Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:31:04 -0800
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Debbie M. Decker" <dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Latex degradation, low humidity,
Chinese drywall? a bit more information
Comments: To: UCIH Program Management Group ,
UC Indoor Air Quality Workgroup ,
SAFETY

I neglected to include i n my previous post that I thought of ozone first of all, since I have had that i ssue before.  0.02 to 0.03 ppm of ozone was detected in the areas in questi on.

Thanks for your input, s o far.

From: Debbie M. Dec ker

Please excuse the cross-postings:

I’m working with a group that works in a secured , containment facility.  The supply air is one pass, the exhaust is HEPA filtered and air change rates are in the 10-15 ACH.  Rubber bands, lat ex gloves, the gloves on a glove box, rubber stoppers, etc. degrade very quick ly in this building – a matter of months.  This causes consternatio n among my building occupants – “if latex degrades so quickly, wh at is this building doing to me?”

I have done the following:  datalogged temperatur e, %RH, CO and CO2 twice, at different times of year, for a week.  First set showed extremely low humidity – below 20%rh – all other measurements within customary.  Second round showed %rh in a more norm al range – 35-40%rh.  Magnetic fields were at or below background.  No radioactivity was detected.  The building doesn’t have any weird smells, evidence of mold or water intrusion.  The mechanical system is working as designed, filters in place and without high pressure drop, coils clean, etc., according to my building engineers.< /o:p>

People complain of headaches and stuffy noses, general malaise after working in the building for some period of time.  Someon e has suggested Chinese drywall might be a culprit but I don’t know as it q uite fits.

Whaddya think?  All ideas welcome, at this point.

Thanks,

Debbie

--------------------

Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Safety Officer
Environmental Health and Safety
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA  95616
(530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicS tories.com and join the conspiracy

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