New Orleans Area Environmental Quality Test Results

Sampling Results: Lower Ninth Ward

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 one outdoor sample and two indoor samples for mold in the Lower Ninth Ward.

10/17/05

Tupelo near Bienvenue, Holy Cross (outdoor)
67,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 6 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
36% Cladosporium
40% Aspergillus/Penicillium

11/15/05

Douglas near Caffin, Holy Cross (indoor, partially remediated)
79,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 20 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
24% Cladosporium
67% Aspergillus/Penicillium
Stachybotrys was detected at less than 1%
(visible Stachybotrys chartarum growth detected on surfaces in other rooms but not in the one where air sampling was done)

Burgundy near Caffin, Holy Cross (indoor, partially remediated)
414,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 22 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
26% Cladosporium
65% Aspergillus/Penicillium
Stachybotrys was detected at less than 1%
(visible Stachybotrys chartarum growth detected on surfaces in other rooms but not in the one where air sampling was done)

Note: According to the National Allergy Bureau, outdoor air mold counts over 50,000 spores per cubic meter (spores/m3) are "Very High." Indoor air mold counts over 1,300 spores/m3 indicate that a building is "moldy." Cladosporium and Aspergillus/Penicillium are known to cause health effects in humans, including respiratory disease. Stachybotrys , also known as "toxic mold" or "black mold," has been reported to be associated with a wide range of health complaints, including immune and neurologic problems and infant pulmonary hemorrhage, but these results remain controversial. Indoor mold spore concentrations are typically far higher when dust is disturbed in a house. These samples were taken when there was no disturbance going on and may therefore underestimate the true spore concentrations.

ENDOTOXIN

We collected one outdoor sample for endotoxin in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Tupelo near Bienvenue, Holy Cross (outdoor)
1.8 EU/m3

Note: The pump we used to sample at this site malfunctioned (the flow rate decreased significantly during the course of the 6 hours of testing), so we are not confident of the accuracy of this result. 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 analyzed some EPA sediment testing results for the Lower Ninth Ward. We selected nine EPA sediment samples randomly in four quadrants of the neighborhood.

• For arsenic, the EPA found an average level of 9.6 mg/kg in these samples. The levels in the agency's testing ranged from 2.6 mg/kg to 20 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 about one hour on October 17 and again on November 14, 2005, in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood in New Orleans. The weather was clear with very little 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. Overall the air quality was very good during the time we sampled, but during a short period of time the levels of particulate matter rose to potentially significant levels at or above 50 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). People working in dusty areas, or engaged in cleanup or demolition activities, should wear respiratory protection.

Monitoring Results

Lower Ninth Ward PM 10, October 17, 2005

Lower Ninth Ward PM 10, November 14, 2005

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