New Orleans Area Environmental Quality Test Results

Sampling Results: Gentilly

Results for: Mold | Endotoxin | Sediment | Particulates

	SAMPLING 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 two outdoor samples and one indoor sample for mold in Gentilly.

10/19/05

Elysian Fields and Lombard, Gentilly Terrace (outdoor)
30,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 6 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
53% Cladosporium
29% Aspergillus/Penicillium

11/14/05

St. Roch near Filmore, Gentilly Terrace (outdoor)
63,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 20 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
76% Cladosporium
16% Aspergillus/Penicillium

St. Roch near Filmore, Gentilly Terrace (indoor, fully remediated)
45,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 24 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
38% Cladosporium
48% Aspergillus/Penicillium

Note: According to the National Allergy Bureau, outdoor air mold counts between 13,000 and 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.

ENDOTOXIN

We collected one outdoor sample for endotoxin in Gentilly.

Elysian Fields and Lombard, Gentilly Terrace
2.0 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.

SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION

For written and mapped analyses of extensive EPA sediment sampling, click here (pdf).

NRDC collected two sediment samples in and around Gentilly, one at Dillard University and one near the St. Bernard Development Housing Project in nearby Mid-City. The average level of arsenic that NRDC found in these samples was 7 mg/kg of soil. This is nearly 18 times higher than the Region 6 EPA soil cleanup level for residential areas, which is set at 0.39 mg/kg to protect against cancer.

To compare our arsenic results with EPA testing, NRDC selected eight EPA sediment samples randomly in four quadrants of the neighborhood.

• For arsenic, the EPA found an average level of 9.8 mg/kg in these samples. The levels in the agency's testing ranged from 5.9 mg/kg to 24 mg/kg. All of these samples exceeded the EPA Region 6 cleanup standard for arsenic of 0.39 mg/kg, which is based on cancer risk. Five of the eight samples exceeded the LDEQ soil "background" level of arsenic of 7 mg/kg.
  
  

PARTICULATE POLLUTION

NRDC sampled for particulate matter for nearly an hour on October 19 and again for about 20 minutes on November 14-15, 2005, in the Gentilly section of New Orleans. The weather was clear with little or no wind, and there was no visible haze. Some streets had a residue of sediment on the pavement, and there was some dust when vehicles traveled down these streets. There was also evidence of demolition work and building debris. In October, the air quality was very good during the time we were monitoring, but during some brief periods of time the levels of particulate matter rose to levels near or over 30 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). Air quality was reasonably good during the November sampling, but the levels peaked at potentially significant levels of nearly 100 ug/m3. People working in the dusty parts of the neighborhood -- near where building renovation is occurring -- and anyone who is doing cleanup or demolition should wear respiratory protection.

Monitoring Results

Gentilly PM 10, October 19, 2005

Gentilly PM 10, November 14-15, 2005

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