BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) -- The Buffalo Police D District building was shut down last month after reports of mold causing air quality problems.
Monday, Mayor Brown directed that the final report of the air quality analysis be released to the public.
The report, prepared by Leader Professional Services, Inc. of Clarence, NY, found that the air quality within the D district building met most guidelines, with no visible evidence of fungi.
Below is the full summary of the report, and the complete report can be viewed at the City of Buffalo website here.
Dear Commissioner Stepniak:
Leader Professional Services, Inc. (“Leader”) is pleased to provide the City of Buffalo, New York, Department of Public Works (“DPW”) with this cover letter summarizing the results of the recent Indoor Air Quality (“IAQ”) and Potable Water Assessment (“the Assessment”) completed at the D-District Buffalo Police Precinct at 669 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York (hereafter referred to as “the Site”). The attached report
includes the analytical results of the Assessment, compares the results with applicable regulatory standards and guidelines and provides conclusions and recommendations.
Below are the pertinent conclusions from the Assessment.
1) The conditions in the Buffalo Police Department Precinct D building were found to be within the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (“ASHRAE”) comfort guidelines for temperature, carbon monoxide, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. The relative humidity levels during the work day were near 20%, the lower end of the comfort scale. Low relative humidity is typical in buildings during the winter months and can lead to symptoms such as skin, eyes, and mucous membrane irritation.
2) There was no visible evidence of fungi overgrowth on the readily accessible areas of the main floor building materials. The air sampling results for fungi indicate that the air quality is not being adversely impacted by fungi.
3) Airborne asbestos was not detected at the Site.
4) Radon concentrations were below the applicable USEPA action level.
5) The airborne Volatile Organic Compound (“VOC”) concentrations detected were below applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) Permissible Exposure Levels (“PELs”). The type of VOCs detected are typically found in products used in office environments. It should be noted that the levels of VOCs detected were low and near the analytical method detection limits.
6) Results from the potable water samples from the drinking fountain in the east corridor exhibited concentration of analytes below the applicable New York State Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) MCLs.
7) The water sample from the Basement Room – North sump exhibited a pH within acceptable ranges of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) water quality standards. Fecal coliform was not detected in the sample, indicating that localized groundwater is not likely being influenced by nearby sewerage systems. Oil and grease were not detected within the sample.
8) The fungi tape samples collected from the upper ceilings of the Women’s Locker Room, Break Room and Men’s Locker Room indicate the presence of four (4) types of fungi, including Stachybotrys (“black mold”) and Mycelial fragments. However, the air sampling results for fungi indicate that the air quality is not being adversely impacted by fungi.
The following recommendations have been developed based on the above conclusions:
1) Performing routine HVAC maintenance is a proactive method to maintain acceptable air quality. Intake filters should be maintained and changed regularly and cleaning the interior ductwork may minimize dust deposition;
2) The periodic standing water noted in the basement of the building should be addressed. Standing water can promote fungi on the cement block walls;
3) Fungi-affected building material surfaces should be cleaned to remove existing fungi growths, or, if not possible or cost-effective, properly removed; and
4) The areas above the first floor ceiling should be monitored for roof leakage to alleviate potential moisture sources that may have promoted fungi growth.
