Ballentine Hall Test Results
| Sample
Number |
Sample
Description |
PCB
Concentration * |
Regulatory
Limits ** |
| 001 | Outside room 102/103 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| 002 | Outside room 109/110 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| 003 | Outside room 201 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| 004 | Outside room 209 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| 005 | Outside room 315 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| 006 | Outside room 352 | <1.0 ug/m3 | 1.0 ug/m3 |
| Sample Number |
Sample Description |
PCB Concentration * |
Regulatory Limits ** |
| 008 | Ceiling diffuser dust – Room 103 |
<0.4 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| 012 | Unit heater dust – Room 108 |
0.5 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 013 | Unit heater filter – Room 108 |
<0.4 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| 014 | Ceiling diffuser dust – Room 108 |
0.6 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 015 | Unit heater filter – Room 103 |
0.5 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
2nd Floor Building Interior Dust Sampling Results
| Sample Number |
Sample Description |
PCB Concentration * |
Regulatory Limits ** |
| 003 | Floor - room 210 | 0.3 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 004 | Ceiling diffuser dust – Room 208 |
0.8 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 005 | Unit heater dust – Room 213 |
0.4 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 009 | Ceiling diffuser dust – Room 213 |
0.8 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 010 | Unit heater filter – Room 213 |
0.8 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 016 | Unit heater dust – Room 208 |
0.6 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| Sample Number |
Sample Description |
PCB Concentration * |
Regulatory Limits |
| 001 | Floor and horizontal surfaces -Room 323 | <0.7 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| 002 | Unit heater filter – Room 328 |
1.0 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 006 | Ceiling diffuser dust – Room 342 and 343 |
<1.0 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| 007 | Unit heater dust – Room 348 |
1.1 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| 017 | Floor outside 3rd Floor Conference room and room 364 | <0.4 mg/kg | 10 mg/kg |
| Sample Number |
Sample Description |
PCB Concentration * |
Regulatory Limits |
| 011 | Main HVAC unit bag filter | 1.1 mg/kg (Aroclor 1254) | 10 mg/kg |
| Sample Number |
Sample Description |
PCB Concentration * |
Regulatory Limits ** |
| 001 | North Side Composite | < 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | 10 mg/kg |
| 002 | East Side Composite | < 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | 10 mg/kg |
| 003 | South Side Composite | < 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | 10 mg/kg |
| 004 | West Side Composite | < 0.1 mg/kg (ppm) | 10 mg/kg |
Parameters Measured:
Baseline Indoor Air-Instrumentation Utilized:
Carbon Dioxide
Telaire 7001
Carbon Monoxide
Biosystems PHD-5 and Q-Trak 8551
Hydrogen Sulfide
Biosystems PHD-5
Sulfur Dioxide
Biosystems PHD-5
Oxygen
Biosystems PHD-5
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
Biosystems PHD-5
Organic Compounds
Microtip PhotoVac
Relative Humidity
Telaire 7001 and Q-Trak 8551
Temperature
Telaire 7001 and Q-Trak 8551
CARBON DIOXIDE
Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that does not support combustion. It is produced by human metabolism and exhaled through the lungs. The amount of carbon dioxide produced is a function of food composition and the activity level of an individual. Exposure of healthy individuals for prolonged periods to 1.5% carbon dioxide apparently causes mild metabolic stress and exposure to 7-10% will cause unconsciousness within a few minutes. Indoor concentrations of carbon dioxide in occupied spaces typically range between 500 ppm and 1,000 ppm (0.05% and 0.1%). Large concentrations of carbon dioxide can cause IAQ problems.
The levels of carbon dioxide recorded during the survey of Ballentine Hall ranged from 343 ppm to 586 ppm (0.034% to 0.058%). These results are slightly above the outdoor carbon dioxide level of 340 ppm (0.034%), but well within normal occupancy guidelines. Based on the carbon dioxide levels obtained on the day of the survey, ventilation supplied to the building appeared to be sufficient in keeping carbon dioxide levels down to a comfortable level, though occupancy and activity within the building was only at approximately 15%.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless very toxic gas and is formed as a product of incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide is a chemical asphyxiant gas. Its sources in indoor environments typically involve combustion processes such as tobacco smoking, gas appliances, vehicle exhaust, and is a decomposition product of some of the materials used in these sources. Outdoor sources of combustion may contaminate indoor environments from intake of contaminated air through HVAC vents or open windows. Carbon monoxide's affinity for hemoglobin (Carboxyhemoglobin) in red blood cells is 200 to 250 times that of oxygen, which can lead to a significant reduction in oxygen carrying capacity. A variety of health effects have been associated with carbon monoxide exposure. These effects range from neuromotor effects such as decreased attention span and reaction time, to headaches, nausea, and extreme drowsiness. For those extremely high exposures of carbon monoxide gas (greater than 300ppm for a period of time) death will result. Persons with cardiovascular disease may exhibit effects such as headaches, decrease of visual perception and impaired dexterity when exposed to relatively low levels of this contaminant. The general carbon monoxide level of 0 ppm was measured throughout all occupied offices/spaces during this survey. This level was well below the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm.
A second instrument was used to measure carbon monoxide. It is the TSI Q-Trak, model 8551. It has a separate carbon monoxide sensor built into the instrument. It detected no carbon monoxide gas in the tower and lecture hall wing also.
Once again, carbon monoxide levels detected with both instruments during the survey were at levels that are well below the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE
The presence of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in office buildings is usually indicative of sewer gas. Sewer gas is not an uncommon indoor air quality problem and hydrogen sulfide is usually a good indicator of a break or opening in a sewage line. ASHRAE (1980) recommends that the ambient air quality for a 24-hour time period should not exceed 40-50 ug/m3 of H2S. It should be noted that the human olfactory has been known to detect levels of hydrogen sulfide gas at levels of 0.0047-0.00047 ppm.
The level of Hydrogen Sulfide detected in Ballentine hall by the Biosystems PHD-5 mult-gas meter was 0.0 ppm.
SULFUR DIOXIDE
The Biosystems PHD- 5 Multi-Gas Monitor measured the percent of sulfur dioxide within the sampled areas. Sulfur Dioxide is a colorless gas that is intensely irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The acute toxicity of sulfur dioxide is moderate. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause death as a result of respiratory paralysis and pulmonary edema. Exposure to 400 to 500 ppm is immediately dangerous, and 1000 ppm for 10 minutes is reported to have caused death in humans. Exposure to concentrations of 10 to 15 ppm for 5 to 15 minutes can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, choking, and coughing. Chronic exposure to low levels has been shown to exacerbate pulmonary disease. The level of Sulfur Dioxide detected was 0.0 ppm.
PERCENT OXYGEN
The Biosystems PHD-5 Multi-Gas Monitor measured the percent of oxygen within the sampled areas. The reason for this measurement is two fold. First, percent oxygen is utilized to determine percent combustibility of the atmospheric gases. Second, the measurement determines unusually low or high oxygen levels, which can be due to a lack of make-up air (confined spaces) or a leakage in equipment, which utilizes oxygen. The average percent oxygen within the sampled areas of the buildings was 20. 9%, which is well within the acceptable range of 19.5% to 23.5%.
LEL SAMPLING:
Lower Explosive Level (LEL) gas meter sampling was conducted throughout the areas of concern. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for these types of gases ranges from 8 to 10 percent. No odors were detected within the buildings and readings during the survey averaged less than 1.0 %. It is important to note that the human olfactory system can sometimes sense airborne contaminants at levels far below the limits of detection of current analytical methods.
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Many types of organic compounds have been identified in various indoor environments. These include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and various ketones and aldehydes. Sources of emissions include paint, paint removers, adhesives, photocopying toner, insulating sealers, and various cleaning solvents. These compounds were detected in minute amounts during the course of this survey. The Microtip PhotoVac photoionization device recorded ranges of 0.0 to 0.1 ppm in all of the tested areas in the offices. This level is well below 100 ppm, which we consider to be levels of concern for this type of broad range scan. This level of 100 ppm is one half of the instrument alarm setting (200 ppm), which is the industry standard. Operation of the Microtip Photovac was limited to battery life, which ended at 2:15 pm.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
According to ASHRAE Standard 55-1981, relative humidity should be maintained in the range of 30%-60% depending on the season and the indoor temperature. Humidity is usually not considered a health problem but taken to one extreme or the other; it can be the cause of other problems. High humidity in an indoor environment can encourage the growth of microorganisms and in turn present a health threat to the occupants of the building. Very low humidity can be the cause of complaints involving irritation of the throat and other respiratory passages.
The humidity levels taken on January 12, 2001 in Ballentine Hall ranged between 39.9 % to 43.3 % relative humidity. In general, interior humidity levels should be maintained below 60% relative humidity as much as possible to prevent mold and mildew growth. The interior humidity levels are reflective of the outside humidity level of 41.7% that were measured on January 12, 2001.
Ballentine Hall Field Readings –Tables
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Outside Ambient
Interior Air Sampling Results
Interior Asbestos TEM Air Sampling Results
TABLE 1
CLIENT: URI DATE: January 12, 2001
Field Readings
IAQ
Ballentine Hall – 1st Floor
| Location | O2 (%) | CO (PPM) |
|
LEL (%) | Temp (F) |
(PPM) |
|
|
|
| Room 103 1:15 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 72.1 | 0 | 0 | 371 | 42.7 |
| Room 102 1:23 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 72.6 | 0 | 0 | 375 | 43.3 |
| Room 114 1:25 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 73.9 | 0 | 0 | 420 | 43.0 |
| Room 12B 1:28 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.7 | 0 | 0 | 422 | 42.8 |
| Room 109
1:33 pm |
20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.5 | 0 | 0 | 405 | 41.3 |
| Room 110 1:35 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.4 | 0 | 0 | 375 | 41.5 |
| Room 106
1:37 pm |
21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.5 | 0 | 0 | 402 | 41.1 |
| Room 105 1:40 pm | 21.2 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.6 | 0 | 0 | 412 | 41.3 |
| Room 104 1:42 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.2 | 0 | 0 | 352 | 40.6 |
CLIENT: URI DATE: January 12, 2001
Field Readings
IAQ
Ballentine Hall – 2nd Floor
| Location | O2 (%) | CO (PPM) |
|
LEL (%) | Temp (F) |
(PPM) |
|
|
|
| Room 201 1:45 pm | 21.2 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.6 | 0 | 0 | 343 | 40.8 |
| Room 213 1:49 pm | 21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.7 | 0 | 0 | 362 | 40.7 |
| Room 212 1:50 pm | 20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 75.4 | 0 | 0 | 372 | 42.0 |
| Room 211 1:55 pm | 20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 75.6 | 0 | 0 | 412 | 40.2 |
| Room 205
2:00 pm |
20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 74.6 | 0 | 0 | 368 | 40.9 |
| Room 206 2:05 pm | 20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 73.3 | 0 | 0 | 367 | 39.9 |
| Room 209E
2:10 pm |
21.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 72.7 | 0 | 0 | 350 | 40.6 |
| Room 209B
2:12 pm |
20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 73.0 | 0 | 0 | 370 | 41.4 |
| Room 209D
2:15 pm |
20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 73.3 | 0 | 0 | 586 | 42.7 |
| Room 208
2:50 pm |
20.9 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 74.2 | 0 | 0 | 350 | 43.0 |
TABLE 1
CLIENT: URI DATE: January 12, 2001
Field Readings
IAQ
Ballentine Hall – 3rd Floor
| Location | O2 (%) | CO (PPM) |
|
LEL (%) | Temp (F) |
(PPM) |
|
|
|
| Room 323 2:18 pm | 20.9 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 73.0 | 0 | 0 | 586 | 41.4 |
| Room 327 2:21 pm | 21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 73.3 | 0 | 0 | 350 | 42.7 |
| Room 342 2:25 pm | 21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 73.8 | 0 | 0 | 354 | 42.7 |
| Room 343 2:30 pm | 21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 74.1 | 0 | 0 | 351 | 43.1 |
| Room 346
2:33 pm |
21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 74.3 | 0 | 0 | 407 | 41.7 |
| Room 345 2:35 pm | 20.9 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 74.6 | 0 | 0 | 406 | 41.4 |
| Room 361
2:38 pm |
21.2 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 74.1 | 0 | 0 | 386 | 42.1 |
| Room 306A
2:454 pm |
21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 73.5 | 0 | 0 | 344 | 42.7 |
Field Readings
IAQ
Ballentine Hall – Outside Ambient
| Location | O2 (%) | CO (PPM) |
|
LEL (%) | Temp (F) |
(PPM) |
|
|
|
| Outside North
10:45 am |
20.9 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 49.0 | 0 | 0 | 337 | 41.4 |
| Outside South 3:00 pm | 21.1 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 62.6 | 0 | 0 | 340 | 41.7 |
Ballentine Hall – Building Interior Air Sampling Results
| Sample Number |
Sample Description | Nuisance Dust Concentration |
Regulatory Limits * |
| 001 | Room 102 | <1.2 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
| 002 | Room 109 | <1.0 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
| 003 | Room 201 | <1.0 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
| 004 | Room 209 | <1.0 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
| 005 | Room 307 | <1.0 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
| 006 | Room 353 | <1.0 mg/m3 | 10.0 mg/m3 |
Ballentine Hall – Building Interior Asbestos TEM Air Sampling Results
| Sample Number |
Sample Description | Total # of Asbestos Structures * | Regulatory Limits ** |
| 001 | Room 109 | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
| 002 | Room 102 | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
| 003 | Room 201 | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
| 004 | Room 209 | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
| 005 | Room 306A | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
| 006 | Room 352 | NSD | 70 structures/ m3 |
NOTE: OSHA regulations identify asbestos exposure with PCM analysis only. OSHA’s permissible exposure limit is 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter under PCM analysis. RI Department of Health has a non-occupational exposure limit of 0.010 fibers per cubic centimeter but again these regulations apply to PCM analysis only. Under both of these regulations all samples would pass. The only guidelines that utilize TEM analysis pertains to the clearance criteria established for all schools from grades K-12. This guideline is under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).