Transcript Document

Improved Health of
Tribal Members through
Improved
Indoor Air Quality
An ANTHC-DEHE Demonstration
Grant Project for
Pedro Bay Village Council
Presented by Ben Foss
Pedro Bay Environmental
For ANTHC-DEHE
ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT
February 2012
So…What prompted this proposal?
Many of our residents suffer
from asthma,
breathing difficulties, and allergy or
flu-like symptoms
While we are hesitant
to link
these symptoms to
indoor air quality,
We do know that….
ventilation,
improper heating methods,
the buildup of toxic particulates,
…inadequate
and carbon monoxide
can and do impair the
immune system.
Indoor Air Study in Tribal Villages
Since the number of studies pertaining to
tribal indoor air is limited,
we are hoping to provide some
exposure
and
documented study
through our (small) project
Our examination…
Through this grant, we
examined the air quality of
six diverse structures
in our village
We looked specifically at
heating methods,
humidity levels,
ventilation systems,
and temperature
control
Unfortunately…
our Q-Trak data—
collected with the IAQ
equipment— was found
to be invalid.
Therefore our results,
report,
and this presentation
are based primarily on
interviews,
visual assessments, and
photographs.
We hope our
research and results
will benefit
other Native or rural villages
with IAQ needs.
Challenges & Successes
Pedro Bay is a place
where everyone does more
than one job.
Which means…
Challenges & Successes
Testing all
homes in the
same time period in the
same manner proved to be our
biggest challenge.
Challenges & Successes
We had intended to test all six
structures at least twice
between April and
November, but we were
unable to carry out this plan.
Challenges & Successes
Hiring an experienced
and knowledgeable IAQ
technician
could have provided
more consistent data and
more precise improvements
for our residents.
Challenges & Successes
Still… we felt successful…
One-on-one discussion,
personal visits and
ongoing dialogue
helped us to build a
foundational base for Indoor
Air Studies in Pedro Bay.
Survey Results
We chose six structures that
varied in age,
air-tightness, vulnerability
to mold, occupancy, and
construction type.
Survey Results
Pedro Bay Village is scattered
home sites of varying acreage
across a three-mile area.
Survey Results
Homes are NOT linked
by a common water, sewer, or
design plan…
so each home faces its own
particular air quality issues.
Survey Results
Each home in our study
was built entirely differently from
the others, making our study
both unique and versatile
enough to suit a variety of home
types throughout Alaska.
HOME REPORTS
Photographs
Summaries
Descriptions
Structure #1: Rabbit Point
Age: 30+ years
Composition & Size: Stick-built, 600 sq. ft.
Occupancy: 1 person, cat and dogs
Heat source(s): Oil supplemented by wood
Structure #1: Rabbit Point
Conditions/Notes/Improvements:
 Occupant
has coped with asthma for
many years but maintains relatively
good health overall.
 Home sustains considerable black mold
buildup
 (Suggested) Improvements include
updated insulation and ventilation, new
windows and casings
Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay,
Lower Unit
Age: 20+ years
Composition: Stick-built
Occupancy: 1 adult, 1 youth
Heat source(s): Fuel oil
Smokehouse Bay Building Exterior
Windows and doors are in need of
replacement: Smokehouse Bay
Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay,
Lower Unit
Conditions/Notes/Improvements:
 Home
is part of a larger structure
 No severe health issues at this time
 Mold growth is scrubbed/eradicated
regularly but continues to return
 Windows and doors need replacing
Structure #3: Rustic Cabin
Age: 35 years
Composition/Size: T-111, plywood/350 sq. ft.
Occupancy: 2 Adults
Heat source(s): Wood (used for everything)
Structure #3: Rustic Cabin
Conditions/Notes/Improvements:
 Home
is not plumbed for water; residents
haul water from lake or Council building
 Home
is not weatherized or winterized
Structure #3: Rustic Cabin
Relocation
is recommended
Renovation/new construction
recommended/preferred
Financial and HUD constraints
currently not permitting new
construction
Structure #4:Big Hill
Age:
20+ years overall construction
Composition:
T-111, plywood/2000 sq. ft.
Occupancy:
2-3 Adults throughout the year
Heat source(s):
Fuel oil, wood heat
Big Hill, a well-maintained structure
Structure #4: Big Hill
Conditions/Notes/Improvements:
 Home
is in good condition, wellmaintained
 Signs of stewardship for home and land
 Water heater and plumbing in good
condition
 Windows in good condition
 Improvements include ventilation,
ongoing maintenance; no health
concerns
Structure #5: Edna’s Bay
Age: 20+ years
Composition: T-111, plywood
Occupancy: Formerly 3 adults, now unoccupied
Heat source(s): Fuel oil and wood heat
Exterior, Edna’s Bay
Siding, some windows
recently replaced
Semi-enclosed windbreak; black mold
around windows: Edna’s Bay
Structure #5: Edna’s Bay
Conditions/Notes/Improvements
 Home
is not occupied year-round
 Recent improvements include vinyl
siding, some vinyl windows, and interior
trim
 Home shows inefficient heat/air flow
 Regular presence of black mold
 Improvements include further
weatherization and ventilation
Structure #6:PHOB
(Village Council Building)
Age: 20+ years
Composition: T-111, plywood, carpet,
sheet rock
Occupancy: Offices, laundry, shower facilities,
clinic
Heat source(s): Fuel oil
Exterior, PHOB/Village Council
Structure #6:PHOB
(Village Council Building)
Conditions/Notes/Improvements
 Interior
and exterior in need of new paint
and weatherproofing improvements
 Air flow/heat flow generally inconsistent
 Recent updates are laundry room electrical
and periodic maintenance on plumbing
 Further improvements include new carpets
(old ones retain mold and moisture)
Conclusions, Reflections
& Realities
Our expected or anticipated
outcome from this project is the
improved health of our Tribal
members and Village residents.
The goal of this agreement is to educate
our village residents in the understanding
that the air quality concerns in Pedro Bay
do not lie ONLY with the Village Council or
even the state, but with the residents
themselves, so that, ultimately, the
possession of good
those who live here.
health lies with
Looking Forward:
Suggestions for the Future
1. Perform further rounds of testing,
including testing homes that are not
occupied year-round and homes that
have undergone renovation or repair.
Looking Forward: Suggestions
2. Attend trainings that are geared
toward rural indoor air quality and
cold climate indoor air quality.
Looking Forward: Suggestions
3. Attend trainings (such as this
one) to learn more about building
options that improve air quality.
Looking Forward:Suggestions
4. Meet and consult with tribal
home/indoor air quality experts
who can help tailor this and
future grants more precisely to
the needs of our village.
Looking Forward: Suggestions
5. Investigate our current
improvements and find sources of
funding, where necessary,
to help residents improve their
homes/housing structures.
ESSENTIALLY…
It all comes down to BUY-IN
Buy-in or commitment from
the beginning creates stewardship
later on.
Training and/or research will help in the
short-term, but each resident must learn
the value of stewardship before anything
can truly change.