New Orleans Area Environmental Quality Test Results

Sampling Results: Chalmette and Meraux

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 for mold in Chalmette.

10/17/05

Jean Lafitte and Creole (outdoor)
77,000 spores/m3 (daily estimated average based on 6 hours of continuous volumetric sampling)
54% Cladosporium
16% Aspergillus/Penicillium

Note: According to the National Allergy Bureau, outdoor air mold counts over 50,000 spores per cubic meter (spores/m3) are "Very 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 Chalmette.

Jean Lafitte and Creole (outdoor)
1.8 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).

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade (www.labucketbrigade.org) took a total of 14 samples on two different dates in Chalmette, St. Bernard Parish.

• Toxic metals -- lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and chromium -- were found in most samples. The amount of arsenic in many areas was higher than the "minimum risk level" established by the federal government and was above the level established by the Region 6 EPA for soil cleanup in residential neighborhoods.
  
  
• Other contaminants in the sediment included phthalates (chemicals in plastics), several industrial solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and carbon disulfide), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are cancer-causing chemicals from soot and petroleum-based products.

Ten samples were taken in Chalmette, St. Bernard Parish, near the Murphy Oil refinery on September 29, 2005, and analyzed by Analytical Services Inc.

Four samples were taken in Chalmette, St. Bernard Parish, on September 19, 2005, and analyzed by Columbia Analytical Services Inc.

For further information about arsenic, NRDC analyzed 13 EPA sediment samples from St. Bernard Parish.

• The EPA found an average level of 12 mg/kg of arsenic in these samples. The levels in the agency's testing ranged from 2.2 mg/kg to 21 mg/kg. Twelve of these samples exceeded the EPA Region 6 cleanup standard for arsenic of 0.39 mg/kg, which is based on cancer risk. Eleven of the 13 samples exceeded the LDEQ soil "background" level of arsenic of 7 mg/kg.
  
  

PARTICULATE POLLUTION

NRDC sampled for particulate matter for nearly three hours on October 17, 2005, in Chalmette and Meraux, St. Bernard Parish. The weather was clear with very little wind, and there was no visible haze. Many side streets had a visible residue of dark, crusted sediment on the pavement, and there was noticeable dust when vehicles traveled down these streets. Overall the air quality was good when the monitor was not located in an area where another vehicle was driving and stirring up the sediment. However, when the monitor was behind another vehicle, the levels of particulate matter jumped to potentially significant levels, at or above 100 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). People working in the dusty parts of the neighborhood -- especially on side streets -- and those engaged in cleanup or demolition work should wear respiratory protection.

Monitoring Results

Chalmetter and Meraux PM 10, October 17, 2005

Chalmette and Meraux PM 10, October 17, 2005
Following another car

Note: The EPA regulatory standard for PM10 is 150 ug/m3 over a 24-hour period. However, the EPA standards for particulate matter have been determined by the EPA Science Advisory Board to be insufficiently protective of human health; the standards are in the process of being revised.