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4:53 p.m., Oct. 25, 2002 -- The University of Delaware’s Department of Occupational Health and Safety has responded in a timely and thorough manner and in keeping with accepted practice in the field of industrial hygiene in addressing questions about the airquality of Hullihen Hall, the central administration facility on the campus.
The building has been tested and problems have been corrected.
Throughout the process, staff have been kept informed, and three employees with health issues have been relocated.
At no point in the investigations did the University find conditions that indicate a serious health threat to the 150 occupants and business has continued as usual there. In the meantime, normal maintenance procedures continue, custodians have increased their cleaning frequencies and any occupant reports of building-related issues have been responded to in a timely manner.
The situation continues to be monitored.
Two areas of the building have been investigated at separate times. In November 2000, an air quality complaint was received from occupants in the lower level (Room 011) of Hullihen Hall. In April 2002, investigation of a complaint received from a third floor occupant began.
November 2000—Complaints about an odor were received from occupants of Room 011 Hullihen Hall. The odor was traced to a custodial closet/mechanical area equipped with a mop sink, which was used by custodians for rinsing mops and buckets and also used by café employees to rinse food utensils and containers. Occupants also complained of lack of air circulation and frequent flooding.
January 2001—Tests were conducted for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and airborne bacteria and fungi. All tests were “unremarkable,” in other words, there were no levels that appeared to pose a threat to employees. Airflows were measured by a testing and balancing company. Leaks in the supply ductwork were found and repaired.
February 2001—A questionnaire was sent to Hullihen Hall staff for seeking information on such areas as locations, general complaints (such as dust and temperature) and health symptoms.
August 2001--An exhaust fan was installed in Room 011C, the custodial closet, to prevent any odors from reaching the occupants of Room 011, and custodians reduced their use of the room.
July 2002—A larger exhaust fan was installed in 011C.
October 2002—Decision to clean the HVAC system components, especially reheat coils
Ongoing—UD’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) shop continues to monitor the condition of this area.
Under consideration for this area:
• Removal of carpeting and replacement with tile
Third Floor, Hullihen Hall
April 24, 2002—DOHS received a complaint via e-mail and interviewed the occupants. Three employees were relocated to temporary quarters, while the situation was being investigated.
April 24-June 4, 2002—Indoor air quality questionnaires were completed by 32 employees. Main complaints were lack of air circulation, dust in the air and uneven temperatures. Three most recorded health symptoms were sneezing, headaches and cough. Fifteen respondents said their symptoms cleared within one hour of leaving the building.
May & June, 2002—Aircuity testing. A medical evaluation was offered to the building’s occupants. To date, 13 of the more than 150 employees have been seen by Dr. Carole Tinklepaugh, the consulting physician.
May 1, 2002—DOHS collected samples in rooms 315C, 312, 314 and 316.
May 7, 2002—Samples also were collected from air handler components.
May 17, 2002—DOHS met with occupants and shared information on all activities and results. Occupants were encouraged to report any building-related problems to Facilities Management.
May 24, 2002—The reheat coils serving part of the third floor were cleaned and sanitized.
June 3 & 5, 2002—Internal survey and sampling of HVAC components conducted building wide by ServPro (an outside, specialized firm in air conveyance systems cleaning), DOHS and the HVAC shop. HVAC began cleaning of all 126 fan coil units and changing of filters. ServPro cleaned all four air handling units.
June 25, 2002—E-mail update report sent to building occupants, including information from occupational health physician at Christiana Care, hired by UD.
June 27, 2002—Air sampling conducted for bacteria and fungi.
July 1, 2002—DOHS holds meeting with building occupants and shares information on all activities and results. Building and Pest Control Services increase cleaning frequencies.
July 16 & 17, 2002—Air sampling conducted for bacteria and fungi.
July 25, 2002—Air and vacuum sampling conducted for total particle characterization.
Sept. 13, 2002—Occupants sent e-mail update summarizing actions to date, indicating next meeting with occupants to occur in October.
Sept. 23, 2002—Air sampling conducted for mold, pollen and particulates and e-mail sent to occupants about air conveyance system cleaning project.
Oct. 3, 2002—Pre-bid meeting held with cleaning and oversight contractors for possible cleaning of all HVAC systems, including ductwork.
Oct. 9, 2002—Cleaning and oversight bids due.
Oct. 22, 2002—Decision made to proceed with complete air conveyance system cleaning and oversight.
Oct. 25, 2002—Meeting with occupants to share sampling results, Dr. Tinklepaugh’s report and information regarding the cleaning project.
Summary of Report by Dr. Carole Tinklepaugh
Christiana Care Occupational Health Services
Dr. Tinklepaugh evaluated 13 of the building’s occupants who reported symptoms and/or physical findings that might be related to working in Hullihen Hall. In addition to the 13 employees evaluated at Christiana Care Occupational Health Services, 32 of the building’s 150 occupants filled out questionnaires.
Three types of problems were identified:
• Reactive Airways Disease,
• Upper Airways Disorders in persons with documented multiple environmental allergies and
• Irritative Upper Airway Symptoms with either no evidence of allergies or for whom the allergy status is unknown.
In her summary, Dr. Tinklepaugh says, “Although it is difficult to state, with certainty, that there is a causal relationship between the health concerns every employee evaluated is experiencing and working in Hullihen Hall, it is possible to state that all three of these types of health problems have been well described in the medical literature in association with buildings with similar problems.”
She also notes that some employees have noticed an improvement in their symptoms and that a number of basement occupants have said odors emanating from the custodial closet have decreased significantly since the installation of a large fan.
Continued remediation of identified problems coupled with aggressive preventive cleaning and maintenance are likely to alleviate many of these health concerns, she adds.
She also recommends that symptomatic individuals who have not already been skin tested for allergens be so tested, as well as revisits to Christiana Care OHS for each person as requested or periodically during and after the remediation.
Her report concludes, “Once the remediation is complete and with their informed consent and the approval of their pulmonologists, re-entry into the building with diaries and peak flow meters may be possible, provided that there is very close monitoring by both Occupational Medicine and pulmonology.”
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