Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
trial environments, workplace exposures should also be evaluated in the
context of COHb test results.
As indicated in Chapter 4, a variety of pesticide expo-
sure problems occur in residences. These may be due to indoor application
of pesticide products or passive transport of pesticides from the outdoors.
Acute pesticide-caused symptoms are typically associated with applications
within the home. Diagnosis of an exposure problem requires a knowledge
of recent pesticide usage and the type used. Symptoms may be due to active
compounds, inert ingredients, or both. Because of low vapor pressures of
pesticidal compounds, air testing will generally not show significantly ele-
vated concentrations. Nevertheless, it may be desirable to conduct air testing
in response to a homeowner's request or to confirm that air levels are not
excessive. The level of indoor contamination and potential for future expo-
sure may be determined from floor dust or surface wipe samples. High
pesticide residue concentrations in such samples may indicate the need for
significant remediation measures.
d.
Pesticides.
Exposure to lead-contaminated dust and soils is the major
cause of pediatric lead exposure and poisoning. Building investigations asso-
ciated with elevated blood lead levels and frank symptoms of lead poisoning
are commonly conducted by public health personnel and, in some cases,
private consultants. It is desirable for investigators to have obtained records
and reports of blood lead tests and physician diagnoses and recommenda-
tions. The investigator should conduct a complete residential risk assessment
for potential lead exposure using the protocol described for investigation of
elevated blood lead levels in the 1995 HUD (Department of Housing and
Urban Development) guidelines for lead in housing. In conducting such
investigations, all potential sources of lead are taken into consideration.
These include lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dusts and soil, water,
lead associated with hobbies and crafts, lead brought home from work
environments, lead-containing ceramics or glassware, home remedies, can-
dles with lead-containing wicks, etc.
e.
Lead.
Sewer gas odors are the most
common IAQ/IE nuisance problems experienced in residences. Sewer
odors are usually associated with dry sink/drain traps or the absence of
drain traps in air-conditioning condensate drain lines connected to sewer
lines. Sewer gas problems are easily resolved by locating all sink/drain
traps that lead to sewer lines and filling them with water. Air testing with
a portable flame ionization detector (FID) is desirable when dry traps
cannot be located easily.
An increasingly important nuisance problem in North American homes
is soot deposition on wall and ceiling surfaces associated with the frequent
burning of candles and incense. Soot deposition occurs on surfaces with
differential temperature conditions (e.g., around wall heating units, on wall
f.
Miscellaneous nuisance problems.
