Meeting Information

EnvironmentalCommittee

MINUTES

San FranciscoAsthma Task Force Environmental Committee

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007at 1:30-3:30pm

FoxPlaza, 1390 Market St., Suite 230

Present: Karen Cohn, Gloria Thornton, Neil Gendel, Ray Manion, Tom Rivard (SFDPH), Sonia Delgado-Schaumberg (Mayor’s Office of Housing), Helen Zverina (SFDPH), Anjali Nath

1.       Thermographic Camera Purchases-  Sonia Delgado Schaumberg from MOH came to discuss potential use of thermographic camera by MOH.  Cameras would aid in creating rehab scope of work. Currently 2 lead-certified inspectors prepare scope of work for rehab of low-income owner-occupied single family homes with code deficiencies.  MOH is also interested in sending these inspectors to thermographic camera certification training.  MOH also works on multi-family rehab- someone from that department will be trained to use camera as well.

Karen suggested that the inspectors also receive training on electrical and plumbing issues.  She also pointed out that the certification course does not focus specifically on mold, but rather building science.  Helen Zverina emphasized the need to also give the inspectors a context for mold and safe mold remediation practices, in addition to capacity to use the cameras.  Hiring Ben Heckman’s firm a potential option for providing a mold remediation course.

Neil asked Sonia about green building efforts of MOH- easier to do on larger scale.  Recent grant from CalHome Loans will address green building issue in MOH projects.

Helen Zverina from DPH Environmental Health Code Enforcement spoke about her department’s work. Gave 2 examples of Mold             cases they have had this year.  One was a private home, the other a city medical clinic where both DPH and OSHA became involved due to mold from extensive water damage.  Thermographic camera would have been useful in this circumstance to help to ID location of mold.  Camera can be used as evidence of mold. During 06/07 FY DPH had 175 complaints of alleged moisture.

Committee voted to purchase camera for MOH.  Potential for FY 08/09 funds to allow camera purchase for DPH-Environmental Health code enforcement.

2.       Stakeholder Interviews Related to Potential Healthy Homes Legislation- 

All very supportive so far.  Karen now working to group things into packages for legislation.

·         Rich Chien- SFE- works on Green Building- Work needs to be done on outdoor air/natural ventilation in high traffic areas.

·         Lupe Arreola- St. Peter’s-concerned about issue of ADA accessibility for carpet removal.  Supports maintenance of heating systems and mechanical ventilation for bathrooms. Perception of green building as “non-affordable”.  Commented that smoke-free issue is very divisive.

·         Tom Neltner- National Healthy Homes- Generally very impressed with our scope; suggested adding air fresher issue.  He doubted our statements on pesticides causing asthma and carpets acting as reservoir of allergens affecting asthma.  Some research says that carpet acts as a sponge, and therefore keeps allergens from being airborne- Tom agreed with that research.  Karen asked him for his references re. pesticides and carpets.

3.       Outdoor Air Quality- Tom Rivard from DPH came to address project of outdoor air quality mapping in Chinatown.  Told committee of new regulations passed by Air District today regarding ventilation systems in restaurants.  Large issue of particulate matter associated with restaurant exhaust systems.  Project looked at SRO’s in Chinatown- specifically 858 Washington.  300 people living in building in close proximity to many restaurants.  Project began looking at noise issue and concern with restaurant exhaust.  858 Washington does not have mechanical ventilation, only windows.  Cooking with woks creates fine Particulate Matter and causes air pollutants.  Noise changes also lead to endocrine disruption and respiratory problems.  Tom will look into cost for remedies for exhaust repairs for restaurants in close proximity to 858 Washington.  ATF will help to advocate, once price quote for remediation is available. Committee asked Tom to obtain quotes for fixing multiple ventilation systems at multiple restaurant locations, as well as only restaurant located closest to 858 Washington.  Gloria can assist by pulling asthma data for residents living in Chinatown zipcodes.

4.       Potential Citizen Advisory Committee on Toxic Use Reduction

Neil reported that the California Air Resources Board passed regulation regarding formaldehyde in pressed wood. Neil would like the potential CAC to include formaldehyde furnishings and landlord behavior.  Neil also reported about Green Chemistry Initiative- on the state level, potential for future collaboration.  Karen will have draft of CAC legislative language by February meeting.

5.       SFHA Collaboration

CAFA evaluation team working on evaluation.  ACORN can provide names of people with complaints regarding mold.

6.       SFUSD Purchasing of Environmentally Preferable Products

Karen reauthorized an additional $3,000 to Martin Escalante/SFUSD for EPP project. Alicia Culver gave Karen feedback regarding Green Seal, current revisions would only measure asthmagens in diluted concentrations.  Need for public comment by January. 

Karen asked Anjali to speak to her contacts with the Boston Asthma Coalition about the cost of switching Boston schools to EPP’s.

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