IAQA Digest is your weekly summary of newspaper articles, press releases and widely distributed reports about indoor air quality and mold. It is distributed exclusively to the members of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) as a member benefit to assist you in keeping on top of all the latest industry news. For more information, contact
[email protected]
 

May 7, 2014 
In This Issue
TOP STORIES
ASTHMA & ALLERGIES
GOING GREEN
MOLD
IAQ AND SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE
ASSOCIATIONS
GASES & PARTICLES
VIRUSES & BACTERIA
SMOKING BANS
COMPANY RELEASES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nocanduski vertical

QLab

Top Stories

IAQA WEBINAR - MEASURING CARBON MONOXIDE - IT'S MORE COMPLEX THAN YOU THINK

Friday, May 16, 2014, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT 

Do you measure carbon monoxide along with other indoor air quality parameters? That's a good start, but you may be missing some serious carbon monoxide (CO) risks. In this webinar you'll learn quick tips on how to find some not-so-obvious issues using your existing equipment. Although this webinar is not a substitute for a full class on combustion safety, it will improve your ability to find CO problems during an indoor air quality assessment. Register

 

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL APPROVES MOLD-RESISTANT BUILDING LAW

Indoor Environment Connections

The New York City Council has unanimously approved a law that will require the use of mold-resistant materials in areas prone to water or moisture damage.

 

ACAC EARNS PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION FROM NCCA

Indoor Environment Connections

The American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) has been granted accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for two of its indoor air quality certifications. The Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) and the Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) are both accredited for a period of five years.

 

IAQA ISSUES CALL FOR PAPERS FOR 18TH ANNUAL MEETING

iaqa.org

IAQA has issued a Call for Papers for its 18th Annual Meeting, to be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX from March 16 - 18, 2015. Presentations are specifically requested on: IAQ assessment strategies; moisture measurement in materials; interpretation of laboratory analytical results; principles of developing a sample strategy; methods and best practices for IAQ contractors; building sciences; and, interaction with other professionals on multidisciplinary teams. Presentations are also welcome on other topics related to indoor environments, including business management topics. The deadline for Call for Papers submittals is July 1, 2014. For submittal details, click here: Call for Papers

 

FUNGAL OUTBREAK IN HOSPITAL LED TO FIVE DEATHS

Indoor Environment Connections

Children's Hospital in New Orleans is being investigated after five patients there died due to mucormycosis, a flesh-eating fungal infection. The infection can be spread by bed linens, towels or gowns that have not been properly cleaned.

   

IAQA TECH TIP: SEWAGE TESTING, PART 2 

  

 

AGENCY CRITICIZES LEAD PAINT ENFORCEMENT IN MARYLAND

Indoor Environment Connections

A Maryland state auditing agency found almost 1,000 rental housing units with lead paint whose owners have not maintained the required annual registration with the state's Department of the Environment.

 

THIS WEEK ON IAQ RADIO

Hosted by: Joe Hughes/Cliff Zlotnik

Next episode: May 9, 12 noon EDT

Guest:Alison Johnson, Chair of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Topic: "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Growing Health Disorder"

Listen live or download the show later at www.iaqradio.com

 

 

Asthma and Allergies

EPA KICKS OFF ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing the start of Asthma Awareness Month and highlighting the agency's efforts to improve air quality, protect public health, and take action to address climate change. "One in ten kids in America today suffers from asthma, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income families," said U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Today, we're dealing with new threats like climate change that can worsen the problem. For these reasons and more, taking commonsense climate action is critical if we are serious about protecting public health."

 

SON'S ASTHMA INSPIRES LEGISLATOR'S LAST CHILDHOOD-HEALTH TREK

Columbus Dispatch

Dr. David Stukus, director of the Complex Asthma Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital, said asthma is the most-common chronic health condition that American children face. Rates in the nation's inner cities hit 30 percent, he said.

 

Going Green

LEED-CERTIFIED BUILDINGS ARE OFTEN LESS ENERGY-EFFICIENT THAN UNCERTIFIED ONES

Forbes

Applicants can acquire LEED status merely by offering computer models that project the building will meet a certain threshold. Moreover, they can do this even before the building is occupied. After that, buildings don't have to demonstrate continued efficiency. It's like telling your parents you'll take care of the house while they're away and then throwing a huge party, except in this case your parents never return to see the damage.

 

INDIA THIRD ON LIST OF 'GREEN BUILDINGS' COUNTRIES OUTSIDE US
In-Depth-Economic Times

India has been ranked third on the list of top 10 countries in leadership in energy and environmental design outside America, according to the latest US Green Building Council report. Canada followed by China occupy the top two slots in the ranking of the top 10 countries for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) outside the U.S.

 

GREEN BADGER MOBILE LEED APP RELEASES ENHANCED FEATURES

Interiors & Sources

In late March 2014, the Green Badger LEED Documentation app released a major update that features the ability to create real time indoor air data.

 

Mold

MOLD EXPENSIVE TO REMOVE, DANGEROUS IF LEFT UNTREATED

Pensacola News Journal

Fighting mold begins with immediate action to dry and clean surfaces, fabrics, rugs and walls.

 

FIRE STATION MOLD REPAIRS COULD TOP $200K

Enterprise-Record

Fixing the mold and water intrusion problem at Fire Station 5 will likely cost the city about $120,000 to $200,000 more than initially thought.

 

MOLD, MOISTURE CAUSES PATIENT MOVE AT EASTON HOSPITAL

My Eastern Shore

Nineteen patients at Shore Medical Center at Easton were moved and a unit was closed last week after the discovery of mold and moisture, 

 

BRUNSWICK'S CHINA ROSE BUFFET CLOSED FOR CLEANING AFTER 'EXTENSIVE MOLD' IS FOUND

Bangor Daily News

The owner of China Rose Buffet on Bath Road closed the restaurant's doors on April 23 after "extensive" mold was found.

 

IAQ and Systems Maintenance

IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY THE EASY WAY

Environmental Leader

Vacuum filters are the one piece of equipment that can most contribute to indoor air quality improvement.

 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY MARKET REVENUE TO SURGE 80% BY 2020

Environmental Leader

The global revenue for the indoor air quality monitoring and management market, driven by new building standards and regulations.

 

WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT DO SOMETHING ABOUT INDOOR AIR POLLUTION?

Op-Ed News

This is one of the most common questions we receive at the Global Indoor Health Network. Our position statement provides detailed information in response to this question. The short answer is:  Big Business says NO WAY. And, as we know, government answers to Big Business, not to individuals.

 

LEAD PAINT IN A HOME CANNOT BE IGNORED

South Lake Press

The RRP Rule is no ordinary regulation, and the EPA has come down with a heavy hand fining companies who do not follow their lead paint rules.

 

RENOVATION CONTRACTOR'S LEAD-PAINT VIOLATIONS AT THREE HOMES

Lexology

EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting regulations under TSCA require that renovation contractors use certified renovators.

 

Associations

HUD CHIEF TO SPEAK AT HEALTHY HOMES CONFERENCE

Indoor Environment Connections

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan will keynote the 2014 National Healthy Homes Conference in Nashville May 28-30. Donovan will be joined by former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, Rebuilding Together President and CEO Charley Shimanski, and HGTV's Jack Thomasson as plenary speakers in Nashville.

 

ASHRAE PRESIDENT TO ATTEND ARBS 2014
Climate Control News

ASHRAE President (US) William Banhfleth this week confirmed his attendance at ARBS 2014 in Australia. Banhfleth will deliver his presentation on Thursday, May 22, 2014.  His presentation will cover energy efficiency in buildings and how to maintain indoor air quality in this new environment.

 

ACCA PUBLISHES STATE ADVOCACY MANUAL CONTRACTORS

ACCA, the Indoor Environment & Energy Efficiency Association, has published an online state advocacy manual to help guide contractors, as well as state and local contracting organizations, through working with elected and appointed officials. The manual, This Is How You Do It. How To Make A Difference In Your State And Local Governments, has nine sections that detail how contractors can get actively involved in the legislative process in their area.

 
Gases and Particles

TACOMA FIRM OWNERS ADMIT FRAUD IN ASBESTOS-REMOVAL TRAINING

The Seattle Times

The owners of one of the state's few companies certified to train asbestos-abatement workers have pleaded guilty to faking training programs.

 

WHAT TO DO ABOUT RADON IF YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

The Wilton Bulletin

Although every homeowner should be aware of radon levels in his or her own home, such levels - and the ability to control them - are particularly paramount to a prospective home buyer whose decision to purchase may hinge on safety. To safeguard the family, the buyer needs to be educated about the risks of radon and proactive enough to get answers to ensure safety and comfort in the new home.

 

LOCAL NONPROFIT'S RADON PROGRAM HELPS PROTECT CHILDREN IN DAYCARE

Chicago Tribune

Robin Kolec, owner of Robin's Family Home Daycare, attended a seminar on radon through the Lake County Home Daycare Network.

 

target horizontal

Viruses and Bacteria 

VA PURSUES EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE IN PITTSBURGH LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE CASE

Stars and Stripes

The Veterans Health Administration has begun taking what it calls "administrative actions" related to a deadly Legionnaires' case.

 

1ST MERS VIRUS CASE IN US CONCERNS CALIFORNIA EXPERTS
In-Depth-SFGate

The first case of a potentially deadly respiratory infection in the United States, identified Friday in an Indiana health care worker, has sparked fresh concern among California infectious disease experts who have been watching outbreaks in the Middle East and waiting for cases to reach America.

 

IAQA Education horizontal

Smoking Bans  

BERKELEY BOARD CONSIDERS SMOKING BAN EXPANSION

The State

The proposed expansion would ban smoking in bars, private clubs and public places such as parks, including electronic cigarettes.

 

FIRST DAY OF SMOKING BAN IN MANCHESTER HOUSING

The Union Leader

One smoker said the ban makes him consider quitting altogether. Others said they should have the right to smoke in their own homes.

 

RESIDENTS UPSET ABOUT PUBLIC HOUSING SMOKING BAN

KSHB

About 45 percent of residents in HAKC properties are smokers. This smoking ban would affect about 1,700 households.

 

Compay Releases 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY NEEDS TO BE A TOP PRIORITY FOLLOWING ANY FLOOD

During flood cleanup, the future indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building may appear to be the least of one's problems.

 

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN SCHOOLS: BAD FOR HEALTH, BAD FOR LEARNING

Schools can be a breeding ground for achievement and success. Unfortunately, they can also be a breeding ground for the negative consequences of poor indoor air quality.

 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE CAN HURT YOU

More than 25 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma and 50 million suffer from allergies.

  

 

IAQA APPROVED INDOOR ENVIRONMENTALIST TRAINING

For more information, please click on the links below:

 

Course

Date

Location

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

May 12-13, 2014 (Fundamentals Level)

Greenville, SC

 

May 14-16, 2014 (Intermediate Level)

Greenville, SC

 

May 12-16, 2014 (All Days)

Greenville, SC

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

June 3-4, 2014

Orlando, FL

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

July 14-15, 2014 (Fundamentals Level)

San Francisco, CA

 

July 16-18, 2014 (Intermediate Level)

San Francisco, CA

 

July 14-18, 2014 (All Days)

San Francisco, CA

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

August 18-19, 2014 (Fundamentals Level)

Seven Springs, PA

 

August 10-22, 2014 (Intermediate Level)

Seven Springs, PA

 

August 10-22, 2014 (Advanced Level)

Seven Springs, PA

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

August 19-20, 2014

Chicago, IL

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

December 1-2, 2014 (Fundamentals Level)

Greenville, SC

 

December 3-5, 2014 (Intermediate Level)

Greenville, SC

 

December 1-5, 2014 (All Days)

Greenville, SC

  

For more information on online classes, please click the links below:

  

Course

Format

Training Provider

IAQA Indoor Environmentalist

Online, Video-based

 

Indoor Sciences, Inc.

 

IAQA APPROVED MOLD REMEDIATION TECHNICIAN AND SUPERVISOR COURSES

The IAQA approved Mold Remediation courses have all been revised with the latest information available in 2014.

 

Course

Date

Location

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

May 12-13, 2014

Greenville, SC

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

June 17-18, 2014

Somerset, PA

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

July 29-30, 2014

Langhorne, PA

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

September 16-17, 2014

Chicago, IL

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

October 7-8, 2014

St. Louis, MO

IAQA Mold Remediation Technician

December 2-3, 2014

Greenville, SC


Course

Date

Location

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

May 12-14, 2014

Greenville, SC

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

June 17-19, 2014

Somerset, PA

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

July 29-31, 2014

Langhorne, PA

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

September 16-18, 2014

Chicago, IL

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

October 7-9, 2014

St. Louis, MO

IAQA Microbial Remediation/ Supervisor (CMR/CMRS)

December 2-4, 2014

Greenville. SC

    

For a full schedule of courses and brochures for each course visit http://www.iaqtraining.com/schedule/course_dates.asp

  

ARIZONA

Phoenix, May 13: Beyond Basic First Aid: Introduction to Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), a Primer for Environmental Contractors. ACR, The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC Systems. August 12: Back to Basics, Everything You Need to Know About Encapsulants and Mobile Mini-Enclosures. Wildfires from the Perspective of a Remediation Contractor. November 18: Legally Defensible Combustion Byproducts Analysis Associated with Wildfire Investigations. Water Activity: What is it, and Why Should You Care.  Contact Derrick Denis at [email protected] or call Stephanie at 480-460-8334.

 

FLORIDA

Ft. Lauderdale, May 8: 2014 License Compliance Renewal MADE EASY! Email [email protected] or call 954-967-0011.

 

Ft. Myers, May 23: Estimating Fire, Smoke and Water. July 18: TBA. September 19: TBA. November 21: TBA. December 19: TBA. Contact Tom Ricci at [email protected] or call 954-214-4448.

 

GEORGIA

Atlanta, August 1: TBA. November 7: TBA. Contact Wendy Miller at [email protected] or 706-278-3202.

    

WASHINGTON

Seattle, May 8: Toxic Mold and Other Microbial Controversies Revisited. Contact Mike Smith at [email protected] or 425-368-0969.