Improved Health of Tribal Members through Improved Indoor Air Quality An ANTHC-DEHE Demonstration Grant Project for Pedro Bay Village Council

Presented by Ben Foss Pedro Bay Environmental For ANTHC-DEHE ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT February 2012

So…What prompted this proposal? Many of our residents suffer from asthma, breathing difficulties, and allergy or flu-like symptoms

While we are hesitant to link these symptoms to indoor air quality, We do know that ….

… inadequate ventilation, improper heating methods, the buildup of toxic particulates, and carbon monoxide can and do impair the immune system.

Indoor Air Study in Tribal Villages Since the number of studies pertaining to tribal indoor air is limited, we are hoping to provide some exposure and documented study through our ( small ) project

Our examination… Through this grant, we examined the air quality of six diverse structures in our village

We looked specifically at heating methods, humidity levels, ventilation systems, and temperature control

Unfortunately… our Q-Trak data — collected with the IAQ equipment— was found to be invalid.

Therefore our results, report, and this presentation are based primarily on interviews, visual assessments, and photographs.

We hope our research and results will benefit other Native or rural villages with IAQ needs.

Challenges & Successes Pedro Bay is a place where everyone does more than one job. Which means…

Challenges & Successes Testing all homes in the same time period in the same manner proved to be our biggest challenge.

Challenges & Successes We had intended to test all six structures at least twice between April and November, but we were unable to carry out this plan.

Challenges & Successes Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable IAQ technician could have provided more consistent data and more precise improvements for our residents.

Challenges & Successes Still… we felt successful… One-on-one discussion, personal visits and ongoing dialogue helped us to build a foundational base for Indoor Air Studies in Pedro Bay.

We chose six structures that varied in age, air-tightness, vulnerability to mold, occupancy, and construction type. Survey Results

Pedro Bay Village is scattered home sites of varying acreage across a three-mile area. Survey Results

Homes are NOT linked by a common water, sewer, or design plan… own particular air quality issues so each home faces its own particular air quality issues. Survey Results

Each home in our study variety of home types throughout Alaska was built entirely differently from the others, making our study both unique and versatile enough to suit a variety of home types throughout Alaska. Survey Results

HOME REPORTS Photographs Summaries Descriptions

Structure #1: Rabbit Point Age: 30+ years Composition & Size: Stick-built, 600 sq. ft. Occupancy: 1 person, cat and dogs Heat source(s): Oil supplemented by wood

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:  Occupant has coped with asthma for many years but maintains relatively good health overall.  Home sustains considerable black mold buildup  (Suggested) Improvements include updated insulation and ventilation, new windows and casings Structure #1: Rabbit Point

Age: 20+ years Composition: Stick-built Occupancy: 1 adult, 1 youth Heat source(s): Fuel oil Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay, Lower Unit

Smokehouse Bay Building Exterior

Windows and doors are in need of replacement: Smokehouse Bay

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:  Home is part of a larger structure  No severe health issues at this time  Mold growth is scrubbed/eradicated regularly but continues to return  Windows and doors need replacing Structure #2: Smokehouse Bay, Lower Unit

Structure #3: Rustic Cabin Age: 35 years Composition/Size: T-111, plywood/350 sq. ft. Occupancy: 2 Adults Heat source(s): Wood (used for everything)

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:  Home is not plumbed for water; residents haul water from lake or Council building  Home is not weatherized or winterized Structure #3: Rustic Cabin

 Relocation is recommended  Renovation /new construction recommended/preferred  Financial and HUD constraints currently not permitting new construction Structure #3: Rustic Cabin

Structure #4:Big Hill Age: 20+ years overall construction Composition: T-111, plywood/2000 sq. ft. Occupancy: 2-3 Adults throughout the year Heat source(s): Fuel oil, wood heat

Big Hill, a well-maintained structure

Conditions/Notes/Improvements:  Home is in good condition, well- maintained  Signs of stewardship for home and land  Water heater and plumbing in good condition  Windows in good condition  Improvements include ventilation, ongoing maintenance; no health concerns Structure #4: Big Hill

Structure #5: Edna’s Bay Age: 20+ years Composition: T-111, plywood Occupancy: Formerly 3 adults, now unoccupied Heat source(s): Fuel oil and wood heat

Exterior, Edna’s Bay Siding, some windows recently replaced

Semi-enclosed windbreak; black mold around windows: Edna’s Bay

Conditions/Notes/Improvements  Home is not occupied year-round  Recent improvements include vinyl siding, some vinyl windows, and interior trim  Home shows inefficient heat/air flow  Regular presence of black mold  Improvements include further weatherization and ventilation Structure #5: Edna’s Bay

Structure #6:PHOB (Village Council Building) Age: 20+ years Composition: T-111, plywood, carpet, sheet rock Occupancy: Offices, laundry, shower facilities, clinic Heat source(s): Fuel oil

Exterior, PHOB/Village Council

Conditions/Notes/Improvements  Interior and exterior in need of new paint and weatherproofing improvements  Air flow/heat flow generally inconsistent  Recent updates are laundry room electrical and periodic maintenance on plumbing  Further improvements include new carpets (old ones retain mold and moisture) Structure #6:PHOB (Village Council Building)

Conclusions, Reflections & Realities Our expected or anticipated outcome from this project is the improved health of our Tribal members and Village residents.

The goal of this agreement is to educate our village residents in the understanding that the air quality concerns in Pedro Bay do not lie ONLY with the Village Council or even the state, but with the residents themselves, so that, ultimately, the possession of good health lies with those who live here.

Looking Forward: Suggestions for the Future 1. Perform further rounds of testing, including testing homes that are not occupied year-round and homes that have undergone renovation or repair.

Looking Forward: Suggestions 2. Attend trainings that are geared toward rural indoor air quality and cold climate indoor air quality.

Looking Forward: Suggestions 3. Attend trainings (such as this one) to learn more about building options that improve air quality.

Looking Forward:Suggestions 4. Meet and consult with tribal home/indoor air quality experts who can help tailor this and future grants more precisely to the needs of our village.

Looking Forward: Suggestions 5. Investigate our current improvements and find sources of funding, where necessary, to help residents improve their homes/housing structures.

ESSENTIALLY… It all comes down to BUY-IN Buy-in or commitment from the beginning creates stewardship later on. Training and/or research will help in the short-term, but each resident must learn the value of stewardship before anything can truly change.