Issues: Health

New Orleans Environmental Quality Test Results


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Sampling Results: French Quarter

Results for: Mold | Endotoxin | Particulates


SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Neighborhood Map Showing Sample Locations


Maps on these pages show NRDC sample locations for mold, sediment and endotoxin. NRDC particulate samples were taken at multiple locations. Results of sendiment sampling by the EPA and others are summarized on these pages but locations are not marked on the maps. SEE AREA MAP

MOLD

We collected one outdoor sample for mold in the French Quarter.

Esplanade and North Rampart
26,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 6 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
46% Cladosporium
33% Aspergillus/Penicillium

Note: According to the National Allergy Bureau, outdoor air mold counts between 13,000and 49,999 spores per cubic meter (spores/m3) are "High." Cladosporium and Aspergillus/Penicillium are known to cause health effects in humans, including respiratory disease.

Concentrations of some molds are typically higher at night. These calculations, based on 6-hour continuous volumetric measurement during daytime hours, may underestimate the true 24-hour concentration.


ENDOTOXIN

We collected one outdoor sample for endotoxin in the French Quarter.

Esplanade and North Rampart
1.5 EU/m3

Note: Normal background levels of endotoxin reported in many areas of the country are below 1 EU/m3. Levels above 10-28 EU/m3 may be associated with long-term declines in lung function after chronic exposure. Levels of 45 EU/m3 have been associated with decreases in lung function after exposures as short as one day.

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