1. Creating Healthier Housing Green Operations and Maintenance Special Thanks to The National Center for Healthy Housing

2. Health and Housing Connections Complete Creating Healthier Housing Exercise 1: Making The Connections 2

3. Objectives Identify 3 indoor asthma triggers and 3 responses to reduce triggers Identify 2 ventilation assessment strategies Describe 2 benefits of adopting a Smoke Free Housing policy Identify key steps in implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies Identify 3 opportunities to reduce use of contaminants in purchasing & product specifications. 3

4. Asthma: National Perspective 4

5. Local Asthma Rates (Instructors: Generate Slide) 5

6. Housing-Based Asthma Triggers 6 MoistureTobacco SmokeDust Mite Pest: Cockroach Feces Pest: Cockroach Pest: Mice Feces

7. Controlling Moisture 7

8. Living in Damp Homes Increases Health Risks 8 Health ProblemEstimated % Increase Risk of Health Problem in Damp Homes Upper respiratory tract symptoms 52% Cough50% Wheeze44% Current asthma50% Ever-diagnosed asthma33% Source: National Academy of Sciences (2004)

9. Identify 6 Moisture Sources For This Home 9

10. Places Where Water Enters a Home 10 Leaks (liquid) Groundwater (liquid) Air From Soil (water vapor) Cooking, Bathing, Watering Plants, Breathing, Washing (water vapor) Surfacewater (liquid)

11. Moisture Sources Poorly managed rainwater/groundwater – Poor roof, wall, window and foundation drainage – Defects in rain barriers Plumbing leaks Condensation on surface – Surfaces chilled by mechanical equipment, earth contact, outdoor air contact Construction moisture – Concrete, wet spray cellulose, gypsum mud – Damp earth in crawlspace How do we identify and respond to moisture, ventilation, and pest problems? 11

12. How To Address Moisture & Other Problems Complete Creating Healthier Housing Exercise 2: Identify the Health Problem Break into groups, review slides, complete form 12

13. Moisture Prevention Strategies Ensure regular inspections of exterior grounds, common spaces, and apartments Encourage tenants to report leaks Encourage tenants to use bath and kitchen fans to reduce humidity and moisture (15 min. recommended for bath fans) Encourage maintenance staff to check for moisture problems when doing other repairs 13

14. Be Sure You Have a Mold Response Plan Small areas of mold can be dealt with by management staff Fix the moisture problem first, then Vacuum (HEPA vacuum); clean with detergent Follow established guidelines (EPA, NY City) – NY Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, 2008. See http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml 14

15. For Larger Mold Problems Add Protections MUST HAVES:  Respirator – P100 or P95 particulate filter  Eye protection  Rubber gloves  Coveralls – remove/bag them before you leave the work area Isolate work area NYC Mold Remediation Guidance 15

16. After a Flood Dry water damaged areas & items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. In areas of excessive moisture, consider using a high volume commercial dehumidifier. Remove items which can’t be dried rapidly. Avoid ozone & chlorine dioxide treatments. BIOCIDE TREATMENT does NOT replace the above steps. Resources: NCHH Field Guide for Flooded Homes & NYC Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments 16

17. Testing and Providing Ventilation 17

18. Poor Ventilation Can Increase Health Risks Higher rates of respiratory irritation and illness in housing with poor ventilation – Common colds – Influenza – Pneumonia – Bronchitis 18 increased rates of absence from school or work … and reduced energy costs

19. Ensure Fan Vents to the Outside 19 Moisture & conditions causing mold Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, incense or candles Carbon monoxide Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Contaminants from cooking Radon gas

20. Ventilation Helps Reduce Moisture and Contaminants 20 Fans reduce moisture in: – Bathrooms – Kitchens Exterior venting of dryers reduces moisture Venting reduces contaminants like carbon monoxide from: – Boilers/furnaces – Hot water heaters (gas) – Fire places & wood stoves Key Standards: ASHRAE 62.2 4 stories Testing for CO Dryer vented inside

21. Without a Bath Fan We Can Get Mold 21

22. Use Energy Star Bath Fans & Timers 22

23. Does Bath Fan Work & Exhaust Outside? 23 Low tech toilet paper methodUse flow hood Just because we see a fan does not mean it works. Also check the fans vents to the outside.

24. Does Kitchen Fan Work & Exhaust Outside? 24 Kitchen vents ducts have 90 bends and long runs. Duct layout decreases fan effectiveness Kitchen fan appears to exhaust outside. Check outside for exhaust grille.

25. Specify Higher Efficiency Filters For HVAC Version 2.2 25 Use Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) 8 filters Captures: pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander Check that system can handle the MERV 8 The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle filtered

26. Minimize Carbon Monoxide Issues CO Health Effects: Fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion, death. CO Sources in Homes: – Gas stoves or furnaces – Charcoal grills, gas-fueled space heaters, or portable kerosene heaters used inside. NEVER use these inside. Testing and Prevention: Proper ventilation. Use CO alarms, place near sleeping area 26

27. Controlling Pests 27

28. Why Worry About Pests? It Costs Owners Money 28 Annual pest control costs for Boston, MA multi family housing. Some properties spend over $150/unit/ye ar. Pest costs per unit/year Buildings

29. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Goal: Cost-effectively prevent and address pest problems while minimizing the harm to people, property and the environment. Use IPM Certified Workforce: Green Pro or Greenshield certified; OR – Demonstrate equivalent IPM training – www.certifiedgreenpro.org, www.greenshieldcertified.org www.certifiedgreenpro.org www.greenshieldcertified.org 29

30. Integrated Pest Management Core Elements Monitor pests to understand the problem Keep pests out, give them no place to hide – Change surrounding landscape – Block pest entries, passages, hiding places Reduce food availability – Practice proper food storage and disposal – No dirty dishes in the sink overnight – Clean crumbs, grease etc. Knock down population – Traps – Appropriate pesticides 30 Roach Traps

31. Strategies to Exclude Pest: Seal Holes & Cracks 31

32. What You Will Gain With IPM Healthier Residents & Workers: Fewer asthma attacks, less exposure to pesticides, and less of a chance you will take pests home. Fewer complaints: A Boston Housing Authority development reduced cockroach work orders by 68% after one year of IPM. Fewer pests: You can stop infestations from growing and spreading disease. 32

33. IPM Resources HUD’s M2M Green Program www.oahp.netwww.oahp.net NCHH www.nchh.orgwww.nchh.org Asthma Regional Council www.asthmaregionalcouncil.org www.asthmaregionalcouncil.org 33

34. Bed Bugs (If Relevant) 34

35. 35 Adult bed bug feeding on a human What Is A Bed Bug? A blood-sucking insect Most active at night Do not transmit disease, but: – cause secondary infections after people scratch their bites – result in stress, loss of work, loss of sleep, and financial burden

36. One Bed Bug, HALF A Year… 36

37. 37 The start of an infestation A bad infestation Blood Spots Blood spots are bed bug droppings. Bed bugs cannot be confirmed by blood spots alone. Live bed bugs must be found.

38. Managing Bed Bugs Reduces Other Pests Encase mattresses, vacuum, and wash bedding, also helps manage dust mites. (Dust mite waste is a common cause of asthma.) Trap live bed bugs inside. Zip, seal, and check for rips. Leave it on for 1-1/2 years (don’t let it rip). Keeping sleeping areas clutter-free gets rid of mouse and cockroach hiding spots. Don’t’ Mattresses and furniture don’t have to be thrown out!

39. Controlling Other Contaminants Lead, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 39

40. 40 EPA Lead Safe Renovation Requirements 40 EPA Lead Repair, Renovation and Repainting (RRP) rule effective April 22, 2010 Applies to pre-1978 multi family housing Triggers if owner disturbs: => 6 ft2 painted surface/ room interior, or => 20 ft2 painted surface for exterior

41. Likelihood Property Has Lead-Based Paint 41 1.Lead-based paint is paint with >1 mg of lead per square centimeter Consider testing paint for lead, particularly if property age is 1960-1978. Buildings less likely to have lead based paint and may be exempt from requirements. Percent of Housing Units Without Lead-based Paint 1 AgeInteriorExteriorAnywhere Before 194021%28%13% 1940 to 195954%41%31% 1960 to 197784%87%76%

42. Lead Renovation Regulatory Requirements “Certified Renovation Firm” Required if Workers Disturb Paint – EPA or State Certification – Fees and five-year renewal “Certified Renovators "Must Supervise Work – One-day training – check state requirements – Five-year renewal Workers Must Use Lead Safe Work Practices – Isolate work area – Contain dust – Thoroughly clean-up work area for debris and dust Post-renovation Cleaning Verification Documentation! 42

43. Safe Work Practices 43 Isolate work area to contain lead dustHEPA vacuum & wet wash Post cleaning verification

44. Consider Smoke Free Housing Resident Benefits Improves resident health Reduces complaints Reduces unit transfer requests Most tenants want smoke free environments – survey tenants to find out! Owner Benefits Reduce maintenance costs Reduce complaints Reduce unit transfer Reduce unit turnover costs Can reduce insurance Can increase demand Consistent with HUD Guidance 44

45. Secondhand Smoke is Deadly Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in US, killing 53,000 nonsmokers/year. For every 8 smokers one non smoker is killed. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are 44% more likely to suffer from asthma. Exposures increases the risk of SIDS. 7.3% of persons 65 and older smoke, 70% report a desire to quit. 45 Source: Smoke-Free Housing New England Source: U.S. Surgeon General (2006), Asthma Regional Council (2006), Smoke Free New England

46. Tenants Want Smoke Free Environments 78% of Maine tenants surveyed prefer smoke free environments. Washington State- nearly 70% of renters very interested or interested in living in smoke-free housing (2003) Los Angeles-Telephone survey 69% favor requiring all apartment buildings to offer nonsmoking sections (2004). Oregon- Portland metro-area survey -- 75% of renters say they would choose a smoke-free rental, "other things being equal".  Survey your tenants. Find out what they think. 46 Source: Smoke-Free Housing New England Source: Smoke Free New England (2010)

47. Smoke Free Saves Property Owners Money 47 Source: Source: Smoke Free New England Free Housing New England

48. Key Steps in Pursuing Smoke Free Housing 1.Make a plan. Start by creating a plan to make the entire residence smoke-free. Consider tenant survey. 2.Hold a Meeting. Gather with tenants to discuss. There may be resistance, but non-smoking tenants have rights under their leases, too. 3.Inform Tenants. Review the legal information concerning your rights and your tenants' rights 4.Amend New Leases. Change the language of your lease to include your new smoke-free policy. When new tenants sign on, your policy will be crystal clear. 5.Promote Your Status. Begin advertising your smoke- free status to gain new tenants who appreciate a clean air environment. 48

49. Volatile Organic Compounds Are In Many Products Air Fresheners Cleaning Products Sprays & Coatings Formaldehyde Carpets & Vinyl Floors Drywall Paint Health Effects: Breathing issues; allergic reactions; eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. 49 Air Freshener Paint

50. Green Cleaning Reduces Worker Health Risks Custodial staff at risk - 6 out of 100 professional janitors are injured by chemicals, particularly disinfectants – Headaches – Breathing toxic fumes, asthma – Burns – Eye and organ damage – Cancer Workers report reduce symptoms after switching to green products Green does not need to cost more 50

51. Available Green Choices Reduce VOCs 51 Cleaning GreenSeal or EcoLogo Products. Dfe products are not certified but reviewed. Supply microfiber wipes and mops. Use HEPA filtration vacuums. Purchase paper products that are either Green Seal certified or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Painting GreenSeal certified or meet LEED for Homes VOC standards. Examples : Sherwin Williams Property Solutions and Benjamin Moore Eco Spec Waterborne. Flooring GreenLabel Plus Carpet (e.g., - Mohawk Everstrand Green Label Plus) or Florescore resilient flooring products (e.g., Armstrong Imperial Textures VCT). Smooth and cleanable flooring. Entryway mats /grates to capture dust and contaminants.

52. Review Learning Objectives Identify 3 indoor asthma triggers and 3 responses to reduce triggers Identify 2 ventilation assessment strategies Describe 2 benefits of adopting a Smoke Free Housing policy Identify key steps in implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies Identify 3 opportunities to reduce use of contaminants in purchasing & product specifications 52