Volunteers and Collaborators Needed

The environmental consulting and remediation fields are continuously evolving. Our general understanding of the impact of building contaminants on human health changes daily. The methods that we deal with the contaminants are also changing.

Environmental Initiatives, with the help of collaborators, are conducting various studies and surveys to further our collective knowledge. Below is a list of current and proposed research. If you, as an individual or a company are interested in a topic and would like to participate, please contact us.

Current Projects

Air Washing Techniques

Air washing is the act of disturbing surfaces in containment with high velocity air to suspend residual debris and mold spores following diligent cleaning. The suspended particles are then directed towards the HEPA-filtered air scrubbers. The pattern of directing the air and the time required for proper disturbance varies based on the project. Knowing when to spend more time in the air washing process impacts the time invested in a project by a contractor.

This project will focus on determining the best methods for air washing. Various techniques and tools will be assessed for their effectiveness. This project will require the collaboration of multiple remediation contractors with Environmental Initiatives staff. A microbiologist from Environmental Initiatives will accompany remediation crews directly prior to and during air washing on projects. The microbiologist will characterize the level of fungal debris and particles present using spore trap air samples and a particle counter. Spore traps and particle counts will be collected from multiple locations in the work area throughout the air washing procedure.
A comparison between methods, the number of HEPA-scrubbers and fans used to volume of area, and equipment used for disturbing surfaces will be assessed.

Spore Trap Sampling During PRV in Agitated Conditions

Spore trap bioaerosol samples are routinely collected during Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) to determine concentrations of airborne fungal spores and hyphae. The concentrations of airborne spores and hyphae that are considered acceptable do not reflect the ability of the concentrations present to cause occupant health symptoms. Instead the concentrations are used to determine if the contractor cleaned the space with diligence and to determine if other sources of damage are releasing fungal debris into the air.

The concentrations of airborne fungal spores can greatly increase with air movement. Often, consultants will wait 24-48 hours after shutting down air scrubbers and fans to conduct PRV air sampling. If consultants conducted air sampling right after shutting down air scrubbers, what concentrations of airborne fungal spores should be considered acceptable, assuming the concentration will decrease as the debris in the air settles out to normal occupied levels?
This project will focus on determining comparisons between the airborne concentration of fungal spores directly after shutting down equipment and concentrations 24 and 48 hours after. This project requires collaboration between multiple remediation contractors with Environmental Initiatives staff. A microbiologist with Environmental Initiatives will accompany remediation crews at the end of remediation projects. A visual assessment will be completed to ensure damaged materials have been removed. Surface samples will be collected to ensure surfaces were adequately cleaned and that dust reservoirs have been adequately addressed. Spore trap samples will be collected directly following the remediation activities and at 24 and 48 hours following the turning off of equipment.

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobials are often used in water damage and sewage remediation projects. The antimicrobials used vary in their mode of action and effectivity. While all of the EPA-registered products have shown to be effective in deactivating microbes in laboratory settings, their effectiveness in "real-world" scenarios.

Antimicrobial products used by remediation contractors will be used to clean materials from water-damaged buildings that supported microbial growth. In some instances, cleaning will take place in the water-damaged environment by remediation technicians.

 

Proposed Projects

Use of Hydroxyl Radicals to Eliminate Odors from Smoke Damage

New devices that reportedly generate hydroxyl radicals are being marketed for removal of smoke odors, among other commercial applications. Hydroxyl radicals oxidize chemicals, which changes the structure of the smoke-related odors. Effectiveness of hydroxyl radicals will be tested using volunteers to assess odors in test and control chambers. More information on this topic will be provided as the project is designed.

Removal of Allergens and Chemicals by Diligent Cleaning and Air Washing

Remediation contractors may also effectively assist allergen sufferers and those with chemical sensitivities through remediation techniques that are they already perform. This project would focus on removal of contaminants and reduction of symptoms. Any suggestions for project design are appreciated.