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This document is also available as a PDF. February 4, 1998 Indoor Mold The past month has been a busy one for indoor air consultations and inspections. RAPCA's Monitoring
and Analysis Unit conducted nearly 30 inspections, mostly responding to concerns about indoor mold.
Many area residents became concerned about indoor air as a result of an episode of "American Journal,"
which aired a story about toxic mold. According to several reports from Cleveland and Chicago, a dangerous fungus threatens the health of
infants and may be responsible for 16 infant deaths in the last three years. Stachybotrys chartarum is a
black, slimy fungus which can grow in basements with either water leaks or extreme damp conditions
where it thrives on cellulose fibers such as pressed board and paper products. Spores from the fungus can
become airborne and enter the lungs of infants causing a condition called pulmonary hemosiderosis, a
potentially fatal illness to children whereby the lungs fill with blood. However, medical experts and
scientists cannot say with absolute certainty that the fungus is 100 percent responsible for the illnesses
and deaths in Cleveland and Chicago. The American Journal story raised awareness of mold among a number of local homeowners. These
individuals contacted RAPCA about mold problems in their own residences. Staff conducted inspections,
provided information about identifying Stachybotrys mold, how to remove it, and how to prevent its
growth. If you suspect you have toxic mold in your home, call RAPCA's indoor air specialist at
225-4435. PM2.5 Monitoring RAPCA has submitted a grant application to USEPA for funding to conduct fine particulate sampling in
the Miami Valley. The grant would provide RAPCA with the necessary funding to operate three monitors
locally. Two of these monitors will be located in Dayton and a background site in Preble County. It is
likely that another monitor will also be included in the future for a Springfield site. This funding is available under Title 103 of the Clean Air Act. Under this section monies will be available
to establish a national fine particulate monitoring network. RAPCA monitors will be part of the national
effort. Data from this network will determine the compliance status with USEPA's new fine particulate
standard. Three years of monitoring results will indicate if and what type of controls will be necessary for
the Miami Valley. The grant runs from February 1998 through February 1999. RAPCA will receive nearly $38,000 to
establish and operate the sites. Crown Cork and Seal enters into agreement The Crown Cork and Seal Company has agreed to bring four aluminum can end manufacturing lines into
compliance. Under the terms of the agreement with RAPCA, the company will implement a control plan - - that will include installation of a new metering system to give accurate usage rates, employee training on
environmental control, and initiation of a research and development program for lower emission coatings. 1 of 2 8/3/99 1:06 AM http://laa.co.montgomery.oh.us/current/298cur.htm Since 1995 the can end plant, located at 5005 Springboro Pike in West Carrollton, has been operating in
violation of several industrial air pollution requirements. RAPCA determined that violations of permit
allowable emission limitations occurred during 1995 and 1996. The company also failed to submit coating
and solvent usage reports on a monthly basis since August 1996. On April 24, 1997 Crown Cork and
Seal was issued a Notice of Violation for these air pollution violations. The agreement requires the company to achieve and maintain compliance with Ohio regulations. The
facility will also pay a civil penalty for the past violations. Staff happenings Congratulations to John Olaechea on his promotion to Supervisor of the Abatement Unit's Field Work
and Enforcement Group. John will be responsible for resolving industrial enforcement cases. John has
been with RAPCA for three years in the Enforcement Group and brings considerable enforcement
experience to his new position. Welcome to Dave Harris , RAPCA's newest employee. Dave will be working in the Monitoring and
Analysis Unit as a monitoring technician. Dave will assist in servicing particulate monitoring sites. 2 of 2 8/3/99 1:06 AM |
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