[Faculty] [Staff] FW: Particle Identification Result Report

[Theresa Garcia]

Cindi,

 

Thank you very much for forwarding the analysis of the particles being blown
into the air.  Though it is very reassuring to know that these particles are
not 'hazardous to human health'; I'd like you to pass on this message to
whomever might be in charge, that each time the vent blows (which seems to
be every day this week) this black soot falls on the desks of my staff, into
their hair, clothes, and skin and into the air they breathe.  I have 2 staff
members who are asthmatic & 2 who have strong allergies.  Not to mention the
loud noise that accompanies the soot and debris the entire time the vent is
on.

 

I know that Natasha and Angeline have communicated with Darrell on this
ongoing issue.  I also understand that Darrell has been waiting reply from
physical plant.  If this is the reply, it is unacceptable.  I hope that
they, whoever they may be, plan to alleviate this problem and not allow this
black soot to continue to fall just because it has not been found to be
'hazardous to human health'.  In addition to the staff who are here 5 days a
week, we have a constant flow of students as well.  Again, though the
particles may not be 'hazardous to human health' it cannot possibly be
expected that my staff and the students we serve continue to be subjected to
this.  It sounds like E208, E208a, and E210 aren't the only offices dealing
with this.  Besides requesting a copy of the lab report, is there anything
else being done to remedy the situation?

 

I implore you to help us out.  Darrell isn't getting anywhere with Physical
Plant; they seem to be unresponsive.  Please let me know who I should talk
to to plead this case.  Who has authority to solve this problem?

 

Theresa M. Garcia, M.A.

'91 & '09

SDSU MEP Director

619 594-5679

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished : If
you're alive, it isn't."  ― Illusions, Richard Bach

 

From: staff-bounces at engineering.sdsu.edu
[mailto:staff-bounces at engineering.sdsu.edu] On Behalf Of Cindi McClain
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:47 AM
To: faculty at attila.sdsu.edu
Cc: staff at attila.sdsu.edu; 'Rhonda Russell'
Subject: [Staff] FW: Particle Identification Result Report

 

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

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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