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CPSC & HUD Issue Guidance on Repairing Homes With Chinese Drywall

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today issued interim remediation guidance to help homeowners struggling to rid their properties of problem drywall linked to corrosion of metal in their homes such as electrical components.

Earlier this year, HUD and CPSC issued a protocol to help identify [...]

New EPA Lead Paint Rules to go into Effect

To protect against the risk of lead in paint, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools [...]

EPA “Green Book” Online: Managing Asbestos in Place

The EPA “Green Book” (also known as Managing Asbestos in Place: A Building Owner’s Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs) is now available on the EPA website.

The “Green Book” is a guide to assist building owners/managers with the development and maintenance of an effective Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plan in their buildings.

Topics contained in the “Green [...]

EPA Continues Study on Air Quality Near Schools

The EPA is continuing its study of assessing the outdoor air near schools for toxic contaminants. This study is based upon several factors, including: results from an EPA computer modeling analysis, the mix of pollution sources near the schools, results from an analysis conducted for a recent newspaper series on air toxics at schools, and information [...]

EPA Hosts Webinar on Spray Foam Initiative

The Environmental Protection Agency hosted over 300 spray foam industry professionals and concerned viewers in an online seminar to introduce the agencies’ collective concerns and involvement with the safety practices and health risks associated with the handling, application, and life cycle usage of spray polyurethane foam.

Involvement included:

EPA
OSHA
NIOSH
CPSC
The Center for Polyurethanes Industry, and
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) trade associations

The SPFA reports market growth of up to 40% since 2004. The EPA sited a report indicating that over 400 million pounds of polyurethane foam were consumed in North America during 2008.

The presentation several goals of the EPA initiative:

Improve Availability of Safety Information
Communicate Best Safety Practices
Address Inaccurate and False Marketing Claims
Exposure Assessment

According to information made by the EPA, another webinar will be held regarding Spray Foam due to demand. Stay tuned to OHShub.com for more information.

Source: Sprayfoam.com

Mary Cushmac, from the EPA opened up the meeting with comments about the current situation in the industry as it relates to the government agency’s perspective. She indicated that both the A-side product and B-side products contain both primary and intermediate chemicals of concern, especially if they are mis-handled, or applied incorrectly.

Continue reading EPA Hosts Webinar on Spray Foam Initiative

CPSC, EPA, HUD, CDC, and ATSDR Release Initial Chinese Drywall Studies

The interagency task force on Chinese drywall is releasing today the initial results of several studies that begin to assemble pieces in the overall Chinese drywall puzzle. The investigation continues and
additional reports will be released in November.

In sum, the three studies released today are:

Elemental and Chemical Testing: The study of the elemental and chemical composition of 17 drywall samples shows higher concentrations of elemental sulfur and strontium in Chinese drywall than in non-Chinese drywall.

Chamber Studies: Preliminary results of ongoing testing to detect gases emitted from drywall
in laboratory chambers show higher emissions of total volatile sulfur gases from Chinese than
from non-Chinese drywall.

Indoor Air Studies: Indoor air testing of 10 homes in Florida and Louisiana was conducted to
identify and measure contaminants and to inform a drywall home indoor air testing protocol.
This data from a small sample of homes, allows preliminary observations of certain chemicals in
the indoor air. The tests did not detect the presence or found only very limited or occasional
indications of sulfur compounds of particular interest – hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, and
carbonyl sulfide. Concentrations of two known irritant compounds, acetaldehyde and
formaldehyde, were detected in both homes with and without Chinese drywall, and at
concentrations that could exacerbate conditions such as asthma in sensitive populations. The
levels of formaldehyde were not unusual for new homes, however, and were higher when the
homes were not air conditioned.

Continue reading CPSC, EPA, HUD, CDC, and ATSDR Release Initial Chinese Drywall Studies

EPA Publishes Guidelines for Methamphetamine Lab Cleanup

Download HERE: EPA Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup Guidelines (28)

From the EPA’s Website

The Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup provide guidance for individuals responsible for methamphetamine (meth) lab cleanup. The Guidelines are based on an extensive review of the best available science and practices and addresses general cleanup activities, identifies best practices for specific items or materials, [...]

Chemical Concentrations Near Schools

Per the USA Today report published in December 2008

EPA modeling and subsequent air monitoring revealed the presence of carcinogens and heavy metals in close proximity to schools around the country. “It is meant as ‘a screening tool. It isn’t an in-depth analysis,’ says Nick Bouwes, who helped create the model for EPA” and should [...]

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