[Faculty] FW: Particle Identification Result Report

[Cindi McClain]

To College Faculty and Staff,

 

Below is an email from Environmental Health and Safety with the results of
the analysis of particulate matter released from the HVAC ducting at the end
of last semester.

 

Dean Hayhurst asked that I share this with you to be sure all are aware of
the results.  We have requested that EH&S provide us a copy of the
laboratory report.

 

Cindi

 

 

Cindi McClain, MSBA
Assistant to Dean David T. Hayhurst
College of Engineering
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive, E203
San Diego, CA 92182-1326

 <mailto:cmcclain at mail.sdsu.edu> cmcclain at mail.sdsu.edu 
(619) 594.6062 - Voice
(619) 594.6005 - Fax

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Millie Tran [mailto:mmtran at mail.sdsu.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 5:27 PM
To: Jay Harris
Cc: Cindi McClain; tgee at mail.sdsu.edu; Glenn Vorraro; Joe Patterson
Subject: Particle Identification Result Report

 

 

 

Dr. Harris,

 

EHS took samples of debris from shelving and desk surfaces as well as 

on supply registers in Engineering 412 and 408 for particle 

identification and laboratory analysis to address building occupants 

concerns regarding potential exposure to hazardous particulates.

 

Particle samples were sent to an accredited laboratory for 

identification of the individual components.  Analysis of the 

submitted samples shows the presence of MMVFs, synthetic fibers, 

cellulose, and skin fragments.   Asbestos was not detected in the 

samples submitted.  Other materials ranged from non-detect to approx. 

25% by concentration. Materials such as MMVFs (typically fibers 

indicative of insulation dust such as fiberous glass, mineral wool, 

and ceramic fibers), synthetic fibers (typically fibers and particles 

originating from textiles, rugs, polyester clothing and nylon from 

carpet), cellulose (generally refers to cotton fibers from clothing 

and towels). There is less than 1% concentration of mold which is no 

different from the outdoor environment.

 

There is a category of materials (27% by concentration) that are 

inorganic and/organic that cannot be identified solely by polarized 

light microscopy. In addition, minerals (25% by concentration) such 

as quartz and silica were classified, and all determined to be 

non-hazardous after consultation with laboratory professionals.

 

Although a significant amount of debris may have been released in the 

occupied work spaces during the HVAC upgrade in the Engineering 

Bldg., these particulates were not identified to be hazardous to 

human health. Laboratory report available upon request.

 

Thanks,

Millie Tran

Environmental Health and Safety Dept.

(619) 594-2865

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