From: ssalot**At_Symbol_Here**XEON.NET
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Air Sampling???
Date: January 30, 2012 7:21:10 PM EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <20120130172110.a927cb61e9829566d9bbebd1dacb30ff.7aa7a5540c.wbe**At_Symbol_Here**email03.secureserver.net>


Dear Wayne,

I normally just "lurk" on this list, but your question about building air sampling got me motivated to reply.

I have been investigating IEQ issues for about 30 years.  I can say with some surety that I never have found the "smoking gun" from air sampling a building with "sick building syndrome" issues.  There are always some minor concentrations of potentially toxic or irritating substances in the air...VOCs, mold spores, particulates etc.  But never enough to cause the symptoms reported.  High levels of CO, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites can all be problematic, but you usually see many people having similar health complaints.  Skin irritation can be caused by settled fiberglass dust from HVAC ductwork or ceiling tiles.  It usually will not show up in air samples (too heavy and settles out rapidly.  Best to take some surface wipe samples and see if you find fiberglass.

Others may disagree, but here is 30 years of experiance for your consideration.

Good Luck,

Stu
--
Stuart E. Salot, Ph.D.,CIH, ABIH-IEQ
Senior Industrial Hygienist

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-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Air Sampling???
From: Wayne Phan <Wayne.Phan**At_Symbol_Here**POMONA.EDU>
Date: Mon, January 30, 2012 9:39 am
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU

Hello all,

Recently, a colleague of mine is experiencing symptom of irritation, itching, and allergic reaction every time he enters one of the buildings at our workplace. This is a music building. Do you know what kind of air sampling I should conduct? Any suggestions on how I approach this problem?

Thanks,

Wayne


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