Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/650064
12 PRIORITY ISSUES ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS Minimum Actions Expanded Actions Note Termite and some other types of pest infestations are often an indication of moisture problems. See Moisture (page 9) for diagnosing moisture problems. Relevant Guidance/Standards AFHH. CDC Resource on Rodents. Advise owner/resident to regularly clean/fix screens or dampers over exterior air intakes and exhausts (e.g., at least semi-annually or when replacing HVAC filters). Remove clutter, eliminate wood piles near house, and remove bushes, trees or other vegetation closer than two feet from the structure. Relevant Guidance/Standards EPA IPM. NCHH IPM. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Follow IPM guidelines for roach control AND, if feasible, apply boric acid or gels in holes for roach issues. Follow relevant state pesticide applicator standards. Note Some states require that pest management professionals be licensed. Provide sealable outside garbage cans OR advise clients to use them. Relevant Guidance/Standards ASHRAE 62.2-2010. EPA IPM. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Determine whether fluorescent light ballasts containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are present. Note Some homes may contain fluorescent light fixtures with ballasts manufactured before 1979 that contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Ballasts manufactured between 1979 and 1998 that do not contain PCBs were required to be labeled "No PCBs." Newer fluorescent lighting typically uses electronic ballasts that do not contain PCBs and should be clearly marked as electronic. Relevant Guidance/Standards EPA PCB-Containing Light Ballasts. If fluorescent light ballasts do not have the statement "No PCBs" or are not marked as electronic, assume that the ballasts contain PCBs and replace with new lighting fixtures OR contact the manufacturer to determine whether the ballasts contain PCBs. If the manufacturer is not sure whether the ballasts contain PCBs, assume that they do and replace with new lighting fixtures. Relevant Guidance/Standards EPA PCB. EPA PCB-Containing Light Ballasts. The presence of PCBs may not be limited to fluorescent light ballasts. PCBs were also used in other products, including caulk. See EPA's website on PCBs for a complete list of products of concern, and where possible, remove and replace them. Relevant Guidance/Standards EPA PCB. EPA PCBs in Caulk. Follow one of two testing options to determine the radon level as summarized below and in Table 1. Option 1: Test-In/Test-Out – Test for radon before and after energy upgrade work. Option 2: Post-Work Test – Test for radon only after completing energy upgrade work. Before completing retrofit activities, take precautionary measures listed below in Column 1 of Table 1, depending on pre-work test results. After work, follow the appropriate Minimum and/or Expanded Actions outlined in Table 1, depending on post-work test results. Additional actions to reduce radon exposure are summarized below and outlined in Table 1. • Mitigate according to ASTM E2121 when the post-work radon level is ≥ 4 pCi/L. • If the post-work radon level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L, refer the client to EPA's Citizen's Guide to Radon or mitigate in accordance with ASTM E2121. PESTS (continued) POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs) RADON (Continued on next page)