows, doors, and mechanical ventilation systems, and to assess the IAQ of new homes. This study is funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The contractor, Indoor Environmental Engineering (IEE), will measure indoor and outdoor levels of several VOCs, aldehydes, NO₂, PM2.5, and CO for 24 hours in 100 homes. IEE will characterize the building ventilation features, potential indoor pollutant sources, and building operation and occupant activities. They will also measure the building ventilation parameters such as air exchange rate, indoor CO₂ levels, air flow rates from central air and exhaust systems, and the use of central air systems and windows. A subset of these homes will have mechanical ventilation systems designed to continuously provide outdoor air to the whole house. Some of the homes will also be tested for multiple days, multiple seasons, or multiple indoor locations.

This will be the first California study of ventilation and IAQ in a large number of homes in multiple regions and seasons. The ARB will use the study results to update exposure assessments to toxic air contaminants and criteria air pollutants, and to develop guidance for reducing indoor pollutant levels. The CEC will use the study results to revise state building design standards for energy efficiency, including the provisions for adequate ventilation. The pilot study is planned for the fall of 2005, and the field study will begin in early 2006. Contact: Tom Phillips, tphillip@arb.ca.gov.

Review Of Research Proposals for Energy commission

We reviewed four exploratory research proposals for indoor air quality research for the Environmental Exploratory Grant Program in the Public Interest Environmental Research (PIER) Program of the California Energy Commission. The proposals addressed topics such as improved air filtration in commercial buildings, the impacts of alternative ventilation strategies on indoor PM levels, and the relationships between mold and ventilation. The primary objective of this program is to fund projects which will provide the foundation for more-focused, larger-scale research development and demonstration projects that help resolve the environmental effects of energy production and use. The program has five focus areas: (1) indoor air quality; (2) outdoor air quality; (3) land use and habitat; (4) aquatic resources; and (5) global climate change. This program is administered by University of California, and allocates $750,000 per year, with a maximum project award of $75,000. Contacts: Tom Phillips, tphillip@arb.ca.gov, and Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

Guidance For Land Use And Site Planning

We met with representatives of The Hoyt Company, a consulting firm for real estate developers in the Sacramento area, to expand on recommendations in ARB’s Land Use Handbook, especially concerning indoor air quality, air filtration, and building ventilation. ARB staff explained the different approaches to reducing the air quality and noise impacts of roadway emissions on the occupants in nearby parks, homes, and other buildings. These approaches include maximizing the building setback from roadways, orienting windows away from roadways, improving air filtration efficiency and installation, and possibly increasing shrub and tree vegetation near the buildings. Staff also suggested considering seasonal and diurnal wind patterns when locating parks and outdoor sports facilities near major roadways. Contacts: Tom Phillips, tphilip@arb.ca.gov, and Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov.

Updating the Indoor Criteria for CHPS Design Manual

Staff commented on proposed updates of the Best Practices Manual volume for K-12 school design, as part of the Technical Committee for the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS). CHPS consists of utilities and state agencies, and has been aggressively developing design and maintenance planning tools, training programs, and demonstration projects to promote sustainable, healthy public schools in California. The California Integrated Waste Management Board is helping fund the update of the Best Practices Manual volume on design. Staff commented on the sections of the manual dealing with reducing indoor air pollution from construction activities and the indoor emissions from building materials. The draft Best Practices design volume is planned for release this fall, after another Technical Committee meeting in September. Contact: Tom Phillips, tphillip@arb.ca.gov.

Insulation Manufacturer Provides Products without Formaldehyde

In December, 2004, ARB staff met with representatives of Johns Manville to discuss their formaldehyde-free insulation and the ARB Indoor Air Quality Guideline, Formaldehyde in the Home. Johns Manville manufactures fiberglass insulation for buildings with an acrylic binder rather than a formaldehyde containing resin. The Johns Manville company made a decision to manufacture formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation to provide a “healthy” product to consumers and to circumvent emission regulations at factory sites. Their product has been tested by an independent laboratory and found to essentially emit no formaldehyde. Contact: Peggy Jenkins, mjenkins@arb.ca.gov

EPA Symposium on IAQ Management for Schools

Tom Phillips attended the annual symposium for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools, sponsored by the USEPA and various health and education organizations. This symposium focuses on preventing IAQ problems in K-12 schools. Attendees included school personnel, and representatives of teachers' unions, administrator organizations, and other health and education organizations. USEPA developed the IAQ Tools for Schools program, and sponsors this meeting to share practical information among all US regions, and to present awards to successful programs. No California schools received Tools for Schools awards this year, but a few California districts were represented. Most presentations from the symposium are available at: http://www.iaqsymposium.com. Contact: Tom Phillips, tphillip@arb.ca.gov

California Department of Education / School Facility and Planning Division

-- Michael O’Neil (MOneill@cde.ca.gov) http://goldmine.cde.ca.gov/facilities/

William's Settlement - Uniform Complaint Procedures

As part of the settlement and resultant legislation for Uniform Complaint Procedures (UPC), school districts must respond in a timely manner to citizen complaints regarding immediate threats to health and safety in the classroom. These complaints may include IAQ issues. In addition, the complainant can appeal to CDE if they deem the district response to be inadequate and CDE then determines if the complaint/response is valid. CDE has received and is reviewing such complaint appeals (e.g., mold). If CDE finds that a complaint is valid and the district response inadequate, CDE must takes steps to investigate and make recommendations for remedy to the State Board of Education.

2005 Legislation

o AB315 (Hancock) has become a two year bill. This bill would require districts that use future statewide school bonds to follow CHPS guidelines concerning energy efficiency and IAQ for new construction projects. The Bill was amended to include a funding mechanism and eliminate the requirement for modernization projects. With these amendments the bill is now supported by various school interest representatives.

o AB1297 (Evans) was approved has been sent to the Governor. This bill would require inspection, maintenance or repair of HVAC systems by only school district employees or contractors who have been certified by certain associations. This bill has been opposed by various school interest representative because the requirements will be extremely expensive to implement and contains no funding provisions. It would be a reasonable guess that the Governor will veto this bill.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)

Previous USEPA and ASTDR investigations into NOA in the El Dorado Hills, including several schools sites, had determined that the levels detected were of concern and that precautionary mitigation and further health investigations and comparison with other areas were warranted. Recently the USEPA and ASTDR have reversed there earlier commitment to conduct comparison studies in other areas outside of the ElDorado Hills to determine if the results of activity based sampling are out of the ordinary. They have instead decided to use computer modeling based upon existing data. The affected districts have indicated their desire to pursue comparison studies and may challenge the prior study methods used which would overstate the presence of harmful types of asbestos. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has developed NOA draft Operation and Maintenance (O&M) guidelines for sites that have been remediated for NOA. Districts must commit to long term (forever) monitoring and reporting to confirm that NOA safety issues will not reoccur on the sites.

USEPA - Healthy Schools Environmental Assessment Tool (HSEAT)

CDE has met with US EPA, reviewed HSEAT and has actively provided information to school district about the pilot tests and the upcoming release of the model.

CHPS

CDE has a non-voting seat on the CHPS board. CHPS is currently updating it's Best Practices manuals. CDE has participated in the review and comment of "Volume 1 - Planning." http://www.chps.net/manual/index.htm. CHPS has created a low-emitting materials list. http://www.chps.net/manual/lem_overvw.htm In addition, CHPS has developed specifications for high performing relocatable classrooms. http://www.chps.net/links/pdfs/RelocatableClassroomSpec.pdf

Schools Workgroup

The Division of State Architect (DSA) has been charged by the Governor to ensure that all state buildings are energy efficient, Executive Order S-20-04. To that end DSA has created the Green Action Team to recommend standards, etc. CDE is member of a sub-committee, the Schools Workgroup. Although Executive Order S-20-04 is more concerned with energy efficiency, the Schools Workgroup is recommending that the CHPS standards are adopted. If the CHPS standards are adopted for energy efficiency it should add more weight to their IAQ recommended standards, as well.

Air Quality in School Site Selection

CDE has reviewed a June 2005 draft document prepared by ICG Consulting for the South Coast Air Quality Management District which provides guidance in selecting school site locations that mitigate effects of airborne pollution. CDE will continue to monitor and provide input as necessary.

California Department of Health Service / Environmental Health Investigations Branch http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/

-- Sandra McNeel (SMcNeel@dhs.ca.gov)

Asthma.

BASTA (the Border Asthma & Allergies Study) is a school-based survey of 13 and 14 year olds with asthma, asthma symptoms and allergies in Imperial County. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and conducted by researchers in the Exposure Assessment Section of Environmental Health Investigations Branch, this study will examine family, environmental (including indoor factors) and socio-economic influences on asthma. Field work, including administration of 3300 health and exposure questionnaires, as well as lung function testing (spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide) in a subset of about 136 students was recently completed. Asthma prevalence and risk factors in this student population will be compared and contrasted with a similar group of students on the Mexican side of the border. Investigators plan to complete these goals by August/September 2005. For more information about this study, please contact: Lori Copan lcopan@dhs.ca.gov.

Environmental Health Tracking.

The California Environmental Health Tracking Program (CEHTP) is seeking applications for projects that increase or demonstrate organizational and/or community capacity around environmental health data, indicators, and information. CEHTP seeks to fund projects that better position a target audience to utilize data – from existing environmental monitoring/health surveillance systems and a future environmental health tracking system – to inform and perform public health functions and services. Non-governmental organizations, city and county governmental agencies, and tribal governments/agencies are eligible to apply. The maximum grant amount is $12,000 per project; grant term is from November 2005 through May 2006. Grant application deadline is October 19, 2005. For more information, see the CEHTP Fall 2005 newsletter at http://www.catracking.com/sub/nl.htm or contact Eddie Oh at eoh@dhs.ca.gov or 510-620-3698.

California Breathing.

California Breathing is a program working to address asthma in California from a public health perspective. Its purpose is to advance strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan for Asthma in California, a roadmap developed collaboratively by government agencies, asthma experts, community groups, and others to improve asthma prevention, treatment, policy, data, and public education. The program expects to launch a new web-based, multimedia Asthma Education Center in the next calendar quarter. For additional information, please contact Barbara Cowan at bcowan1@dhs.ca.gov.

Publications & Presentations.

Windham GC, Mitchell P, Anderson M, and Lasley BL. 2005. Cigarette Smoking and Effects on Hormone Function in Premenopausal Women. Environ Health Perspect: doi:10.1289/ehp.7899. [Online 3 June 2005] http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2005/7899/abstract.html
Sandy McNeel discussed “Mold in Housing – Current Status of Health Effects Knowledge and Mold Regulation” at the Annual Educational Symposium of the California Environmental Health Association, March 26, 2005

California Department of Health Service / Indoor Air Quality Section

-- Jed Waldman (JWaldman@dhs.ca.gov) http://www.cal-iaq.org/

-- Toni Stein (Tstein@dhs.ca.gov)

New Staff Joins DHS-IAQS

Dr. Antoinette Stein joined DHS IAQ Program as an Air Pollution Research Specialist (APRS) in May 2005, filling the vacancy left by Leon Alevantis (who accepted a promotion to Senior Mechanical Engineer with DHS’ Program Support Branch). Toni recently held an appointment at UC (Irvine/Davis) investigating engineering solutions and policy implications of toxic management of electronic waste. She completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering -Air Quality Control at the University of Cincinnati, investigating gas-solid reaction pathways of NOx/SOX from coal burning power plants. Her research fellowship was co-funded by the Electric Power Institute and the US Department of Education.

Previously, Toni spent 7-plus years at General Electric Corporation in Medical Systems and Aircraft Engines Divisions R&D Laboratories, where she worked on developing advanced high temperature materials and processes. She holds a M.S. in Engineering (Manufacturing Processes and Systems) from Milwaukee School of Engineering and a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Toni actively serves in technical positions in her community. She is a member of the San Mateo County Congestion Management and Air Quality Commission (CMAQ, and also served on their Solid Waste Advisory Commission. She has served as a member on the 9-county BAAQMD Hearing Board. She spent four years on land use applications on the Menlo Park Planning Commission. She created and leads the Zero Waste Task Force (ZWTF) of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties, a project of Acterra, a non-profit environmental sustainable education organization.

Toni Stein can be reached at 510-620-2861 and tstein@dhs.ca.gov.

Tire Derived Flooring Study

In June 2005, OEHHA executed a contract with the Public Health Institute (PHI) funding a study of VOC emissions of tire-derived rubber flooring. The study is supported under OEHHA’s cooperative agreement with CIWMB to develop indoor reference exposure limits (IRELs) for a set of VOCs, with funds from the Tire Fee Fund.

Under the PHI contract, Weldon Hall and Paola Taranta were hired to assist DHS staff in conducting the study. Flooring manufacturers producing tire-derived rubber products were identified (about 80 including 15 in California). Criteria were determined to define the scope of materials that could be selected for use in the study. Testing Protocols and Instruction to Manufacturers for Submission of Product Specimens were drafted to assure quality and to obtain manufacture data. Special shipping kits have been assembled to send to participating manufacturers. A letter of request for participation was sent from CIWMB to manufacturers asking for their support and cooperation. A meeting was held at DHS with the project advisors in August, and specimen testing started in September, continuing into early 2006. Besides the routine 14-d test interval (i.e., emission rates determined at 14 d after beginning the conditioning), longer-term tests will continue to 28 d, 60 d, and 90 d.

In August, IAQ staff held a conference call with the Institute for Research in Construction at the National Research Council Canada to facilitate linking pertinent information. The NRC Canada group is developing a comprehensive VOC emission database for commonly used building materials.

DHS Standard Practice & Section 01350

DHS-IAQ continues to support implementation and applications of the DHS Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources using Small –Scale Environmental Chambers, http://www.dhs.ca.gov/IAQ/VOCS/Practice.htm

The Standard Practice presently includes a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was forged with the Carpet Research Institute for equivalency reference of the States 01350 requirements and testing protocols with those of the CRI Green Label Plus certification program. We are continuing to engage a variety of certification programs that currently reference the DHS Standard Practice or wish to in the future.

Green Action Team Workgroups

The Green Action Team was established to recommend strategies on sustainable building practices for State facilities to support the Governor’s Green Building Executive Order S-20-04 (http://www.governor.ca.gov/state/govsite/gov_homepage.jsp). DHS serves on three workgroups, as part of multi-agency, interdisciplinary teams providing the technical support to the GAT. These workgroups have been chaired by Roy McBrayer and Ron Joseph of DGS. The Building Construction and Operation Workgroup has largely addressed energy issues. The Schools Workgroup was tasked with reviewing existing guidelines to select the best suited to provide the “technical resources and guidelines that will enable and encourage schools built with state funds to be resource and energy efficient.” The workgroup selected the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) guidelines because they are both specific to California and to schools. After making its selection, the workgroup conducted a survey of school district representatives, architects, and other stakeholders to obtain feedback on the recommendation. They have also been working on web-based information to broadcast the guidelines, and information on incentive programs for green building and identification of metrics to quantify the benefits of implementation of CHPS guidelines for the State. The focus of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Workgroup has been to promote and continually increase state purchases that eliminated waste, improve our environment, and provide healthier work conditions, effectively use our natural resources and provide best value products. The Work Group decided to develop a Best Practices Manual for guidance for procurement specialists. DHS staff has actively participated in defining the formats for the chapters and also serve as subject matter experts for the chapters on carpets, copiers, furniture systems, and janitorial products. We have also been a proponent of establishing an accessible tracking system (database).

Carpet Sustainability

In August 2005, DHS hosted a meeting with the Carpet Research Institute (CRI) at the Richmond Campus. Attendees included Frank Hurd from CRI, Bill Orr and Dana Papke of CIWMB, and Richard Lam of OEHHA. The meeting continued our dialogue on issues surrounding emission testing. Frank discussed the newly establish CRI Green Label for Adhesives: agreements had been reached with adhesive manufacturer for CRI to oversee the certification of VOC emission testing on all adhesive products, not only those used with carpets. DHS agreed to work with CRI to draft an MOU to incorporate into the current DHS Standard practice for use in Section 01350. DHS requested CRI to provide adhesives testing data from their present adhesives database to review. Data is needed to ascertain emissions on applications where the adhesives are used in assembly with carpet systems as there may be interactions with the carpet backings.

Also, we are working with CIWMB and others in establishing a broader certification standard that addresses all aspect of carpet sustainability, including IAQ. This Standard aims to combine the State EPP goals and the national Sustainable Textile Standard’s criteria, developed by The Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability).

Meeting with Greenguard Environmental Institute

CIWMB hosted a meeting with Greenguard’s CEO, Carl Smith and Air Quality Sciences, CEO and Chief Scientist, Marilyn Black. Attendees included DGS, DHS, CARB, and OEHHA. Smith & Black gave a presentation on the general goals of Greenguard and its new initiatives. They were interested in moving toward harmonization between the Greenguard certification program and CA Section 01350. They described their recent applications to ANSI to develop 13 standards (3 are mold related) for certification and labeling programs with priority in the area of insulation, office furniture, and product emissions standard for children & schools. The “children & schools” appears to be the closest fit to CA Section 01350 requirements. It was noted that BIFMA has also made an ANSI application for office furniture. Some general discussion occurred on test duration difference (one week vs. 14 day) between the AQS testing and DHS’s Standard Practice used for Section 01350.

Follow-up discussions will address review of test protocols and compiled data to compare 1-week vs 14-day test durations; the ANSI roadmap for their standard development process; and an open system for outside labs to have equal access to do Greenguard testing and meet quality standards for reliable testing. Greenguard has been asked to include State staff on the ANSI consensus team for the standard development.

NIOSH Novel Personal Bioaerosol Sampler

Field sampling completed and laboratory results received; Field data being summarized and analyzed; Chamber trials begun. Contact: Janet Macher, jmacher@dhs.ca.gov.

CARB Fresno Asthmatic Children’s Environment Study (FACES)

A paper is being prepared for the Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology: Assessment of Pollen Grain and Fungal Spore Exposures for an Epidemiological Study of Asthma in Children (Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski). Contact: Janet Macher, jmacher@dhs.ca.gov.

Underground Tetraethyl Lead

Toni Stein is providing support to EHIB on exposure issues relating to a site in Merced County known as Nicoletti Oil. In 1988, several underground storage tanks (USTs) with aviation fuel or waste oilwere removed. Currently, commercial and residential areas are adjacent to the site. In early May 2005, organic lead, tetraethyl lead (TEL) was detected under the site. TEL was an additive used in petroleum products prior to 1985 and is now banned from use. The water table is 4ft from surface and TEL was detected in indoor air in nearby residences. IAQS & EHIB staff are evaluating the testing plan and protocols.

IAQ Assistance Line (Asthma Trigger Outreach)

We continue to field a wide variety of queries from the public surrounding indoor air quality issues in the communities throughout the state. They contact us through referrals from local agencies or by finding our website. On average, 10 calls per week, plus an equal number of emails, come in on a wide variety of topics. Indoor mold remains the predominant topic of concern.

CHPS Technical Committee

DHS and ARB have provided the CHPS Technical Committee recommendations to update the CHPS’ Best Management Practice Manual Volume III, specifically on the IEQ pre-requisites and credits. These include minimum ventilation, effective ventilation, construction measures, low emitting materials, and moisture mitigation and source control.

US EPA BASE Study

Feng Tsai (now with OEHHA) gave a platform presentation at Indoor Air 2005, Beijing, China: Airborne fungal concentrations in 100 Large U.S. Office Buildings from the BASE study

U.S. EPA’s Healthy Schools Environmental Assessment Tool (HSEAT) for Schools

Toni Stein attended a workshop presentation on U.S. EPA’s Healthy Schools Environmental Assessment Tool (HSEAT) for Schools on September 21, 2005. The tool includes an IAQ Assessment. Next steps involve tailoring the tool to California specific.

Cash Workshop

On Aug. 2nd, Toni Stein attended the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) workshop entitled, “Designing Schools to Meet CHPS and LEED Standards” This workshop provided critical information on a range of topics:

o Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)

o Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards,

o DSA review process

o Upcoming energy code changes

o Programs and funding available to implement LEED and CHPS

o Oakland Unified School district case study on designing energy efficient, high-performing, sustainable school buildings

o Programs and services available through local utility companies to assist school districts in designing and operating energy efficient schools.

Also the GAT Schools workgroup decision to recommend the CHPS guidelines was announced.

California Department of Health Service / Occupational Health Branch

-- Liz Katz (Ekatz@dhs.ca.gov) http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/

Service Workers, Customers’ and Patients’ Indoor Air Quality.

In certain environments, indoor air issues may affect both service workers and others who are present, including customers, patients, students, and other workers. HESIS provided supplementary input on this issue for the AB 1178-mandated CARB report, “Indoor Air Pollution in California.” A scientific review panel requested CARB to add non-industrial workplace IAQ issues to the report. HESIS submitted information on the IAQ aspects of selected service industries, including schools and preschools, hair and nail salons, dry-cleaning shops, asphalt roofing fume (HVAC intake), janitorial cleaning products, facilities that have increased risk for tuberculosis transmission, flood cleanup work, and pesticides on aircraft.

Cosmetology School Indoor Air Quality Investigation.

HESIS conducted a public health field investigation in response to calls from four students at a single school of cosmetology. The students complained of frequent headaches, dizziness, and unsanitary work conditions. A public health investigation was performed by the HESIS industrial hygienist and an occupational medicine physician. The site visit included a cross-sectional health survey of students and staff, as well as an industrial hygiene walk-through and ventilation evaluation. Preliminary results indicate inadequate ventilation in the facility, and an association of headache and dizziness with the room where cosmetic products are used.

California Department of Health Service / Radon Program

-- George Faggella (GFaggell@dhs.ca.gov) http://www.dhs.ca.gov/radon/

Check their web site (above).

Tobacco Control Section

-- Joanne Wellman-Benson (jwellman@dhs.ca.gov ) http://www.dhs.ca.gov/TCS

Tobacco Control Anniversary.

To observe the 15-year anniversary of the Prop 99 implementation and the 10‑year anniversary of smoke-free workplaces, TCS held a press conference on January 25, 2005, at the Winston Churchill Middle School in Sacramento. In addition to students from the school, the speakers included the Director, Department of Health Services (DHS); the State Public Health Officer, DHS; the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA); and the author of California’s Smoke‑free Workplaces Law.

Smoke-free Indian Casinos

A strategy to promote smoke-free Indian casinos in California is being developed under the auspices of the California Dialog on Cancer. The smoke-free Casinos Subcommittee (of the Prevention Committee) is comprised of people with expertise in working with Indian casinos or with tribal issues. The goals are to create awareness that patrons want smoke-free casinos through demonstration of support by patrons and to demonstrate that potential patrons are staying away from casinos because of the smoking environment; to create awareness that working in smoking environments are injurious to the health of casino employees; and to communicate how tribes would benefit from establishing smoke-free casinos, such as decreased staff turnover, decreased insurance costs, more patrons and patrons who stay longer, etc. The American Indian Tobacco Education Partnership developed a guidebook to help communities approach this issue.

Secondhand Smoke Training

TCS awarded a statewide grant to ETR to provide secondhand smoke training and technical assistance to TCS-funded grantees and other entities, as well as to conduct advocacy campaigns to promote smoke-free environments. Their advocacy campaigns will consist of promoting smoke-free units of market-rate and subsidized housing developments and smoke-free gaming area policies.

Attitudes about Smoke-free Environments

A Field Poll conducted in Fall 2004 assessing Californians’ attitudes about smoke-free environments showed the following:

90% including the majority of smokers, said they approve of smoke-free worksites
52% of former smokers who quit in the past 10 years said that having smoke-free public places made it easier for them to attempt to quit smoking
Nine out of ten Californians indicated they were more likely to visit Indian casinos or would not change patronage if smoking were prohibited in casinos
Sixty-seven percent agreed that apartment complexes should require that at least half of their rental units be smoke-free

Multi-housing Issues

In April a conference of housing industry professionals and the public health community was conducted by a TCS-funded project to educate them about the viability and economic and health benefits of smoke-free multi-unit housing, with the ultimate goal of creating smoking-permitted and non-smoking sections in affordable and market rate apartments and senior housing. Additional efforts are underway to develop a campaign surrounding smoke-free multi-unit housing.

Secondhand Smoke Conference

A Secondhand Smoke statewide conference will be held in San Diego in Spring 2006. An in-person planning meeting of the Secondhand Smoke Workgroup will be held in October to determine the agenda. TCS intends to have a speaker report on the ARB report about ETS as a Toxic Air Contaminant.