Assessment of VOCs and Molds Using CDC/NIOSH developed tools in Hurricane Ian affected Homes
Abstract
Background: The presence of post-flood dampness in homes leading to the growth of microorganisms may produce mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in harmful human health effects. This study aims to determine the levels of total VOC, formaldehyde, and particulate matter in residential buildings in Hurricane Ian-affected coastal areas.
Methods: Areas of dampness and mold in buildings were assessed using the Dampness and Mold Assessment screening tool developed by the CDC. Using a simple randomized sampling technique, real-time and area samples were collected for VOC, formaldehyde, particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, and dew point using an environmental multimeter and portable tools.
Results: We present findings from 13 homes; Initial flood water levels in homes ranged from 3 to 10 ft. The mean ±SD values of total VOCs were 235.5 ± 294.75 ppm, formaldehyde level was 0.065 ± 0.056 ppm. Temperature, relative humidity, and dew points had mean ±SD values of 24.60 ± 0.85 ° C, 64.0 ± 2.07 %, and 17.65 ± 0.72 ° C respectively. Particulate matter of 2.5 and 10 µm aerodynamic diameters had concentration levels of 343.46 ± 269.75/ m3 and 53.31 ± 44.98/ m3 respectively.
Conclusion: Data collected with the CDC/NIOSH tool showed that visible molds and dampness were not evident in the homes, probably because they have been renovated and painted. However, VOC levels were higher than levels previously reported to be associated with respiratory problems and decreased lung function, except for formaldehyde.
Keywords: Volatile organic compounds, Molds, Hurricane Ian, particulate matter, and formaldehyde.
Keywords
Volatile organic compounds, Molds, Hurricane Ian, particulate matter, and formaldehyde.
Assessment of VOCs and Molds Using CDC/NIOSH developed tools in Hurricane Ian affected Homes
Background: The presence of post-flood dampness in homes leading to the growth of microorganisms may produce mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in harmful human health effects. This study aims to determine the levels of total VOC, formaldehyde, and particulate matter in residential buildings in Hurricane Ian-affected coastal areas.
Methods: Areas of dampness and mold in buildings were assessed using the Dampness and Mold Assessment screening tool developed by the CDC. Using a simple randomized sampling technique, real-time and area samples were collected for VOC, formaldehyde, particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, and dew point using an environmental multimeter and portable tools.
Results: We present findings from 13 homes; Initial flood water levels in homes ranged from 3 to 10 ft. The mean ±SD values of total VOCs were 235.5 ± 294.75 ppm, formaldehyde level was 0.065 ± 0.056 ppm. Temperature, relative humidity, and dew points had mean ±SD values of 24.60 ± 0.85 ° C, 64.0 ± 2.07 %, and 17.65 ± 0.72 ° C respectively. Particulate matter of 2.5 and 10 µm aerodynamic diameters had concentration levels of 343.46 ± 269.75/ m3 and 53.31 ± 44.98/ m3 respectively.
Conclusion: Data collected with the CDC/NIOSH tool showed that visible molds and dampness were not evident in the homes, probably because they have been renovated and painted. However, VOC levels were higher than levels previously reported to be associated with respiratory problems and decreased lung function, except for formaldehyde.
Keywords: Volatile organic compounds, Molds, Hurricane Ian, particulate matter, and formaldehyde.
