Keep It Pest and Contaminant Free 1
Keep it Dry and Ventilated 1
Steps to Healthier Homes Keep It: Dry Pest-Free Safe Maintained Clean Ventilated Contaminant-Free 2
IOM Report Mold & Moisture Related Health Effects Upper respiratory tract symptoms Coughing Wheezing Asthma symptoms Hypersensitivity pneumonitis 3
IOM Report Mold & Moisture Related Health Effects Upper respiratory tract symptoms Coughing Wheezing Asthma symptoms Hypersensitivity pneumonitis 4
Dampness and Asthma Health Outcome Upper respiratory tract symptoms Cough 50% Wheeze 44% Current asthma 50% Ever-diagnosed asthma 33% Estimated % Increase in Damp Homes 52%
Asthma Triggers
Adult Asthma Prevalence 2007 Source CDC 7
Moisture Sources Poorly managed rainwater/groundwater Poor roof, wall, window and foundation drainage Defects in rain barriers Plumbing leaks Household sources & condensation Surfaces chilled by mechanical equipment, earth contact, outdoor air contact Unvented space heaters Showers, cooking, breathing Air transported moisture Crawl space moisture or exterior humid air Construction moisture 8
Moisture Moves WET TO DRY WET TO DRY WET TO DRY WINTER SUMMER Source: Advanced Energy
Moisture Moves HOT TO COLD HOT TO COLD HOT TO COLD WINTER SUMMER Source: Advanced Energy
How Water Enters a Building Leaks (liquid) Cooking, Bathing, Watering Plants, Breathing, Washing (water vapor) Surfacewater (liquid) Outside Air Holes, Windows Air From Soil (water vapor) Groundwater (liquid) 11
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Retrofit rainwater protection 13
Windows Leak 14
Plumbing Leaks 15
Drain pan in the event of heater leak 16
Pounds Moisture per Day 80 F - 70%RH OA 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Damp Foundation Mopping/Plants Bathing Cooking Respiration Unplanned Vent 0 residence 17
ASTM 62.2 Bathroom Exhaust 20 cfm continuous 80 cfm intermittent controlled by: switch, motion sensor, humidistat, etc Test fan flows
Ducted ok? Damper work? Version 2.2 20
Unsealable recessed light allows warm, moist air into the unheated attic. 21
Failed drainage systems. 22
Mold in the air conditioner? 23
Bad Crawlspace Crawlspaces may contain mold, pests, pesticides, asbestos, lead paint and sewer gas. An apparently dry crawlspace can add excessive water vapor to a house. 24
Floor Above Crawl Space 25
Good Sealed Crawlspace 26
Moisture meters are useful in determining whether a material is wet or not and tracing the source of problem water. 27
Address Interior Moisture First Moisture where you don t want to insulate attic sheathing Wet walls Etc 28
Ventilate Chimneys Bath and kitchen exhaust vents Combustion vents Fresh air inlet/outlet Dryers Ventilation intake and exhaust Central vacuum outlet Version 2.2 29
Whole House Ventilation -Run exhaust continuously -Provide fan powered outdoor air Local exhaust Furnace -Dryer -Bathroom -Kitchen Source: Camroden Associates
Ventilate Combustion Version 2.2 31
Is there an exhaust in the bathroom? Does it work? Version 2.2 32
Testing Exhaust Fan: The Charmin Method Version 2.2 33
Energy Star Fans & Timers
Fog never forms at 81 cfm
Version 2.2 36
Filter Cooled or Heated Air Poorly sealed filter access panel Version 2.2 37
MERV Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Efficiency in collecting very small particles Version 2.2 38
MERV Ratings MERV PARTICLE TYPICAL CONTROLLED SIZE ( m) CONTAMINANT 1 4 >10.0 Pollen, sanding dust, textile and carpet fibers 5 8 3.0 10.0 Mold, spores, hair spray,cement dust 9 12 1.0 3.0 Legionella, lead dust, welding fumes 13 16 0.3 1.0 Bacteria, most tobacco smoke, insecticide dust, copier toner 17-20 0.3Virus, combustion particles, radon progeny Version 2.2 39
Meet ASHRAE 62.2 Point source ventilation bath, kitchen, dryer Whole house for existing homes 40
Moisture Assessment Wet spots/water inside and outside Mold/stains/rot inside & outside Condensation/humidity attic, living space, windows, basement/crawl space Warning Signs: greater than 65% Rh in when AC on or greater 55% Rh inside when temp <45 degrees Always ask: what s the moisture source and likely fix 41
WAP Eligible Moisture Expenses Limited repairs for water damage & mold creating conditions, when necessary to ensure the long term durability of the measures (e.g., roof repair, downspout, dryer/bath ventilation) Defer: Severe mold and moisture issues No: Mold testing not funded. 42
Ventilation Assessment Is existing ventilation working: Bath fans exterior exhaust? Flow rates? Kitchen fans exterior exhaust? Flow rates? Dryer exterior exhaust? Filter ratings Whole house ventilation Does home meet ASHRAE 62.2 (existing buildings)? Seal between attached garage & home 43
WAP Eligible Ventilation Expenses Meet ASHRAE 62.2, required beginning 12/12 Specific actions under 62.2 Bath fans Dryer vents Whole house ventilation Seal connections to attached garage Certain paradise climates are exempt 44
Health Related Work Practices Venting dryers Installing bath fans Air sealing crawl spaces Repair leaks Address grading Others? 45
EPA Protocols for Energy Upgrades Minimum Actions? Added Opportunities? 46
Keep it Cleanable and Safe 1
Keep it Cleanable - Flooring
Track in Contaminants Four Steps Hard Surface Walkways Outside Grate-Like Mat Inside Carpet Pad Hard Surface Floor
Shoes Off Less Dust Enters
Control Dust When Cleaning Central vacuum ensures dust doesn t enter living space Needs good filtration Needs exterior exhaust
Keep it Safe Choking and Suffocation 6% Firearms 3% Drowning 5% Other 8% Falls 33% Fires and Burns 18% Poisoning 27%
Trip/Fall Prevention Grab bars Lighting Handrails Safe steps Remove throw rugs and trip hazards Key areas: bath, steps
WAP Eligible Expenses Injury prevention: minor repairs when needed to effectively Weatherize home rare instances to allow safe worker entry know the local referral options Smoke alarms if not present or operable. Fire extinguishers ONLY when solid fuel is present
Health Concerns Pests Can: Pesticides Can Cause: Trigger/cause asthma and Eye, nose, throat irritation allergies Skin rashes, stomach cramps, Bite nausea Contaminate food Central nervous system damage Lead people to overreact and Kidney damage ignore pesticide labels Increased risk of cancers Transmit disease Hitchhike in belongings 2
What all pests need Food Water Date (another pest) Water Food Date 3
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Rodents Add pictures of holes 6
Integrated Pest Management Keep them out and give them no place to hide Change surrounding landscape Block pest entries, passages, hiding places Reduce food availability Practice proper food storage and disposal No dirty dishes in the sink overnight Clean crumbs, grease etc. Knock down population Traps Appropriate pesticides 7
Pest Control No Spray & Fogging for roaches & mice Monitoring pest populations & complaints Reduce asthma triggers 8
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Contaminant Priorities & Health Issues Lead & Lead-Based Paint learning difficulties, neurological problems Environmental Tobacco Smoke lung cancer, heart problems, SIDS Radon lung cancer Asbestos cancer, mesothelioma Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) breathing issues, allergic reactions, headaches Formaldehyde - respiratory issues, nasal cancer Carbon monoxide death, fatigue, headaches 11
Lead Hazards Peeling, flaking paint Lead in dust Lead in soil 12
Basics of RRP Rule Effective April 22, 2010 Applies to pre-1978: Target Housing (same as disclosure rule) Child-occupied facilities Triggers: Compensation Paint disturbance (a/k/a renovation) > 40 CFR 745.80 to 745.91 April 22, 2008 Federal Register 13
Major Exclusions Houses built in 1978 or later Not target housing or child-occupied facility Risk assessor or lead inspector has determined where lead-based paint is present and you avoid it Perform only minor repair and maintenance work =< 6 ft2 painted surface/ room interior activities, or =< 20 ft2 painted surface for exterior activities Do-it-yourself no compensation Realistically only applies if tenant does work on tenant s unit. Owner-occupied and no children and no pregnant women live there 14
Do You Have Lead-Based Paint? Percent of Housing Units 1 Without Lead-based Paint 2 Age Interior Exterior Anywhere Before 1940 21% 28% 13% 1940 to 1959 54% 41% 31% 1960 to 1977 84% 87% 76% 1978 to 1998 3 96% 97% 93% 1. Housing units includes rental and owner-occupied housing 2. Lead-based paint is paint with more than 1 mg of lead per square centimeter 3. Housing built after January 1, 1978 not covered by rule 15
Testing Options XRF by Licensed Lead Inspector D-Lead on-site EPA approved for most surfaces 16
So What Will Change? Certified Renovation Firm Disturbs Paint Certified Renovators Supervise Work Mandatory Work Practices Isolate work area Contain dust Thoroughly clean-up work area for debris and dust Post-renovation Cleaning Verification Documentation! 17
Cleaning Verification Card
EPA Radon Zones 19
Estimated Lung Cancer Cases In a Population of 1,000 (US EPA, 2005) 150 Lung Cancer Cases 100 50 0 4 pci/l 8 pci/l 10 pci/l Radon Exposure Non-Smokers Smokers 1/15 homes may have an elevated radon level (above EPA action level of 4 pci/l).
How Radon Gets into a Home Cracks in solid floors Construction joints Cracks in walls Gaps in suspended floors Gaps around service pipes Cavities inside walls Other openings Water supply
Testing for Radon Short Term Minimum 48 hours - $10-$20 Useful results (home sales, occupancy, energy upgrades) Long Term 91 days to 1 yr - $20-$30 Better indicator of need to mitigate If result is 4 pci/l or higher take a follow-up test OR mitigate radon Energy Upgrades: If work increased levels > 4 pci/l mitigate radon www.sosradon.org
Radon Resistant Systems 23
Radon Precautions Cover Soil 24
Radon Mitigation Costs Average Costs New Construction - Passive only $350 - $500 - Active system $650 - $800 Existing Homes $800-$2,500
Resources EPA Home Buyer s and Seller s Guide to Radon EPA Citizens Guide to Radon State resources 26
Asbestos Uses
Asbestos Health Effects Asbestosis Lung cancer Mesothelioma Smokers are at greater risk! 28
Concerns for Energy Upgrades Disturbing insulation Pipes Vermiculite Consider vermiculite testing Precautions during blower door testing; pressurize vs. depressurize 29
Volatile Organic Compounds EPA found concentration of VOC s to be 2-5 times greater in the home. During or immediately after paint stripping activities, VOC levels can be 1,000 times higher than outdoors.
Volatile Organic Compounds Air Fresheners Cleaning Products Sprays & Coatings Wood Products Carpets Vinyl Floors Hobbies Home Maintenance
Why Avoid VOCs? Potential health effects: Eye, nose, throat irritation Headaches, nausea, coordination Liver, kidney, and brain damage Some can cause cancers Child development
Potential VOCs and Contaminants During Energy Upgrades Potentially Created Lead Hazards Carbon Monoxide Hazards Possibly Brought in During Work Cleaning Products Spray Foam Elevated Radon Levels Elevated Vocs & Formaldehydes When Homes Are Air Sealed Spread Of Pest Droppings Or Molds During Air Sealing Or Insulation Paints, Coatings, Flooring Pressed Wood Cabinets and Products - Renovation Removal or Installation of Insulation 33
Formaldehyde Pressed wood, adhesives containing urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins Cabinets; particle board Hardwood plywood paneling 34
Garage Sources 35
Steps to Control VOCs Control the source Avoid using products that contain VOCs Use lower VOC options (i.e. paints) Seal containers; store far from air intake Remove unwanted products from home Ventilate - Open doors and windows, run fans Seal between garage and home, avoid air handlers or duct work in garage
Third-Party Certifications Buildings Green Communities www.greencommunitiesonline.org Energy Star with Indoor Air Package www.energystar.gov LEED for Homes www.usgbc.org/leed/homes/ Products and Services Green Seal www.greenseal.org EcoLogo - www.ecologo.org EPA s Design for the Environment www.epa.gov/dfe GreenShield Certified (for pest control) www.greenshieldcertified.org
Industry Stewardship Programs Understand the Motivations & Research the Options Examples QualityPro Green for Pest Management www.qualityprogreen.org Green Label for Carpet and Rugs www.carpet-rug.org Environmental Stewardship Program for Kitchen Cabinet www.greencabinetsource.org Ingredient Communications for Consumer Chemicals www.cspa.org/public/media/info/cpici.html www.hhcontractors.org - healthy homes assessment & remediation Other Programs
Insulation Vermiculite Dust particles Some new concern with worker risks and spray foams 39
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Carbon Monoxide Test Combustion Equipment: BPI or Equivalent Testing Protocols 41
Unvented Space Heaters Remove unvented space heaters Secondary heat source allowed under WAP if meets ANSI Z21.11.2 42
portunities During Energy Upgrades Test CO & address high levels Exclude pests Lead Safe Work Practices Radon testing Don t make it worse Do not disturb asbestos/vermiculite test? Enhance filtration heating/cooling systems Seal garage connection Minimize contaminants in products
Assessment Questions Do gas appliances produce high CO Rodents, roaches or other pests Home pre-1978 lead safe work practices Peeling, flaking paint Radon testing & results: Don t make it worse Vermiculite or asbestos present Attached garage Occupant health concerns
alth Related Work Practices Safe spray foam use gloves, respirator etc. Add pest exclusion to air sealing Seal garage connection Install efficient filters > MERV 6 Install poly on dirt crawl spaces, cover sump pumps to reduce radon & gases Work lead safe Window replacement & repairs working lead safe (helps with general dust)
WAP Required Activities Combustion safety testing & proper venting Lead Safe Work Practices & EPA RRP
WAP Eligible Expenses Pest removal & exclusion where infestation would prevent weatherization CO alarms Radon testing, poly on dirt floors & other radon control precautions Unvented space heater removal, except secondary sources complaint with ANSI
PA Protocols for Energy Upgrades Identify EPA minimum precautions Identify EPA additional actions