New Orleans Area Environmental Quality Test Results

Sampling Results: Metairie

Results for: Mold | Endotoxin | 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 for mold in Metairie. These samples were collected in areas that were not affected by flooding and were used as comparison samples.

10/18/05

Elmere near Highway 10 (outdoor, not flooded)
25,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 6 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
41% Cladosporium
41% Aspergillus/Penicillium

11/13/05

Melody near Veteran's Blvd (outdoor, not flooded)
21,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 24 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
69% Cladosporium
8% Aspergillus/Penicillium
5% Ascomycetes

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 Metairie.

Elmere near I-10
5.0 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.

PARTICULATE POLLUTION

NRDC sampled for particulate matter for about an hour on November 15, 2005, in Metairie, Jefferson Parish. The weather was clear with very little wind, and there was no visible haze. There was heavy vehicle traffic, including quite a few diesel trucks. The area had not been flooded, and there was no sediment or building debris. The air quality was very good during the time we sampled. The levels peaked at concentrations over 50 ug/m3 in heavy traffic conditions.

Monitoring Results

Metaire PM 10, November 15, 2005

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