Results from allergen testing at Blake Street are available for review

Allergen testing conducted at RTD’s Blake Street headquarters has concluded, with some substances found to be present in the building. Deep cleaning efforts earlier this month have reduced allergens from original testing levels.

Employee reporting of some allergy and sinus-related problems led to an expansion in scope of indoor air quality testing in the building, to include allergen testing. Representatives of Foothills Environmental Incorporated (FEI) collected samples on each floor at Blake Street and submitted them to accredited laboratories for analysis. Testing was conducted twice: first in December, then again earlier this month, after Facilities Maintenance performed HEPA vacuuming and deep cleaning of the initial allergen sampling areas.

FEI’s report, detailing testing results from both dates, conclusions and recommendations for remedial actions, is linked here (viewable on the Hub).

In December, carpet vacuum sampling by FEI indicated moderate levels for cockroach allergens for floors 1R, 2R and 3 and moderate levels for cat allergens for floors 2R and 3. Mouse allergens were detected at a high level on floor 1R and at moderate levels in the basement. The remaining areas of the building showed non-detectable or low levels for cat, dog, cockroach, dust mite, mouse and rat allergens.

FEI this month retested Risk Management’s carpeted basement common area and floors 1R, 2R and 3 for allergen levels after the carpet cleaning had occurred. Results from the more recent testing showed moderate levels for cockroach allergens and non-detectable or low concentrations for cat, dog, dust mite, mouse and rat allergens in these areas. “In general,” the report states, “the cleaning efforts were effective in reducing overall allergen levels … with the exception of cockroach allergens, which indicated moderate levels for the re-test locations.”

Reporting parameters and allergen risk levels referenced in this study are suggested levels, and not officially established or enforced by any regulatory entity. The report notes that no standards exist that specify acceptable concentrations for airborne materials of biological origin.

Further, the report states, “(i)t is important to remember that everyone is exposed tobioaerosols throughout their lives, because bioaerosols of one kind or another are always presentin the indoor and outdoor environment. Above all, exposures to bioaerosols are virtually unavoidable in everyday life, so complete freedom from exposure is an unachievable goal.”

Safety & Compliance Manager Mitch Pullam, who managed the allergen testing and oversaw FEI’s work, noted that the allergens found at Blake on specified floors were detected in parts per billion. Verbal notification was provided to employees on 1R, the one area of the building identified in the report as high risk regarding allergen exposure. Deep cleaning efforts in the building began as soon as possible, he said, as accessibility, time and resources allowed.

A carpet cleaning contractor is scheduled to deep clean the remaining office and floor areas at Blake Street in the coming weeks.The frequency, type and detail of cleaning for this building will be reviewed annually, with resampling for allergens considered on an as-needed basis, Pullam said.

Concerning what employees can do to keep their workspaces clean, FEI recommended storing food in sealed containers and keeping floors as clear as possible. Approval is needed to bring a pet into the building. HEPA vacuums have been placed in each janitor closet on every floor at Blake Street, and employees are welcome to use them in their offices and cubicles. Should an employee observe pests or water intrusion, please report them on the Hub, using the “Safety Reporting” option under the Quick Links tab at the top of the main page.

Should you have any questions about this report, please email Pullam at [email protected].